In this interview, we explore the remarkable journey of Idania Samudio, the CEO and Principal Consultant of Sommeta, a consulting firm that provides project services in technology, art, and design. Idania shares her experiences, the motivations behind starting her own company, and the vision that drives Sommeta. We delve into her leadership style, how she defines success, and her approach to fostering innovation within her organization. Join us as we uncover the inspiring story of how Idania Samudio continues to redefine success and lead Sommeta toward growth and success.
Introduction to Idania Samudio and Sommeta
Idania Samudio, CEO of Sommeta, leads a consulting firm specializing in project services that span technology, art, and design. Her entry into the technology sector was driven by a desire to support her children, but her passion for HR/Payroll implementations quickly emerged. After years of working for large consulting firms, she transitioned to becoming an independent contractor. It was during her time with these firms that Idania recognized a gap between the implementer and the client, inspiring her to launch Sommeta. This allows Idania to focus on building strong relationships with clients and delivering the quality services they truly need. Before entering the tech world, Idania held a bachelor’s degree in art, which has shaped her creative problem-solving approach in technology. This passion for creativity led to an expansion into art and design services, further enriching Sommeta’s offerings.
Defining Success in 2024
For Idania, success is both professional and personal. She believes that every time a client is supported effectively, it marks a success. However, on a more personal level, her idea of success revolves around maintaining a close-knit, healthy family and creating meaningful life experiences together. While her definition of success remains rooted in these principles, her journey as a leader continues to evolve.
Vision and Mission
Idania’s vision for Sommeta is to continue offering project support in technology and design while expanding into educational services, such as producing e-books with educational Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for clients. Her mission is driven by the desire to leave clients more knowledgeable and self-sufficient, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive long after her work with them is complete. For Idania, it’s not about the financial reward, but rather the satisfaction of knowing her clients are better off because of her work.
Fostering Innovation at Sommeta
Creativity is at the core of Idania’s leadership approach, heavily influenced by her background in art. She encourages her employees to flex their creative muscles, often organizing virtual team-building activities like painting or crocheting to stimulate new ways of thinking. By creating an open environment where ideas flow freely, Idania ensures that Sommeta remains innovative and adaptable, always striving for improvement.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
For Idania, resilience comes down to being flexible and open to change. She embraces the philosophy of constantly pivoting when faced with challenges, believing that setbacks can often lead to new opportunities. Her approach involves thinking outside the box and viewing every challenge as a learning experience. This mindset allows her and her team to navigate adversity while continuously evolving and growing.
Empowering Leadership at Sommeta
Idania fosters independence among her employees, encouraging them to take ownership of their roles without micromanagement. She supports her team’s personal and professional growth by providing opportunities for further education, training, and guidance. Idania is deeply committed to helping her employees pursue their individual dreams while also achieving success within the company.
Influential Mentorship
Reflecting on her past experiences, Idania highlights a former boss who emphasized the importance of community and teamwork in the workplace. This lesson has influenced her leadership style, as she strives to create a supportive environment where her team members feel valued not just as employees but as individuals. Idania has also learned valuable lessons from observing leadership styles she seeks to avoid, helping her to refine her own approach.
Addressing Global Challenges
For Idania, communication is one of the most pressing challenges in today’s digital world. She stresses the importance of clear and compassionate communication, ensuring that there is always a human touch behind every interaction. At Sommeta, she places a strong emphasis on maintaining personal connections even in an increasingly virtual work environment. It’s a topic that she feels passionate about, to the point of creating a podcast about it: Meaningful Connections in a Digital Workplace (on Spotify and Apple Podcasts).
Emerging Technologies in the Industry
Idania recognizes the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the industry. She believes that AI can be a powerful tool for improving efficiency in business operations and workflow management. By staying ahead of technological trends, Idania ensures that Sommeta continues to leverage new innovations for both client success and internal operations.
Risk-Taking and Leadership
Idania understands that risk is an inherent part of being a business owner, particularly when employees are involved. She believes in taking calculated risks, always considering how decisions will affect the company and those around her. While new services or products may carry risks, she views them as opportunities to learn and grow, pushing Sommeta toward greater innovation and success.
Crisis Management
COVID-19 posed one of the biggest challenges for Idania and her business. Projects were halted, and difficult decisions had to be made. However, her adaptability and problem-solving mindset allowed her to navigate the crisis successfully. She emerged from the pandemic with valuable lessons, including the importance of diversifying revenue streams and being better prepared for unforeseen events.
Prioritizing Employee Well-Being
At Sommeta, fostering a positive work culture is a top priority. As a fully remote company with employees spread across multiple states, Idania allows for flexibility in working hours and conditions. She believes that remote work provides a better work-life balance, particularly for employees with children. Idania promotes a work environment where individuals can choose the best ways to complete their tasks, focusing on results rather than rigid structures.
Self-Reflection and Personal Development
Idania practices mindfulness and gratitude daily, constantly seeking to improve herself as a leader. Whether it’s through reading, learning new languages like German, or engaging in creative hobbies like painting and photography, she believes in continuous personal development. These practices help her stay grounded and empathetic, which are traits she considers essential for leadership.
Achievements and Milestones
Idania has successfully completed over 20 HR/Payroll implementations, both in the U.S. and globally, which she considers among her most significant accomplishments. Additionally, her participation in the Goldman Sachs 10K SB program has further enhanced her entrepreneurial skills and expanded her professional network. This experience has reinvigorated her passion for Sommeta’s future, setting the stage for continued success and growth.
In conclusion, Idania Samudio’s journey as the CEO and Principal Consultant of Sommeta is a testament to her passion for creativity, innovation, and building meaningful connections. Her unique blend of expertise in technology, art, and design, combined with her drive to empower clients and foster a collaborative team culture, sets Sommeta apart in the consulting industry. By continuously adapting to challenges, prioritizing education, and encouraging creative problem-solving, Idania has not only redefined success for herself but also for her clients and employees, leaving a lasting impact on the industries she serves.
Discussion about this post