What is the best advice someone has ever given you?

To work with happy people. When your team is made up of positive individuals, it makes a huge difference in the work environment. Happy team members tend to be more engaged, creative, and willing to collaborate. This positivity spreads, leading everyone to do their best, handle challenges better, and enjoy celebrating wins together. Ultimately, a happy team is key to achieving great results and enjoying the journey along the way.

What advice would you give us?

My advice is to find a clear purpose in your life. When you have a strong sense of purpose, it guides your actions and decisions, making it easier to set and achieve your goals. Purpose gives you direction and motivation, helping you stay focused and persistent, even when things get tough. It’s like having a roadmap that keeps you on track and makes your journey more meaningful and fulfilling.

An essential quality to lead…

One essential quality for a leader is listening. Truly listening to your team members shows that you value their input and respect their perspectives. It builds trust and fosters open communication, which is crucial for effective teamwork. When you listen, you gain valuable insights and ideas that can help drive the team forward. It also helps you understand and address any concerns or challenges your team might be facing. In short, good listening skills are key to being a supportive and effective leader.

What book, podcast, YouTube channel or any other type of content do you recommend us…

I recommend “The Emerging Strategy” by Alejandro Salazar. This book offers innovative insights into how organizations can adapt and thrive in constantly changing environments. Salazar’s extensive experience in the business world provides practical tools and methods for dynamic and flexible strategic management, emphasizing the importance of adaptation and resilience. It’s a must-read for any professional looking to stay competitive in today’s market.

What historical figure would you like to have on your team?

If I could have any historical figure on my team, it would be Pep Guardiola, Manchester United Coach and former Barcelona and Bayer coach. He’s an exceptional leader known for his innovative strategies and ability to inspire his players. Guardiola has a unique talent for bringing out the best in his team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Have you always been clear about your professional objective?

Yes, I’ve always been clear about my professional objectives. Knowing what I want to achieve in life has helped me shape my career path and make decisions that align with my overall vision.

What is the bravest decision you have made in our life?

The bravest decision I have made in my professional life was to drastically change my career paths. A few years ago, I started in the consulting world but decided not to continue down that road, opting instead to take a position within a company. Later, I made a similar bold move by leaving one of the largest companies in Colombia to take on the challenge of becoming the CIO at a smaller enterprise. These decisions were difficult and involved significant risks, but they have brought valuable experiences and growth opportunities. They taught me the importance of following my instincts and being open to new challenges, which ultimately contributed to my personal and professional development.

What is the most curious app you have on your mobile?

The most curious app on my mobile is probably Folio Wallet. It’s a handy app that stores all your important document information, like pictures, numbers, and other details. It’s incredibly useful for keeping everything organized and easily accessible, whether you need to quickly find your ID details or reference a specific document. It’s one of those apps that you don’t realize how much you need until you start using it.

What do people assume about you, and that isn’t true?

People often assume that I know how to fix a computer because I’m a computer engineer. However, the truth is, I don’t even know how to open one. My expertise lies more in software and systems design rather than hardware.

What do you think will be the next revolution in your sector/industry?

In the beauty and personal care industry, I believe the next big revolution will be driven by data and artificial intelligence. AI and advanced data analytics have the potential to transform how products are developed, personalized, and marketed. Imagine skincare products tailored to individual needs based on detailed data about your skin’s condition, environmental factors, and even your personal preferences. AI could analyze trends and consumer feedback in real-time to create innovative solutions and predict future needs. This technological leap could lead to more effective, personalized products and a more engaging customer experience overall.

What do you admire and do not tolerate in a person?

I deeply admire integrity in a person. It’s the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, which fosters trust and respect in any relationship or professional setting. On the other hand, I have little tolerance for arrogance. Arrogance often leads to a lack of empathy and disregard for others’ opinions, which can create a toxic environment.

Which top managers would you like to nominate?

Alejandro Botero, VP Business specialized in Mobility, leasing, rental and use, and member of the board of Renting Colombia SAS.

Felipe Jaramillo Ruiz, Unified Leadership Consultant at Special Olympics, and Associate Professor at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana.

Carlos Miguel Correa, Cofounder of Mystic Foods.