Inside Daylindo: Miriam Sorolla

 

Could you tell us about your academic and professional background?

I started out quite early, at 16, working with my father on the farm, which naturally steered me towards a vocational diploma in socio-cultural work and sparked my interest in community development. After that, I found a balance between working at a travel agency for 7 years and studying to become a PE teacher, splitting my time between Fraga and Lleida, in Spain. After qualifying to teach sport, I went on to complete a degree in Advertising and Public Relations. During that time, I also worked as a hostess and in events. Alongside my degree, I prepared for the teaching civil service exam, which I passed on my first attempt. At the same time, I was selected for a temporary Spanish-teaching post on Réunion Island: I couldn't turn down that opportunity, so I pushed back my probationary year to become a fully qualified teacher. When I came back from that wonderful experience on Réunion, I became a permanent teacher at a school in Barcelona located in Park Güell: I was very lucky, since my school is a historic monument.

After finishing my degree, and driven by a desire to keep learning, I then completed an Erasmus Mundus Master's in "Media Engineering for Education" across Poitiers, Madrid, Lisbon, Brazil and Montpellier. After my Master's, honouring a promise made to my grandfather, I started a PhD jointly between the University of Barcelona and Toulouse, in information and communication sciences as well as education sciences. During my PhD years, I went back to teaching in Barcelona, until I defended my thesis in December 2018.

Then, pushed by some difficult moments life had put in front of me, I went to the Learning Technologies 2019 trade show to think about my professional future, and that's how I met Gerardo Marcotti (Daylindo's founder) by chance.

Shortly after, I decided to leave teaching to join Daylindo, first part-time, then full-time in 2020.

How would you describe the company in a few words?

Daylindo is dynamic, full of life, and always on the move. It's a start-up where innovation never stops. We're always looking for new ideas to grow and evolve with the market. At the start, there were just a few of us taking on every challenge, but now we're a diverse team, all driven by the same vision. At Daylindo, we adapt and change, because we always want to stay in step with what's happening around us.

What's your role at Daylindo?

My path at Daylindo has really evolved. At the start, I was an instructional designer, which quickly led me to take on a range of responsibilities and work closely with our clients. Moving into a client-success-focused role was a logical next step, letting me dive deep into their experiences. Now, as Head of Client Experience & Learning Design, I find myself right at the heart of the action, coordinating projects to align our product, design and communication with client needs. Most of what I do today involves structuring workplace-based skill development pathways for clients to roll out. I also set up Daylindo's own training organisation, so we can train our clients in the role of AFEST referent and mentor. This varied role helps me make sure everything stays aligned, and also feeds into the continuous improvement of our solution.

What are the main professional challenges you're facing right now?

At work, every day brings a new challenge. We work across a wide range of industries, so it's important to understand each client's context, from telecoms to bakeries, to personal care services. The main challenge is understanding and precisely responding to each client's expectations. That takes active listening and the flexibility to adjust quickly.

Every situation is unique, offering a chance to improve our relationship with clients and our services. What's more, in a context where many people are becoming AFEST referents, the importance of pooling knowledge through a suitable tool is crucial. This tool, with its built-in methodology, is essential for sharing knowledge effectively without wasting time.

Can you share your favourite activities or interests outside of work?

Outside of work, I have a few passions that let me get away and recharge. Dance, whether flamenco, salsa or bachata, gives me a chance to switch off and express myself differently. Aqua biking, swimming and sport in general are another outlet, perfect for letting off stress. I also love reading, and I do it every day! When it comes to cooking, that's my creative space, where I play with flavours. And chess is my mental gymnastics, a good way to stay sharp. Travel has also been a big part of my personal and professional life, and I've spent time in Canada, New York, Utah, India, Brazil, Réunion Island, Mauritius, Morocco, across Europe… as they say, travel broadens the mind.

All these activities together help me keep a good balance between my professional life and my personal interests!