Meet Rafael Garza, who recently took on the role of Country Manager for Mexico. We asked him about the job, what lies ahead and his impressions so far, before moving to the subject of Rafael himself, including his philosophy, life outside of work and one surprising fact about him.

So, to begin with: What motivated you to take on this role?

Several aspects of this role captured my attention:

The Mission: Throughout my life, I’ve been driven to challenge injustice—whether as a defense contractor in the public sector, as an NGO founder in the social sector, or in my professional career. I’ve deliberately chosen career paths where I can make a significant impact on the lives of many people.

Addressing Unfair Practices: I’m deeply motivated by the unfair tactics used by some competitors. I despise seeing others taken advantage of, particularly when drivers are burdened with excessive commissions and passengers are charged unfair fees just to use the platform. I’ve rarely encountered such vulnerability, and it fuels my determination to bring about change.

Empowering People: This role offers the incredible opportunity to empower people worldwide. As a Country Manager, I have the privilege of showcasing the skills, talents, and abilities of our collaborators, helping them achieve their professional goals and realize their full potential.

One of the key needs I’ve identified for our region is effective communication. I believe that a great team only functions at its best when communication is strong and clear. In Mexico, I've noticed that everyone is eager not only to listen but also to be heard. They bring forward great ideas, proposals, and an abundance of talent. If we can bring everyone together, ensuring that we communicate clearly and with a specific goal in mind—dominating the market—I’m confident that we can achieve remarkable results as a unified team.

There are many exciting developments happening at inDrive in Mexico. The marketing team just launched a fantastic 360-degree campaign featuring a major celebrity, spanning all platforms. The Business Development team is doing incredible work by expanding into new cities and launching innovative products like Moto for Ride Hailing. Our PR team is successfully promoting our brand across the country with a strategic approach, and Driver Operations has secured groundbreaking deals with taxi guilds in cities where we once thought it was impossible to operate. Meanwhile, our Government Relations team is leading the way in obtaining licenses for the company segment.

I couldn’t be more excited about what’s happening in the country. All of these efforts are laying a strong foundation for us to dominate the market and become the number one ride-hailing app in Mexico, as well as in other verticals

I’m truly impressed by the company’s culture and its commitment to being the fairest player in the segment, with a strong focus on social impact. The way inDrive has expanded with such a lean operation is remarkable—something that really stands out to me.

Looking ahead, I recognize that we face significant challenges on our path to becoming the number one in the market. There are cultural hurdles to overcome, legal battles to navigate, and bold changes that need to be made. However, I’m confident in our leadership and the decisions being made, and I believe that we’re well-positioned to win these battles and achieve our goals.

My main focus right now is to achieve a 35% growth in the ride-hailing vertical this year. This goal, emphasized by our president, has resonated strongly with the entire Mexican team. We are determined to not only meet but exceed this target, ensuring we achieve greatness.

In the long term, my ultimate goal is to make inDrive the number one app for ride-hailing, delivery, cargo, couriers, and fintech in Mexico. Additionally, I aim to share our learnings with other countries, helping to extend our impact globally. By doing so, we can continue challenging injustice and contribute to the company’s mission of changing the lives of 1 billion people.

Regarding inVision, there are some exciting developments on the horizon in Mexico. The Aurora Tech Award is one such initiative, and there’s potential for the Supernovas program to take flight in Mexico in the coming year. I’m very hopeful and excited to take a leading role in these initiatives, as they align closely with my core beliefs. As an NGO founder myself, I’m passionate about the potential to make a significant impact and help set people up for success.

One surprising fact about me is that, despite being a poor swimmer, I have a deep passion for scuba diving. It’s an unexpected combination, but I love the challenge and the sense of adventure it brings.

Outside of work: During the weekdays, I usually wake up at 4:50 AM for a one-hour run. If there aren't any early meetings, I head to the gym for another hour; otherwise, I go in the afternoon. I'm also pursuing my second master's degree, and I dedicate any free moment to reading, aiming to maintain a pace of 35-40 books a year.

On weekends, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, whether it's having a BBQ or exploring events around the city. Overall, I lead a balanced and fulfilling life.

One of my proudest non-work-related achievements was being selected as a Change Promoter by Mexico's largest charity organization. As a Change Promoter, I was recognized as a transformative leader with the ability to drive significant change in the social sector, focusing on sustainable development and implementing purposeful actions that make a lasting impact.

My favorite motivational saying is by Nelson Mandela: "It always seems impossible until it's done." This quote reminds me that no matter how daunting a challenge may seem, persistence and determination can turn the impossible into reality.

I’m interested in learning a new language, particularly one that’s relevant to our expanding markets. Being able to communicate directly with more of our international partners and internal customers in their native language would not only strengthen our relationships but also provide deeper cultural insights, helping us tailor our strategies more effectively in those regions.

A good book I read recently is “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't”. I picked it up about a month after joining inDrive, and it provided valuable insights into what distinguishes truly great companies from the rest.

Managing work-life balance is never easy, but I make it a priority by keeping a detailed to-do list and scheduling all my work hours. I do the same for my personal activities, which helps me stay focused on what matters most and maximize the tools at my disposal.

I’m also inspired by Jocko Willink's philosophy that "discipline equals freedom." While it might seem contradictory at first, the idea is that by maintaining strict discipline and order, you actually regain control over your time and, in turn, your freedom. This approach allows me to pursue the things I’m passionate about without sacrificing either my work or personal life.

While I enjoy thinking about the future, I believe in taking things one step at a time. My immediate focus is on exceeding our goals and helping my team succeed. I’m committed to supporting our team in Mexico to grow, take on bigger responsibilities, and reap greater rewards.

Looking further ahead, I’m considering starting my PhD in the second half of next year, with the goal of crafting a strong dissertation. I’m also thinking about becoming a father and embracing the incredible journey of parenthood.