Emily in Paris? I Thought You Meant Nina in CDMX.
By Nina Paneque
Endeavor Intelligence Unit Associate, Mexico City, Mexico
Hello PiLA community! My name is Nina Paneque, and I am this year´s PiLA fellow stationed in Ciudad de México. Since July, I have had the privilege of collaborating with a dynamic crew of go-getters in the Endeavor Mexico office, all on a mission to supercharge the nation´s innovation culture and build thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems. Come along with me as I share the highs and lows of my journey, as well as some of the insights that have guided me through this year—a year that has been challenging at times, but always immensely rewarding.
Let's get started with some survival tips—because what fellowship toolkit would be complete without the skills and resources needed for thriving in daily life?
(1) Taco Timing & Café 24/7: Living in Mexico City is a whirlwind of rich culture, mouth watering street food, and the kind of traffic that makes you question your life choices. Every day brings a new adventure—whether it’s exploring colorful mercados, getting lost in the maze of historic neighborhoods, or trying to keep up with my talented colleagues during brainstorming sessions fueled by dulces and cafecito. Truly, it is essential to stay energized and avoid the very serious “grumpy fellow” syndrome during workdays at the office. For lunch, I suggest tacos, which are always just a sidewalk stand away. The walk offers a chance to bond with a colleague and enjoy the city's flavors along the way.
Taco therapy: because sometimes a good taco can solve anything.
(2) Chiles & Spice: Moving to a new country is a lot like the spicy candies here in CDMX. At first, it may catch you off guard as you begin to navigate the challenges of a new language, new home, and new friends– but soon, you´ll get to the sweet part! One of my most memorable (and fiery) food-moments was the first time I underestimated the spiciness of a dish during a lunch with some new friends. As my face turned red and I reached for my drink, the laughter around the table reminded me how important it is to embrace both the trials and joys of moving to a new country. My advice? Don’t get down on yourself when it feels like you’re a little in over your head. The adjustment period is quick, and soon enough, you’ll be savoring every spicy bite with confidence and making meaningful connections that teach you a lot and make CDMX seem more and more like home. Spicy and sweet, just like the fellowship experience!
(3) Understand the Mission: When I first joined Endeavor Mexico, one of the things that most stuck out to me was the wealth of knowledge and passion around me. One of my initial tasks involved diving deep into the organization’s mission and values, which centers on providing the necessary mentorship and resources to high-impact entrepreneurs so they can innovate and transform their local ecosystems. One team meeting early on in my fellowship revolved around our ongoing projects aimed at fostering innovation in local startups. I knew then that volunteering for various tasks around the office, from conducting market research to sitting in on mentorship initiatives, would be essential to maximizing my time at Endeavor and learning about horizontal team functionality. Be willing to take on different responsibilities to gain a well-rounded understanding of the organization. An amazing thing about Endeavor Mexico is its collaborative culture; members of different teams, or even different offices, are constantly in conversation. We really are One Endeavor.
Another piece of advice centers on the importance of regular reflection. After a busy week, take time to assess what went well and where there is room for improvement. This practice is essential for growing personally but also for allowing for more effective contribution to the team. The fellowship experience at Endeavor Mexico is transformative. Truly each task, no matter how small, plays a vital role in the larger mission. Embracing this perspective has enriched my journey and reinforced my commitment to creating value for the entrepreneurs we serve.
Photos from a hike I went on with some members from the office!
(4) What survival kit would be complete without a dictionary of Mexican slang? Watching telenovelas, apart from becoming a guilty pleasure, has also been a great way for me to learn local slang. Here are some basics to get you started!
¡Qué padre! - “How cool!” Also a great phrase to use when you´ve been invited to sit in on one of Endeavor´s LSPs (Local Selection Panels, an entrepreneur event that precedes the International Selection Panel where EE´s, or Endeavor Entrepreneurs, are officially selected and named).
Mande - ¨What?¨or ¨Repeat that, please?¨ Excellent to use in the office when you want to ensure you fully understand what someone is saying, especially in fast-paced conversations at the beginning of your fellowship when you´re still easing into Spanish work-related conversations. It shows you’re paying attention and want to get it right!
¡Órale! - ¨Wow!¨ This is a great way to express excitement or encouragement!
Chido - ¨Cool¨ This term is incredibly versatile, and I highly recommend using it to create a mini-guide to the different restaurants and spots you encounter. Maybe you can rate them on a “chido” scale.
(5) Cereal vs. Chilaquiles: There's a Mexican proverb that says, ¨El que mucho abarca, poco aprieta,¨or in English, “He who grasps too much holds little.” I think this is a really great way to approach your fellowship. What I´ve learned so far during my time in CDMX, is that, when you try to do too many things at once, you might end up missing out on some of the beauty built into the simple things. I wouldn't worry about building a whole new life right away, or stress about your progress in all the different areas you've established as goals for yourself. Celebrate the small wins, acknowledging your growth and taking time to appreciate all the daily happenings to stay motivated. Stay resilient too. Working in a new language and culture will certainly come with some challenges, but maintaining a positive attitude will help you thrive. As you go through your time on the PiLA fellowship, work on building relationships with your colleagues at work, bonding over silly moments in the office. Seeking mentorship is another great way to establish meaningful connections, and they can help to guide you and provide insights into the non-profit and venture capital landscape. After a few months here, I´ve gone from eating cereal every morning to embracing chilaquiles and now I can’t imagine starting the day without them.
In closing, my journey as a PiLA fellow in Ciudad de México has been anything but ordinary. It’s been a rollercoaster of flavors and experiences that constantly challenge and inspire me. From the hustle of taco runs to the camaraderie found in brainstorming sessions, every moment has added depth to my understanding of this vibrant city and its entrepreneurial spirit. Embracing this opportunity has brought me more fulfillment, growth, and excitement than I could have imagined. As I continue my work with Endeavor Mexico, I hope to savor each new experience, celebrate the small victories, and deepen my connections with this incredible community. Here’s to the adventure ahead—each day is a new opportunity to learn and enjoy the spice of life in CDMX!