David Israel Mendez joined ScottMadden in 2015 as an associate after completing his MBA at Goizueta Business School at Emory University. Within the firm, David is a member of the supply chain, human resources, and regulatory communities of practice. Outside of ScottMadden, David is a member of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA), Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), and High Museum Young Professionals.
David recalls his top work experience thus far. “I worked with the World Bank Group where, for the most part, I was the only consultant on site. It provided me the opportunity to learn and grow as a consultant in a quick timeframe. It also afforded me the opportunity to connect with the client and become part of their team, all while delivering on their expectations.”
Passions
What is David passionate about? Traveling and history. “I enjoy going to new places—immersing myself in cultures as the locals do and standing where famous history figures once stood. I like the concept of being ‘lost’ in a place where I am completely unfamiliar. It’s scary and intimidating, yet there is a beauty in those moments. I see the same connection in consulting. Sometimes you are stretched beyond your comfort zone.”
David visiting Porto, Portugal
It’s easy to see where David’s passion for travel stems from. David explains, “I moved away from home (Guatemala) when I was eight years old. Since then, I have lived in six states and three countries. I have picked cherries and apples in Washington State, frozen on a fishing boat in the Gulf of Alaska, served my country in the Middle East, studied abroad in China and Israel, and now work for ScottMadden in the Atlanta office.”
David continues, “My ultimate dream job is be to be a writer for Lonely Planet or Frommer’s travel books. I love traveling and journaling, so why not combine the two? I’d also like to become a history teacher at a local high school, teaching about places I’ve visited and connecting the history of those places to today.”
While he cannot pinpoint his best piece of advice, here are a few principles that have shaped him into the person he is today—all thanks to his mother. “These foundational life reminders guide me both personally and professionally, keeping me grounded,” said David.
- Always be on time
- Your word is your honor. Therefore when you say something, do it
- Do not be afraid to love God, others, and yourself
- Live life
- Treat everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their status
So, what’s next for David? More traveling, of course. Up next is Croatia.