Employee Stories

Germana

Our female CEO’s story

I have always taken pride in my work and my relationships. It’s through that lens that my leadership has developed over time. Leadership is not something that I strive for by itself, because good leaders must also be good followers and active listeners.

By focusing on working hard and doing the best you can, while remaining committed to doing the right thing, you build up a personal brand of trust. Over time, that trust becomes a differentiator, forming a platform for growth opportunities and long-term partnerships. 

I adopt a management approach rooted in collaboration and accountability. While we operate in a respectful hierarchy, I actively welcome the team’s input and feedback on how to improve and deliver for our clients in a rapidly changing environment. 

No one is right all the time

I used to struggle with the need for perfectionism. We live in a dynamic world with deadlines, and we must accept that we cannot be right all of the time. The quality of our decisions is a result of the information we have on hand at a given moment. Therefore, we should do our homework before committing, and once a decision is made, commit fully.

I have learned to be at peace with outcomes if I’m confident that I acted with rigour, integrity and the best available insights. Experience has taught me that strong leadership is not about avoiding mistakes but about learning quickly and adjusting course when needed. The lessons learned serve as valuable reference points, helping me avoid making the same mistakes in the future. 

I have learned to be at peace with results as long as I am certain I did my best

Rolling with the punches

Bouncing back from being let go in a previous job was one of the greatest challenges I have faced in my career. I had naively thought I would be there until retirement, but in that moment, the world felt like it collapsed. My husband was taking a break, and I had a two-year-old child.

I found another job a few months later and came to accept that we cannot foresee everything that will happen in our careers. Professional journeys are rarely linear, and unexpected events often test both resilience and perspective. For this reason, it is important to be true to yourself and clear about what you want from your career. This clarity becomes an anchor during periods of uncertainty and change. 

It’s also equally important to continue investing in yourself through education, expanding your network, and trusting your own judgement. I believe that when you do this, you’re better equipped to handle challenges with confidence, even when facing unfair criticism or discrimination, because you know your value, your capabilities, and your worth.

Looking ahead

The years ahead will likely continue to be both demanding and full of opportunities. As CEO for Latin America, it remains a privilege to lead a diverse and dynamic region with deep strategic importance to the Bank.

And I’m committed to being a role model to my colleagues and to effectively communicate how our unique markets play a significant role in the long-term success of the Bank as a whole. Leadership is about making thoughtful decisions, standing by your values, and continuously learning, regardless of the outcome.