Sandrine Brin : The Most Inspiring Women Leaders Making a Difference, 2026 | CIO Views Magazine

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Women Powering Progress Through Purpose

Fromindustriestonations,anextraordinarygroupofwomenleaders is emerging, and their clarity of purpose is rewriting the leadership story of our times. The scope of their leadership is not limited to the boundaries of their duties and responsibilities but extends to communities, policies, and global discourse that need courage and new perspectives to move forward. These women leaders lead with clarity, combining leadership brilliance with compassion, strength, and an unwavering commitment to effect change.They are rewriting the leadership success story by focusing on impact, not recognition, and cooperation, not competition. They are breaking new ground in boardrooms and communities, demonstrating that inclusive leadership is not just an aspiration but a blueprint for success. Their stories are powerful reminders that success can be achieved without sacrificing authenticity and compassion. Every milestone they accomplish is an open door for many more, empowering young womentoimaginetheirownleadershippathswithoptimism.Astheir leadership impact increases, the promise for a more equitable, innovative,andempoweredworldforallgetsbrighter.

For any editorial queries, write to us at: editor@cioviews.com For any other queries, write to us at: info@cioviews.com

AtCIOViews,wehonortheseempoweringleadersbydedicatingthis issue titled “The Most Inspiring Women Leaders Making a Difference, 2026” to them. Featuring as the cover story, we have covered the successful & motivating journey of Sandrine Brin, Administrative and Financial Manager at HMN • Partners. We have also included the inspiring stories of Maria Moore, Civic FederalCreditUnionatSVPofMemberExperience;HonestyLiller, CEO of The McShin Foundation; Lizette Ibarra, CEO of Latina Chief; and Laetitia Cailleteau, Managing Director, DATA & AI EuropeLeadatAccenture.

CIO Views is a business magazine that mainly focuses on business leaders,theirjourney,viewsoncurrenteconomicstates,andallother relevant subjects that refer to the business world. Our goal is to be a leadingsourceofinformationdedicatedtoprovidingourreaderswith detailed perspectives and views of successful business leaders who aretransformingthebusinessoutlookandredefiningtheirgoals.With exclusive editions on various industries like software, education, healthcare, technology, real estate, and many more, CIO Views is driventopromoteexcellenceintheworldofbusiness.

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The CompassEmpathy of

How Sandrine Brin Boldly Redefines influence

in Understanding the World of Finance and Administration in the Field of International Law

Being named one of the most inspiring women leaders in global business means a great deal to Sandrine Brin. She has been with HMN & PARTNERS as its respected Office Manager since 2006. And for her, the recognition comes with a meaningful responsibility. She sees it as a platform to promote messages beyond her own career. This visibility matters only if it helps open doors for other women and supports a more humancenteredwayofleading.

Sandrinefeelsdeeplyhonoredbecausetheawardreflectsherdailycommitment to empathy and authenticity. These values guide every decision she makes, steadyandreassuring.

HMN & Partners:AProfile

HMN & Partners is an established legal firm.Ateam of experienced lawyers founded the practice in May 2006. These founders already had market-leading practices in France and internationally.

The firm focuses on providing strategic representation and guidance. They serve insurance and reinsurance companies. They also work with both multinational and domestic corporations.

HMN and Partners offer legal services in many different sectors, with the principal areas of practice including Aviation and Space Law and International Litigation and Arbitration. They also handle Insurance and Reinsurance matters. Other specializations are Industrial Risks and Product Liability, Medical

Malpractice, and Pharmaceutical Liability. The firm is skilled in Directors and Officers liability insurance and Criminal Business Law. They also cover Construction, Tourism and Travel Law, and Transport.

The firm prides itself on its close working relationship with clients. They build a deep understanding of each client's specific business needs. This approach allows them to provide legal services of the highest quality.

The firm's partners and their teams have significant experience. They have been involved in a wide range of high-profile and politically sensitive cases. These cases span both France and many foreign countries. Their work covers both civil law and Common Law jurisdictions. HMN & Partners actively maintains

cooperative relationships with law firms worldwide. These partners share the firm's reputation for excellence. They also adopt a cost-effective approach to legal services. In order to strengthen its international presence, HMN & Partners is part of numerous networks including GlobalAccess.

Evolution of a Human-Centered Leader

Her finance and administrative career has progressed over the years based on one fundamental belief: "financial influence must remain closely connected to people." Throughout her professional journey, Sandrine has worked in many different and complex environments. In there, she has supported organizations during times of significant change and has assisted teams with challenging and often emotionally charged issues.

Sandrine's defining experiences were not just technical. Her most transformational experiences required more than just technical knowledge. There have been periods where being able to listen, be a source of comfort, and provide clarity have been the most important attributes to have developed her stewardship style. Her stewardship style combines a firm, but caring approach, and it is a unique blend of being rigorous yet truly human in nature.

The Professional Challenges

The legal sector is often dominated by male leaders. Sandrine's great fortune was to have been guided by an exceptional man, the firm's founder, Gérard Honig, a respected managing partner who shared her values of rigor and humanity. She therefore had to navigate expectations that were both subtle and explicit. This meant being assertive, yet measured, and competent, without disrupting the firm's operations. She was expected to be strong, reliable, and always available.

The biggest obstacle was asserting herself without compromising her values. However, once she learned to align them with her actions, the task became easier. One of her greatest strengths was her capacity for empathy. Sandrine observed that many mistake empathy for a weakness. Her intuition, however, transformed it into an exceptional strength.

For her, this happens when empathy is judiciously integrated into strategic decision-making.

Aligning Strategy with Vision

To Sandrine, financial strategy is not an isolated discipline. It simply has to support and amplify the firm's objectives globally.Achieving this alignment takes effort. There are several things that must be understood. These include, but are not limited to, the company's practice areas, geographic regions in which it operates, and its internal systems and processes.

She also makes sure to integrate the human dimension into every decision.After all, a strategy is only successful when the people implementing it understand it, believe in it, and feel included in the journey. This is a very important point.

The Power of Collaboration

Talk about collaboration, it sits right at the center of Sandrine's leadership style. She considers,

“

Financial influence must remain closely connected to people.

"collective intelligence produces more sustainable outcomes than isolated reasoning.”

Her primary role is to ensure seamless collaboration. She works to connect the financial, legal, and operational teams. This creates an environment where every single voice can contribute fully.As we already know, empathy is Sandrine's inner superpower. She uses it to detect concerns that are unspoken, to anticipate resistance, and to help each individual contribute their absolute best.

Clarity Under Pressure

The financial domain is always full of unexpected turns and trials.As steady as it tries to be, sometimes it can be

overwhelming. Leaders need to be more adaptable than rigid. Throughout her career, Sandrine has come across many such tests. How did she handle them? When managing complex financial decisions under pressure, Sandrine relies on two fundamental pillars. These are analytical rigor and perspective.

To stay clear-minded despite the complexity, she starts with one simple question: "Why does this decision truly matter?" Resilience comes from her philosophy. She remains composed, factual, and highly attentive to people's needs.Ateam that feels supported by its leader can navigate high-stakes decisions with confidence, like a well-built ship sailing through a storm.

Integrating Cultural Innovation

Innovation at HMN & PARTNERS is not just about technology. It is also about a gentle but steady cultural shift. Sandrine feels that while smart automation of repetitive tasks is important, her real focus is on rethinking how everyday processes work. This includes making reporting tools clearer, building stronger transparency in how the firm communicates, and creating financial indicators that feel intuitive for everyone.

Simple, sincere motivation drives the changes. The goal is to give employees more space to breathe, so they can strategize, work easily, and work with purpose. Sandrine also intends to increase collaboration

Advice for Future Leaders

To all young women interested in obtaining a leadership position in the global finance and administration sector, Sandrine shares her hard-won insights. First, she advises, "master your technical skills." That is their foundation, the part no one can take away from them. She also encourages them to hold on to their authentic strengths. Do not dim them. Global finance needs professionals who can analyze data with precision and still connect with people in a real, human way. It calls for individuals who understand numbers

and people with the same depth, because both matter more than we often admit.

The veteran often warns young aspirants against letting anyone convince them that empathy has no place in a strategic role. In her experience, it is one of the most powerful assets a leader can have. In today's world, emotional intelligence sits right beside analytical ability, and honestly, empathy is worth its weight in gold. This is where we will complement artificial intelligence.

among the employees of the company. She wants to help each team feel more connected, more supported, and more confident in their ability to deliver a product together, like hands working together to lift the same weight.

Achievements that Stand Tall

Sandrine does not attribute her proudest moments during her career to a single figure or benchmark. Rather, the accomplishments of which she is most proud are those that involved helping teams find collective solutions to change challenging situations into successful outcomes.

It is about the moment when a group of people can rise together, regain their footing, and truly rediscover their purpose. These powerful moments, she notes, serve as a constant and vivid reminder of why she chose this demanding profession in the first place.

Prioritizing Balance

Aperfect work-life balance is essential for overall well-being. For many, achieving and maintaining this balance is a constant challenge. However, after many years of effort, Sandrine has learned to block out time slots in her schedule to dedicate herself exclusively to either her work, her three children and husband, or her parents. It is equally important for her to set clear boundaries regarding the time she needs for her well-being and rejuvenation.

Sandrine places great importance on reflection, refocusing, and balance. It's not optional for her. Staying connected to everyday life and its daily challenges is essential for making informed decisions and

exerting effective influence. Keeping your feet on the ground, taking the world around you into consideration, as she herself says, "I have learned to recognize my limits, to prioritize what truly matters, and to cultivate the inner balance that allows me to effectively support others." This balance is essential, like a tightrope walker who maintains a perfect posture to ensure stability and fluidity in their movements.

Leading Through Trying Times

Stewardship through uncertainty for Sandrine is based on three main values- Integrity, responsibility, and compassion. Throughout uncertain times or at the highest levels of stress, she reflects back on these values.

This means being truthful regardless of the difficulty of doing so, as well as honouring others' opinions. In addition to this, it is about ensuring that long-term value is consistently chosen over short-term comfort.

Empathy acts as her compass in such trying times. It ensures that all decisions made are those that serve to align with what is 'right' and sustainable. In other words, when things get tough, she sticks to her guns.

Contributing to HMN & PARTNERS' Future

As Office Manager at HMN & PARTNERS, her role is absolutely critical to the overall long-term success and global reputation of the company. She contributes by providing the ability to make financial clarity available to everyone at the firm, providing strong support to strategic business decisions, and nurturing a strong bond of unity

throughout HMN & PARTNERS.

Acompany's reputation, she points out, truly blossoms when its internal foundations are strong, aligned, and deeply human-focused. This fundamental principle is one that this financial leader is committed to. Sandrine considers the financial plan a key component in making it an effective tool to support long-term stability, instill confidence in the company, and advance the firm's pursuit of long-term excellence.

ALegacy of Sensitivity

The legacy Sandrine hopes to leave for future women in finance and legal administration carries real heart. She wants them to feel, deep down, that human-centered leadership is not only possible but also truly transformative. Her message is soft yet steady. You can be demanding and caring at the same time. You can be strategic while still staying empathetic. You can be firm and still remain fully, beautifully human.

If she could offer only one lesson, it would be this: “Lead without abandoning your sensitivity.” She adds, “It is not a weakness; it is your most powerful differentiator.” It guides you, protects your judgment, and lights the way for others, much like a quiet lantern glowing through a long night. Remember that a professional relationship should be a space for exchange. You give, you receive.

The Firm relies on a team of experienced, committed and innovative lawyers.

Civic Federal Credit Union, SVP of Member Experience

MariaMoore

Empowering Leadership in the Financial Industry

In an era where leadership paradigms are constantly evolving, Maria Moore stands out as a beacon of empowerment and innovation.As the Senior Vice President of Member Experience at Civic Federal Credit Union, Maria has leveraged her extensive experience and unique perspective to drive transformative change within the financial industry. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and a deep commitment to inclusivity.

This article delves into her insights on success, her professional journey, and her vision for the future, offering valuable lessons for aspiring leaders.

Civic Federal Credit Union:A Visionary Institution for Community Service

Civic Federal Credit Union is a federally chartered digital-first credit union established by the staff and volunteers of Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU) to serve North Carolina's local government employees, their families, and their businesses.

"We believe local government employees and their partners are true 'servant leaders' to their families, work, and North Carolina communities," Maria explains.

Since its inception in November of 2018, Civic has gained recognition throughout North Carolina as a beacon of aspiration and innovation. Civics' journey is just beginning as by June of 2025 Civic will service over 400k members and be over $4billion in assets. The credit unions mission is to work in service to people, and the planet, aiming for prosperity for all.

Transformative Leadership at Civic

Under Maria's leadership, Civic is navigating a unique transition, integrating the personalized service of a traditional credit union with the innovative, digital-first approach that Civic embodies. "We are bringing together two organizations, one heavily focused on 1:1 interaction and the other on digital-first service,"

Maria elaborates. Her responsibilities include designing and launching a state-of-the-art contact center that

balances self-service and live agent support. This comprehensive role encompasses hiring, training, and holding staff accountable for serving members both over the phone and digitally. Moreover, Maria is leading the implementation of advanced technologies such asAI-based IVR and Chatbots, with the goal of enhancing member experience and improving operational efficiency.

Charting the Path Forward: Maria's Vision for Civic Federal Credit Union

Maria Moore's vision for Civic Federal Credit Union is not just ambitious; it's transformative. "We tirelessly work to position Civic as the financial institution of the future," she states confidently, underscoring her commitment to innovation and progress. Civic's strategy pivots around two core principles: financial inclusion and community development. Maria envisions Civic as a catalyst for positive change in North Carolina, contributing not only to economic growth but also to cultural enrichment and environmental stewardship.

At the heart of Maria's vision lies a dedication to exceeding members' expectations. By expanding product and service offerings, including the establishment of new branches and the enhancement of digital capabilities, Civic aims to redefine the banking experience for its members. Maria's leadership is guided by a profound sense of responsibility towards the community. She believes that Civic exists not just to serve its members but also to respond proactively to external forces that could impact them.

Central to Maria's approach is a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. By embracing these values, Civic is not merely adapting to change but leading the charge towards a brighter, more equitable future. Under Maria's guidance, Civic Federal Credit Union is not just a financial institution; it's a force for positive change, shaping the landscape of banking and community development in North Carolina and beyond.

Navigating the Journey of Change Facing Challenges

Leading an organization through significant change is a formidable challenge. "Change is never easy, and we are going through a lot of that right now," Maria acknowledges. However, she emphasizes the critical role of culture in successfully navigating these transitions.

"Culture eats strategy for breakfast," she asserts, underscoring that a robust organizational culture helps both staff and leadership understand their impact and embrace total accountability. By cultivating an environment characterized by clear expectations, non-judgmental support,

and high standards, Maria is driving both professional and personal growth within her team. This focus on culture ensures that even amidst rapid and expansive change, the team remains cohesive, motivated, and resilient.

Throughout her career, Maria has encountered numerous roadblocks that have taught her valuable lessons. "Perfectionists aren't experts at getting things perfect, but rather at finding things that are wrong," she notes. Initially, this tendency led her to focus more on doing the work than managing it. However, she learned that by finding, training, and holding people accountable, she could delegate effectively and increase her impact.

One notable example is when she launched a chatbot, initially writing all the intents herself but soon realizing the need for a dedicated channel manager. This delegation allowed for better maintenance and continuous improvement, leading to a 92% automated capture rate, far exceeding expectations.

Empowering Team Growth and Diversity in Male-Dominated Industries

Maria Moore's leadership achievements extend far beyond project milestones or financial targets. "Culture doesn't work if you don't find the right people, train them well, and hold them accountable," she asserts, underlining the significance of nurturing a supportive and accountable work environment. Her proudest moments stem from the personal growth and successes of her team members.

One poignant example is a dedicated employee who triumphed over significant personal challenges. "I saw the drive she had to do better, and that is a skill that can't be taught," Maria reflects. By recognizing and fostering this potential, Maria exemplifies the transformative impact a leader can have on their team.

Thriving as a woman in leadership within the finance industry has its unique challenges, deeply rooted in historical imbalances. "I'm more

“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.”

successful because of the sacrifice of those women before me," Maria reflects, acknowledging the trailblazers who paved the way.

While significant strides have been made, the industry still grapples with structural issues that hinder the career progression of women, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. Maria's approach has always been to lead by example, offering herself as a mentor and advocate for inclusivity. She emphasizes the importance of not being confined by stereotypes or limitations.Additionally, Maria underscores the significance of having representation in leadership meetings,

someone who can articulate your perspectives and advocate for your interests even in your absence, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued at all levels of decisionmaking.

APersonal Take on Success

Success is often perceived as a universal concept, but for Maria Moore, it is profoundly personal and unique. "Success isn't a one-size-fitsall concept; it's deeply personal and subjective," she asserts. In the traditionally male-dominated financial industry, Maria has discovered that success involves embracing

individual journeys and celebrating diverse achievements. For her, success is grounded in perseverance, resilience, and the capacity to overcome challenges. It encompasses setting meaningful goals, pushing boundaries, and continuously striving for self-improvement.

As a female leader, Maria believes that true success entails challenging stereotypes, fostering inclusivity, and empowering others to realize their full potential. Creating a work environment where everyone's unique definition of success is respected and supported is a fundamental aspect of her leadership approach.

Life Before Civic

Maria's journey in the financial industry is marked by distinct phases, each contributing to her growth as a leader. "Right out of school, I started at a bank, focusing on operations, audits, and executing others' visions," she recounts. This phase was characterized by a proactive approach, eagerly taking on any task that came her way. Later, Maria transitioned to a higher management role at a local credit union, where her responsibilities expanded to include planning, technology management, budgeting, and compliance oversight. Here, she also took on additional roles beyond her job description, such as leading volunteer efforts, mentoring colleagues, and contributing to the diversity committee.

However, Maria's impact extended beyond the confines of her role. One of her most impactful endeavors was organizing a two-day principles and philosophy camp for employees. Through this initiative, she aimed to educate her colleagues about the principles of the credit union movement, empowering them to understand their role within the organization and the broader community. This commitment to education and empowerment exemplifies Maria's dedication to fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Striking Harmony & The Right Balance

Maria Moore, Senior Vice President of Member Experience at Civic Federal Credit Union, exemplifies resilience in her daily routine. Her workday begins with meticulous

preparation the night before, ensuring a calm start to the day. Maria values face-to-face interactions at the office, where she reviews meetings, addresses urgent matters, and ensures top-notch member service, all while embodying the essence of resilience.

However, Maria acknowledges that achieving work-life balance hasn't always been easy. Striving to prove herself, she initially struggled to maintain equilibrium. Yet, she found solace in building a team of passionate individuals capable of leadership in her absence. Her motivation stems from her family, striving to set an example for her children.Additionally, the encouragement from her team, reflected in their online sharing of accomplishments, serves as a driving force for Maria, propelling her to make impactful contributions both at home and in the workplace.

Personal Goals andAdvice for Aspiring Women

Maria's aspirations extend beyond her professional responsibilities at Civic Federal Credit Union. She aims to make a significant impact on the communities they serve while ensuring her children grow up in an environment that fosters happiness and success. Her dedication to both her work and family reflects her balanced approach to life.

When it comes to guiding aspiring women in the financial industry, Maria's advice is rooted in authenticity and self-belief. "You don't have to be someone else to be successful. Don't let others define your lane for you," she advises. This principle has been a cornerstone of

her career, allowing her to navigate challenges and achieve her goals without compromising her identity.

Maria also emphasizes the importance of empathy and a thorough understanding of systems, processes, and details. These attributes enable her to make well-informed decisions that lead to sustainable and meaningful change. By putting herself in the shoes of her staff and members, Maria ensures that her leadership decisions are both compassionate and effective, fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment.

Conclusion

Maria Moore's journey as a leader in the financial industry is a powerful example of how perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to inclusivity can drive transformative change. Her leadership at Civic Federal Credit Union is not just about achieving organizational goals but also about making a meaningful impact on individuals and communities. By fostering a culture of accountability, empathy, and continuous improvement, Maria is paving the way for the next generation of leaders.

Maria's story serves as an inspiration for aspiring women leaders, demonstrating that true success lies in embracing one's unique strengths and relentlessly pursuing one's goals.

HonestyLiller

An Author, Mental Health Advocate, and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Striving To Help Those Addicted Become Recovery Revolutions

CEOs are leaders who ensure that their companies have an effective risk operating model, governance structure, and risk culture. Great CEOs spend time thinking about, articulating, and championing their company's purpose as it relates to the big-picture impact of day-to-day business practices. Today boards of directors, senior managers, and investors intensely look forward to how CEOs handle the ups and downs of running businesses.

Honesty Liller, CEO of The McShin Foundation believes that ”“success means achieving goals in your life. Some may say success is a fiscal word, but she has so many different successes that make her a happy human that isn't just her paycheck. Honesty's mission as CEO is firmly rooted in community outreach and involvement. She gets to walk in her purpose every day helping those in the community heal from their addiction. She is responsible for community and fundraising events, advocacy, and public relations, and is a Recovery Coach to females in our program.

Challenges make you stronger

Honesty Liller is a woman in longterm recovery from addiction. She has been drug and alcohol-free since May 27, 2007. “I am in recovery from an opiate addiction and there are more than enough challenges that I have had to overcome,” she says.As a female leader, she has had to learn how to speak up for what she needs, what is ethically correct for the organization, and celebrate herself and those around her. The main roadblocks have been trying to control situations, wanting her voice to be heard, learning how to delegate duties, and letting things go.

The growth of the McShin Foundation under Honesty's Leadership

“McShin helped to save my life when I needed help with my addiction. There were three recovery homes when I moved into the female housing,” states Honesty. The President, John Shinholser hired her once she left housing after residing there for five months. John, Honesty, their board of directors, and their amazing staff throughout all these

fourteen years have built the foundation to where it is now.

They now have fifteen recovery residences, three judicial recovery programs, family programming, wellness programming, and a Recovery Community Center. She says that her contribution to this growth is staying consistent with programming, following a budget, fundraising/development, and knowing when to let something go.

The best recognition received as a leader

“Honestly, I didn't really know what I was doing when I started working at McShin. I really just wanted to help the women in the housing with their recovery,” says Honesty. Days turn to months and months to years.Along the way she has completed the Stanford Nonprofit Leadership weeklong program, the Emerging Nonprofit Leadership Program here in Richmond through, The Community Foundation, and a lot of online pieces of training as well as in-person leadership too. She has been interviewed for many news articles, TV interviews, and podcasts. The

biggest recognition she states that she can get from being a female leader is seeing the women that work at McShin achieve their goals and show them that females can be leaders.

“I am grateful to even be alive. The life that I led up to finding McShin was going to kill me so I have definitely achieved dreams I never even knew I could have,” she says. She recently published her first book ” and that “Scattered Pink was a huge achievement for her. She strongly states that the life she has today is something that she has worked beyond hard for and she is honored to be in it.

One major thing Honesty wants to achieve is to start a women and children's recovery home at McShin. And she really wants to take a trip to an island that has a house in the

ocean. “Truly I just want to live a fun, happy, rewarding, and fulfilling life,” she says.

Responsibilities as CEO at The McShin Foundation

Right before Honesty came to McShin, she was addicted to heroin. McShin's program helped to save her life and she claims that she is forever grateful. “Not only do I get to have a career that I love, but I get to help humans that are like me,” she exclaims.

Her responsibilities include fundraising, donor development, advocacy locally and nationally, leadership development, recovery coaching women in their housing, budget management, grant writing, and event management.

Maintaining a balance in personal and professional life

Honesty doesn't believe in balance, she use to but as she has gotten older she believes she puts enough energy into all areas in her life when it is needed. She has learned throughout her career and home life that she has had too many expectations of herself to be the best” leader, mom, and “ wife. Recovery has given her two amazing children, a loving husband, a family that supports her, her two doggies, and the ability to help others through the career that she loves.

“Every day I work on my soul a little more and try to live in radical gratitude. Every day is a true gift, why not live the best today you can? The work that we do at McShin certainly is rewarding, but also very challenging,” she states. Helping humans that have an addiction is beautiful but hard. So, they incorporate staff wellness days, quarterly staff outings/events, lots of parties for celebrations, bonuses for recovery celebration dates, and dayto-day encouragement as well as affirmations. “We are a team at McShin and it is not just a job for us, we are family,” says Honesty. Her mission in life is to make a difference, live day to day, be happy, and reduce the negative outlook of addiction.

Her message to all the aspiring business leaders out there is: be passionate, be kind to yourself, follow your goals and if they don't work out make more, and continue to work on your heart. “If I can do it, so can you!” she exclaims.

CEO, Latina Chief

LizetteIbarra

On a Mission to Assist Companies in their Pursuit of Building Diverse, Equal, and Inclusive Organizations

The diversity of our life, work,

and cultural experiences, as well as our individual differences, drive each of us to view circumstances, opportunities, and challenges through a distinct lens, leading to various ways of thinking and making decisions. Future-proof organizations exhibit a high level of competency in their capacity to capitalize on the advantages that come from this variety of vision, thought, and viewpoint, utilizing this rich array of resources to generate greater innovation and commercial performance.

As the CEO and Founder of Latina Chief, Lizette Ibarra is on a mission to close the gender and ethnic leadership gap and assist her clients in building diverse, bold leadership teams. Latina Chief is a retained executive search firm that values diversity. It holds that having more Hispanics in leadership positions is not only the moral thing to do, but also the sensible thing to do and a necessity for business success to promote economic growth. Latinos account for 19.2% of the US population and they are awfully represented in corporateAmerica –only 4.7% of them are part of it. Hispanics are an economic power, with 2.8 trillion dollars in GDP and over 2 trillion in purchasing power. The company's business concept is

straightforward: its candidate slates include the most qualified Latinos and Latinas in each sector.

The Road Leading to Entrepreneurship

Being a leader or entrepreneur is one of the most challenging and interesting roads one can take. In order to handle the stage where as a mother, she needed a more flexible work schedule, Lizette realized she had to leave her corporate career. She had always believed that if other people could be successful business owners, she could too. Lizette has never experienced any kind of fear.

As a businesswoman, Lizette constantly considers the worst-case scenario before making a significant choice. She decides to “go on” if the response reassures her that neither she nor anyone else will perish, and that nobody's integrity will be jeopardized. She asserts, "I have always liked to take the road less traveled and go against the current, because I believe it is there where the real opportunities are. Of course, I cannot say that all my decisions have been correct, I have made many mistakes that have helped me grow and do better next time. I would not change a thing of what I've done in my professional life since everything

has given me one of two things: learning or satisfaction."

Lizette's favorite definition of leadership says, "Aleader takes people where they would never go on their own." (Hanz Finzel). Leadership has nothing to do with you and everything to do with one's impact on those who follow him or her and entrust his or her vision to lead the way. She further adds, "As a leader, you must ensure that your team and people are better off after every interaction with you."

An Inspiring Journey towards Success

Since she turned 18, Lizette has been a worker. She began working as an English teacher in a kindergarten while still in college. When Lizette graduated, she began to work in the corporate world for two fantastic firms, Eastman Kodak and Johnson & Johnson, in the fields of human resources and talent acquisition. She was given managerial responsibilities at a very young age, and about 8 years later, she decided to enter the field of executive search and management consulting since she needed a more flexible work schedule after the birth of her first child. Lizette has worked for boutiques and global search firms, as well as founded and developed two executive search firms that grew

rapidly, both of them founded on women and diversity long before the term became fashionable. She has also had the privilege of serving on the boards of several non-profit organizations, which has been a transformative experience in her professional career.

"I've always believed and witnessed firsthand that diversity is an imperative for company growth and for societal equality."- Lizette

Every position Lizette has held has been demanding and fulfilling, but she is especially proud of having built her first business around exceptional professional women who had left their corporate jobs to become mothers or wives and were turned down by many employers when they wanted to resume their careers because they had been "inactive" for three or four years. Because she experienced that herself, Lizette hired those women, in her organization, who were dealing with similar difficulties. She created a company that provided access to these amazing ladies with impressive backgrounds. She says, "We taught them the search business, and we built a very successful company together."

Back then, remote or flexible work was not really an option in many corporations, and Lizette envisioned an organization where women could be women, wives, mothers, professionals, and human beings. She is incredibly proud of that, and now, with Latina Chief, she and her team have assisted many corporations in becoming more diverse and debunked the myth that there is not enough Latino and women leaders available to fill executive positions.

Growing as Woman Business Leader

For the most part, as a woman, Lizette

has found more opportunities than obstacles, but it hasn't been easy. Although organizations have made good strides toward gender equality, most leadership tables are not set to accommodate minority women by default. She says, "We have to find ways to get a seat and find our voice at the table. And it is through my work that I want to help correct that imbalance by bringing more Latinas into leadership roles and empowering more women to believe they can and should have a seat at the table." When Lizette decided to quit her corporate career to find more balance and then found success as an entrepreneur, she promised herself that she would find a way to help more women climb the ladder to success.

Lizette envisions a society in which the capacity for leadership will continue to change in favor of embracing empathy and exemplifying leadership in its broadest sense. ESG regulations will continue to be a key priority for corporations and directors since it is crucial to take into account the regional differences that shape global priorities. Lizette says that the entire business ecosystem will put a lot of pressure on organizations to act ethically and responsibly towards the environment, its social components (employees, suppliers, customers, and the community), and to uphold the highest standards of governance as a result of the acceleration of digitalization.

Take on Challenges

"When you face a challenge, you have two options: undertake it or walk away. If you walk away, you will very likely regret not knowing the outcome," says Lizette. She further adds that if one undertakes it, then he or she will know for sure. Lizette has faced challenges where she has found herself scared and overwhelmed to death, but in those circumstances, she

turned on the volume of her intuition and her internal voice. This is a lesson that she has learned over time and through experience. Lizette has always valued the opinion and advice of the people she trusts, but early in her career, she believes it was more about seeking validation. Now, she quiets the external noise and pays more attention to her internal voice.

As per Lizette, she has always treasured a piece of honest advice, but she also learned to dissect who she can trust, and after receiving input, it is then that she tunes in with her intuition.

An Opportunity to Connect with People

Success, for Lizette, only has an internal thermometer. She opines, "Success is not measured by your material possessions or how fancy your career or title may be. Success is being at peace, being whole, happy, and fulfilled with who you are. It is knowing that every day, you have done your very best and tried your very best. Success is also knowing that you can make a difference in the lives of others and that you choose to leave a positive mark." She also believes that the nature of her career has led her to interact with hundreds, thousands of people, including candidates, opinion leaders, colleagues, business leaders, and those associated with non-profit organizations. She points out that continuing and nurturing these relationships even after many years in the business is a good thermometer of personal and professional satisfaction. She opines, "The true satisfaction of my work has been having the opportunity to touch the lives of many, many people."

Balancing Personal and Professional Life

Not many know this about Lizette, but when she was little, she wanted to be a professional tennis player. She recalls, "I did not have the opportunity to learn the sport or even take lessons because back then tennis was not a very accessible sport in my hometown in Mexico."

So, when she moved to Florida at the age of 40, she decided to grab a racket and take a few lessons.At first, Lizette thought it was ridiculous and that she would not be able to play well, but she still wanted to give it a try; “Ever since, tennis has become a passion of mine.” There is nothing there but the court, the opponent, and Lizette's focus on the game, so it is both highly exciting and calming for her.

Lizette feels that her love of tennis is her Zen zone, where she does not have to concentrate on anything but the game. It gives her balance and keeps her mind, soul, and body in check.

Lizette has been playing the sport for 8 years. She now plays at a competitive level, and she leads adult mixed doubles teams. They have won local, state, and national championships. From a leadership standpoint, Lizette feels her tennis experience has also been very educational. She shares, "I must strategize for every match, study the opponent team, and select the players and positions. It very much resembles the focus I must have every day to deliver the best services to my clients."

Breaking Traditional Norms

In the future, Lizette sees herself continuing to debunk the myth that not enough Latino/Hispanic talent is available for executive positions and, at the same time, assisting corporations in becoming more

successful and innovative by adding Hispanics to their leadership teams.

The Hispanic population is projected to grow 54% by 2027, and Latino GDP is the single fastest-growing GDP worldwide with a striking 2.8 trillion dollars. Corporations lacking Latino leaders are missing opportunities for growth, and according to Lizette, her company, Latina Chief, is there to help them correct that imbalance.

Message toAspiring Businesswomen

"Find your passion, what moves you to the core,” Lizette says in her message to aspiring businesswomen. “You shouldn't have to try that hard: your passion might be right in front of your face. Your passion is unique to you, and that's the beauty of it: find a niche within a niche and build your dreams around it!"

LaetitiaCailleteau

A Progressive Leader Delivering Robust And Innovative Technology Solutions

All of us are constantly driven by the desire to succeed. However, success is a relative term, because what you may consider 'successful', may not fit someone else's definition. Laetitia Cailleteau, states that success for her is about making the world a better place, working as one with clients, communities, and her teams. Creating impact and being a change agent are essential elements of her definition of success. Staying balanced and grounded across all her roles - mother of three, wife, and daughter is an important aspect of her successful journey.

Laetitia is the Managing Director, DATA&AI Europe Lead, and the Global Lead for ConversationalAI for Accenture. She believes that the toughest part these days for many of us is to be in the now, to ride that crest and enjoy it. “I work hard at being present in the moment. But I've always got my eye on the future. I'm always thinking of ways to lead my teams to have that greater impact, to master the transformations required to better serve our clients,” she says.

LeadingACompany To Success With CourageAndALeap Of Faith

The consulting industry, by default, always pushes you to the edge of a world of possibilities driving transformation and change. “The depth and breadth of the impact are exciting, especially in a company likeAccenture that covers all industries and facets of transformation,” she states.

She strongly believes in the fact - what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. “The biggest roadblocks are the ones we learn from most, forcing deep reflection, causing us to question things, reassess and change course. It's hard to pinpoint specific roadblocks,” she explains. Laetitia's job is all about pushing the boundaries of what's possible so perseverance, rethinking, and evolution are key.

There are precious few templates around how to be a woman and mother in such a demanding leadership role in tech. It requires vast stores of energy. And it requires constant awareness of the cultural stereotypes that must be resisted. “I can see meaningful progress in the industry but it's not

happening quickly enough. The key is to grow your support networks with people who believe in you, who give you energy.And you must never stop believing in yourself,” she states.

The Services OfAccenture

Accenture is a global professional services company with cutting-edge capabilities in digital, cloud, and security. Their mix of specialist skills and experience is, truly, unparalleled. They've got 674,000 people working across more than 40 industries. They offer services in Strategy and Consulting, Technology and Operations, and Interactive, all powered by the world's largest network ofAdvanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers.

“Without hesitation, I can say our people deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity every day, giving their best to clients in more than 120 countries. We embrace the power of change to create value and shared success for our clients, our people, our shareholders, partners, and communities,” exclaims Laetitia.

Managing Director,DATA & AI Europe Lead, and the Global Lead for Conversational AI, Accenture

Vision ForABright Future

Laetitia believes that we have entered the 4th industrial revolution and that significant and accelerated change will power the world. She wants to be at the forefront of this movement - a shaper of a better future rather than a passive actor. She loves this quote by Churchill: If you don't take change by the hand, it will take you by the throat.

She strongly claims thatAccenture is the best place to work and that's not only her biased opinion, the market agrees. It has an inspirational ethos and mantra: 'Let there be change'. Change is the only constant and it is what unites them all to be the best at what they do.

Julie Sweet, their CEO, is spearheading their transformation, and Laetitia exclaims that being on this journey with her is very exciting. The organization is about living a purpose. “How we infuse the crossroads of technology and human capability to deliver differentiated value to our clients is made possible only through the individuals here,” she says.

She believes that their talented people are what will carry them forward to even greater success. She also believes they must keep investing in a diverse employee base, as the diversity of thought and experience is what will allowAccenture to thrive in an evolving society. She is committed to creating a vibrant and engaging community to help shape the paths of people, allowing them to see how important they are for the company's future.

Women Empowerment & Representation

Women represent more than half of the global population. They tend to be superstars at emotional intelligence, mastering versatility, and balancing various demands and needs.Asociety without the right level of women empowerment is a society that tends to be more divisive, power-hungry, and reactive, always firefighting. “We are essential in bringing more balance, openness, and harmony to our roles and we do it proactively – fact surveys and statistics tend to overlook,” says Laetitia.

Laetitia surrounds herself with a very diverse team in terms of gender, religion, social background, disabilities, age, and sexual orientation. She states that she knows her teammates well. “I know what they can bring at work but also what motivates them outside of the office. I also make time to see how junior staffers and new hires are getting on in my division. I recently created what I call #nofilter sessions for the 3,500 people aligned to Data &AI,” she adds. She invites all of them to book 20 minutes with her to discuss anything they like.

Authenticity is key in these sessions and Laetitia openly shares her struggles and her coping strategies. She creates a safe space for people to open up, to show her their true selves, and let her help them navigate the workplace.Arecurring topic for working mothers is how to manage the guilt . She helps them find their ways and power in what others may see as quirks or vulnerabilities.

The ultimate recognition for Laetitia is the feedback she receives from members of her team and their clients. “It's often unexpected, coming out of the blue, and it's always appreciated. Knowing you're making a positive difference is such a great reward,” she exclaims.

ResponsibilitiesAs Managing Director

Laetitia, who defines herself as a visionary, is the lead forAccenture's Data &AI business for Europe, which means she's responsible for ensuring its strategic growth. Data is a key enabler for business growth and having the opportunity to lead the charge in this space is a phenomenal opportunity.

“I would say my days are far from regular. That's why I enjoy my work. Oscillating between client requests and the business the piece of work we're doing, means wearing multiple hats and constant multitasking. Every day is exciting,” she states. Laetitia thrives on the challenge of staying on top of market trends, innovating, and delivering leading-edge value to their clients is always on top of her mind.

Balance In Personal And Professional Life

Laetitia claims to be a very driven person and she is passionate about what she does. When she sets a goal for herself, she achieves it. That said, she states that she can't do it on her own. She has a fabulous support system. Her family understands the demands she places on herself and gives her the space to operate. Similarly, she recognizes that getting the balance right for herself and them

requires the right dynamic. They create a good space to thrive as a whole.

Secondly, she surrounds herself with very smart, capable individuals. They are people she trusts, people who challenge her, people who are better than her, people who complement her and each other. Laetitia tries to create an environment for them to flourish. They create a north star and vision of what they would like to achieve as a business and consistently celebrate their successes. Giving teams autonomy and recognition sparks productivity and collaboration. It fosters growth and helps achieve shared objectives.

“It's also not always about work; we have great programs encouraging wellbeing. People are not just a set of professional skills. We consider the whole person,” she says. In addition,Accenture provides a world of possibilities for reinvention. It's a great place for someone to define their space and their interest and drive their ambitions for growth. Laetitia states that when her team grows and is successful, so does the business. They strive to thrive together and that's how they keep raising the bar.

Pearls Of Wisdom For HerYounger Self &Aspiring Businesswomen

“I would give my younger self the gift of having more hope. Nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it. We are all humans, even the people at the very top of the career ladder. They are there because of their choices, their focus, their sacrifices, their hard work,” says Laetitia, “Where you come from may give you an advantage but it is not defining who you are. I'm proof of that, the proud daughter of a single

She now has a fantastic mix of international experience, she's made a wonderful family, and she's achieved things that amaze her every day. Laetitia believes in herself, in her abilities, and took opportunities that she created or that presented themselves.

Her message for aspiring businesswomen is - don't compromise

on your values and interests. These become your framework and guide to reaching your level of success. “In the end, what matters is to be passionate about what you're doing. Stop proving yourself and keep improving yourself; do it because it matters to you. The rewards and recognition will follow,” she adds.