In the world of business, not all leaders wear capes. Some, like Marina Bellini, the COO of Banco Itaú, wield a unique playbook steeped in wisdom and humility. With a career journey spanning Big 4 consulting, global CPG giants, and now Latin America’s largest bank, she knows the ropes.
Recently, on the Tech Whisperers podcast, Marina Bellini opened her playbook for all to see. She shared insights about navigating organizational transformation, transitioning between industries, and quantifying your impact as a digital leader. But there’s more to her leadership philosophy than meets the eye.
Marina Bellini’s Leadership Mantras:
1. “I Don’t Want to Be Right”
This seemingly paradoxical phrase encapsulates her belief in collaboration over assertion. Bellini isn’t content with being right; she’s obsessed with cultivating better ideas. She values dialogue, not dogma.
2. “I Don’t Have a Crystal Ball”
Bellini defies the allure of predictability. She champions experimentation, learning, and data-driven decisions over crystal ball certainties. Her message: Predicting is for amateurs; learning is for leaders.
3. “You Don’t Know Less; You Know Different”
A self-esteem booster, Bellini encourages her team to celebrate their unique knowledge. In her eyes, no one knows less; they know differently. Diverse perspectives drive innovation.
4. “Don’t Be an Over-Learner”
In a whirlwind of change, it’s easy to over-learn and overcomplicate. Bellini reminds us to balance new experiences with our existing expertise. Life is about equilibrium, not extremes.
5. “I Can Multitask in a Day, not in a Minute”
Bellini’s values focus on the present moment. She multitasks efficiently over longer timeframes rather than attempting it in seconds. She underscores that true multitasking requires the right timing.
6. “I Don’t Love Technology; I Love What We Can Do with It”
A pivotal belief, Bellini reminds us that technology, in itself, isn’t the hero. It’s the solutions that empower that matter. Falling in love with tech for tech’s sake? That’s a distraction. It’s about what you can create with it that counts.
Marina Bellini’s leadership playbook isn’t about being the know-it-all; it’s about being the learn-it-all. These mantras shape cultures, inspire growth, and elevate leadership to new heights.