Paola Landaeta Saldías
PhD Candidate in Economics | Commercial Engineer in Computer Science | B.Sc. in Business Administration
Results-driven Project Manager and PhD Candidate specializing in Technology and Innovation Management. Extensive experience in implementing global innovation programs with expertise in Strategic Project Management, Agile Methodologies, and Sustainable Development. Recognized for driving performance improvements, leading cross-cultural teams, and contributing to academic research. Passionate about emerging technologies, continuous learning, and professional development.
I can help you and your company to:
Optimize project management in multicultural and complex environments, improving the efficiency and adaptability of teams through agile methodologies.
Improve their innovation and sustainability through customized assessments and action plans to align their practices with the best industry standards.
Lead diverse teams in the execution of strategic programs, generating significant improvements in the performance and results of educational and business projects.
Academic Career
Project and Innovation Management Researcher
Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany | 02/2019 – Present
- Application for the opening of the doctoral procedure sent on 08/14/2024. Defense date: 11/14/2024
- Conducting research in Innovation Management with a focus on Agile Practices and Strategic Project Management.
- Designed and implemented the Innovate new! program across 15 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Published peer-reviewed papers on Agile practices:
- Collaborated on Project 2030Agenda4ABC as a Research Fellow and Regional Promotor for the Innovate!now 2023 tool in São Paulo, Brazil.
Teaching Assistant
Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany | 10/2020 – 03/2023
- Supported postgraduate courses in Strategic Project Management and Agile Organization.
- Provided academic mentoring and facilitated workshops for over 200 students.
Other Academic Roles
Various Positions | Chile | 1998 – 2003
- Project Manager | Intern at Oriencoop, Talca, Chile
- Project Manager | Intern at Universidad de Talca Student Association
- Teaching Assistant at Universidad de Talca and Universidad de Concepción
Industry Activities
Founder and CEO
Oikía SPA, Quilpué, Chile | 07/2011 – 12/2018
- Founded and led a sustainable construction research center, achieving 100% annual growth from 2011 to 2015.
- Completed 22 construction projects and facilitated 6 industry-relevant training workshops.
- Established strategic partnerships and secured funding for sustainable construction initiatives.
Program and Project Manager | Finance Coordination
Corporación Municipal de Quilpué, Quilpué, Chile | 08/2009 – 08/2015
- Developed the Finance Management Unit for priority education projects, managing budgets and financial planning.
- Managed the SEP Improvement Program, enhancing educational outcomes for 3,285 students across 23 schools.
Program Manager | Project Lead
Corporación Municipal de Quilpué, Quilpué, Chile | 05/2008 – 12/2010
- Led adult education programs “Chilecalifica” and “Sence”, training over 600 students and 500 employees.
- Improved program effectiveness by implementing targeted training and assessment methodologies.
Project Lead
CCI Ingeniería Económica, Santiago, Chile | 11/2007 – 03/2008
- Supervised socio-economic studies for FOSIS in the Valparaiso region, delivering actionable insights for policy development.
Project Lead
Instituto de Innovación en Minería y Metalurgia, IM2 (Codelco Subsidiary), Rancagua, Chile | 08/2005 – 02/2006
- Managed innovation projects in mining and metallurgy, driving advancements in industry practices and process optimization.
Office Manager
Copropietarios Edificio Presidente Riesco, Rancagua, Chile | 03/2005 – 09/2007
- Oversaw building administration and real estate tasks, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and operational efficiency.
HR Department Manager
Maestranza Sudamericana, Santiago, Chile | 04/2004 – 03/2005
- Managed HR operations, including payroll, contracts, and staffing for a 10-person team, optimizing HR processes and enhancing team performance.
Education
PhD Candidate
Berlin Industrial Engineering and Management (BIEM) Doctoral Program, Technical University of Berlin, Germany | 02.2019 – 09.2024
Thesis: “Agility at the front end of innovation – Rapid validity testing as a way for mid-sized firms to improve innovation performance”.
Diploma on School Improvement Programs
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile | 08.2014 – 11.2014
70 hrs. Approved
Certificate in Educational Management
Instituto Profesional Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, Quilpué, Chile | 03.2010 – 12.2010
Score of 6.3 on a 7.0 scale (Minimum passing score: 4.0). 400 hrs.
Commercial Engineering in Computer Science | B.A. in Business Administration
Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile | 03.1998 – 12.2003
Graduated with distinction, achieving a score of 5.26 on a 7.0 scale (Minimum passing score: 4.0). Ranked 6th out of 64 students in the graduating class. Specialization: Informatics.
Thesis: “Feasibility of commercial entry into the German market of a non-traditional product, case: processed hot bell pepper”.
High School Diploma
St. Teresita High School, Talca, Chile | 1986-1997
PAA: 728.5 on an 800 scale (Minimum passing score 500) (0.98 percentile)
Honors and Awards
- 06.2020: Thomas P. Hustad Award (Second Place) at the 27th Innovation and Product Development Management Conference (IPDMC).
- 02.2019: Bilateral Agreement Doctoral Scholarship by DAAD and CONICYT.
- 03.2001: “Presidente de la República” Scholarship.
- 03.1998: Full Scholarship “Universidad de Concepción” for outstanding academic performance in university entrance exams.
- 03.1998: “Virginio Gomez” Scholarship for academic excellence.
- 03.1998: “MINEDUC” Scholarship for meritorious academic achievements, supporting university-level education.
Skills
- Project Management: Strategic Project Management, Agile Methodologies, Stakeholder Engagement, Risk Management
- Research and Analysis: Qualitative and Quantitative Research, Data Analysis, Academic Writing
- Leadership: Cross-cultural Team Leadership, Mentoring, Organizational Development
- Sustainability: Sustainable Development, Green Building, Renewable Energy
- Technology: Innovation Management, Emerging Technologies, Digital Transformation
- Languages: Spanish (Native), English (Fluent), German (Intermediate)
