Scotiabank

Supports and coordinates the project management execution and the end-to-end implementation of Global Risk Management initiatives on behalf of SVP & Head, Retail Credit Risk, by globally ensuring business strategies, plans and initiatives are supported in compliance with governing regulations, internal policies and procedures.

Sr. Project Manager, Strategy & Transformation, Retail Credit Risk - Global Risk Management

Senior Product Manager, Retail Savings

Newcomers ON FIRE!

Welcome to The Newcomers ON FIRE! Show with your host Miguel Abascal

Listen to people like you sharing their journeys, struggles and their breakthroughs

Be ready to be inspired to take control of your time, career, finances and future.

Fulfil your potential, become the person you are meant to be and make your dreams a reality.

www.OnFire.show

Founder & Host

Thrive Faster

Helping overqualified Newcomers earn more and live happier.

Join us in making the Canadian Dream a reality for newcomer families!

Founder

UnstoppableMe.rocks

Have you ever looked in the mirror and said to yourself: – “I thought I would be farther ahead already”

If you have. You are not alone.

Miguel Abascal was an executive of a famous coffee distribution and franchises company in Mexico. He had certifications, a Master’s degree, and significant experience as a leader of a large team leading large projects.

Nonetheless, he couldn’t find a job in his profession and for his first 5 yrs in Canada he worked in survival jobs while crashing his confidence. He refers to these years as the years of nightmares and constantly losing his sleep not knowing if he would make ends meet.

Thanks to great mentors and coaches he found his way and now he is living his Canadian Dream. Since then he has been helping hundreds of people to find their ideal job faster.

He discovered his passion for helping people at a networking event after talking with a few newcomers who told him “I have learned more in this 20 min than in my last 2 yrs. in Canada”.

We obsess with providing value and sharing key insights with our members. To get a better job you need to master these 3 M’s:

    Your Mindset
    Your Marketing
    Your Momentum

Join us and learn how to find your ideal job faster

It’s time to retire your survival job and start living your Canadian Dream.

Product Manager, Wealth Savings

Senior Product Analyst, Retail & Wealth Savings

Project Manager

Project Analyst II

Financial Services Representative

Customer Service Representative

RenderLife.com

3D marketplace for graphic designers and studios. Led requirements gathering, vendor research and project charter preparation for the selection and implementation of financial and time management systems.

Achievements:
•	Conducted project kickoff and achieved definition of scope, plan, resources, vendor alternatives and requirement traceability matrix in 3 months.
•	Finished the project with a 20% reduction in budget due to negotiation techniques.

Primerica Life Insurance Co of Canada

Largest Independent Financial Services Marketing firm in North America.

Achievements:
•	Got promoted to District leader in 18 months primarily by identifying needs and requirements from key stakeholders and following up until completion.  
•	Designed and delivered five community-based financial seminars to more than 100 people on how to increase income, reduce debt burden and achieve financial independence.

Financial Advisor

Bankruptcy Specialist

Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

•	Organized and coordinated annual fundraising event: Canadian Hispanic Business Awards 2010
•	Developed comprehensive database which captured specific demographics and statistics of ongoing members.

Special Projects Coordinator

Comercializadora Fernandez Rivero, S.A. de C.V. - La Parroquia de Veracruz

Manufacturer and distributor of specialty coffee, vertically integrated from the coffee farms to the retail distribution for key clients such as Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club. Managed operational projects focused on cost reduction, quality assurance and technical improvement. Supported executive decision-making by identifying, evaluating and recommending key improvement initiatives.

Achievements:
•	Increased revenue by 200% and profit margins by 10% in 3 years by improving operation processes and customer service, reducing waste and establishing quality management.
•	Designed, developed and implemented the Quality Management System based on ISO 9001:2008 in 18 months getting the certification before planned.
•	Led development of financial system linking marketing, production, QA, procurement and key performance indicators to provide real-time information and reduce excess of inventory by 50%
•	Analyzed and forecasted trends, issues and opportunities for all the different client segments, assisting in the development of their marketing campaigns.
•	Developed activity-based cost analysis and supervised performance and operation margin for large international accounts, including Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club.
•	Analyzed and modeled success drivers for new retail store openings, saving $10,000 over 2 weeks for each of 25 locations.

Sr. Product Manager & Program Director

Helping Newcomers Thrive Faster! 🚀 

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered why you're not farther ahead in your career? 
If you have, you're not alone. 

I am here on a mission to empower individuals like you, to achieve professional success and fast-track your Canadian dream. 

As a passionate mentor and coach, my sole focus is on empowering overqualified and underemployed Canadian newcomers. Together, we'll reignite your confidence, secure your ideal job, and embark on a fulfilling Canadian journey. Learn more about my impactful work at www.ThriveFaster.ca.

But why am I so dedicated to this cause? 

Let me share my story. As a former executive of a prestigious coffee distribution company in Mexico, I arrived in Canada filled with qualifications, a master’s degree, and years of leadership experience. However, my job search proved to be an overwhelming challenge, leading to five years of survival jobs and a shattered confidence. 

I've walked in your shoes, experiencing the same challenges and hardships you are facing right now. 
My breakthrough came when I connected with exceptional mentors and coaches who guided me on the path to success. Today, I am living my own Canadian dream, and it fills me with immense joy to pay it forward by assisting hundreds of individuals in finding their ideal jobs faster.

People I've worked with have told me, "In just 20 minutes, I have gained more valuable insights than I have in my last two years in Canada!"

Join me on this transformative journey, and together, we'll retire your survival job and unleash your full potential. It's time to turn your Canadian dream into reality!

#NewcomerJourney #ProfessionalSuccess #ThriveFaster #UnlockYourPotential

Miguel Abascal

Loblaw Companies Limited

This position is responsible for delivering privacy advisory services, to Loblaw’s Digital and Customer Data Products & Analytics teams.

Highlights:

• Led the privacy function for innovative digital and customer data projects, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams.
• Conducted comprehensive risk assessments, identifying privacy and data risks and providing actionable recommendations aligned with business objectives and compliance requirements.
• Developed and implemented effective tracking and reporting mechanisms for privacy and data risks, program activities, and remediation efforts.
• Collaborated with legal and procurement teams to conduct comprehensive vendor risk assessments and ensure adherence to privacy regulations.
• Advocated for privacy principles, fostered stakeholder engagement, and supported the design and implementation of digital products.
• Integrated privacy into the agile product development lifecycle, operations, and culture across digital, analytics, and media businesses.
• Maintained a deep understanding of national and global privacy regulations, privacy-enhancing technologies, and emerging technologies, assessing their potential privacy implications.

Senior Manager, Privacy

I oversaw enterprise-wide operations across North America, Central America, South America, Europe, and Pacific Asia. 

My key responsibilities included acting as a consultant for Data Protection and Data Privacy. I was instrumental in advocating for 'Privacy by Design' and 'Privacy by Default' principles, ensuring their integration and adherence within the organization.

Highlights:

• Assessed 30+ projects using an adapted Privacy Impact Assessment approach focused on Generative AI and Large Language Models, achieving 100% coverage of new AI initiatives.

• Contributed to the Global Assessment Framework for AI projects, impacting 15+ regions, by collaborating with 5 main stakeholders.

• Provided recommendations for over 20 initiatives related to emerging trends and innovative tech company-wide, consistently applying Risk Assessments and Gap Analysis methodologies.

• Advised on 5 long-term, company-wide initiatives in Data Protection and Data Privacy, interacting with product owners, model developers, and technology teams.

• Contributed to defining and maintaining 5 policies, procedures, and guidelines on Data Governance, Information Security, and Data and AI Risk by collaborating with document owners.

• Drafted an internal web-based knowledge base, improving access to Data Protection & Data Privacy information by listing over 50 terms, and updating a 5-year-old plain text document.

• Promoted consistency and ensured 100% adherence to Privacy Risk best practices across 15+ regions by participating in cross-functional and agile teams.

Senior Manager, Data, Digital, and Technology Compliance - Enterprise (Global) Privacy Office 

I led data and model validation initiatives primarily in Central, Caribbean, and South American regions. As a key member of the second line of defense, my responsibilities included compliance and risk functions, I owned a specific category and was responsible for establishing and nurturing relationships with the model owners.

Highlights:

•	Conducted assessments for 100+ Retail Decisioning, Regulatory, Stress Testing, and Credit Strategy models, following frameworks to ensure comprehensive evaluation and compliance.

•	Identified and proposed data and modeling enhancements for 90% of projects, aligning them with regulatory standards via Data Management best practices.

•	Led Model Governance, maintaining the Credit Risk model inventory in Open Pages, meeting 100% of quarterly criteria.

•	Implemented automated processes to proactively solve issues, reducing OSFI and quality assurance requests by at least 50% each quarter.

•	Built and maintained relationships with 20+ stakeholders, including business, developers, Audit, and Governance teams, via guidance, feedback, and collaboration.

•	Performed quantitative and qualitative analysis, requiring improvements to optimize data and model accuracy and suitability, enhancing process efficiency by at least 15%.

•	Conducted independent assessments of data quality, model logic, and performance, closing 90% of projects within quarterly timeframes.

•	Evaluated model documentation for quality and completeness, ensuring 100% compliance with internal standards.

•	Developed 20+ benchmark models with new methodologies, achieving higher accuracy or better explainability in 40% of cases.

Manager, Data & Model Validation and Approval

ET Group

I managed multiple projects, actively involved in every phase of the project lifecycle, including the initial concept, design, creation of the bill of materials, and the final delivery of integration projects.

Highlights:

•	Assessed and recommended technology solutions tailored to client needs, maintaining a recurrent catalog of up to 200 items, and ensuring precise and efficient provisioning.

•	Provided technical assistance during the staging and deployment of integration projects, leading to a reduction of at least 10% in iterative communication.

•	Managed the update and refinement of technical documentation in collaboration with the design team, achieving a 15% decrease in rework.

•	Assisted in the creation of standards, templates, and technical diagrams for over 50 system designs, encompassing hardware and IT services, streamlining the design process.

•	Maintained effective communication with clients and management, handling 3 major clients and managing up to 10 projects simultaneously, ensuring client satisfaction based on experience quality.

Systems Designer and Project Lead

Architronics (Acquired by Avante Corp)

After a year in my previous role, I was internally promoted from the technical team to become the Lead AV Designer. In this position, I managed the project lifecycle, procurement processes, and warehouse operations. My role involved coordinating with the sales team, accounting, and technical staff, and managing relationships with vendors, service providers, and third parties.

Highlights:

•	Managed project budgets ranging from $100K to $1MM, maintaining precision in cost, procurement, and spending reconciliation, reflecting strong financial acumen and attention to detail.

•	Effectively managed inventory for up to 20 simultaneous projects, ensuring availability and adherence to Bill of Materials (BOM), Change Orders, and Return Merchandise Authorizations (RMAs).

•	Translated pre-sales engagements into system requirements with high accuracy, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction year-over-year, demonstrating a keen understanding of client needs.

•	Transformed warehouse operations from 5+ years of stock accumulation to a lean inventory system for most-sold items using Data Analytics methodologies, optimizing stock management.

•	Recovered $20,000 by resolving outstanding bills for 1 to 5-year-old projects within 12 months, showcasing effective project closure and financial recovery skills.

•	Provided coaching and guidance on internal processes and regulations to over 20 employees, ensuring ongoing operational excellence and team development.

Systems Designer

Architronics

A technical role that encompassed both in-office and on-site operations, providing support across various capacities including design, engineering, sales, supply chain, and accounting.

Highlights:

•	Achieved a 40% year-over-year increase in reusability by creating and maintaining technical documentation and change requests for over 10 operations.

•	Led to a 10% increase in warehouse product discovery by improving the internal database system for proposals, contracts, and projects through standardization of the ingestion process and cleaning existing records.

•	Enhanced operational efficiency by 8% by formulating and monitoring IT incident reports and identifying failure correlations using data analytics methodologies.

•	Reduced the average monthly preparation and completion time for assignments by 20% by improving team communication and coordinating work assignments more efficiently.

•	Achieved a 5% upselling rate by boosting business retention through solutions that enhanced IT operation stability.

•	Reduced project closing times by 5% over four consecutive months by enhancing communication protocols and effectively documenting progress.

Technical Operations Analyst

Huawei Technologies

The position leveraged my knowledge of operational risk and transmission network improvement in Latin American geographies, crucial for maintaining 24/7 operations of major cellphone carriers in the region.

Highlights:

•	Managed to achieve a 10% average cost saving during the year by leading the formulation of local strategies.

•	Refined scope and requirements in 20 projects led, working in close collaboration with management and IT departments.

•	Reduced time to market by 2 hours a week through conducting data analysis and interpretation from various sources, developing procurement plans for technical operations.

•	Enhanced relations with the industry and 10+ major suppliers by creating a solid business environment and holding regular forecasting meetings.

•	Unified 8 reports into dashboards for regional managers and executives, saving 10 hours a month, by creating, curating, monitoring, and maintaining these dashboards.

•	Consolidated a knowledge base, recognized by a team of 20 individuals, by identifying root causes of market trends and cost changes.

•	Evaluated 50+ suppliers' yearly performance using the corporate ERP system and adhering to defined guidelines.

•	Improved relations with Senior Management and stakeholders in Asia and the Americas through monthly community calls.

•	Streamlined operations with vendors and third-party suppliers by analyzing historical transactions and competitive advantages, ultimately reducing to a maximum of 3 major suppliers per category.

Procurement Project Manager (PPM)

RTVC, Sistema de Medios Públicos de Colombia

Involved in every aspect of the Radio Broadcast Operation, encompassing logistics and infrastructure. Representing my team, I collaborated with legal, finance, planning, C-suite leaders, and other internal and external stakeholders.

Highlights:

•	Handled inventory reports, procurement packages, and contracts, ensuring effective documentation and process management.

•	Managed supplier relations and finances, including billing and invoice creation.

•	Ensured goods and service availability for projects, managing supply chain and logistics.

•	Supported tender preparation and negotiations, enhancing supplier engagement and project team coordination.

•	Oversaw project contractual elements, including budgeting and risk minimization, while aiding in forecasting and budget preparation.

•	Developed execution plans for long-term projects based on demand forecasting and maintained accurate inventory records.

Broadcast Engineer + Procurement Officer

OMD International

During the early days of Web 2.0 and the social network expansion, long before the role of social media influencer was widely recognized, I was involved in pioneering efforts where everyday users were engaged to disseminate brand-related content as part of advertising campaigns. 

Highlights:

•	Developed and shared digital content for marketing campaigns on various digital media platforms, effectively engaging and expanding audience reach.

•	Assessed, measured, and tracked user activities on digital platforms, gaining insights to inform strategy and enhance user engagement.

•	Supported the development of content dissemination strategies on digital platforms, contributing to the increased visibility and impact of marketing campaigns.

Content Editor - Social Media Influencer

Mediacontrol

Led and designed audiovisual solutions for the residential and commercial sectors. My areas of expertise encompassed audiovisual integration, security, the Internet of Things (IoT), automation, and home automation. Focused on incorporating data risk management strategies within these domains to ensure secure and efficient operations.

Highlights:

•	Efficiently managed customer accounts and developed custom proposals and designs in line with client needs.

•	Provided accurate product information and technical guidance, enhancing customer decision-making and satisfaction.

•	Handled equipment quotations and technical support requests, offering responsive and effective client service.

•	Delivered projects on time and within budget, managed third-party integrators, and oversaw audiovisual installations.

•	Executed A/V system setup and troubleshooting and contributed to resolving contractor claims.

Engineering Project Manager

Escuela Tecnológica Instituto Técnico Central

As a founding member of the Institutional Radio Station, I contributed to an initiative aimed at unifying various information sources produced by and for the Institute's members. The station also served as a platform for students to showcase their talents and express their needs.

Highlights:

•	Managed budget and resources effectively for the development of a radio station pilot project, ensuring optimal utilization and project success.

•	Defined the programming schedule and led the recruitment process for the project, aligning talent with project needs and goals.

•	Planned and developed the corporate image for the radio station, creating a strong and cohesive brand identity.

•	Produced engaging content for various digital platforms, enhancing the station's online presence and audience engagement.

Consultant and Content Producer (ETITC - Institutional Radio Broadcasting)

🌟 About Me:

I have a strong combination of technical skills and management expertise in Data Analytics, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, Risk Management, and Data Privacy, which allows me to incorporate advanced technologies effectively and responsibly!

🔥 Recent Highlights:

Provided strategic guidance on privacy and data protection matters for a company-wide Customer Data Platform (CDP).

Collaborated with cross-functional teams to consolidate and optimize platforms and technologies, ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations.

Assisted technical teams during the pre-implementation of GenAI and LLM workflows, revolutionizing data-driven corporate processes through optimization and automation. 

🤝 I'm experienced in building and maintaining relationships with main stakeholders:

        - Data and model owners
        - Data Analysts and Data Scientists
        - Technology and digital initiative owners
        - AI Governance
        - Emerging technologies integration pioneers
        - Data Governance
        - Data Ethics
        - Data Management
        - AI Risk Management
        - Data Privacy and Data Protection
        - Cybersecurity
        - Operational and other Non-Financial Risk Management
        - Procurement
        - Legal 

🌍 My profile offers a Global and Multi-industry Perspective:

        - Financial Sector (Banking Industry)
        - Machine Learning and Artificial intelligence (ML/AI, GenAI, LLMs)
        - Technology integration (commercial AV Integration, consumer electronics & IoT)
        - Broadcasting (Radio, TV, and Digital Media)
        - Telecommunication (Infrastructure for major carriers)
        - Retail
        - Marketing and Advertisement

❤️ I have a passion for Emerging Technologies:

My passion lies in exploring and assessing emerging technologies by guiding teams toward innovative and responsible AI integration while bridging gaps between technical teams and business leaders facilitating effective communication.

🌟 Interest in Leadership Skills and Personal Development:

My passion also includes mentoring, networking, and volunteering activities, where I actively participate in programs to exchange knowledge and promote collective growth.

taplio

The Battle

Miguel Abascal

Julian Pedraza, AIGP

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