Visionary Leadership
Inaneradefinedbyrapidchange,economic
uncertainty,andtechnologicalrevolution,the worldlookstoindividualswhocannavigate complexitywithclarity,compassion,and conviction.CIOLookMediaeditionof Most Admired Leader to Watch in 2025 bringsforward acompellingnarrativeofsuchleadership—one thatinspiresnotthroughgrandgesturesalone,but throughvision,integrity,andsustainedimpact.
AttheforefrontofthiseditionisIgnacioBonasa, anameresonatingwiththoughtfulleadershipand globalinfluence.Ignaciorepresentsanew generationofleaderswhounderstandthatsuccess intoday’slandscapegoesbeyondthebottomline. It’saboutfosteringculturesofinnovation, championingethicalgrowth,andbuilding legaciesthatempowercommunitiesand industriesalike.
Incuratingthisedition,ourgoalwasnotjustto celebratetitlesandmilestones,buttoexplorethe deeperessenceofleadership—whatdrivesthese individuals,howtheyrisetochallenges,andthe valuestheyrefusetocompromise.Ignacio’sstory, alongwithothersfeaturedinthisissue,offers insightsintoleadershipthatisashumanasitis strategic.
Wehopethiseditionservesasbothrecognition andreflection.Recognitionforthosewho continuetoshapethefuturethroughbold decisionsandthoughtfulaction.Reflectionforall ofus,asweconsiderwhatkindofleadershipthe worldneedsnextandwhatrolewemighteach playinthatvision.
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-Alaya Brown
Managing Editor
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FEATURING
Con
A Soulful Architect of Human Talent and Transformational Leadership
Ignacio Bonasa
A R T I C L E S
18.
How Every Transformative Global Leader Navigates Complex Change?
The ROI of Transformational Leadership Development
22.
Featuring
BONASA
A SOULFUL ARCHITECT OF HUMAN TALENT AND TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
President and Founder |
Amidst a world increasingly dominated by the relentless pursuit of speed, surface-level performance metrics, and numerical results, a pioneeringleadershipparadigmisrisingfearlessly Thisnew kind of leader advocates for integrating soul, intention, and authenticfeelingintothecoreofprofessionaleffort.Theygo beyond mere inspiration; they spark awakening. They don’t just lead people they profoundly change lives. At the forefrontofthistransformativewavestandsIgnacioBonasa, PresidentandFounderofLiderarte.
TheRoadLessTaken
Ignacio’sjourneyisaboldaffirmationoftrueself-discovery, placing him in a distinct category from traditional executive leaders.
Though his early professional life followed a conventional path—marked by rigorous legal studies, ascension through high-ranking banking positions, and reverence in corporate boardrooms his inner self longed for something less expected After more than two decades in high-stakes executive banking roles across Europe, Ignacio made the courageous decision to leave the familiar comfort of corporateprestige.Whatfollowedwasn’tjustaprofessional transition it was a deep, deliberate transformation of himself as a human being and a rediscovery of his life’s authenticmission.Whatemergedwasnotaconsultancy,buta growingmovement.
AboutLiderarte
In this revolutionary context, business becomes art. Leadershipisredefinedasamultidisciplinaryart—aprocess of breathing life into the dormant potential and suppressed spirit of every person. In its most authentic and deeply humanisticform,Liderarteisaspacefortalent:anatelierfor expansivegrowthandindividualexcellence.
FromBankingtotheSoul–TheGenesisofLiderarte
Ignacio’spivotalshiftfromthestructuredworldofbankingto the expansive world of leadership development wasn’t a strategicmaneuver—itwasthedirectoutcomeofaprofound personalrupture.
“I remember the moment vividly—the instant I realized that leadership was so much more than management. There was something deeply natural about inspiring someone, ” he shareswithpassion.
Leadership is much more than just management—there is something very natural about inspiring someone.
Thismomentofawakeningdidn’toccuratapeakofexternal success, but during a time of searing personal pain and introspection. That breakdown led him to question every assumptionanddimensionofhislife.Liderarteemergednot only as a professional venture, but as a deeply personal life project.Itbecame,inlivingform,thesynthesisofeverything he holds dear: emotional authenticity, unrestricted artistic expression,deeplistening,andmeaningful,resonantimpact.
Ignacio intentionally infused his career with his lifelong passionfortheperformingarts—acting,theater,andancestral storytelling. This bold fusion gave rise to a one-of-a-kind, transformationalleadershipapproachthatresonateswithboth theanalyticalmindandtheemotionalsoul.
LearningThroughArt&theHolistic4AModel
At the heart of Liderarte lies its proprietary methodology: Learning Through Art®, grounded in the 4A model—Aprendizaje (Learning), Actitud (Attitude), Alma (Soul),andAcción(Action).
Thisinnovativeapproachradicallycontrastswiththemodern corporateobsessionwithdataandprocessautomation.
Ignacio firmly believes that authentic leadership is not a purely cognitive function—it is fundamentally emotional. Emotion,whenunderstoodandchanneled,isthecatalystfor profoundandlastingchange.
Through immersive workshops, transformational journeys, and deeply experiential programs, Liderarte helps leaders rediscover their inner compass—their true direction and purpose.
Whileacknowledgingthevalueofstrategicforesight,Ignacio warns:strategywithoutsoulbecomessterile.
Hisstyleprioritizesconnectionovercontrol,inspirationover instruction,andtrustbeforetask.
ALeadershipEthosRootedinEmotionandTrust
Ignacio’s leadership philosophy is emotionally anchored, mission-driven,anddeeplytransformational.
“Ileadwithsoul,”heoftensays—andlivesitfully,inbothhis workandlife.
He believes in listening deeply before speaking, in walking with others rather than charging ahead, and in creating environmentswherevulnerabilityishonoredasstrength,not weakness.
I chose not to conceal my wounds, but rather to render them visible and accessible to others.
He candidly recalls one of his most formative mistakes: pushingaprojectdrivenbyegoandurgency,notempathyand connection. Predictably, the project failed. But from that collapse emerged a new, unwavering standard of leadership rooted in integrity, presence, and shared humanity.
Today, Ignacio models slow, intentional, sustainable leadership—one that puts people’s well-being above shorttermreturns.
DalelaVueltaalaTortilla:TurningPainintoPurpose
OneofIgnacio’smostpowerfulcontributionsisthecreation ofDalelaVueltaalaTortilla(TurntheTable)—aglobalsocial movementbornfrompersonalcrisis.
During a particularly difficult season, Ignacio chose not to hide his wounds—but to make them visible, accessible, and healingtoothers.
“Leading from the wound isn’t easy,” he shares, “but it’s profoundlyhonestandreal.”
This initiative empowers thousands to transform pain into strength—whatIgnaciolovinglycalls“vitaminsforthesoul.”
Morethanacampaign,itisaphilosophyoflife.Itremindsus that in every breakdown lies the seed of breakthrough—and that when leaders lead with humanity, transformation becomescontagious.
CultivatingMeaningBeyondMetrics
InsideLiderarte,everymemberisvaluednotasarole,butasa carrierofsoul.Everydecision,howeversmall,passesthrough acoherencefilter:“Does this align with who we are?”Ifnot, it’sano—eveniffinanciallyattractive.
Ignacio has built what he calls a “vitamin culture”—a space where people feel seen, heard, and valued. He rejects rigid hierarchiesinfavorofdistributedleadership.“Each person is theCEOoftheirownLiderarte,”hesays.
Ownershipreplacescontrol.Feedbackflowsfreely Mistakes arenotpunished—they’rewelcomedaspartoflearning.
He’s even fostered a unique form of digital intimacy within the team: informal WhatsApp groups like “Resetéate” maintain the emotional heartbeat of the organization, remindingeveryonethatplayandpresencearejustasvitalas performance.
UnshakableValuesThatGuidetheWay
Ignacio’s five core values are non-negotiable: integrity, compassion,purpose,creativity,andauthenticity.They’renot abstract they’re embedded in every program, every decision,andeveryconversation.
He always walks his talk. “I can’t ask for empathy if I don’t practice it,”hesaysunapologetically ForIgnacio,leadership isn’t about being followed. It’s about earning trust, through daily,genuine,consistentaction.
GlobalReachwithaLocalSoul
While Liderarte is rooted in Latin America, it has a global mindset Its programs transcend borders, cultures, and industries, contributing to global movements in emotional education, soulful organizations, and human-centered innovation.
Ignacio chairs multiple global associations, including the European Association for Wellbeing, the European Association of Soulful Organizations, and the International AssociationDalelaVueltaalaTortilla.
His vision: a world guided by planetary empathy, where businessheals,anddifferencebecomesourgreateststrength.
ARespectedVoiceandAcclaimedAuthor
Beyond Liderarte, Ignacio is a respected thought leader and accomplishedauthor
His book La receta del bienestar: una fórmula para ser más feliz (The Recipe for Wellbeing) has inspired thousands acrosstheSpanish-speakingworld.
Blending neuroscience, storytelling, and soulful introspection, it’s a guide for personal and organizational transformation.
He’s a sought-after speaker at international forums and has been honored by major media outlets such as CIO Business World, Global Success Review, and The Prime Today Magazineasoneof2025’smosttransformativeleaders.
Recently, he received the prestigious BIZZ Award for Business Excellence from the World Confederation of Businesses
I want my legacy to be that I led with soul, and that I built hope.
I don't just lead people; I deeply change lives.
IgnitingtheLatentFlameinOthers
One of Ignacio's greatest, longest-lasting legacies is his extraordinary talent for seeing - and believing in - people's potentiallongbeforetheycanseeitthemselves.
"That is the most powerful thing one can do: look someone straightintheeyeandsay,'Ibelieveinyou.Iknowyouwilldo it,'"hesaidsoftly,butwithfierceintensity
Thatsingularsentence,heprofoundlybelieves,possessesthe powertoirrevocablytransformlives.
ForIgnacio,eachandeveryinteractionisasacredchanceto lightasparkofinspirationinanotherhumanbeing.Hedoes notdreamofcommandingarmiesorleadinggreatlegions;his hope is to wake up leaders.And not the type of leaders who looktoconquermarketswithforce,butthetypewholookto lift up humanity by what they do, by how they feel, and by theircommitmenttocause.
ALegacyofSoulfulLeadership
Whenaskedwhatlegacyheultimatelywantstoleavebehind, Ignaciorespondswithoutamomentofhesitation:"That I led with soul. That I didn't merely build companies—I actively built hope. That I helped people to profoundly reconnect with their intrinsic worth, their unique essence, and their inner light."
Hispersonaldefinitionofsuccesshaslongtranscendedmere rapid expansion; it is now inextricably linked to the cultivationofmeaningful,enduringimpact.
“I’d rather leave a legacy than simply make noise,”hestates withconviction.Inembracingthisphilosophy,heisnotonly redefiningleadershipforhimselfbutisalsopioneeringanew paradigm for a generation increasingly hungry authenticpresence,andprofoundpurpose.
WhentheStageBecomes
Ignacio’s life narrative is plan;itisaliving,breathing intentional silence, and every profoundmeaning.
He masterfully blends the deeplyemotionalwiththestrategically
While others single-mindedly quantitative Ignaciosteadfastlyfollowsthe resonance connection While others me pyramidsofcontrol,hetirelessly expansive compassion. He does not seek applause; enduringtransformation.Andwhen world eventually subsides, his in undeniably remain: irrefutable proof that soulisnotonlyeminentlypossible—it essentialforourcollectivehumanflourishing.
WordsofaSoulfulLeader
"Ican'talterthecourseofthewind,"Ignacio a wise saying that has been his enduring mantra, trimthesailstogettowhereIwanttogo."
By meticulously adjusting his own sails—navigating from the ephemeral demands of ego and resolutely the unwavering compass of his true essence—Ignacio merelychartinghisowndestiny Heis,withevery choiceandeverysoulfulaction,powerfullyhelpingcountless otherstodiscoverandembracetheirveryown.
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NAVIGATES COMPLEX CHANGE? GLOBAL LEADER HOW EVERY TRANSFORMATIVE
Inaworldofuncertaintyusheredinbytechnology revolutionsandshiftingsocio-economicrealities,the so-calledtransformativegloballeaderisnotjusta nametag—sheisanecessity.Sheisnotjustadreamerwho keepsdreamingbigbutalsoastrategist,anentrepreneur, andpeople-centricforceabletoguideherorganizationsand societiesthroughcrisismoments.Itisnotsomuchthe powertoadapttochangeastopowerchangewithintention, compassion,andforceofwillthatdefinesher
Next, we present the most significant qualities and methodologies that define how every and any changegenerating global leader manages complicated change.
1.AcceptingChangeasOpportunity,NotThreat
Atthecenterofallrevolutionsaregloballeaderswhohave anattitudethatviewschangeasnottobefoughtagainst, butashowtoevolve,rejuvenate,andstayrelevant. Whetheritisgeopoliticalturmoil,theissueofclimate change,technologicalchange,orpopulationmigration–theseleaderspreciselyforecasttrends,ratherthan respondingtothem.
Insteadoffightingdisruption,theyembraceit.TakeSatya Nadella'sculturalshiftofMicrosofttocloud-firstand mobile-firstorJacindaArdern'spoliticizationofleadership withempathyatitscore.Theyrealizedtheonlyconstantin leadershipischangeandthattheonlymeanstoconqueritis courageanddetermination.
2.DecidingLeadersMakewithaClearVision
Avalues-drivengloballeaderisalwaysguidedbyaclear visionthatissuchaguidingstar Thevisionisnotmerely marketshareandprofitmargins—itmaybeinspirationalto thenextlevelofagreaterpurposelikeinclusiveness, sustainability,innovation,orempowerment.
Thissimplicityenablesthemtotakehardchoicesinhard times.Directionestablished,teamsareeasytoalign, prioritiesareeasytocommunicate,andtrustcanbe establishedevenwhenthejourneyisunknown.Visionis notwishy-washyfantasy;itisalightinatempest.
3.BuildingFlexibleandDynamicCultures
Oneofthegreateststrengthsofagetting-it-doneworld leaderistheabilitytocreateandmoldstrong,responsive cultures.Theyinvestinhumanbeings,valuelearningover tryingtogetitright,andprovidehavensfor experimentationandevenfailure.
Theygrasphierarchicalthoughtandheritageframeworks cannotkeeppacewithtoday'schange.Instead,theyenable agile,distributeddecision-makingandallowteams, wherevertheyarelocated,torespondrapidlytoshifting circumstances.Indoingso,theycreatesustainableand scalablechange.
4.LeadingwithEmotionalIntelligenceandEmpathy
Globalchangeisnotastrategiceffort—itisintimate.A globalleaderwhohasanagendaforchangeunderstandsthe humancostthatchangeimposesonpeopleandsocieties. Theyunderstandthathumanbeingsarenotresourcesbut humanbeingsconfrontedbyfear,uncertainty,andhope.
Empathyisalsoconvertedintoastrategicadvantagein theirleadership.Theylisten,speakopenly,andare receptiveevenduringtimesofcrisis.Suchemotional sensitivitybuildstrustanddevotion,anditiseasierto channelcollectiveenergiestowardstransformationalgoals.
5.EffectiveUseofTechnology
Today,duringthistechnologicage,technologymustbe employed,butavisionarygloballeadermakessurethat technologyisbeingutilizedethicallyandforall.Theyare notbotheredwithtoolsinthemselves—theyarebothered withwhatthetoolsdotoandforindividualsandforsociety
Regardlessofthetechnology--AI,dataanalytics,or blockchain--theseleadersleveragetechnologytoaddress actualissuesintheirimmediatesurroundings.Theyare advocatesfordigitalinclusion,dataprivacy,andinnovation responsibility,demonstratingthatinnovationand responsibilitycan,andoughtto,gohandinhand.
6.BuildingCoalitionsandGlobalPartnerships
Transformationchangeisrarelyasolitaryeffort.The challengesofourtime—climatecrisis,socialinjustice, pandemics—demandjointaction.Aglobaltransformational leaderrespectsthepotentialofnetworksandcollective leadership.
Theytaketheinitiativetospotcollaborationsthatcutacross boundaries,sectors,andindustries.Suchcoalitionsenable themtocombineresources,accessdiverseviewpoints,and createchangeatasystemiclevel.Leadershiphereisless aboutcommandandcontrolandmoreaboutcoordination.
7.RemainingRootedinValuesinthePresenceof Disruption
Thoughchangemaybeturbulent,valuesserveasthe navigationsystem.Themosthighlyrespected transformationalgloballeadersneverbetrayintegrity, fairness,andjusticeeveninchallengingcircumstances. Theyputtheirdecisionsthroughthefilteroftheirvaluesto guidethemtowardscongruenceandsincerity
Theseleadersunderstandthattherecanbenoenduring changewithoutmoralauthority.Byremaininganchoredon values,theyachieveacultureofaccountabilityandethical excellence.
8.SpeakingwithClarityandIntegrity
Arevolutionaryworldleadercommunicatesauthentically andboldly.Theyneitherdisguisechallengesnoroverstates. Rather,theyspeakoutofintegrity—explainingnotonlythe "what"butthe"why"oftheirdecisions.
Theywalkandinspirethroughstories,quantifytomake decisions,andadaptmessagestoconnectacrosscultures. Suchcommunicationnotonlyeducatesbutreconcilesand sparks.
Conclusion:TheFutureIsfortheTransformative GlobalLeader
Aneraofhigh-speed,networkedlifedemandsleadership thatisnotsomuchaboutcapability—itisabout transformation.Thenextgenerationofgloballeadershipis anindividualwhodoesnotjusttransformbutreconsiders andremakesthewaychangeisbeinglookedatand navigated.Empathy,creativity,collaboration,andcourage arethetoolsthroughwhichtheseleadersarenotjustfutureproofing—theyarebuildingthefuture.
Asgovernmentsandcorporationsgropetocopewith growingcomplexity,itisthiskindofleadership—visionary buthuman,strategicbuthumane—thatwillchartthe course.Inaworldinneedofrepairandhealing,the transformationalgloballeaderisabeaconofhope.
With this age of fast-moving and unpredictable businesslandscapes,organizationsareconstantly struggling to be competitive, innovative, and responsive.Amidstthetechnologicaldisruptionandshifting expectationsfromtheworkforce,thereisonesurethingthat never changes leadership matters Transformational leadership development, in particular, has emerged as the cornerstone for building organizations that are not only successful but also purpose-driven and people-centric. But beyond the theory and motivational address, the pragmatic question that comes to mind is: what is the ROI of transformationalleadershipdevelopment?
To understand the real impact of this form of leadership, it is necessary to cut deep into its impact on performance, people, andprofits.
WhatisTransformationalLeadershipDevelopment?
Transformational leadership development is not a managementtrendormotivationalworkshop,it'sadeliberate, sustained effort to build leaders who inspire, empower, and createmeaningfulchange.Theconcept,originallydescribed by political scientist James MacGregor Burns, revolves aroundleaderswholiftpeopleupbyappealingtopurposeand values. They don't just manage; they inspire them on both cognitive and affective levels, and they cause groups to tap intotheirhighestpotential.
In contrast to transactional leadership, with its focus on supervision and reward-based motivation, transformational leadership seeks to establish a culture of trust, engagement, and innovation With deep self-knowledge, empathy, strategic vision, and continuous learning, transformational leadersshifttheorganizationalfocusfromshort-termoutput tolong-termimpact.
Tangible Business Benefits: Where the ROI Becomes Clear
Perhaps the strongest argument in favor of organizations investing in transformational leadership development is its clear impact on employee engagement. Managers who understand and practice empathy, open communication, and one-on-one support build cultures where people feel heard and valued This leads to lower turnover, higher team cohesion, and better morale. Numerous studies have found that companies with highly engaged employees outperform others on a large scale in profitability, customer satisfaction, andoperationalefficiency
Improved employee retention is another measurable outcome.Perhapsthemostexpensiveissueforanycompany ishighturnover Recruitingfromthepointofhiringthrough training, having to rehire people, is time and money. Transformational leadership prevents those expenses by fosteringcommitmentandloyalty,particularlywhenleaders becomeinterestedinlearningaboutindividuals'personaland professionaldevelopment.
Productivity is also greatly boosted. When employees are motivatedtoinnovate,own,andcontributemorethanthejob description, performance occurs as a natural consequence. Psychologicalsafety,introducedbytransformationalleaders, is an environment in which one can ask questions about the statusquoandproposenewoptionswithoutfear.Thischange always results in innovation in product design, streamlined processes,andfasterresponsivenessindynamicmarkets.
Financially, the numbers speak for themselves Those organizations which have embedded transformational leadership development in their very DNA have registered dramatic growth in revenues, EBITDA, and shareholder value.InMcKinseyresearch,itwasobservedthatfirmsthat havesuccessfulleadershipdevelopmentoutperformindustry rivalsbymorethantwiceonallthekeyfinancialmetrics.The investmentisnotintrainingbutintransformationthatyields profit.
IntangibleReturns:CulturalandEmotionalImpact
Behindspreadsheetsandnumbersliesadeeperimpact—one that reaches the heart of an organization. Transformational leadership development can re-engineer culture in an organization. When leaders lead with authenticity, vulnerability, and moral decision-making, they create workplaces that are inclusive and psychologically healthy Over time, these contribute to a sense of belonging and purpose,bothcrucialforkeepinghighperformers.
Also, transformational leadership builds resilience. In times of crisis economic downturn, worldwide pandemic, internal upheaval transformational-leadership-trained leaders are equipped to handle ambiguity Their emotional intelligenceenablesthemtoleadwithintentionandempathy, to keep groups grounded while progressing in a positive direction.
But another key intangible return is leadership continuity Transformationalleadersarementorsandinspirerstoothers, creating a ripple effect throughout the organization. Rather thanrelyingsoheavilyonoutsidehiringtofillkeyleadership roles, organizations have an inside bench of qualified, capable, and motivated leaders. Not only does this create smoother transitions, but it also strengthens organizational memoryandculturalalignment.
StoriesofSuccess:FromVisiontoReality
The world's most admired companies Microsoft and Salesforce,aswellassmallermission-drivenstartups—share one thing: a deep investment in leadership development rooted in human connection and shared vision Satya
Nadella's transformational leadership at Microsoft, for example, played a critical role in shifting the company from competitive to collaborative and empathetic culture. The result wasn't just cultural; it was financial and strategic, positioning Microsoft as one of the world's leading companies.
Insmallerorganizations,leaderswhohavedevelopedthrough transformation often report alterations in their conflict resolution,goalsetting,andteammanagement.Onenonprofit executive explained how the method helped her by not only reducing the burnout among her staff but doubling fundraisingoutcomesbycreatingmoretrustandauthenticity amongstakeholders.
Making It Work: Embedding Transformation into Leadership
In order to build sustainable ROI for transformational leadershipdevelopment,itmustbeembeddedinthecultureof the organization. It takes more than one seminar and checklists Effective programs integrate self-assessment, coaching,feedbackinthemoment,andlong-termmentoring. Seniorleadersmustalsomodeltop-downcommitment,with top leaders demonstrating values that need to be emulated throughoutthefirm.
Organizations that make this one a priority don't only build moreeffectiveleaders—theybuildmoreeffectivecompanies.
Conclusion: An Investment in People with Strategic Returns
Transformational leadership development at its core is an investment in people—investing in their development, their potential,andtheirpurpose.TheROIisn'tjustfeltinquarterly reports but in the everyday moments when leaders inspire their teams, walk through challenges with confidence, and leadfromtheheartasmuchasfromthemind.
Inaworldthatisdemandingmorefromleadershipthanever, those who embrace transformation will not only endure but leadthepathtoastronger,moreinnovative,andlovingfuture.
