Growing fast, building from the ground up in Latin America

Our team in Latin America (LatAm) is growing fast, and our employees are at the center of this by building from the ground up, getting things done together, and creating a long-lasting impact across the region. Starting with just a handful of employees in September 2021, our TikTok Team in Mexico City had a very impactful growth over the last year. And with the growth of our Sao Paulo office, we expect to have even more passionate hearts and minds working together towards the same purpose in Latin America (LatAm) this year.

TikTok's Global Business Solutions (GBS) team allows businesses of all sizes to engage with their target customers while creating a positive and safe environment for brand partners. The GBS LatAm team recently came together during their first All-Hands meeting to recognize and celebrate their purpose, success, and growth.

Efrain Mendictui, Head of GBS Mexico, shared, "The week was special. It was an opportunity to recognize everything that everyone has done in such a short period, a week to unite our teams and work even closer, recognizing our heroes and celebrating everything that everyone does with so much passion and energy every day." To learn more about the growth happening in LatAm, the impact of our people, and understand what they enjoy most about working at TikTok, we sat down with some of their team members, including Raquel Aguilar, Bruno Pegoraro, Ignacio Briceño, Estefani Acosta, Gerardo Schnaider, and Pablo De Angelis.

Can you share what has been your most impactful project while working at TikTok and how did you make it happen?

Ignacio: One of the projects I have been able to participate in since I joined the company in January was the LatAm Music Group to facilitate the understanding of music for our key accounts and how to make the implementation easier. Working on this project allowed me to see how amazing and helpful the people in this organization are! From a small group of employees with many questions, the conversation escalated to the music team in the US and Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) region. Every single person dedicated their time and effort to help us get complete knowledge of the issue so we could develop the region. Even though the project is still in progress, we have seen the firsthand impact of our work... and that is key in opening a region such as Latin America.

Raquel: For me, being the first Client Solutions Manager (CSM) in Mexico made it possible to see so many brands grow by trying our new products and becoming a TikTok native content producer for the users. Learning, asking, and sharing is what made it possible to help brands and to help the team grow.

Estefani: The most exciting thing for me was working with large global brands. In particular, launching the first campaign for Adidas in LatAm.

Pablo: Well, for me as an HR Business Partner (HRBP), it was to build the Mexico team. I remember my first day - I was eager to start hiring, with no idea where to start. Now, I look back and see what a great team we have built.

How would you describe TikTok's growth in LatAm?

Ignacio: TikTok growth in LatAm is from another planet, I remember when interviewing, the team was just starting to form. But leaving aside employee headcount, as a company, what impresses me the most is how adaptable every department is in order to make things happen and advance. During my few months in TikTok, I have seen how processes have been updated three to four times, making them better each time. All the resources are aiming to make it the best place to work and that not only inspires us as employees but also makes us want to give our 150% every day.

Estefani: We are growing fast and we are definitely taking over LatAm. It is mind-blowing how fast we are growing and this is only the beginning.

Gerardo: The growth of the company in LatAm is huge... LatAm is a very important market and the platform is also growing faster than anyone imagined. So, we cannot slow down and we cannot waste the opportunity to grow as a business. We need all the help that we can receive and the company understands that.

Bruno: Commitment, friendship, empathy, and collaboration. Trusting each other is a need, we work hard, we work a lot and there is nothing better than knowing that your partner is there to help you whenever you need it.

Why should someone join the TikTok Team in LatAm? Do you have any advice?

Efrain Mendicuti: This is a place in which you will be helping not only your team but many others. You will be challenged to learn and re-learn and lastly to go the extra mile and be proactive at all times. If you are this type of person, then this is the right place.

Pablo: The question should be, why not? We are not just a team, we are like a family, helping each other out, looking out for the rest of the team and most importantly, here you are valued as a person. I won't deny that I felt lost in my first 2 weeks. This was a whole new world to me, but you have to be a self-learner and try new ways of working. If you want to be successful, you have to Aim for the Highest!

Gerardo: It is a place to learn, to be different, and to be able to shine as you are. People take you seriously, listen to you and reward your effort.

What do you enjoy most about working at TikTok?

Pablo: I would divide this into two parts. Firstly, the people. This is a very diverse group, each with unique stories and unique skills - the team is amazing! This brings me to the second part, interacting and being able to help people, getting to know the team and knowing that you can do something to help. That, for me, is the best

Ignacio: Trabajar en TikTok para mi ha sido de las experiencias más placenteras que he tenido. No importa si eres nuevo o no estas en el mismo equipo que algunas personas, el sentimiento de pertenencia y cercanía que puedes sentir con cada persona es algo único y eso hace que ir a la oficina y trabajar sea una experiencia agradable. En tan solo 5 meses dentro de TikTok puedo decir con confianza que mi curva de aprendizaje ha sido muy superior al total de mis experiencias previas. [Working at TT has been one of the most enjoyable experiences that I've been blessed to have. It doesn't matter if you're new or on a different team, there is a sense of belonging and connection here that makes going to the office and work enjoyable. I can say with confidence that I've learned more over my five months at TikTok, then I have in my entire prior professional experience.]

Estefani: Definitivamente integrarme al equipo de TikTok en México ha sido una de las mejores experiencias de mi vida. Todos los días son un reto que se resuelve en equipo. El apoyo y compañerismo de todos es muy lindo. [Joining the TikTok team in Mexico has been one of the best experiences of my life. Every day is a challenge that is solved as a team. Everyone's support and camaraderie is very nice.]

Raquel: The people. It has the most amazing group of people, always willing to help no matter where you are located. Here it's Always Day 1. We're always learning and being able to forget all that you've learned before and embrace new ways of working is super important. Cada reto y cada alegría se disfruta más cuando la compartes en equipo [Every challenge and every moment of joy is more enjoyable when you share it with your team.]

Consider joining our teams in Latin America if you like to build at lightning speed, embrace change, thrive in ambiguity, never settle, like to lead with curiosity, and values growing fast together. We are just getting started. Come as you are and make it happen!