When I first envisioned this blog post, I thought about the many leaders I’ve met over the years. Among them, Andrea’s story stands out, not just because of her remarkable journey from a family business to leading one of the world’s most impactful organizations, but because of her unwavering commitment to human-centricity. Her leadership style, her values, and her approach to challenges remind us all why putting people at the center of everything we do is not just good for business—it’s essential for creating lasting impact.
In this post, I’ll share insights from my conversation with Andrea Avila, exploring her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and the profound importance of human-centric leadership in today’s world.
Starting with Purpose
One of the first things Andrea shared with me was how her journey began. At just 13 years old, she asked her father if she could join the family business. This wasn’t a calculated career move; it was a reflection of her innate curiosity and passion for people. Over the years, she worked her way up from filing papers to leading a multinational organization. But what struck me most wasn’t just the milestones she achieved—it was the purpose that drove her every step of the way.
Andrea’s purpose is rooted in relationships. “The relationships with people are really something that, for me, is very important,” she told me. That human connection has been her guiding light, helping her navigate not only the complexities of business but also the challenges of leadership.
For leaders, finding purpose is essential. It’s what energizes us on those mornings when we’d rather stay in bed. It’s what drives us to make tough decisions with integrity. And, as Andrea beautifully put it, it’s what allows us to put our souls into our work.
The Power of Human-Centricity
Human-centricity is more than just a buzzword for Andrea; it’s the foundation of her leadership philosophy. In her words, “The human being must be present in each decision we take.” This means thinking beyond processes and KPIs to consider the real impact on people’s lives—whether it’s an employee’s salary, a customer’s experience, or a team’s sense of purpose.
But embracing human-centricity isn’t always easy. Andrea acknowledged the tension that often arises between transactional tasks and a people-first approach. “Sometimes teams see human-centricity as a contradiction to having financial results,” she said. Yet, she firmly believes it’s the opposite. “If we want good financial results, we need to have a human-centric approach.”
Her message is clear: when we prioritize people, the results will follow. Better talent, stronger client relationships, and sustainable growth are all byproducts of a human-centric strategy.
Leading Through Crisis
Andrea’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic is a testament to the power of human-centricity. At a time when uncertainty was at its peak, she and her team made a bold decision: to prioritize their employees’ well-being above all else.
“We worked as a management team to keep 8,000 people working and protect their jobs,” she explained. This wasn’t just about financial stability; it was about providing certainty in a time of unprecedented uncertainty.
To achieve this, they opened lines of communication like never before. Weekly check-ins, virtual coffee chats, and crisis committee meetings became the norm. Managers reached out to employees, not just to discuss work but to ask, “How are you? How can I help?” In Andrea’s own words, “It’s not just about saying we’re human-centric; it’s about living it every day.”
This approach didn’t just sustain the company during the pandemic—it allowed them to grow. By doubling their workforce and strengthening their culture, they emerged from the crisis stronger than ever.
Lessons in Leadership
One of the most inspiring parts of my conversation with Andrea was her reflection on the lessons she’s learned as a leader. Here are a few that stood out:
- Adaptability is Key:
- “We need to be flexible and open our minds,” Andrea said. During the pandemic, traditional management manuals went out the window, and leaders had to adapt in real time. For Andrea, this meant being open to new ways of thinking and unlearning old habits.
- Learn from Everyone:
- Andrea emphasized the importance of learning from others, particularly younger generations. “Being in contact with young people is really important to learn,” she shared. This openness to diverse perspectives has been a cornerstone of her leadership.
- Lead with Heart:
- Whether it’s through her commitment to gender equity or her dedication to building strong teams, Andrea’s leadership is defined by passion and empathy. She wants to be remembered as someone who worked with her heart on the table, creating opportunities for others to thrive.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders
For leaders who are just beginning to embrace human-centricity, Andrea offers this advice: take the time to reflect. “Think about the impact of your decisions on people’s lives,” she urged. “When you take the time, you’ll see things you might not have noticed before.”
She also encouraged leaders to keep experimenting and trying new approaches. “The journey isn’t always linear,” she reminded me. “It’s full of ups and downs, but those challenges are where the real learning happens.”
A Legacy of Connection and Impact
As our conversation drew to a close, I asked Andrea about the legacy she hopes to leave behind. Her answer was simple yet profound: to be remembered as a leader who opened doors for others, especially women, and who worked with passion and integrity.
“It’s not about how long it takes,” she said, echoing a lesson from her grandmother. “It’s about the impact you make and the values you live by.”
Andrea’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about titles or achievements—it’s about the connections we build, the lives we touch, and the values we uphold. For those of us striving to create more human-centric organizations, her journey serves as both a guide and an inspiration.
So, as you reflect on your own leadership journey, ask yourself: how can I put people at the center of what I do? And remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress—one step, one decision, one relationship at a time.
