My Heritage

By Gustavo Silva Cano

I was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, and although I haven’t lived there for more than half of my life, my home country has and will always have a massive, immovable place in my heart. I proudly identify as Colombian, Hispanic, Latino, and as an immigrant. I feel a very deep connection with Latin culture and history, and I am perpetually fascinated by the resilience, ingenuity, grit, and happiness of my fellow Colombians. Also, while the majority of my professional and personal life takes place in English, I have always known that Spanish will forever be the language of my emotions.

As of June of this year, I became a US citizen – sixteen years after first arriving to the United States as a student. So, as of recently, I have also started identifying myself as a proud American. I felt honored and humbled as I took the Oath of Allegiance during my naturalization ceremony, in a moment made even more special because I was surrounded by many other immigrants, like myself, who came from all around the world. When I voted in my first primary election in the US last month, I knew I had reached an important milestone in my life in this country.

Belonging at Marsh McLennan

To me, the idea of belonging is defined by the absence of fear and self-doubt, and by the confidence of knowing that our input and presence in a specific setting are welcome and appreciated. This goes well beyond, and in many ways is opposed to, the notion of just ‘fitting in’, which often requires individuals to conform to prescribed ideas of behavior and appearance. Instead, I think of belonging as the psychological ease that comes with being accepted, valued and (why not) celebrated for who we are at our core, in all our unedited glory. There is power, comfort and security in the feeling of belonging.?

After graduating from law school in 2013, I moved to New York to start my career as an attorney at a law firm, where I worked on large corporate transactions for US and Latin American clients. A couple years later, I joined another New York law firm where I specialized in mergers and acquisitions in the media and advertising industry.?

I joined the Oliver Wyman Group’s Legal & Compliance team as Senior Counsel in February of 2018. A recruiter reached out to me about the position, and I applied enthusiastically, because I knew of Oliver Wyman’s wonderful culture from a close friend who has had a great consulting career here. Meeting the members of the Oliver Wyman Group’s Legal & Compliance team during the interview process sealed the deal for me, and I was ecstatic when I received the offer. My four and a half years at the company have been incredibly fulfilling, both personally and professionally.?

My Professional Trajectory, Goals, & Advocates

When I started practicing law, it took me a while to find my footing in the profession – in private practice, I often felt overwhelmed (which is a common feeling among new attorneys), but as I gained experience, I also gained confidence in my abilities as a lawyer. Now, more than eight years after having graduated law school, I can say that in my role at Oliver Wyman I have found the perfect team, the perfect culture, and the perfect fit for my professional skills and goals. I have become a much better lawyer because of the opportunities that I have had at Oliver Wyman and Marsh McLennan, and I look forward to continuing to grow in that regard.?

This Hispanic Heritage Month, I celebrate all the communities I belong to: Colombian, American, Legal, Oliver Wyman, Marsh McLennan and perhaps the most important community of all, my family, my greatest champions. I have been blessed with their unconditional love, support, and encouragement throughout every aspect of my academic and professional career, and in my personal life. Also, my husband Johnny is my rock. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found such a caring and loving partner who makes my life immeasurably better and way more fun, as well as all the communities that make me feel at home.?