Leadership Talks: Sandra Manresa’s Journey

In Leadership Talks, Sandra Manresa, New Business & Partnership Director at Banco Santander, shared her inspiring leadership journey. Her career, marked by adaptability, authenticity, and compassion, offers valuable lessons for future leaders.

Sandra began her talk by discussing a challenge many face: finding the right career path. She explained how she explored different industries to discover her strengths and passions.

“Only a small percentage know their path early on,” she said, encouraging students to stay curious and see every step as a chance to learn. This adaptability became a key part of her leadership style.

Sandra’s first leadership role was at Yellow Pages, where she managed a team of 15 during a digital transformation. Initially, she adopted a “buddy-style” approach but soon realized that accountability and constructive feedback were essential for growth.

“At first, you want your team to like you, but knowing how to give feedback is a gift,” Sandra shared. Her experience shows how adaptability and honesty shape effective leaders.

While at El Corte Inglés, Sandra tackled the challenge of managing a multi-generational team and repositioning the brand for younger audiences. She embraced authenticity and inclusivity, using curiosity and humility to lead her team.

“They said I didn’t have ‘leader presence’ because I wasn’t aggressive. But staying true to myself paid off,” Sandra explained. Her story highlights how being authentic builds trust and delivers results.

At Google, Sandra faced resistance to her leadership style. By practicing compassionate leadership, she focused on understanding her team’s goals and supporting them effectively.

She introduced the 7 Cs of Compassionate Leadership, a framework guiding her decisions:

1. Contemplative – Reflecting for thoughtful decisions.
2. Curious – Exploring ideas to foster openness.
3. Confident – Leading with clarity to inspire trust.
4. Compassionate – Prioritizing team well-being.
5. Collaborative – Promoting teamwork for shared goals.
6. Civil – Using respect and kindness.
7. Courageous – Standing by values and admitting mistakes.

These principles illustrate how compassion drives both human connection and business success.

In this video, Sandra shares her thoughts on leadership today, emphasizing authenticity and compassion. She also provides actionable advice for aspiring leaders.

Leadership Talks are exclusive Advantere sessions where leaders like Sandra Manresa inspire students through their stories. These events align with Advantere’s values: authenticity, innovation, and impact.

By sharing these insights, Leadership Talks prepare students to navigate challenges and create meaningful change.

If you’re looking for an official master’s degree in Madrid with an international perspective, explore our programs in International Management, Finance, and Talent Management (HR) today and start shaping your future with Advantere.