Compliance Matters #11 | Isabel Aguilera | Podcast IE University & Elecnor

Our host, Enrique Aznar, academic director of the IE-Elecnor Observatory on Sustainable Compliance, talks with Isabel Aguilera about her views on leadership and corporate governance, considering her executive roles at companies such as Dell Computer for Spain, Italy, and Portugal, Google, and NH Hoteles, among others.

Isabel Aguilera asserts that companies play a crucial role in society, as their activities help promote employment, build a more sustainable world for future generations, and foster talent development, as well as personal and intellectual growth. “I believe that the role of the company is to contribute to the economic development of society (…), but the company also contributes to making an impact on the lives of many people.”

In this context, conscious leadership is fundamental. For Isabel Aguilera, “conscious leadership is becoming aware that the greatest value or the best ability a leader can have is a deep understanding of people.” In companies, leaders who are aware of their own limitations and strengths, as well as those of their team, should prevail so that together they can develop their full potential.

The episode also discusses the role of the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). Isabel Aguilera is clear that the CCO holds a crucial position, but any good compliance officer must add value. According to her, this added value is achieved in four different ways:

1. Anticipation: Warning about new regulations and how companies should adapt to them.
2. Being close to the business: Adding value through sector expertise.
3. Humility: Knowing when to seek external expertise.
4. Having sound reasoning: Considering the sizes and resources of companies to implement efficient measures.

Finally, Isabel Aguilera reflects on ethics and commitment to sustainability in business. “We owe it in large part to technology. It has made it possible for power to be exercised by more stakeholders, not just some privileged shareholders. Now power is distributed.” In this way, the opinions and priorities of different target audiences have the same value, and the dialogue created among all components of society and the company can have a greater impact on people and, according to Isabel, “leave a better world for future generations.”

For more information about our observatory, here.

 

*Compliance Matters: We care about sustainable future.*

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