From Chess Champion to Partner Management Pro

by Arleth Leslie Velasquez Alvarez

Last updated

3 min read

A group of children gathered at a chess competition event, holding trophies and medals. The front row features several children dressed in matching light blue tracksuits, three of whom are holding large trophies, one showing a medal around their neck. The backdrop includes a banner that reads "NAIU NACIONAL DE AJEDREZ SUB. 10 ORUR," indicating the national chess tournament for under-10 participants in Oruro, Bolivia. Other children stand behind them, some holding a sign. The scene captures the excitement and achievement of the event.

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When opportunity knocks, sometimes it's on the door right next to yours. I’m excited to share my career journey with you today but first let me introduce myself.  

Fun Facts You Didn’t Ask For (But Now You Know): 

  • I’ve traveled to 25 countries—packing light is basically my superpower (well, most of the time). 
  • Once upon a time, I was a National Chess Champion at age 10. Strategy runs deep! 
  • I used to have a mini zoo at home in Bolivia—about 10 pets and a whole lot of love for animals. 
A group of young children stands together at a chess tournament in Oruro, Bolivia, showcasing their achievements. They are dressed in light blue tracksuits and are holding various trophies, with some wearing medals. The backdrop features the text "NAIU NACIONAL DE AJEDREZ SUB. 10 ORUR," indicating the event is a national chess competition for children under 10. Several children are seen holding a banner with the name "ORUR." The atmosphere is celebratory, capturing their pride and excitement for their accomplishments.

What My Team Might Say About Me (I Hope!): 


Creative. Collaborative. Proactive. 

The Move That Changed Everything 

I moved from Bolivia to Ireland in 2019 which was one of the most defining moments of my life. It was a big shift, starting from scratch—learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and being far from home—was challenging, but it became a powerful chapter of growth. Not knowing anyone and not speaking English fluently was a challenge, but it became a powerful learning experience.  

Bringing My Past into the Present 

Before joining Workhuman in 2023, I built a strong foundation working in sales, negotiation, and data analysis. When I started here in Customer Service, that role showed me just how central the customer experience is to everything we do. I saw firsthand how great service isn’t just a support function-it’s the heartbeat of the business.  Whilst working in Customer Service I completed a master’s in Digital Marketing and Analytics. I started to think about where I wanted to go next in my career. I knew I didn’t want to leave behind the people and culture here that I value at Workhuman so I started to explore internal opportunities. I learned more about different teams and Partner Management felt like the right next step. I could take what I already knew- negotiation, building relationships, understanding people- and use it to support the business on a bigger scale. It just felt right. The support I received during this transition was great. Everyone involved in the process was really kind and helped make everything easy. I previously worked in Customer Service and my team lead, Gabi and manager, Elizabeth encouraged me to go for it! HR helped me with preparing for the interview and guided me through the transition process. When I joined Partner Management, my new manager, Niall and the whole team made space for me to learn and contribute from day one. I also had the right tools and help to feel ready and set up for success in my new role.  

A group of people gathered around a table at a festive event, smiling and enjoying each other's company. The table is set with glasses, drinks, and decorative items. In the background, there are decorations and a waiter serving guests. Prominent text appears above them, highlighting achievements such as "We celebrated 380,000+ moments that brought us together as a community," along with figures indicating six million users and 164 million awards given globally.

Proud Moments & Lessons Learned 

Moving from the fast, dynamic world of Customer Service to the more strategic, long-term rhythm of Partner Management came with its challenges. It was a mindset shift as in Customer Service, it’s all about quick and high-quality support. In Partner Management, things are more long-term and tied to bigger goals. I stayed organised, asked questions, and thanks to the team’s support, I gained more confidence. This move has reshaped how I see my own potential. It showed me how transferable skills are when you stay open to earning and embrace change. What stands out most in my career is my adaptability, which has allowed me to work in various areas, including marketing, sales, market analysis, customer service, and now partner management. This diverse experience has given me a broader outlook and deeper understanding of how a company operates, helping me see the bigger picture and approach challenges with a well-rounded perspective. 

Two women are standing together in front of the Taj Mahal. One woman is wearing a green outfit with a striped sweater and the other is in a pink sweater and yellow pants. They are smiling and embracing each other. The grand white marble structure of the Taj Mahal is visible in the background, with a clear sky. Other visitors are seen in the background around the gardens and pathways.

Looking Ahead 

Workhuman is on an exciting growth trajectory, and I see the company continuing to innovate in how we support businesses and their employees. In Partner Management, we play a key role by building strong relationships with our suppliers and ensuring the tools and services we use contribute to this larger mission. My goal is to keep learning from my colleagues, as each one has a truly admirable approach to managing projects and partnerships. Their expertise is inspiring and motivates me to continue learning and growing in my career. 

Thinking About a Career Move? Here's My Take: 

My advice to anyone considering a career in Partner Management or a different field is to remain adaptable and eager to learn. Every role, whether in operations, finance, e-commerce, or HR, teaches you something valuable about how businesses function. Don’t hesitate to step into new challenges; the skills you develop will open up opportunities for growth. It’s essential to build strong relationships, be proactive, and keep an eye on the bigger picture. Joining a company like Workhuman allows you to learn from diverse teams and grow within a supportive environment. 

Three people pose smiling in front of a vibrant pink backdrop that reads "Without the human, it's just work." The person on the left wears a black top and sequined skirt, the person in the center wears a bright pink dress, and the person on the right wears a green jacket over a black shirt

Join our force for good. 

Be part of #LifeAtWorkhuman 

Life at Workhuman
About the author
Arleth Leslie Velasquez Alvarez
AL

Arleth Leslie Velasquez Alvarez

Arleth Leslie Velasquez Alvarez is a Partner Account Specialist at Workhuman.

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