Women's Leadership Blog

Gimena Pena, Featured Leader

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:: Website and Links to Online Profiles:
Pier 2 Marketing
YouNoodle profile
The Association of Women MBAs board profile
LinkedIn profile

:: Favorite Book(s)?
Influence by Robert Cialdini Ed. Allyn and Bacon
Power Up: Transforming Organizations Through Shared Leadership. By David Bradford & Allan Cohen. Ed. Wiley
The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo

:: Women Leader That Inspires You?
I would have to say my mother. She is the strongest woman I have ever known. She taught me and motivated me to follow my dreams, no matter how unreachable they seemed. I learned from her to stand up and try again every time I fall, and to stick to my values no matter what.

She also taught me to be open minded, to learn from other cultures and from different people around the world. Mostly I learned from her to keep my feet on the ground, no matter how high I might fly...learning to help others along the way, and to make a difference in the world (one step at a time).

:: Who Was Your Best Manager? Why?
Cynthia Pelini, CFO of Satmex (subsidiary of Loral Space Communications).

She has been one of my best managers, because she pushed me to perform better every day, and tested my skills on every task. I have to admit it was tough at times, but I learned the best lessons regarding management and particularly "women in management" from her.

:: Your First "Real" Job?
It was at Deloitte & Touche in Mexico City doing strategic planning and consulting.

:: Where Do You Do Your Best Thinking?
At the beach. I love sitting in front of the sea and just letting my mind flow. Bringing a notebook is also good so I don't forget the ideas!

:: What Do You Value Most in Employees? Colleagues?
Their attitude towards work and life. I have worked with really talented people, great education, but unfortunately if they do not have the right attitude the boat only goes so far. People that are always willing to go the extra mile (even if they make mistakes) and learn, those are the ones that you want on your team.

You can always train them and help them learn particular skills needed for a job, but if they have the wrong attitude, there is not much you can really do.

:: What Would You Like to Be the World's Best At?
Probably I should say the best marketer, and that is certainly part of it. But I would like to be the best woman leading a company, showing that women on executive management positions do not have to act like men to be perceived strong or to earn the respect of their colleagues. As women, we have great qualities that make us different when holding leadership positions...learning how to use those qualities only makes us stronger.

:: What Do You Consider Your Greatest Achievement?
Being able to start Pier 2 Marketing with my partner and make it a successful marketing firm.

:: What Is Your Personal Mission Statement?
Persistence...we can not be the best at everything we do, but we can certainly try, and if we fall, just stand up, smile and keep walking (even if it hurts).

Try to make a difference in the world. I learned that we can not change the world in a day, but we certainly can step by step- both in our professional and personal lives.