Name: Luis Navas

Title: Computer systems engineer

Organisation: Independent consultant and Trainer

Computer scientist by profession and specialized in e-Learning, Professional Training Project Management in Teaching - Learning models and Human Resource management in the identification of job competency profiles. In the last 9 years I have dedicated them to the development of projects related to the updating of curricular and instructional designs, coordination and logistical support for the execution of trainings with innovative elements, the strengthening of job competencies and skills, technical support and personal brand development through different strategies, processes, technological resources and Agile methodologies.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Luis's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

A leader must have communicative and empathic skills, since that has been the central part of orienting and guiding work teams. Also, it is necessary to transmit confidence and to feel at all times the unconditional support of the leader in every work process as a person.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

My transformation as a leader started in the scout movement, learning to fend for himself and at the same time guitar others and motivate them. Later on, reading was vital for me, learning from the "best or great" (such as Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson, Ghandi, Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, Steve Jobs, etc.). Learning from others and putting it into practice, that strengthens and shapes you as a leader.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I wake up at 5 am, I do my prayers to have a good day, I review the previous day (completed and pending things), I schedule my activities briefly (as in a mental map to have a big picture), physical exercise routines to maintain good health, perform my activities and delegate others, plan effective meetings (if necessary), have lunch or dinner with family or friends. Knowing how to separate work and family... for everything there is tiempo.No structure things methodically, but there is a list of activities to do in a balanced way.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

I am operated of an open heart coronary bypass and one learns from life that one has to trust in people "leaders" in what they know how to do, people who transmit confidence and security and that is what my learning of this operation lies in, the leadership of the doctors and their work team in the operating room, my family and friends who placed their trust and encouragement in me to go confident to the operation and that everything went very well and in GOD that without that religious faith acquired and transmitted by priests this whole process would not have been possible. The final goal was fulfilled: to be born again with a new heart to continue sharing my knowledge and experience to others.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

At a seminar on empowerment I was given a book called "make it happen" and it briefly deals with everyone who should revolutionize their personal (and corporate) growth by developing sustained effort to achieve goals and dreams. An inspiring and motivating book for individual and collective work (helping others to grow - lead)

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Observe and learn from the greats: athletes, musicians, writers, religious, trainers, entrepreneurs, etc. Those who make a difference and stand out, who motivate you to be better every day. Look for good literature: that inspires you, motivates you, that makes you elevate your mind to other perspectives and be able to generate ideas. Family time: outdoor activities, feel nature at its best, get out of the work routine, travel, exercise.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

When I learned to play BKB (13 years old), my coach gave me a sheet with some thoughts or phrases, many said why did the coach give us this if it's nothing interesting. I learned from that sheet and I keep it to date (that page will be about 42 years old now). and they were motivational thoughts to face every BKB match, before, during and after each game, they said something like this: Think big and your successes will grow, think small and you will be left behind, it's all in the mental attitude, a lot of people lose races or games without having started before, think that you can and it's almost certain that you will succeed, think that you can't and it's certain that you will lose. .... that marked me for a lifetime in what I do. He who does not take risks does not succeed in winning.