Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA)’s Post

A week ago, over 450+ Latino executive leaders gathered in Miami for the Annual Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA). This event has quickly become one of my favorites, as it feels like home. It’s a chance to celebrate others’ accomplishments, offer guidance, and learn from brilliant minds in business. This year, four sessions stood out, and I’m eager to share their wisdom with my LinkedIn community. Bill Ford: Exec Chair of Ford Motor Company Listening to Bill felt like chatting with a friend over coffee. Grounded and reflective, he acknowledged his privileged upbringing and shared how it shaped his understanding of self-worth and the importance of avoiding entitlement. He noted that many wealthy individuals he encountered seemed unhappy, and he vowed to avoid that happening to him. Notably, he shared that his children must work at multiple companies before being considered for a role at Ford, illustrating the value of earning success. He also recounted working incognito at a Ford plant under the name "William Clay" to experience life as a manufacturing employee. This reinforced my belief in staying grounded amidst privilege. Sharing his story with my daughter sparked meaningful reflection. I think she is still digesting. ;-) Daniel Alegre – CEO of Univision Daniel’s apolitical, data-driven approach was refreshing. He emphasized the power of representation, recalling how a Cuban CFO at Google inspired his own leadership journey. His insights reaffirmed the need for diverse leadership that reflects our world of 8 billion unique individuals. Daniel also highlighted the growing recognition of the Latino community’s influence, particularly in recent elections. As Latinos, we often feel like we haven’t had "our moment." Perhaps that moment is now—and it’s up to us to leverage it to amplify our impact. The Badass Latina CEOs Panel Priscilla Almodovar Cheryl M. Geisha Williams This panel featured four trailblazing women, each the first and only female CEO in their respective industries. As they shared their stories—with plenty of humor along the way—I was captivated by their ability to shift gracefully between masculine and feminine energy. I truly believe this duality is a superpower for women in business. While men possess this balance too, it seems to me that women can fine-tune it with such elegance that it naturally inspires and enlists followers. A panel moderated by Sandra Campos delved into luxury trends but quickly pivoted to a deeper conversation about the role of humanity in leadership. CEOs (@Robert Chavez Hermes and Payam Zamani) emphasized love and kindness as core values in building better organizations. It was a powerful reminder that businesses thrive when powered by empathy and humanity. This year’s conference left me with so much to reflect on and aspire toward. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event. #AllIN Grateful for the gift of LCDA.