Management and organisational behaviour specialist, leadership coach, vlogger and executive search consultant extraordinaire, Sandra Olive is the multi-lingual managing head of Bäcker & Partners, our partner in Argentina. A vocal advocate for gender equity, Sandra is frequently invited to speak and write on leadership and diversity issues and serves on the AESC’s LATAM Diversity Leadership Council. She is also an excellent chef.

“If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

Where were you born, and where do you live now?

I was born in New Jersey, USA. I have lived in Buenos Aires since 1982.

What did you study and why?

I studied Systems at Universidad de Belgrano. It’s a five-year degree, a mix between Computer Science and Computer Engineering. It wasn’t my first choice. I wanted to be an architect, but my mom urged me to study systems since architects had a hard time earning a living in Argentina in those days. In my final year, I got to choose a speciality, and I decided on Business Administration. Happily, I realised that was my calling.

First job?

My parents represented an Italian wholesaler who specialised in sterling silver gifts for executives. Clients included stores like Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. Twice a year, from the age of 13 to 17, I accompanied my parents to a jewellery and gift show in NYC where we spent four days selling to clients. Since my parents represented an Italian brand, we were always put in the Italian pavilion at the Sheraton Hotel on Ave of the Americas. I helped my parents on their stand and acted as translator for other Italian vendors who didn’t speak English. I made my first big sale at age 14 when I sold US$16,000 worth of merchandise to Fortunoff, a luxury brand store in NYC. The buyer told me to contact him when I turned 16 and they’d give me a job. I remember that day clearly.

First car?

A light blue 1980 Fiat 126

Current car?

A silver Mercedes Benz B200

What’s the biggest surprise about your job?

The possibilities! There is always something new to offer clients.

What is the biggest risk you ever took?

Getting divorced from my first husband and father of my three kids. I don’t have brothers or sisters; both my parents are deceased. I literally had no one to count on but myself.

What makes you feel better on a bad day?

My family

My most redeeming quality is…

I am always available to help friends and family.

I have learned to come to terms with…

I’m bad at sports. I try, but it’s just not my thing. I play tennis for example, but not as well as I’d like to. What I’ve learned through tennis is that if you really put your mind to it, take classes and make the effort, the work pays off. Also, it’s great fun to play with friends and a wonderful way to clear my head.

What’s the thing that people are most surprised to learn about you?

I survived a plane crash at age 10 when I was traveling alone from Rome to NYC.

In the last month, what was the most interesting conversation you had?

With my son when he surprised me with the news that he had moved in with his beloved German girlfriend.

Last (or most loved) holiday?

India, with my husband. It was a mind-blowing experience.

Best book you’ve read in the past year?

The Choice: Embrace the Possible, the remarkable memoir by Dr Edith Eva Eger, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor who integrates the lessons she learned to show how everyone can choose freedom and halt cycles of suffering.

What have you binge-watched recently?

The Morning Show

Best gadget?

Where to start! My latest purchase is a set of Bluetooth mics for my iPhone. I use them all the time to interview executives and then upload videos on LinkedIn and Instagram.

How do you relax and unwind?

It depends on the reason I am feeling tense. Friends and family are always beautiful. Just love dinner with girlfriends where three different conversations are going on at the same time and we all manage to follow everything without missing a single detail. Also, reading, tennis, cooking, just doing nothing, meditating.

Charity / cause closest to your heart?

I collaborate with a very large pet rescue organisation in Argentina.

I have a collection of…

Handbags, tea, thermos flasks, books

In my fridge, you will always find…

Everything! I have two fridges, and they are packed full. I have food for everyone. Remember, my dad was Italian and as Italians we are always worried that there isn’t enough food, so we make twice as much, just in case.