On July 30th, we celebrate International Friendship Day, a perfect occasion to reflect on the importance of friendships in our lives. We grow up with sayings like, “A friend in need is a friend indeed” or “A good friend is like a four-leaf clover, hard to find and lucky to have”, demonstrating how interpersonal relationships are fundamental to our personal development.
In today’s world, professional responsibilities often compete for our time, limiting the moments we would prefer to spend with our friends. For this reason, the workplace frequently becomes the starting point for many friendships to be created and flourish, thanks to teamwork.
At Neotalent Conclusion, we are fortunate to witness many stories of friendship that began within the company, as well as several that started outside Neotalent Conclusion and were strengthened within our office. To mark today’s celebration, we highlight the story of Juan Romero and Miguel Naranjo, who are not only Designers and colleagues at Neotalent Conclusion but also great friends outside the office.
In November 2023, Miguel joined our team thanks to Juan’s recommendation through our internal referral program “Refer a Friend.” Since then, both have made significant contributions to our team. A friend is a treasure, a helping hand, experiences to share, more friends to meet, and, of course, many stories to tell! Let’s get to know this dynamic duo a little better and understand how their friendship positively impacts the work environment and their professional performance.
When Friendship and Work Meet: Interview with Juan and Miguel
P: Hi Juan, Hi Miguel! You have been working together at Neotalent Conclusion for seven months, but your friendship is much older. Can you tell us how you met?
Juan Romero (JR)/Miguel Naranjo (MN): We met during our studies in Seville. We were both in the same classes and shared academic interests. Our friendship grew stronger over the years, and when job opportunities arose, we decided to join Neotalent Conclusion.
P: Not only do you work at Neotalent Conclusion, but you are also part of the same team. Is working with friends as good as it sounds? Has your relationship changed in any way?
JR/MN: Absolutely! Working with friends is as good as finding a coffee machine that never runs out of capsules. Sometimes we argue about important things, like who ate the last cookie in the break room or whether the penguin in the company logo should wear a scarf in winter. Of course, there are moments of stress, but we overcome them with mutual understanding and support. Our relationship has evolved; now we are not only friends but also partners in daily battles.
P: What skills or qualities do you most value in each other in the work environment?
JR: I value Miguel’s ability to stay calm under pressure and find creative solutions to problems. Additionally, his sense of humor always brightens the environment and facilitates teamwork. It’s great to have someone like him on the team; it makes everything more bearable and fun!
MN: I deeply admire Juan’s patience, his tireless dedication to work, and his ability to find solutions even in the toughest moments. However, what I value most are his human qualities. Juan is not only an exceptional professional but also a kind and empathetic person. His ability to understand others’ emotions and his willingness to help make him an invaluable team member. In a world where intelligence and technical ability often stand out, it’s refreshing to find someone like Juan who understands the importance of genuine friendship and connection. His presence in the workplace not only improves productivity but also creates a positive and enriching environment for everyone.
P: Juan recommended Miguel to join Neotalent Conclusion through the “Refer a Friend” program. How did this opportunity come about, Miguel, and to what extent did the possibility of working with Juan influence your decision to accept this new professional challenge?
MN: The fact that I could work with a colleague I’ve known for years was a great incentive. Familiarity and connection with someone you trust can make the transition smoother and more comforting.
P: He who has a friend has a treasure and, with the reward from our referral program, it takes on a literal meaning here. Juan, if it’s not too personal, what do you plan to spend your referral reward on?
JR: Great question! I’ve been seriously thinking about investing the prize in something really useful and practical…like a bunch of tech gadgets, I didn’t know I needed until I saw the ads.
P: Finally, what final message would you like to leave?
JR/MN: Value your colleagues, because we never know when we might need each other.
When Friendship and Work Meet: Interview with Juan and Miguel
Juan and Miguel’s story shows how friendship can create a more pleasant and familiar work environment, enhancing collaboration, communication, and productivity.
Since 2020, Neotalent Conclusion has been investing in talent referral programs in IT, and since then, like Juan and Miguel, many colleagues and friends have reunited at Neotalent Conclusion.
In addition to the internal referral program, “Refer a Friend,” Neotalent Conclusion also has a talent referral program in which everyone can participate – “Refer a Talent”.
What is the “Refer a Talent” Program?
“Refer a Talent” is a referral program that allows anyone outside of Neotalent Conclusion to recommend friends or colleagues with technical and/or functional profiles related to the Information Technology field. If these professionals are hired, the referrer receives a reward of 1.000€. This program aims to increase the attraction of new talents for job opportunities while promoting a quick response to Neotalent Conclusion’s recruitment needs.
We are always looking for talents who want to grow and innovate with us. Do you know someone in IT with the right profile to join us? Challenge them to come shape the future with us!
Learn more about our “Refer a Talent” program.
Happy International Friendship Day
