Natasha Palis
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=».vc_custom_1722790871184{margin-top: -50px !important;}»]In a constantly evolving business world, standing out and achieving leadership positions requires more than talent; it involves purpose, determination, and the ability to take calculated risks. Luis Fernando Aguirre is a prominent leader in the retail sector, currently serving as an honorary ambassador of the Hispanic Retail Chamber (HRCOC) located in the United States.
Aguirre’s career is characterized by strategic vision and remarkable leadership ability, evidenced by his knack for making bold decisions and leading risky projects that have resulted in significant successes. He has also collaborated with various organizations and has positioned himself in his current role.
What event or decision in your career do you consider the most decisive in reaching your current position?
«First of all, clear purpose and determination. Making the decision to lead risky projects that turned out successful, demonstrating my leadership ability and strategic vision. A reasonable risk is always necessary to be successful. I also believe it was essential to learn to listen and ensure that I received messages clearly before acting,» Aguirre responded.
Additionally, the honorary ambassador of the Hispanic Retail Chamber also mentioned that his passion is to explore innovation permanently, specifically in process improvements, products, development, and motivation of human teams.
He added that he maintains «the passion by fostering a creative environment and celebrating the team’s achievements.»
The balance between professional and personal life
In this aspect, Luis Fernando made it clear that he has no problems when it comes to establishing a boundary between professional life and private life, and that this aspect is extremely important for peace in both areas.
«I am very clear in setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and prioritizing time with my family. Family is everything! And everyone in a work environment has a family or a loved one. Organization and flexibility are key to balancing things.»
He also mentioned decision-making, which was accompanied by a mentor who helped him continue developing his skills.
«I had a mentor whom I admired a lot. From this person, I learned to prioritize, make bold decisions, and cultivate strong relationships. In the end, good personal and professional relationships help us consolidate ourselves.
This mentor had a great capacity for service and listening. He also taught me the importance of this. My mentor always emphasized that without purpose, clarity in the role we play, and determination, we couldn’t move forward.»[vc_single_image image=»4894″ img_size=»medium» alignment=»center» onclick=»custom_link» link=»https://hispanicretailchamber.org/»][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_column_text css=».vc_custom_1722705171065{margin-top: 40px !important;}»]The great professional challenge
Financial crises can be a period of severe instability for a business and can be triggered by various factors. For the leader and ambassador of the Retail Chamber, it was quite a challenge to overcome such adversities.
«Overcoming a financial crisis in a business with negative profitability. I achieved it with innovation strategies, cost reduction, and diversification,» Aguirre told us.
Among his advice for overcoming these situations, he recommends that we «constantly learn, be adaptable, flexible, listen to the environment, and build strong relationships. Develop a vocation for service. Love what you do and from there, set your goals and purposes.»
Regarding his perspective on leadership since he started in the working world, the leader explained that he transitioned from control to empowerment, with the motto «Leadership is guiding, empowering; not dictating.»
Essential skills for success
All leaders and aspiring leaders should keep in mind that to reach this position and the business world, it is important to have certain skills and knowledge that will allow them to keep climbing to the top.
Among them, Aguirre highlights «effective communication,» strategic vision, interpersonal skills, and bold decision-making. It is also crucial to listen, focus, and be flexible,» emphasizing the latter as part of effective communication.
A leader who masters these skills not only guides their team towards achieving goals but also creates a robust and resilient organizational culture, capable of facing challenges and seizing opportunities effectively.
