I’ve always believed that genuine growth happens at the intersection of challenge and uncertainty. By choosing to work in Spain, I was intentionally removing the safety nets of familiar language, culture, and business practices. The challenges of communicating complex financial concepts in a second language and building credibility in an unfamiliar environment pushed me to become a more resourceful and empathetic professional.
Among the many nuances in Spanish business practices, what I took note of most is their commitment to sustainable long-term growth, which fundamentally shapes every aspect of their business culture. While American business prioritizes immediate results, aggressive expansion, and quick proof of competence, Spanish business practices center around gradual development through loyalty, conservative risk management, and work schedules designed for sustainability rather than maximum output.
In America, internships typically start with immediate tasks. Prove your competence quickly and you’ll get responsibility. Madrid operated completely differently. This difference taught me one of my most valuable lessons. My first couple of weeks felt frustratingly slow as I spent time doing tasks that were not related to finance and having informal, personal conversations with my supervisor. I later realized these conversations were careful evaluations of my character, not just my technical abilities. My supervisor was assessing whether I could be trusted with real responsibility. Once that trust was established, the dynamic shifted completely. Rather than being assigned basic intern tasks, I immediately became the head of financial decision-making for her whole company. I got to make and implement real business decisions that would normally not be given to an intern. The slow start led to much more meaningful work in the long run.
Risk tolerance also differs dramatically across cultures. In American finance, bold moves and calculated risks are celebrated. We reward aggressive growth strategies and quick pivots. In contrast, Spanish finance values gradual growth, viewing stability as the ultimate measure of success. Neither approach is right or wrong. They’re optimized for different market conditions and cultural values. Understanding both gives you flexibility to adapt your strategy based on context.
Lastly, the Spanish work schedule completely challenged my assumptions about productivity. While Americans work 9 to 5, often longer, Spaniards work 9 to 2, break for two hours, then return from 4 to 6. This seemed like less total work time, but it was more efficient. The afternoon break allows for a mental reset, better focus during work hours, and integration of personal life that prevents burnout. What initially looked like less commitment actually produced higher quality output and better long-term sustainability.
As I transition back to the American business environment, I carry with me a hybrid perspective that I believe will be increasingly valuable in our globalized economy. The ability to switch between different cultural modes feels like a competitive advantage I couldn’t have gained any other way. To innovate like an American and build relationships like a Spaniard creates opportunities that neither approach alone could achieve. The best solutions often come from combining different cultural strengths rather than defaulting to what feels familiar.
