From Scrum to Strategy: How Rugby Shaped Jorge’s Winning Game at Geotab

For Jorge Gonzalez, rugby has always been more than just a sport—it’s a way of life. Inspired by his older brother, Jorge picked up a rugby ball at age 12 and never looked back. Nineteen years later, he’s still playing for the same team in Spain’s first division, balancing his passion for the game with a thriving career as the leader of Geotab’s Data Science team in Madrid.

Jorge’s journey with Geotab began with a bold first step. At a university career fair in 2016, he met someone from Geotab. Instead of waiting for an opportunity, he took the initiative and called to request an interview, a call that set the stage for a transformative career. Jorge started as an intern and worked his way up through various roles, eventually leading the Data Science team in Madrid, where he helps build geospatial infrastructure powering Geotab’s data solutions.

Balancing his career at Geotab with his role as a an amateur first-division rugby player in Spain hasn’t been easy, but for Jorge, the choice was clear: “I saw the value of building my future and having a professional career rather than focusing solely on rugby, but the sport has always been a part of who I am.” Rugby demands rigorous training, travel, and intense focus. “There are days when it feels like a lot, but Geotab’s support has made it possible,” Jorge explains. "Whether it’s my manager encouraging me to adjust my hours for training or teammates cheering me on, I’ve always felt supported to pursue my passions." One of Geotab's core values, Work Hard Your Way, gives Jorge the flexibility to allocate his work hours during the day and plan his work trips around his game schedule, ensuring he can excel both at Geotab and on the rugby field.

Rugby has shaped Jorge’s approach to leadership. As a player, captain, and coach, he’s learned the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and resilience. “Rugby is about aligning diverse strengths toward a shared goal,” he explains. “That’s the same philosophy I bring to Geotab, building a collaborative, high-performing team environment to achieve exceptional results.”

As the new year begins, Jorge reflects on his journey, from making that first call and starting as an intern to leading a team that drives impactful solutions at Geotab.“When I think back to that call, it feels like it was just yesterday,” he shares. “But then again, time flies fast when you’re playing the sport you love and doing the job you love alongside people who inspire you every day.” Looking ahead, he is excited for the new opportunities the year will bring. His message for anyone starting their own path is simple: “Take the lead. Whether it’s applying for a new role, starting a project, or reaching out for help, don’t be afraid to make the first move. That’s how growth happens.''

Jorge’s story exemplifies the opportunities Geotab provides for those ready to take initiative. For students exploring their future, Jorge encourages checking out Geotab’s campus programs: “There’s no better time to start than now.”