Patty Toledo – Womenize! – Inspiring Stories
Womenize! – Inspiring Stories is our weekly series featuring inspirational individuals from games and tech. For this edition we talked to Patty Toledo, Leader of Games at Breda University of Applied Sciences. She speaks about about how her international experiences, personal values, and commitment to authenticity, resilience, and empowerment shape her creative leadership and her efforts to inspire others to thrive confidently in fast-changing industries. Read more about Patty here:
Hi Patty! You’ve worked across continents, collaborated with iconic names in music, and now guide the next generation of creators in games and media. How have your global experiences, from Brazil to Japan to the Netherlands, shaped your own approach to leadership and creativity, and which values have guided you along the way?
I think what I earned the most from my international experience was the capacity of understanding and maneuvering through cultural and generation differences more smoothly than most. Embracing the variety and uniqueness of each individual makes work and life more interesting. I also realised, after many experiences, that transparency is key. In an era where being politically correct dictates a lot of our narratives, being honest and upfront without being rude is a skill that elevates you in any circumstances. I truly believe it to be a super power.
You’ve worked in industries that can be fast-changing and unpredictable. Can you tell us about a challenge or setback that changed the way you approach your work, and what it taught you about resilience and courage?
Technology and creativity are areas that are mutable by nature. If you embrace these industries, you probably have the urge to innovate in every step of your way. This is exciting but also nerve wrecking at times. The secret, at least for me, is to balance my need for control and my desire for change, remaining flexible and open-minded at all times. It is a balancing game and it comes with some stress. But if you are kind to yourself and constantly learn from your mistakes, it becomes a positive adventure.
As a lecturer, mentor, and leader, you guide the next generation of creators. What does empowerment mean to you, and how do you hope your work inspires others (especially women) to find their voice, embrace their creativity, and make their mark?
Empowerment for me means the possibility and ability of dictating my own destiny. Whatever happens, good or bad, I know I can bounce back and use the experiences to become better and stronger. That is what I hope I can give to my colleagues and students: the knowledge and support to find positive ways of thriving through life. The understanding that, whatever happens, it will only make you better. And that a smile and good vibes will take you always further than the current obstacles. Work hard, be kind to yourself and never stop. I know it sounds like a motivational speech, but I honestly believe in it and live by it.