SPH Engineering is celebrating 10 years, and behind our cutting-edge technologies is a team of dedicated and adventurous professionals with unique life experiences. Ruben Martinez Dominguez, the Regional Sales Director for Latin America, is one of them. In a recent interview, Ruben shared how books have played a significant role in his personal development, particularly historical novels and self-development books. He also shared his love for movies like The Godfather series, Life is Beautiful, Fight Club, and About Time. Ruben believes in the positive impact of sharing recommendations with others and how it can contribute to a positive social culture. He recommends books like The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman and The Science of Positive Language by Luis Castellanos. While Ruben chooses books randomly based on the cover and the synopsis, he has a bunch of books waiting for him next to his bed, and as for movies, he will be relying on Netflix's recommendations.
Who are you, where do you come from, and how have you ended up at SPH Engineering?
My name is Ruben Martinez Dominguez. I was born in Lleida, Catalonia (Spain), and I left my hometown 14 years ago. I recently joined SPH Engineering as a Regional Sales Director for Latin America
What do you do in the company, and what do you enjoy the most about your job?
Latin America is a region with great potential, and I work together with the SPH Engineering team to make sure we take the next step in our development in this particular region. I really enjoy digging into untapped opportunities with very knowledgeable people around me and expanding my knowledge to fields that, up until now, have been strangers to me.
What motivated you to pursue a career in the drone technology field, and how did you get started in your current role?
I find it a very fast-developing industry with plenty of opportunities. That is something that motivates me. Additionally, the opportunity to learn from very experienced professionals is a big advantage too. As a newcomer to the industry, what I tried to do first is to talk to colleagues and other professionals and listen to their experiences and advice. That puts the basis to move forward.
What are some of the most important skills and qualities that you believe are necessary to excel in your role?
Empathy and a solution-oriented mindset. These two are key, in my opinion. Following these, I could name others (in no specific order), such as languages, communication, technical knowledge, and flexibility.
Can you describe the most enjoyable aspects of your work and any significant challenges you have faced?
Working with different countries, cultures, and people is something I really enjoy. Having said that, I like to work with different functions, trying to bring them together and provide the needed solution to our customers. These elements are also challenging due to cultural differences, language barriers sometimes, time zone differences, and lack of a clear overview/picture.
How do you manage stress and stay motivated in a high-pressure work environment, and what techniques do you use to maintain a work-life balance?
It’s crucial to understand what are the elements that you can influence around you and focus on these. There will always be things out of our control, so this is something that we need to assume. This is something that I always keep in mind. Also, I put a lot of emphasis on positive language, especially internally. Sometimes we are too harsh towards ourselves, and that has a negative impact on us. It is important to find that activity in our lives that help balance our batteries. For me, that is sports, especially running. Finally, I also find the key to maintaining a positive work-life balance is to spend quality time with family and friends, meaning time where your full attention is on them and what you are doing.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their career or looking to make a career change?
Whether you are getting started or perhaps you are looking for a career change, the first thing I’d say to anybody is to take the leap and be brave, it will definitely be worth it. Every experience brings knowledge and contacts and will help expand your horizons. I have changed careers twice, and all that I brought from my previous professional activities has always been useful. Go for it!
Would you call yourself a self-taught professional? Have books or movies played a role in your personal development?
Yes, definitely. Books have played a role in my personal development over the last few years. Movies… not that much, to be honest with you.
Are there any books or movies that have had a significant impact on your life? What was it about them that was so impactful?
I love to read historical novels, as well as self-development books. As for the former ones, the turning point for me was when I was younger, and I discovered Ken Follett (via the Pillars of the Earth). Then I’ve come, over the years, to enjoy the couple of historical sagas he’s written - The Kingsbridge Series & The Century Trilogy. I won’t spoil anything, but recommend it to anybody. As per the latter, there are several books I could mention. I’ve read all Robin Sharma books, each came in handy at a particular moment in my life. Then, I could also recommend two above all: The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman and The Science of Positive Language by Luis Castellanos. I’ve read these two several times. Have you ever thought about how we usually frame our regular thoughts and expressions? These are great books to limit the don’ts and the impact of negative thoughts and words we all have in our lives.
In regards to movies, the ones that have stayed with me over the years have been The Godfather series, Life is Beautiful, Fight Club, and About Time.
What role do books and/or movies play in your life?
They’ve both been a massive part of my life, from my early school days too, especially, my many years away from home.
Are there any genres of books or movies that you particularly enjoy? Why do you enjoy them?
Historical novels are my favorite genre. I love history, and through novels, you can get a good glimpse into it, learning while having fun. Self-development books are part of daily readings, and I do enjoy them very much. But I do think that it also requires particular filtering from the reader's point of view. For example, we shouldn’t take all that comes there as a unique way to go about it. Also, I do think that some of them have the religious influence authors brought from their experiences.
How do you typically choose which books or movies to read or watch? Do you look for recommendations or just browse and choose at random?
I stick to what I like, and I choose somewhat randomly based on the cover and what’s written behind :)
Are there any books or movies that you've read or watched multiple times? Why do you keep going back to them?
All the ones I’ve mentioned in my previous answers. Just because every time I do it, I find out new things about them.
How do you determine whether a book, movie or other entertainment is worth recommending to others?
If I can’t stop reading or watching, then it’s worth telling others.
Have you ever recommended something to someone that challenged your own beliefs or assumptions? What was it, and how did it impact your relationship with that person?
I’d say most of the self-development books we usually read tend to challenge our status quo. We all live in our comfort zone, and it’s hard to step out of it through our habits.
What do you think are the benefits of sharing recommendations with others, and how does it contribute to a positive social culture?
I do believe in the positive impact of sharing the very same book you bought, read, and loved with other people. I tend to write the dates when I bought them and usually even take notes on them. Then that can go on further to other people. I believe in the magic behind that same very book that brought some kind of change or even transformation for you and sharing that with others.
Are there any books or movies that you think are underrated or overlooked? Why do you think more people should check them out?
This is a very subjective question. We are all different, and we all like different things.
Are there any books or movies that you're looking forward to reading or watching in the near future? Why are you excited to check them out?
I have a bunch of them next to my bed. Hopefully, I’ll get through them throughout 2023. Movies and TV series, Netflix will tell :)