Coppel

Through this article, Maria Luisa Velasco reflects on her career's diverse sectors, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and unlearning limiting beliefs. She emphasizes the value of diverse perspectives and the role of curiosity, listening and understanding in leadership. Maria advocates for ongoing education, meaningful relationships and fostering a culture of learning to lead successfully and create a lasting impact.

The journey to achieving exceptional results is rarely linear, with every twist and turn presenting a valuable learning opportunity. Over my career in diverse sectors such as hospitality, consulting, finance and retail, I have discovered that the evolving landscape compels us to deviate from conventional paths, engaging in a continuous cycle of learning and sometimes unlearning limiting beliefs. But what does continuous learning truly entail? Is it merely a succession of courses and workshops, or does it extend beyond formal education?

From an early age, I recognized the importance of surrounding myself with mentors and individuals whose perspectives differed from my own. This lesson was ingrained in me by my family, who hail from the Istmo de Tehuantepec region in southern Mexico, a place where gender diversity is celebrated and the wisdom of elder women, known as “tías,” is deeply respected. Their guidance and companionship taught me the art of listening.

Embracing diverse perspectives with curiosity and being open to unlearning restrictive ideas not only enriches decision-making but also strengthens organizational culture.

Growing up in an environment where these 'tías' generously shared their knowledge and experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and the value of shared wisdom. They formed the foundation of my initial network, along with my first mentors—my parents—who fostered in me a crucial element for continuous learning: curiosity.

Throughout my professional journey, I have learned that the ability to listen and understand diverse viewpoints and cultures significantly enhances leadership. This skill is cultivated and must be practiced consistently. This insight has accompanied me since my time in the hospitality industry and has been reaffirmed through various career transitions. Embracing diverse perspectives with curiosity and being open to unlearning restrictive ideas not only enriches decision-making but also strengthens organizational culture.

As a CHRO, I firmly believe that ongoing education is vital to organizational success. I have witnessed firsthand how it not only enhances our skill sets but also enables us to adapt, evolve and lead with empathy and understanding. However, this learning is not confined to formal institutional training. I am convinced that meaningful relationships and dialogues are equally invaluable. We gain tremendous insights from daily interactions, conversations with colleagues and mentors and through group coaching.

Every individual we encounter is a potential teacher and we must take the time to discern the lessons we can glean from each interaction or relationship, which always functions as a mutual exchange.

Beyond HR, true continuous learning, understood from this broad perspective, is essential for any leader because it allows us to adapt, better understand people, and make wiser decisions. As leaders, we must foster a culture of learning in our organizations by incorporating dialogue as an integral part of training initiatives, valuing diverse perspectives and promoting curiosity as a catalyst for inclusion and innovation. Only then can we lead successfully and create a lasting impact.