1. What led you to found CAP2 Group, a leading company in the rubber and derivatives industry?
My parents have always worked in the rubber sector, and at home, the topic of ‘rubber’ and entrepreneurship has been very present. In 2012, my father was due to retire; he was a founding partner of a company he shared with three other partners. The initial idea was for me to join them as a partner, but the difference in age and vision prevented us from reaching an agreement. That’s why I started from ‘scratch’ with the creation of CAP-2, which are actually the initials of my surname, CAP-arrós, and the number ‘2’ for the second generation.
2. What obstacles have you faced in such a male-dominated sector and how have you overcome them?
I started at 32, and they called me ‘the girl’ of the sector, but, on the other hand, due to my profile, everyone remembered me. At first, both clients and suppliers always lectured me; I listened a lot and appreciated all the advice, sometimes very ‘paternalistic,’ but with patience, we demonstrated our professionalism year after year.
Even today, they ask for the manager, and if we contact a foreign company for the first time, they always introduce me as ‘Mr.’ until we speak on the phone or they meet me.
Woman and industry are still not associated, unfortunately.
3. What changes have you seen in female presence and what is needed to advance towards equality?
The most significant change I’ve seen over the years is the great acceptance from colleagues in the sector, once they get to know you. Currently, I find no difference; quite the opposite.
To progress, I believe we ourselves need to consider ourselves capable of doing all kinds of work. When I’ve hired factory personnel and they ask about the profile, I’ve always replied that it didn’t matter if it was a man or a woman, but that they must have the attitude to learn and work with all kinds of machinery. Currently, at CAP-2, women make up 40% of the team, both in the office and among production staff.
4. How does the female vision impact your company’s strategy?
A key point has been the dedication to service and attention to small details. Clients and suppliers identify us for always trying to collaborate and resolve all the difficulties we encounter daily. The more ‘nurturing’ side that women possess becomes a key advantage for building customer loyalty and generating very solid bonds of trust.
5. What advice would you give to other women who want to lead in male-dominated industrial sectors?
That the first limit is ourselves: if you visualize that you can do it, you will.
Attitude, hard work, and perseverance.
6. Our motto is “I am what I want to be.” Are you?
Yes, absolutely yes! I am very grateful to all those who initially trusted me because they gave me strength, and also to those who did not trust me, because they also gave me strength to prove that I would succeed.
