A few days ago, we were visit Ignacio Castillo Díaz, Director Talent Europe at Alsea.

An intimate, honest, and inspiring conversation about what it means to lead people in an organization that operates brands such as Starbucks, Burger King, VIPS, and Ginos.

Ignacio shared an unconventional journey: from Economics psychology, from coaching to leading talent in Latin America and Europe. His central message was powerful: people are more complex than numbers, and understanding that complexity is what enables organizations to transform.

At Alsea, the human impact is enormous: more than 130,000 employees, degree program opportunities, and a clear commitment to training, hiring, and internal promotion.

All of this is underpinned by values that make a difference:

• ✔ Winning attitude
• ✔ Collaborative leadership
• ✔ Simplicity
• ✔ Spirit
• ✔ Attention to detail

What struck us most was his final reflection: in a world where AI is advancing, relational skills remain our greatest differentiator. It's not just about managing inputs, but about connecting, inspiring, and leading from a human perspective.

Thank you, Ignacio, for reminding us that authentic leadership is built on relationships, not algorithms.