Day in the Life
Silvia Gudino
I’m originally from Costa Rica, and I currently live here as well.
We’re also a coffee-producing country, so starting my day without a good cup of coffee is simply not an option! 🙂 It’s a small daily ritual that helps me slow down, get grounded, and ease into my workday.
I´ve always been drawn to learning from different cultures and countries. I’ve had the opportunity to travel and even live abroad, including time in Japan as well as periods in Italy, Spain, and Mexico. Those experiences have shaped the way I see the world and the way I connect with people.
I love that Percona truly supports a global, flexible lifestyle. Being fully remote makes it possible to stay rooted in Costa Rica while remaining connected to a diverse, international team — and to keep exploring the world without putting my career on pause.
I started my career in Human Resources driven by a very natural inclination to connect with people. I’ve always been deeply interested in human relationships, clear communication, emotional intelligence, and understanding what motivates individuals and teams. Early on, I worked in a more general HR role, but I quickly fell in love with Talent Acquisition — interviewing, understanding profiles beyond resumes, and helping people find roles where they can truly thrive.
Besides my work in TA, I also have a deep passion for dancing. Movement is a key part of how I start and end my day, as it helps me feel grounded, focused, and energized. I usually begin my mornings with some form of physical activity, whether that’s going to the gym, swimming, or simply moving my body to wake up. By around 9 or 9:30 a.m., I’m all set to enjoy my coffee — a small but essential ritual for me — and by 10 a.m. I start my workday, meetings, and focus time.
In my role at Percona, I work closely with hiring managers and candidates, primarily supporting roles across the Americas time zone. My day involves managing recruiting processes end-to-end, partnering with stakeholders, advocating for candidates, and ensuring a thoughtful and consistent experience throughout the interview journey. I also collaborate on special projects focused on improving our Talent Acquisition processes and adapting to market needs. Although my team is globally distributed and most of them are based in Europe, I’ve never felt isolated — the collaboration and sense of support are always there.
It has the energy and curiosity of an entrepreneurial environment, while also offering the stability and maturity of a well-established organization. This creates a space where ideas are welcome, conversations are open, and change feels possible without becoming chaotic. There is room to build, question, and continuously improve.
I also value Percona’s people-first and remote culture. Hiring is based on talent rather than geography, which allows us to work with teammates from more than 50 countries and truly embrace diversity. Being fully remote enables a strong work-life balance and flexibility, while still feeling connected and supported. At Percona, you feel trusted, encouraged to grow, and valued as both a professional and a person.
On my last FryDay, I spent the day offline and focused on recharging. I started the morning dancing, which is one of my favorite ways to reconnect with myself and reset. Later in the day, I slowed down and spent quality time with my loved ones. It was a gentle reminder of how valuable it is to have space to recharge and take care of what truly matters.
Where was your last off-site? What did you like best about it?
My last off-site with the team was in Milan, Italy. It was incredibly meaningful to finally meet my team in person and spend quality time
together. Being face-to-face allowed us to strengthen our connections, build trust, and collaborate in a much deeper way.
