JGB S.A

Sandra Valentina Rivillas Garzon

In just over 15 years working as an HR executive, I’ve seen big changes in organizational culture, the type of talent required and especially in leadership styles. The most important part of this entire journey has been understanding the relevance of organizational elasticity in taking advantage of the rapid changes in our environment.

I started out in a culture where results were everything— hitting (and beating) targets was basically the only focus. Then came the shift toward emotional intelligence and we started looking for leaders who cared not just about reaching goals, but also about how they reached them. That mix—results plus emotional intelligence was the gold standard until five years ago, when the pandemic changed everything. It was the post-pandemic effects that awakened a collective awareness about mental well-being and we began to understand that wellbeing deserved the same level of importance as productivity. Yes, it still sounds a bit strange to put well-being on the same level as productivity. However, only now can we truly understand that without well-being, sustainable productivity is impossible.

“Organizations need to adopt a broader view of success, one that is defined by more than just fiscal outcomes but also by the well-being and growth of their people and the health of the planet”

Now, let’s dig into well-being a bit more. It’s a popular topic, but not always something we practice. How much of our day do we spend taking care of ourselves? How many habits do we have that support physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual balance? How many hours and how much money, do we invest in that? Do we still think that resting, meditating, or having hobbies is a waste of time? And looking beyond ourselves, have we started living in a more sustainable way? Do we care for others, respect the environment and try to be good citizens? We are not only changing our behaviors but also our mindsets, which is just as important. As we move forward, a shift in perspective on sustainability, whether in work or in personal life, is required to adapt to these changes. Organizations need to adopt a broader view of success, one that is defined by more than just fiscal outcomes but also by the well-being and growth of their people and the health of the planet.

In summary, over the past 15 years we’ve lived through three cultural waves that in past civilizations could’ve represented centuries of development. When I think about this, I feel an immense privilege to have seen this evolution, where productivity, emotional intelligence, wellbeing and sustainability have converged at the same time to create a better way of living and working. The future is one where these interconnected pillars are foundational to the success of both individuals and organizations. As we continue navigating this journey, it will be essential to maintain balance while embracing new methods that allow us to thrive both personally and professionally, all the while cultivating environments that nourish the mind, body and spirit. If we can sustain this approach, we not only foster organizational success but also contribute to a more equitable, sustainable future.