Santo Domingo.- The prominent Dominican businessman and former president of the National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP) and the Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic (AIRD), Lisandro Macarrulla, stated that the changes driven by technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation require leaders capable of continuous learning, developing emotional intelligence, acting with integrity, fostering innovation, and serving others.
Macarrulla gave the keynote lecture “Leadership in the 21st Century” during the launch event of the “Leadership for Transformation 2.0” program, from the Community Higher Technical Institute (ITSC). Before students, teachers, and academic authorities, he maintained that current leadership transcends traditional models based on authority and hierarchy, to be based on the ability to inspire, connect, collaborate, and innovate.
“I invite young people to take on the following commitments that will serve to contribute to their journey through life: First, learn continuously. Second, develop emotional intelligence. Third, act with integrity. Fourth, embrace innovation. Fifth, serve others. If you incorporate these principles, you will be prepared to lead in any environment,” he stated.
When addressing the attributes that distinguish an effective leader, Macarrulla highlighted that trust constitutes the central element upon which healthy relationships are built. “If I had to summarize leadership in a single word, I would choose trust. Without trust, there is no leadership,” he stated.
Likewise, he highlighted the importance of leadership being always supported by solid ethical principles, especially in an era marked by rapid technological advances and complex social challenges. “Ethics is not a complement to leadership, it is part of its foundation. The true test of leadership appears when no one is watching,” he pointed out.
More Read
In the final part of his speech, he invited the participants to take an active role in building their future, without waiting for ideal conditions or absolute certainties to begin exercising leadership.
“Do not wait for the perfect moment to arrive. Do not wait to have all the answers. Do not wait for someone to grant you permission to lead. Start today,” he expressed.
Macarrulla concluded by encouraging young people to lead from their values, their actions, and the positive impact they can generate on others. “The future does not belong to those who watch change from a distance.
More Read
It belongs to those who have the courage to take the first step and become the force that makes it possible,” he stated.
Lisandro Macarrulla is a businessman and held the position of Minister of the Presidency during the years 2020-2022.
