Last Thursday, January 26th, a new session of the cycle "My experience managing people" took place, where the students of the 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 which she believes 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 are aligned with the issues 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 highlighted the importance of diversity at MAPFRE: "working with people of different nationalities and cultures greatly enriches the work and the organization". He emphasized that diversity combined with the mobility enjoyed by employees can be a great tool for development.

This is clearly seen in the development of talent at MAPFRE, which he defines 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 their development plan. He reflects that the ability to achieve proper 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 ways of work in different countries, and to deal with different people, which undoubtedly enriches both the staff and the professional.

During the session, he also shared with future human resources professionals some tips on how to find and select the best business to work for. First of all, he considers that it is a core topic that it is a business with a purpose, culture and values consistent with the 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 it offers its professionals to have a degree program within the business through internal promotion and international mobility .

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

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

Another core topic is the ability to develop the skills that companies need at all times 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 , he said that it is a 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.