El programa de Administración de empresas, entrevisto al profesor Rody Ryan, donde nos cuenta su experiencia de venir a Colombia, su vida profesional y sus retos profesionales. Esta entrevista se encuentra en inglés.
Rody Ryan Interview
¿An Irishman in Colombia? ¿What took you so far away from home?
I have the great privilege of working in business management systems. This area has become more and more international with globalisation, the increasing importance of standards and the growth of communications. This is the perfect career for an adventurer with a love of different cultures and languages and a wish to make a difference wherever he can. My aunt came to live in Colombia 70 years ago, so I have a large branch of my family here as well as my own personal connections that make this country an attractive place to be.
Please give us a short description of your resume and tell us a couple of things about yourself which are not evident in it.
I’ve a strong background in systems, with Masters degrees in Mathematics and Electronics. For many years I worked in systems design and software development. I spent the 1990s as an auditor of documented management systems for NSAI (the Icontec of Ireland) and became passionate about the challenge of combining structure and creativity in business – as opposed to sacrificing one for the sake of the other, as happens in so many organizations. Since 1999 I have worked as a coach, consultant, trainer and change facilitator in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Spain, the USA, Mexico and of course Colombia.
What’s not obvious in my resume is my interest in models in all aspects of life - mathematical, software and management models of course, but also health models, body-mind-heart-soul models, philosophical, psychological and personality models, political, economic and cultural models. I love the great unifying principle enunciated by Mr George Edward Box (who died on the 28th of March this year) – “All models are wrong. Some models are useful”.
Have you taught before in your life? If so, what and where?
I lectured in Mathematics for two years on a course for future Motor Trade managers when I was still studying for my Masters degrees in Dublin. Later I lectured at Trinity College Dublin on Distributed Databases and Communications Systems. And for the past 20 years I have presented regular monthly workshops on documented Management Systems and Internal Auditing at NSAI.
How did you feel when you first stood in front of your students at La Tadeo?
I felt very fortunate and very honoured. Fortunate to be able to combine the academic framework of La Tadeo with my own practical experience of management, and honoured to be able to contribute whatever I can to help a generation of Colombian students take advantage of the business opportunities that the 21st century provides.
Why are you doing this? Do you share a vision with the Business Administration program at la Tadeo?
Yes. I think I was damaged at birth with the instinct of wanting to make a difference. I see the Business Administration Program at La Tadeo as a great response to the changing realities both inside and outside Colombia. As individuals, organizations and as a society I believe we can all contribute to and benefit from the new opportunities that are opening up for Colombia.
How would you like to be remembered at our University in a decade or so?
As someone who inspired others to make a difference.