Last Thursday, January 26, a new session of the cycle "My experience managing people" took place, where the students of Master's Degree in Personnel Management Service in Organizations shared with Elena Sanz Isla, General Director of People and Organizations of MAPFRE Spain.

During the discussion paper she spoke about four major themes that are of outstanding value in her organization, and that for her are fundamental for professionals to take into account: sustainability, diversity, talent development and international expansion. She also gave the students a series of tips as future human resources professionals that align with the themes of value in the organization.

Regarding sustainability, he stressed the importance of it going hand in hand with innovation, and being intrinsic to the organization. He stated that he would "focus sustainability on four points: energy transition - if we want to have a safe planet -, digital transformation, social cohesion and equality".

On the other hand, he stressed the importance of diversity at MAPFRE: "working with people of different nationalities and cultures greatly enriches work and the organization". He emphasized that diversity combined with the mobility enjoyed by employees can be a great tool for development.

What is clearly seen in the development of talent in MAPFRE, defines it as: "the main source that the business has for its growth, and to have the knowledge it needs at the time it needs it". At MAPFRE, 86.2% of employees have internal promotion as part of the development plan. He reflects that the ability to achieve a correct development depends to a large extent on listening to employees, and being able to adequately manage their needs.

The last point had to do with MAPFRE's international expansion and the Trainee International program. The professional emphasizes that the difference between people who have had international experiences and those who have not is perceived. This allows them to adapt to different forms of work from different countries, and to deal with different people, which undoubtedly enriches both the staff and the professional.

Throughout the session, he also shared with future human resources professionals some tips on how to find and select the best business to work with. First of all, he considers that core topic should be a business with a purpose, culture and values consistent with candidate. He added that it should be a business with the intention and attitude to grow and develop. As well as, how economically sustainable it is and its level of social contribution to the communities where it operates. Finally, the possibility offered to its professionals to have a degree program within the business through internal promotion and the international mobility .

In addition to reflecting on the key points of MAPFRE's human resources strategy, Elena Sanz also highlighted what she considers core topic should be taken into account by future human resources professionals.

To begin with, he advises taking advantage of all the development professional opportunities that business offers: "It's not where you develop your degree program professional career that matters, but the challenges," he said. Therefore, it is not so much important to go through several different companies or just one, but the development that has been offered and the ability of employee to take advantage of it.

Another point, core topic, is the ability to develop the skills that companies need at any given moment to avoid becoming obsolete. For this it is essential to have a constant learning attitude: "Learn, relate and question yourself". Others are negotiation, active listening and communication.

Regarding work as a team, he assured that it is core topic to have the ability to collaborate, innovate and be agile. As well as leaders who prioritize respect, transparency and honesty in their teams.

Finally, he said that professionals also need a bit of luck. First, to have a boss who bets on talent, and a good leader who encourages it. And secondly, to be in the right place at the right time.

He also recommended to the students the book: The Fearless Organization - Amy Edmondson.