Meet Andres Garcia Canon

We were lucky to catch up with Andres Garcia Canon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Andres, so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?

I grew up in a small, financially struggling town in southern Spain with an unemployment rate close to 50% and minimal opportunities, so I observed firsthand the challenges faced by marginalized groups.

My father had a steady job as a middle school teacher, while my mother had to stay at home and take care of my brother and me due to societal gender expectations. However, she never stopped striving to improve our lives, earning many certifications and eventually working at the employment office
helping others secure jobs. Her resilience and determination made a lasting impression on me and gave me a profound responsibility to help others.

This constant exposure to varied perspectives and struggles and traveling worldwide to discover new cultures and ways of living built my understanding of people from diverse backgrounds.

Before getting into the Marketing and Tech industry, I sought many jobs to support myself from a very early age across different fields, from door-to-door sales to hospitality and the startup ecosystem.

These experiences helped me develop the ability to see beyond surface-level interactions, my belief in empathy as a tool for connection, and a foundation for creating meaningful opportunities and driving change. Everyone has their own story, struggles, and dreams.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My career spans two decades, and I have built an international reputation as an innovative, forward-thinking leader across marketing and sales.

I’ve worked across the globe, from Europe to Asia, the United States, and Latin America, where I’ve been at the forefront of driving digital transformation and growth for some of the world’s most influential brands.

What excites me most about my work is the dynamic and ever-evolving intersection of marketing and technology. During my 12+ years at Meta, I had the privilege of contributing to the remarkable growth of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. It was a transformative era for social media, where mobile-first strategies and digital communication redefined how people connect and engage globally. Being part of something that impacts billions of lives was deeply rewarding, and that sense of innovation continues to drive me forward in my career.

I’ve also led marketing strategies for high-profile companies, working as a consultant for an online agency and a Web3 firm.

Nowadays, I am a Marketing Director at Mastercard, where we connect and power an inclusive digital economy that benefits everyone everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, and accessible.

These experiences have deepened my understanding of emerging technologies and how they can reshape industries.

I always search for ways to challenge the status quo and love building meaningful partnerships. Whether influencing decision-makers or fostering long-term collaborations, I enjoy creating win-win situations that drive mutual growth. I take great pride in unlocking potential—not just for companies but for the people behind them.

Helping businesses succeed in a digital-first world while staying grounded in the values of empathy and resilience is something I carry with me from my early days growing up in Spain. “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.” — this is a Greek Proverb I believe in. I’m eagerly looking forward to what the future holds. Each new challenge allows us to evolve, learn, and continue delivering impact personally and professionally in a fast-paced world that never stands still.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1 – Resilience and Relentlessness: consistently pushing through challenging times and moving forward when things don’t go as planned has been critical to my growth.
Early professionals should embrace setbacks as learning opportunities. Resilience comes from facing challenges and using those experiences to fuel your progress. Every job or experience, no matter how small, can teach you something valuable.

2 – Curiosity and Learning: I’ve always been curious, whether it’s about learning new languages, exploring different cultures, or diving into new technologies. This curiosity has opened doors and helped me grow, especially in fast-evolving fields like digital marketing, AI, and Web3.
Stay curious and never stop learning. Industries and technologies are constantly changing, and those who remain adaptable and eager to learn will thrive. Seek out new skills and knowledge whenever you can.

3 – Building Relationships and Networks played a crucial role in my success: From leading international teams or supporting my wife’s entrepreneurial venture to finding opportunities through connections, fostering meaningful connections has permanently unlocked new opportunities.
Focus on creating genuine, long-term relationships. Networking isn’t just about making connections and building partnerships that benefit both sides. Take the time to nurture your relationships, as they often open doors you may not have anticipated.

These qualities—resilience, curiosity, and relationship-building—have shaped my career, and I believe they are essential for anyone looking to grow personally and professionally.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

I’ve been fortunate to have people who supported and guided me throughout my journey, whether friends, family, colleagues, or mentors. But ultimately, you are responsible for overcoming challenges and developing the skills needed to succeed.

There have been key figures along the way—my wife, for instance, who quit her job and started her own business at 26 years old, showed me that you can always aim higher.

My mom showed me the value of perseverance as she pursued and found employment after years of being told there were no opportunities for her.

My brother and dad were great examples of how to treat people respectfully and provided invaluable advice and lessons to remain calm and focus on the long term.

Also, working in diverse teams across different countries gave me insights that helped me grow personally and professionally.

However, when it comes down to it, you must take control of your journey.

I had to make the decisions, seek out opportunities, and actively build the skills and knowledge that have brought me to where I am today. No one can do that for you. You must take ownership of your career and be relentless in your pursuit of growth, even when things don’t go as planned.

It’s important to have support, but at the end of the day, you have to constantly push yourself, take risks, and invest in your development. I continue to do that, and it has made all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://treelance.us
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andresgarcia