After three decades at the World Bank, I’ve had time to reflect on what this journey has taught me. While some memories have blurred, a few career lessons have stood the test of time—and I hope they’ll resonate with others forging their own path.
- Perseverance Pays Off
When I joined the Bank, it was on a short-term consultancy contract—just a few weeks. Early on, I suggested that we focus more on Indigenous Peoples, drawing on work I’d done in Canada. I was told, “The World Bank doesn’t work on Indigenous Peoples.”
Fast forward a few years: we launched a research program that still exists today.
The lesson? “No” doesn’t always mean “never”—sometimes, it means “not yet.”
2. Check your ego at the Door
Whatever I’ve achieved is thanks to ideas, frameworks, and experiences I built on from those who came before me. I didn’t start from scratch. I listened, learned, adapted, and improved.
3. The Work Never Stays the Same
Humility isn’t just a virtue in a global organization like the Bank—it’s a practical necessity.
What’s kept me here for 30 years? It’s never the same job twice.
The world shifts. Our roles evolve. Every few years, either we rotate—or the world changes. That constant renewal makes this work endlessly meaningful.
Education, economics and public policy 