Name: Maximiliano Canas Boldrin

Title: Founder - CEO

Organisation: 3impacto - [https://3impacto.eco]

Father of 2 beautiful children, life partner of a wonderful woman, passionate reader, frustrated athlete, Engineer in Systems, Project Director, PMI-ACP®, Scrum Master, Consultant, Founder at 3impacto, Change Agent.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

As a leader, my greatest challenge is the continual internal battle to surpass myself. In the journey of initiating and leading ambitious projects, I find myself at a unique crossroads of universal problems and personal challenges. Each day, I ponder what conviction drives me to deliver my best in every invested hour. Integrating personal life with professional duties, managing anxiety, resolving conflicts, and sustaining team spirit are key aspects of this journey.

True leadership begins with self-leadership. Mastering the internal battle is crucial before one can effectively guide others. It's not just about understanding the context in which we operate, but about deeply knowing ourselves. This self-awareness enables us to deploy the necessary tools to continue shaping our destiny and that of our teams. Ultimately, leading means blazing a trail not just for oneself, but for those who follow, adeptly balancing professional demands with personal and emotional needs.

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

From a very young age, I felt an undeniable call within me to change the world. This conviction led me down an unconventional path: I never followed the traditional route of being an employee. Instead, I dedicated myself to creating enterprises, each with a visionary focus and a global understanding of the context in which they operated.

My journey to leadership was not straightforward. It was shaped through a series of significant learnings, what others might call failures, but I consider them essential steps in my development. Each of these moments taught me not only about business but also about myself and how to effectively and empathetically lead others.

I have come to realize that leadership is both an innate gift and a skill to be acquired. I was born with a natural inclination towards leadership, but it was through practical experiences, reflections, and constant adaptations that I truly shaped my ability to lead. On this journey, I learned that being a leader is not just about guiding others towards a common goal, but also about inspiring them to reach their full potential while working for a greater good.

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

My day begins early, around 5:30 am, inspired by the notion that 'luck is distributed from 6 to 6:30 am'. This early start provides me with a quiet, productive time before the day's demands kick in.

I've developed what I call a 'circular focus' method. It involves a work wheel that divides my day into segments dedicated to specific tasks. This strategy helps me maintain focus and know exactly what I need to work on at each moment.

I recognize the importance of physical well-being, and while I strive to maintain a healthy diet, I am working to incorporate more physical exercise into my routine. Physical health is crucial for maintaining the energy and mental clarity needed for high performance.

I talk about performance because I aim to be efficient in each task. This not only improves my productivity but also allows me to dedicate quality time to my family, which is my main priority in life. I firmly believe in avoiding procrastination and take active breaks to keep stress at bay.

For me, the secret is in enjoying the journey and adversities as if they were a game. This mindset allows me to approach each day with enthusiasm and perseverance, always seeking a balance between dedication to work and family time.

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

A valuable lesson I've recently learned is the importance of developing what might be called a 'sixth sense' in leadership, particularly in decision-making. I've found that relying on my perceptions and instincts, in addition to rational analysis, can be incredibly effective.

While thorough analysis is crucial, it can sometimes create unnecessary barriers, preventing us from seeing and seizing emerging opportunities. I've learned that balancing intuition with critical analysis can lead to more dynamic and creative decisions, opening doors to possibilities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

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?

The book 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' by Stephen R. Covey has been a cornerstone in my leadership development journey. This work not only marked the beginning of my venture into effective leadership but has also been a constant pillar throughout my career.

Covey offers powerful insights and practical strategies that have shaped my approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of proactivity, prioritizing, and seeking mutual benefit in professional relationships. This book has influenced not just my personal growth but has also been a key tool in shaping my leadership style and my ability to manage teams effectively.

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

Be unwavering in your convictions and keep a clear purpose at the forefront of all your actions. Rise early and face each day with determination, guided by the certainty of your own goals and values, without being swayed by the perceived limitations of others. Place ethics and morality at the forefront of every aspect of your life, not just as personal principles, but also as the foundation of all your interactions and decisions.

Always maintain order and transparency, not only in your actions but also in your communication. It is vital that these values are reflected not only in yourself but also in your team. By consistently transmitting these principles to your collaborators, you foster a culture of integrity and mutual respect, essential for truly effective and sustainable leadership.

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

Throughout my journey as a leader, I have faced extremely tough challenges, moments that seemed like dead ends, where circumstances appeared adverse and supportive voices were scarce. However, these challenges have been nothing but tests of my conviction and resilience. My story is one of relentless struggle, of never giving up, of staying unwaveringly true to my goals, and of never backing down, not even to gain momentum.

Each step forward, taken with professionalism, care, dedication, and strength, has taught me that there is always a valuable lesson or a positive outcome at the end of the path. This journey has reaffirmed my belief that only oneself knows their true limits and potential. My story, filled with obstacles and triumphs, serves as a reminder that with the right mindset and an unbreakable spirit, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.