Interview with Dr Ignacio Bonasa
Interviewer: Dr Bonasa thank you for joining us You often describe your work as redefining leadership not as authority but as service and purpose What motivates this approach
Dr Ignacio Bonasa: Thank you I believe leadership today must go beyond titles It must be rooted in conscience compassion and a collective sense of purpose When leadership is guided by service it becomes transformative
Interviewer: You have called the Latin American Leaders Parliament a Parliament that does not legislate laws but inspires change How did this idea begin
Bonasa: It was born from listening For years I met extraordinary people across Latin America leaders entrepreneurs educators artists people with talent and vision But something was always missing unity I realized we needed a platform that connects ethical leaders across borders not through politics but through purpose
Interviewer: So the Parliament is a different kind of institution
Bonasa: Completely It is a Parliament of action not hierarchy We dont occupy seats we open paths We dont repeat history we rewrite it Every member is expected to lead tangible projects and collaborate in a continental vision
Interviewer: You often speak about ethical governance without politics What does that mean
Bonasa: Governments manage the present We focus on building the future Traditional institutions discuss policy we talk about people Our success is measured not in official documents or meetings but in lives improved alliances created and impact achieved
Interviewer: One of your more intriguing ideas is the concept of a lobby with soul How do you define that
Bonasa: Influence is not inherently negative A lobby with soul is a moral force one that serves noble goals such as education wellbeing sustainability innovation and human dignity It is about influencing to elevate not dominate
Interviewer: The Parliament has a formal structure but you emphasize that titles are not for prestige How does the organization operate
Bonasa: We have a Presidency an Executive Directorate ten Vice Presidencies and National Directors in each country But structure exists only to support action Every title corresponds to responsibility Everyone leads We function as an ecosystem where each voice matters
Interviewer: Under your leadership several initiatives have already emerged Can you tell us about some of them
Bonasa: Certainly
The Latin American Education Forum reimagines education as a creative and emotional process
The Leadership Institute trains emerging leaders in ethics centered decision making
The IntelligencIA Center explores artificial intelligence through human values
My earlier movement Dale la Vuelta a la Tortilla encourages individuals to transform adversity into opportunity And soon we will launch The Latin American Journal to share our stories from within the region
Interviewer: You place tremendous importance on education and culture Why are these so central to your vision
Bonasa: Because education without soul creates professionals but not citizens and culture without purpose becomes entertainment instead of transformation Latin Americas true power lies in its creativity and emotional intelligence These qualities must become strategic assets
Interviewer: You have also created a Youth Council What role does it play
Bonasa: Young people are not apathetic they are disillusioned with inauthentic spaces The Youth Council gives them real representation It is an innovation laboratory where young leaders work with senior mentors to create meaningful projects
Interviewer: In a region where trust in institutions is low how does the Parliament plan to build credibility
Bonasa: By being transparent and consistent Our accountability is measured through clear impact indicators the number of projects implemented alliances formed and people empowered We will not be remembered for speeches but for results
Interviewer: You are also forming global alliances What is the goal behind this
Bonasa: Latin America must be a co creator of global solutions We are working with organizations such as the United Nations UNESCO and leading universities in Europe and the Americas The future requires shared effort and Latin America has much to contribute
Interviewer: Finally what message do you want to send to leaders across the world
Bonasa: Join us if you believe that purpose and profitability can coexist that ethics can guide competitiveness and that culture is an investment not a cost True leadership is not about ruling others it is about inspiring others to rise together
Interviewer: And how would you summarize your vision of Leadership with Soul
Bonasa: Ethics give direction emotion gives energy Leading without emotion is like painting without color and emotion without ethics is chaos My mission is to help Latin America rediscover its dignity its voice and its collective soul