Name: Dr. Graciela Beatriz De Oto

Title: President

Organisation: Suma Veritas Foundation

Motivational Speaker, Writer, Business Coach, And Certified Lecturer By World Speakers, Keynote Speaker At International Conferences, Including The G20 In Argentina, Saudi Arabia, And India, Holding A Ph.D. in Corporate Management. President Of The Suma Veritas Foundation, Promoting Female Entrepreneurship. International Promoter Of The Sdgs And Regional Coordinator Of Sdg No. 5. International Representative Of The Women's Leaders Forum For Peace And International Relations Of Camef. International Vice President At Glory International University (USA), Member Of The University Council Of Glory International University Africa, And Member Of The Accord Global Academy Of Diplomacy.

Global Advisor Of Lectern Peace & Human Rights Foundation, International Advisor At Amity College University, And Chair Of Global Women's Rights At Leeway Peace & Human Rights Foundation. Senior Human Rights Advisor And Cochair Of The International Women In Business Committee At The Global Chamber Of Business Leaders, President Of ABWCI Argentina And The South American Region, Fellow Of The Institute Of Glassic Entrepreneurship, Female For Innovation, Small Business & Entrepreneurship, And Global Academy Of Entrepreneurship. Holds Honorary Doctorates In Business Management From The Universal Institute Of Nations, In Peace Education From Lectern Peace & Human Rights Academy, In Business Administration From Glory International University, And International Relations & Diplomacy From Glory International University.

Honorary Member Of The International Academy Of Diplomacy And Professions, Member Of The International Academic Hub Based In Italy, Bearer Of The Universal Peace Flag, Global Peace Ambassador Of World Peace Tracts, Ambassador For Diversity And Inclusion, And Sustainability Ambassador Of Spsc, Human Rights Ambassador Of Nohe Un, And Human Rights Commissioner.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

We’ve gone through the interviews and asked the best of the best to come back and answer 7 MORE Questions on Leadership.

I hope Graciela's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. As a leader, how do you build trust with employees, customers and other stakeholders?

As the President of Fundación Suma Veritas, building trust with employees, customers, and stakeholders is at the heart of what I do. For me, trust starts with clear, open communication. I believe in sharing not only our successes but also our challenges and goals with everyone involved—whether they are employees, partners, or the incredible women entrepreneurs we support. This transparency helps create a real sense of community and connection.

Another important aspect is consistency. By aligning our actions with our mission of empowering women, I aim to show that our commitment is genuine and long-term. I make sure that we celebrate women’s achievements and offer constructive feedback to help them grow. This approach creates a supportive and trusting environment where people feel valued.

Investing in professional development is also a big focus for us. Through training programs, networking, and mentorship, I want each person we work with to feel that their success matters. When people see that we’re invested in their growth, trust naturally follows.

With corporate partners and sponsors, trust is built on shared values. I involve them in our decision-making processes and ensure we maintain ethical practices. By working together towards common goals and fostering long-term relationships, we build a foundation of trust that is both sustainable and impactful.

2. What do 'VISION' and 'MISSION' mean to you? And what does it actually look like to use them in real-world business?

To me, vision and mission are like the heart and soul of an organization. They’re what keep us focused and inspired, guiding everything we do. Vision is about where we want to go, the big dreams we’re working toward, and the kind of impact we hope to have in the world. It’s the "why" behind all our hard work and inspires everyone to move forward with a sense of purpose.

In business, vision isn’t just a nice statement on the wall. It’s something we talk about regularly to remind everyone what we’re building together. It shapes our strategies and helps us make decisions that align with our long-term goals. When employees see the vision in action, it gives them a sense of pride and motivation.

The mission, on the other hand, is all about the "what" and "how." It defines what we’re doing right now to bring our vision to life, our core values, and the unique value we offer to our community. The mission is what we live every day—it’s about delivering on our promises and staying true to our values.

In real life, having a clear mission makes daily decisions easier because it reminds us what we stand for. We keep our mission front and center by communicating it often and making sure it’s reflected in our actions, so everyone, whether employees or customers, can feel connected to what we do.

3. How can a leader empower the people they're leading?

Empowering people as a leader is about creating a supportive environment where team members feel valued, trusted, and capable of achieving their best. It starts with open communication, where everyone’s ideas and insights are welcomed and respected. Setting clear goals provides direction and purpose, while giving team members the autonomy to make decisions fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. Investing in professional development shows a commitment to their growth, and recognizing their achievements builds confidence and motivation.

By fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture, providing the necessary resources, and offering mentorship, leaders can help their teams thrive. Balancing work and life priorities ensures well-being, and leading by example inspires everyone to strive for excellence. This approach not only empowers individuals but also drives the entire organization towards success.

4. Who are some of the coaches or mentors in your life who have had a positive influence on your leadership? Can you please tell a meaningful story about one of them?

When I think about the people who've shaped my journey as a leader, Martha Harff’s name always stands out. She’s more than a mentor—she’s a force of nature. With over four decades of experience as an entrepreneur, Martha’s story is one of survival, resilience, and relentless passion. She’s carved her path, and in doing so, she’s become a beacon for women across Latin America and beyond.

One of the most impactful lessons I've gleaned from Martha is the significance of embracing mistakes as integral to the learning process. Her philosophy, emphasizing the ability to repair and grow from errors, has instilled in me a mindset that views challenges as opportunities for development. Martha's wisdom has taught me to navigate uncertainties with resilience and adaptability.

Furthermore, Martha's emphasis on continuous movement and action has become a cornerstone of my leadership style. Inspired by her belief that "movement moves," I've learned to overcome fear and paralysis by consistently moving forward. This proactive approach, rooted in Martha's teachings, has provided me with a sense of direction and energy in steering my team toward shared goals.

Perhaps most notably, Martha's unabashed acknowledgment of the importance of making money has reshaped my perspective on financial stability in business. Her candid approach has liberated me from any lingering hesitation, allowing me to approach entrepreneurship with a clear focus on economic independence and success.

5. Leadership is often more about what you DON'T do. How do you maintain focus in your role?

In leadership, focus isn't just about what you do—it's often about what you choose not to do. Maintaining that focus feels like an art form, balancing the many moving parts while keeping sight of what truly matters.

One of the ways I keep my focus is by setting clear priorities. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of tasks and requests, but having a defined sense of what's essential helps me steer efforts toward the big-picture goals. Delegation is also key. By trusting my team to handle certain responsibilities, I can concentrate on where I can make the most impact.

Strategic planning helps me connect daily actions with long-term goals, which naturally filters out distractions. I often rely on tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to help me decide what really deserves my time and energy, so I’m not pulled into non-essential commitments that drain focus. Learning to say "no" has been a valuable skill too—one that protects my time for what truly aligns with our vision.

Creating a focused work environment also plays a big role. I set aside specific times for communication and keep boundaries around my work hours to minimize interruptions. Regular reflection allows me to check in with myself, making sure I’m still aligned with my goals and adjusting as needed. And I never overlook the importance of self-care, because being well-rested and clear-headed is essential for making sound, focused decisions.

In the end, leading with focus means choosing actions intentionally and knowing what to let go of. It’s this commitment to purposeful omission that helps me stay on course, carving a path toward success that’s steady and strategic.

6. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Everyone plans differently. How do you plan for the week, month and years ahead in your role?

Planning, for me, is like setting a course on a map. It’s what keeps me grounded in my role, guiding me toward both the immediate goals and the long-term vision. Here’s how I approach planning, weaving together the short, medium, and long term to stay on track and be adaptable.

For the week ahead, I start by breaking down larger goals into bite-sized tasks. I prioritize these based on what will have the most impact and use time-blocking to set aside focused moments for each. This way, I can make real progress without getting lost in daily distractions. A quick review at the end of each day helps me adjust if new priorities pop up, keeping me agile.

When it comes to monthly planning, I take a step back and think more strategically. I look at our progress on bigger goals, evaluate the team’s performance, and make sure resources are being used effectively. This is also when I check in with my own and my team’s growth—whether there are skills we need to sharpen or new tools that can help us work smarter.

Annually, I zoom way out to see the big picture. I map out major milestones, set key performance targets, and build a budget that supports our ambitions. This is also a time to think about the future in a broader sense, like considering succession planning to keep the organization strong and resilient over time.

My approach to planning isn’t rigid, though. Flexibility is essential in a fast-changing environment. I welcome feedback from my team, adjust plans as we learn more, and consider different scenarios so we’re prepared for whatever comes our way. Using project management tools helps keep everything organized and ensures that we’re all on the same page.

This blend of structure and adaptability helps keep us moving toward our goals while remaining open to change. It’s a rhythm that feels steady and sustainable, empowering us to achieve success one well-planned step at a time.

7. What advice would you give to a young leader who is struggling to delegate effectively?

For a young leader struggling with delegation, think of it as a journey of trust, growth, and shared success. Delegation isn’t just handing off tasks; it’s giving your team the chance to shine and build their own skills. Start by building trust—it’s like planting seeds that will grow into confidence and competence within your team.

Begin with clear communication. Imagine you’re setting a compass for a shared adventure, where everyone knows the destination and their role in reaching it. Take time to understand the unique strengths of each team member, matching tasks with talents to create a blend of skills working together harmoniously.

Remember, questions from your team aren’t obstacles—they’re a sign they’re engaged and invested. Encourage curiosity and create an open environment where people feel comfortable asking for guidance. And don’t forget to equip them with the resources they need, like giving provisions for the journey.

Start small, with simple tasks that build their confidence. Mistakes will happen, but instead of seeing them as setbacks, view them as learning experiences. Each task is a stepping stone, and with every step, your team grows stronger.

Regular check-ins are like rest stops on this journey. They give everyone a chance to reflect, adjust, and stay on course. Celebrate every success as a shared victory, no matter how small. Your patience will be the compass that keeps you on track.

And finally, embrace mentorship. Lean on others who’ve navigated this path, and always be open to learning and growing. Delegation is an evolving story, where every challenge adds depth and every success builds momentum. With time, you’ll find that delegating isn’t just a skill—it’s a way to empower and uplift your team, writing a story of shared accomplishments.