Isabel Mestres: Don’t be afraid to take the road less traveled—it might just lead you to where you truly belong

Isabel Mestres shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Last Thursday, as I headed to my university’s 20-year reunion, I was filled with mixed emotions. What I didn’t expect was to make peace with my younger self—Isabel in her 20s.

At the reunion, I was surprised when some classmates openly admitted a lack of purpose in their careers. Listening to the conversation, I traveled back 20 years and reconnected with my feelings from back then. Unlike my colleagues, I felt completely lost about what I wanted to do with my life.

After graduation, while everyone was taking their 1st jobs,  I traveled the world in search of answers. Although I thought I didn’t find them, I was exposed to incredible life experiences, adventures, and people dedicated to helping others. Pressured by family and friends expectations, I started a career in Marketing in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, while volunteering for  Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs). We were never exposed to fascinating and successful careers in this field! I was told this has changed, right Esade?

Five years after graduation (15 years ago), I learned about Cary Adams, who had transitioned from Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a bank to CEO of a global health organisation. When I met him and joined the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), I immediately knew that’s where I was meant to be. Since then, my professional life has become my identity, passion, and an unbreakable commitment to improving people’s lives at City Cancer Challenge.

To all the young people lost like me, finding your passion might take time, and your path may be unconventional, but once you discover it, the journey becomes incredibly rewarding. Don’t be afraid to take the road less traveled, it might just lead you to where you truly belong.

Thank you Esade Alumni and Siro Arias Valdés for organising the 20 years reunion.”

Source: Isabel Mestres/LinkedIn

Isabel Mestres is the CEO of the City Cancer Challenge (C/Can), previously being the Director of Global Public Affairs. She also led initiatives in membership and partnership development at the International Union for Cancer Control. Mestres’ strategic sense positions her to propel C/Can forward, advancing its mission of enhancing cancer care accessibility in low- and middle-income nations.