At TopLeader, we believe that leadership is not a static skill, but a continuous, fluid journey shaped by experience, mentorship, and development. To highlight the voices of industry thought leaders who embody our mission, we're launching the TopLeader Ambassador Q&A Blog Series—conversations with our ambassadors who stand at the forefront of values-driven leadership and talent development.
In this inaugural edition, we are pleased to feature an interview with Susana Jiménez, a veteran leadership coach and ex-executive of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. Her thoughts on emotional intelligence, coaching, and the future of leadership align beautifully with our vision.
"What pivotal moments in your career shaped your leadership philosophy, and how does that align with TopLeader's approach to leadership development?"
"In the early stages of my career at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, I was fortunate to have exceptional mentors who guided me in developing a leadership style true to my essence. The company's philosophy, encapsulated in its motto, 'We are Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen,' emphasizes genuine care and respect for both guests and employees. This approach fostered a cohesive team environment where collaboration and continuous quality improvement were standard. Employees were highly committed and motivated, reflecting the company's dedication to their development and well-being. This experience aligns seamlessly with TopLeader's values, which promote humane leadership and a commitment to nurturing talent."
"What specifically about TopLeader's platform or mission resonated with you and motivated you to become an Ambassador?"
"The founder’s vision of promoting humane, values-driven leadership resonated deeply with me. TopLeader’s mission aligns with my belief that great leadership is built on emotional intelligence, trust, and empowerment—not just authority or technical expertise. TopLeader’s commitment to fostering meaningful, lasting leadership transformation made it a natural fit for me to contribute as an Ambassador."
"Can you share a specific example of how coaching has transformed either your leadership style or that of someone you've worked with?"
"The founder’s vision of fostering a new generation of humane and forward-thinking leaders resonated deeply with me. TopLeader’s commitment to combining innovative AI-driven insights with the irreplaceable human touch in leadership development aligns with my own belief that effective leadership is built on emotional intelligence, continuous growth, and meaningful connections."
"What's one leadership challenge you've seen consistently across organizations that TopLeader's approach helps address effectively?"
"One of the biggest leadership challenges across organizations, especially in tech, pharma, and engineering, is the lack of emotional intelligence among managers and directors. These industries often prioritize technical expertise, leaving leaders without the interpersonal skills needed to engage, motivate, and retain talent effectively. This results in poor communication, low team engagement, and difficulties in managing change. My coaching methodology is rooted in emotional intelligence, as I consider it the foundation of human-centered leadership."
"How do you see TopLeader's AI-driven approach complementing the human element of leadership coaching, and why is that balance important?"
"TopLeader’s approach enhances leadership coaching by providing data-driven insights that increase self-awareness and personalize development. However, true leadership growth requires the human element—empathy, intuition, and real-world experience. I bring real leadership experience, having managed multicultural and multigenerational teams across the U.S. and Europe in various industries. This first-hand knowledge allows me to bridge AI-driven insights with the complexities of human leadership, ensuring a balanced and impactful development approach."
"Based on your experience, how do you see leadership development evolving over the next few years, and how is TopLeader positioned to meet those future needs?"
"The future of leadership lies in a more humane, values-driven approach that fosters respect, dignity, cooperation, and accountability. To drive success and deliver outstanding results, leaders must inspire commitment and engagement rather than rely on outdated models of micromanagement and command-driven authority. Today’s workforce—especially new generations—expects leadership that is empathetic, empowering, and rooted in trust and open communication. The traditional top-down, control-based style no longer yields sustainable results."
Susana Jiménez's insights provide a fascinating look at the future of leadership and the role that TopLeader is playing in shaping it. Throughout this series, we will be shining light on more industry leader voices, each with their own stories and lessons to share. Be sure to watch for the next post in the TopLeader Ambassador Q&A Series right here on our blog.
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