On March 21st, 2019, Egon Zehnder hosted its third Leaders & Daughters event in Santiago, bringing together 46 guests, including leaders and daughters, for a breakfast conversation at Club El Golf 50. The event was moderated by Luis Cubillos, a Partner who helped establish the Santiago office, and included top CEOs, executives and board members from some of the largest conglomerates in the country. As guest speaker, Marcela Cubillos, Chile’s Minister of Education, shared her personal experience on how family, education, failures and opportunities have shaped her career and also provided insights on how to manage a demanding leadership role as a woman. Below are some of the key takeaways from this year’s event:

• I learned that if you don't like something, you have to change it. You cannot make a difference by being indifferent. If you don't like what's happening – there is a leadership opportunity; if you don't take it, someone else will.

• Companies have to work on getting men to participate more. This includes encouraging or allowing them to take the kids to school and to the doctor. Women should not be the only ones asking for permission to be absent from work.

• We have to let women fulfil the roles in which they are qualified in all areas. The most intelligent and well-rounded group and organizations are diverse. We need more studies and surveys to make it visible that this is a business need and not simply a trend.

• The problem is originated in stereotypes. There are clearly differentiated roles in our society. If we don't start by educating men and women early on, it will be difficult to change the course of history.

• It is fundamental to believe that we are capable. We need to ask ourselves, what can we change about the way we work today?

• My dream is that this event is called “Leaders & Parents” one day.