ABOUT ME
find the courage and wisdom to maximize growth in new and challenging situations
Like many high-performing leaders I scaled the corporate ladder quickly
Trained as a lawyer, I spent six years honing my craft in a top legal firm in Mexico before moving to the Gillette Company. There, I progressed through positions that increased both my responsibility and authority, and it presented me with invaluable leadership experience at every level. It was here that I developed an interest in HR, after being the youngest Legal Manager in the company’s history, and gained international leadership experience in Mexico, the US and Turkey.
In 2001 I joined the International Paper Company as the head of Human Resources for Latin America, and just three years later I moved to the US to assume the role of Director of International Human Resources. I spent the next 15 years continuing to climb the corporate ladder, gaining even more leadership experience and taking on more responsibilities. In 2016 I was appointed Director of Human Resources IP Latin America, based in Sao Paulo, Brazil. I had spent years of my life working my way to the top and was at the peak of my professional career.
But in my mid-40s I found myself at a crossroads
My career to that point had been exciting, challenging, and rewarding. I’d had the opportunity to travel, to work with people across the globe, and – being trilingual (Spanish, English, and Portuguese) – I discovered many different facets of leadership, both on the job and in the classroom. I became certified in a range of leadership and intercultural proficiency assessment tools.
My interest in leadership had helped me achieve everything I had wanted professionally, but despite my success I felt a growing disconnect between my personal and professional life. I started to see that in order to be truly fulfilled I would need to integrate elements of my personal life into my work – I just had no idea where to start.
I contacted a coach to help me reconnect with myself and help me find purpose. With her support I began focusing more of my energy on family, friends, personal growth, coaching, and giving back to the community.
I found meaning in helping others to grow, develop, and find meaning themselves
Now with direction and purpose, I went on to study the top research and evidence-based coaching program in the US at Columbia University.
In 2019 I retired from the corporate world to concentrate on my Coaching and HR Consulting business. I now use my years of corporate experience and effective, evidence-based principles to help leaders find meaning, maximize performance and become more courageous leaders.
Let’s explore what courageous leadership means for you
Schedule a complementary, one-hour, virtual discovery meeting.
About
Rafael Durand is a Leadership Coach & HR Consultant that specializes in helping individuals and organizations maximize their leadership performance and development.
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