When Chano Fernandez originally applied to Workday, he nearly withdrew from the interview process because he didn’t think he was what the company was looking for.
Chano says his insecurities made him question whether he was the best person to take a leadership role at Workday. But the recruiters encouraged him to stick with the interview process, and his strong values and work ethic helped him stand out to get the job.
Chano realizes that his employees often face similar situations where they feel there are big shoes they can’t fill, or they don’t know enough to succeed. But he says no matter the position, being humble, being grateful you can recognize areas for improvement, and staying positive can help overcome deficiencies. When employees come to Chano saying they aren’t sure they can fill a new role, Chano always encourages them to try it because if you don’t try it out, you’ll never know.
Chano told me this:
“We all have our vulnerabilities and our insecurities at some point in time. That’s normal. You just have to give yourself the best opportunity you can.” – Chano Fernandez
Chano embraces vulnerability with positive thinking and optimism. That optimism has given him the courage to push himself in new positions and overcome challenges. He says staying positive is especially crucial for leaders who set the tone for the rest of the company. It’s also why he frequently does one of his favorite hobbies with his employees: dancing.
It’s not uncommon to see Chano and a group of Workday employees dancing to kick off a meeting or conference or to unwind after a long day. He says dancing with employees helps them have a good time together, give each other energy, and showcase Workday’s core value of fun.
But being co-CEO of a large company is more than just dancing. There are bad days and challenges that come with running any company. Throughout the challenges, Chano keeps a positive attitude. He regularly asks himself if having a bad attitude will change the situation, and the answer is always no. Instead of focusing on things that are out of his control, Chano focuses on what he can control, which is his attitude and response. When he has a bad day or faces a roadblock, he takes a step back to look for the positive, learn from the experience, and keep moving forward.
Chano believes leaders must be authentic and realize what they are passing down. Their energy impacts the team, so it is crucial to be mindful of your attitude and emotions. He points out that even with significant challenges, there is always a lot to be grateful for. Embracing vulnerability, not shying away from challengings, and remaining optimistic can help leaders set the tone for their entire organization to grow and succeed.
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