The second Women Insights Forum on “Women in Power and Decision-Making” was held, featuring Esperanza Casteleiro, Secretary of State and Director of the National Intelligence Center (CNI); Gloria Lomana, Executive President and Founder of 50&50 Gender Leadership; and Cristina Sancho Ferrán, Director of Corporate Affairs & Public Relations of Karnov Group AB and President of the Aranzadi LA LEY Foundation.
These three leading women in Spain shared their perspectives on female leadership, the role of women in high-level decision-making, and the importance of future generations in consolidating the positions of power achieved by women.
Rosa M. de la Fuente Fernández, Vice-Rector for Students at the Complutense University of Madrid, presented the Forum and encouraged the residents to carry out an “inclusive leadership” that “generates alliances with others, despite any resistance that may be encountered” and that is “courageous to imagine better goals and carry them out.”
Gloria Lomana stated that being a leader is something that must begin to be “practiced,” without fear of making mistakes, wherever one is, because “the position does not confer leadership.” The Secretary of State and Director of the National Intelligence Center (CNI), Esperanza Casteleiro, highlighted the importance of “believing in oneself and in one’s own abilities” and surrounding oneself with “excellent teams.”
Cristina Sancho Ferrán spoke of being a female leader with “naturalness,” “eliminating unconscious biases,” “without apologizing,” and not trying “to please everyone,” always remaining true to one’s personal principles and values, because “no position or situation is worth betraying them.” Trini Sanchez Romero, Head of International Surety™ Desk, who moderated the meeting, pointed out the importance of future generations accepting and maintaining the challenges conquered by previous generations, encouraged them to be inspiring and to enhance their soft skills in leadership positions, as well as self-awareness to make the most of their personal capabilities and put them at the service of society.