Samantha Eames Uribe

Samantha Eames Uribe (44), Sam as everyone knows her, didn’t start her career in technology or even in business. “I studied French philology, and I’m a few exams away from finishing my English philology degree,” she says. “So, no, this wasn’t a typical path into IT.”

She began her working life taking calls in a bank’s customer service department before moving into insurance, where she spent ten years working in claims. But it wasn’t until she joined NN Spain seven years ago that her career truly began to evolve. “At my previous company, I felt stuck. I couldn’t grow anymore. NN gave me that opportunity.”

Embracing the unknown
Three years ago, Samantha took a leap of faith. With no formal IT background but a deep understanding of operations and business processes, she transitioned into a technical role at NN’s Digital Hub—specifically the OXYGEN team, which develops and configures insurance products for different business units.

“It was completely new to me,” she admits. “I had no prior knowledge of development or configuration. But I was curious, especially about how applications integrated with business needs. I think that curiosity helped open the door.” Today, Samantha works closely with teams in Romania and Greece to develop claims-related components for new insurance products. She also acts as a Scrum Master for her squads, helping to guide and support product owners and managers when needed. “Every day is a challenge because I’m still learning. But that’s what makes it exciting.”

Confidence through growth
Samantha speaks proudly of her progression at NN. Starting in operations, she moved into management before radically shifting into tech. “It was a 360-degree change, and I was terrified,” she says. “But NN trusted me, supported me and gave me the space to learn. That trust made all the difference.”

She’s also quick to acknowledge the value of having business experience in a technical environment. “It helps bridge the gap,” she explains. “I can take business requirements and help translate them into solutions that make sense for IT—then explain those solutions back to the business practically.”

A company that believes in people
What sets NN apart for Samantha is the culture of trust and opportunity. “From day one, they gave me space to express myself, to share ideas, and to grow. That’s something I didn’t experience before,” she says. “They don’t just tell you to master your skills. They help you do it. With courses, mentoring and the right environment.”

Looking ahead, Samantha sees her journey continuing in tech. “I want to keep learning. My business knowledge helps, but now I’m focused on automation and development. There’s so much more to discover.”

Her advice to others
Samantha has this advice for anyone considering a role at NN—or contemplating a significant career change: “Don’t think about it, just go for it. You might not have the knowledge now, but that’s okay. I didn’t either. NN will help you grow, challenge you in the right way and support you throughout. And even if you fail at something, that’s not the end. You’ll learn. That’s how you grow.”

She also encourages others, especially women, not to be held back by fear. “If someone offers you the chance to grow, take it. You’re more capable than you think.”