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Ana Flores: Redefining Leadership Across Borders and Bedtime Routines
Ana Flores: Redefining Leadership Across Borders and Bedtime Routines
At GEP, we’re constantly inspired by the women who lead with heart, clarity and courage. In this edition of our “She Shines” series, we’re excited to introduce Ana Flores, whose journey—from Peru to project leadership to first-time motherhood—is a reminder that success doesn’t always follow a single path.
Ana Flores came to the U.S. at 29 with a suitcase full of ambition, a fierce Peruvian work ethic and—by her own admission—a nightlight. “I wasn’t used to being on my own,” she laughs. “Everything was new—new country, new language, new everything.” Fast-forward to today, Ana is a senior manager, a first-time mom, and the kind of leader who says “yes” to things most people would tiptoe around. This isn’t a story of playing it safe—it’s one of choosing courage, over and over again.
From Lima to Leadership
Ana started her career in Peru working in tech consulting, doing SAP implementations across Latin America. Over time, she realized she wanted something more strategic—something that connected business, operations and global problem-solving. So, she packed her bags and enrolled in Michigan State’s top-ranked supply chain MBA program, despite barely knowing anyone in the U.S.
“I was the only South American in the program. No Spanish speakers. No family nearby. And I was constantly overthinking how I sounded in English,” she says. “But eventually I stopped holding myself back. That’s when things started to shift.”
Ana joined GEP in 2017 as an intern and quickly converted to a full-time consultant. From Houston summers with ExxonMobil to a major sourcing project at McDonald’s and then a four-year stretch leading transformation work at Caterpillar, Ana leaned into every challenge. “I was promoted twice in four years,” she shares. “But that didn’t just happen. I asked for the work. I took on new categories. I helped build the team until they didn’t need me anymore—which, honestly, is the goal.” Even when she stepped away for maternity leave, Ana’s leadership was still felt. Her team carried the account seamlessly for two months without their manager. “That was a proud moment. They didn’t just survive—they owned it.”
Today, Ana leads a private equity client account—GEP’s first direct materials engagement, where success is 100% outcome-based. “It’s intense. But I love that I’m learning something completely new—including how to source cheese, of all things!”
Ana’s curiosity doesn’t stop with work, though. In 2021, she picked up a tennis racket for the first time and never looked back. What started as a hobby quickly turned into something more. She now plays several times a week and has competed in two tournaments. “I didn’t win,” she laughs, “but I gained confidence—and that was the point.” Just like in her career, Ana isn’t afraid to swing big and learn as she goes.
Her advice to other women—especially those early in their careers? “Don’t talk yourself out of something just because it’s unfamiliar. Try it. Learn as you go. That’s how we grow.”
Leading Teams and Circling Back
Ana’s leadership style is rooted in trust and development. “Yes, I’ve grown here. But the best part has been helping my team grow alongside me,” she says. She credits her own mentors for giving her the space to learn by doing, and now, she does the same. “Leadership isn’t about being needed. It’s about building trust, creating capability and then stepping back when they’re ready.”
In a full-circle moment, Ana is now laying the groundwork to expand GEP’s reach into Peru—a goal she’s had since her internship. “This has been a goal since joining GEP,” she says. “I’m not in sales, but I know people. I connect well. So, I figured—why not try?”
She’s been partnering with GEP’s Mexico office to build relationships and introduce GEP’s capabilities to South American markets. “We’ve had about 10 calls, including major oil and gas firms. It’s slow, but we’re gaining traction. I’m playing the long game,” she grins.
Life on Her Terms
The arrival of her daughter, Fernanda, marked a turning point—both personally and professionally. After a life-threatening postpartum complication, Ana gave herself permission to slow down. “I had to recover. I had to reset. And I realized I didn’t want to chase everything all at once anymore.”
Now, she’s more intentional about boundaries, energy and well-being. “I eat lunch. I take breaks. I move my body. And I teach my team to do the same. You can’t give your best if you’re running on empty,” she says. And with a laugh, she adds, “If I don’t eat, I can’t think. Lunch is not optional—it’s strategy.”
Ask Ana what she’s most proud of, and the answer is simple: Fernanda. “I’ve always chased big goals. But Fernanda taught me to slow down and enjoy the moment,” she says. “Every day, she’s doing something new. I don’t want to miss those moments—not for anything.”
Ana’s story isn’t just about growth—it’s about creating room for others to grow too. Whether she’s mentoring teams across time zones, finding her voice in a new country or stepping boldly into motherhood, Ana leads by doing what most won’t: saying yes before she has all the answers, and figuring it out with grace.
Her last tidbit of wisdom as we wrapped up the interview? “Every time I’ve done something new, it wasn’t because I knew how—it was because I was willing to learn.”
Ana’s story captures what She Shines is all about—women who lead with courage, curiosity and a commitment to lifting others as they grow. Her path isn’t loud or flashy, but it’s purposeful, steady and deeply rooted in impact. We’re so thankful to Ana for sharing her journey and for showing us how meaningful showing up can be.
