What’s YOUR secret to success?

Jacqueline Vinseiro and Pablo Díaz tell us what it is like to be a facilitator for Hamburger University. They also share advice on leadership, people development and, of course, content advice that is relevant to you.

“My passion for being part of the group of facilitators of HU began when I went there as a student for the first time . . . several years ago. I understood the impact that HU and the learning processes have on people, while experiencing it all as a participant. Now I have a great responsibility as a facilitator / teacher, which is to have that positive impact on students / participants that I experienced at the time and that pushed me to do everything I could to achieve this goal. Whenever I talk to people, I emphasize the 70 20 10 learning model. I think it is essential that we understand it and promote it within the organization. There is a scene from the movie “Any Given Sunday” that I love and I recommend that you watch it. It is a speech given by Al Pacino to a team that is about to be defeated. I really recommend that you watch that scene.”

“To me, learning to lead is one of the most difficult things to teach. It is common to confuse directing people with leading them. It is easy to confuse the two, because people believe that by giving orders and getting good results, they are fulfilling their duties, but that is not leading. To be able to create changes in people, you need to be able to influence them, earn their respect. If you do not achieve that, it is very difficult for you to actually lead. This requires several skills, of which knowing how to listen is one of the most difficult in this demanding, leading organization. We believe we know everything, but that is not true. We must learn to open our minds, our ears and be willing to listen to others. Only in that initial exchange can you begin to build something new and take the first step toward transformation. When I first took on my position, many of those I had to lead were looking to see what I could contribute to them, since they already knew how to work. It was only by listening and supporting them continuously, showing them the way and the tools available to them that I managed to change their mindset and get them to open up. They helped themselves grow; the leader is just a vehicle.”

Movie: Hacksaw Ridge, Netflix

Videos: Protagonist or Victim (Ezequiel Lidijover)

Book: After the Tenth Day (Carlos Páez), The Spark (Cirque du Soleil)

Sharing advice and experiences strengthens our learning ecosystem, of which you are an essential part. We share your greatest achievements and your path to where you are now. Your learning experiences can be inspirational to many.

What you have learned can help other people succeed.