At Advantere, leadership is not only part of the curriculum — it’s lived, questioned, and redefined. Through the Leadership Talks at Advantere, students engage with leaders who show what it truly means to lead with purpose and integrity. These talks offer more than inspiration: they create a bridge between values and action.
What Makes Leadership Talks at Advantere Unique
The Leadership Talks at Advantere invite professionals who lead by example. Each guest brings lived experience, courage, and clarity — helping students see that leadership today is about impact, not ego.
Let’s meet the six guest speakers who made this year’s series unforgettable.
Alex Roca: The Power of Resilience
Despite living with 76% cerebral palsy, Alex Roca became the first person with this condition to complete a marathon. His talk reminded students that true barriers are often mental. His message — “The limit is set by you” — resonated across our community.
Ousman Umar: Education as a Tool for Change
Ousman’s journey from Ghana to Europe took five years and countless challenges. Today, through NASCO Feeding Minds, he works to give Ghanaian youth access to education. He showed students that purpose can grow from pain — and create lasting impact.
Sandra Manresa: Leading Through Adaptability
With experience at Google, El Corte Inglés, and Santander Bank, Sandra has led digital transformation across industries. She emphasized innovation, bold decision-making, and resilience — all essential skills in today’s rapidly evolving world.
Jo Fackler: Aligning Finance with Sustainability
Jo Fackler, Director of Global Affairs at Social Value International, shared how finance can be a force for good. She highlighted tools like impact measurement and transparent reporting, urging students to lead with responsibility and long-term vision.
Javier San Félix: People-Centered Leadership
Javier San Félix has held top roles at Santander, Banesto, and PagoNxt. His message was clear: to lead effectively, you must be adaptable, digital-minded, and people-first. His leadership approach offered students a model rooted in trust and collaboration.
Maria Samoilova: From Wall Street to Impact
After two decades at J.P. Morgan, Maria Samoilova now leads as Managing Partner at Impact Bridge Asset Management. She spoke about redefining success, aligning values with career choices, and finding purpose through finance. Her story was both bold and deeply human.
Why Leadership Talks at Advantere Matter
These talks don’t just inspire — they activate. Students walk away with real stories, lived lessons, and a clearer sense of what kind of leader they want to become.
The Leadership Talks at Advantere create space for reflection, connection, and purpose — shaping the next generation of leaders who will not only succeed, but serve.