Vice President of Human Development at Bladex and President of the Human Development Commission at the Latin American Banking Federation (Felaban)
In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, human development has become a fundamental pillar for sustainable growth and innovation. Mariano Castro, Vice President of Human Development at Bladex and President of the Human Development Commission at Felaban, embodies this philosophy through his dedication to fostering talent, empowering leadership, and integrating technology with human-centric strategies. With extensive experience across multiple countries and industries, Castro has played a key role in transforming the banking sector by advocating for a culture of continuous learning and resilience.
As President of Felaban’s Human Development Commission, Castro’s vision extends beyond conventional HR practices. He champions a strategic approach where talent development aligns with organizational transformation, ensuring that professionals in the financial sector are not just prepared for change but are driving it. Through his leadership, Felaban is setting new benchmarks in talent management, professional well-being, and digital adaptation.
Professional Journey and Inspiration
From the very beginning of his professional career, Castro knew that his purpose was deeply connected to people. However, his initial academic background was in technology, a field that fascinated him due to its capacity for innovation and disruption. “When he had the opportunity to work in systems, something within him felt incomplete—he lacked the human connection, the ability to impact people’s development and growth within an organization.”
That realization led him back to Human Resources, where he found the perfect balance between digital transformation and talent evolution. His career has allowed him to work in various countries, including Chile, Peru, Colombia, and now Panama, leading teams through organizational transformation processes.
To strengthen his leadership abilities, he acquired essential tools: he became a certified coach, earned an MBA, a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, and ultimately a PhD in Organizational Transformation. He has also expressed his vision through two books:
- Your Legacy, Your Choice, which encourages leaders and professionals to reflect on the impact they want to leave in the world.
- Embracing Change, a practical guide to leading digital transformation from a human-centered perspective.
His journey to Felaban was a natural progression in his career. As President of the Human Development Commission, he has the opportunity to drive strategic initiatives at a regional level, promoting the professionalization and evolution of talent within the Latin American financial sector.
Vision for Organizational Culture
Organizational culture is not something imposed; it is something built through every action, decision, and interaction within an organization. Castro’s vision at Felaban is clear. “I want to create an environment where people are at the center of transformation, promoting a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning in the banking industry.”
To achieve this, he focuses on three fundamental pillars. First, a clear purpose is essential, as professionals who understand the impact of their work demonstrate significantly higher levels of commitment and motivation. Second, empowerment and trust are critical in fostering a productive work environment. Rather than merely giving orders, an effective leader cultivates a culture where team members feel encouraged to innovate and challenge the status quo.
Lastly, continuous learning remains a cornerstone of professional growth. Recognizing that talent evolution is crucial to the future of banking, Felaban facilitates access to relevant knowledge, strengthening leadership across the region. His role at Felaban is to inspire, connect, and provide tools so that the financial sector can develop a resilient organizational culture adapted to new challenges.
Leadership Values and Decision-Making
Castro’s leadership is based on three fundamental values:
- Empathy: Understanding people beyond their roles and metrics. A motivated and understood team will always deliver their best.
- Integrity: Transparency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any relationship within an organization.
- Resilience: In a constantly changing world, the ability to adapt and learn from challenges is what distinguishes a leader from a true transformer.
Every initiative at Felaban is aligned with these values, ensuring that decisions are consistent with the needs of talent and the financial sector across the region.
Employee Well-Being and Growth
At Felaban, Castro promotes congresses and forums that allow banking organizations to create environments where professionals can grow and develop. The goal is to ensure that every bank in Latin America adopts best practices that prioritize well-being and the professionalization of talent.
Overcoming Challenges with a People-First Approach
One of the biggest challenges has been managing change in a highly regulated and digitally transforming financial environment. To overcome this, Castro has focused on three strategies:
- Clear and transparent communication: Uncertainty generates fear, and fear is countered with information.
- Flexibility and agility: Agile methodologies are implemented to quickly adapt to banking talent trends.
- Human-centered leadership: In times of change, people do not need motivational speeches; they need leaders who listen and understand them.
Balancing Technology and Human Connection
Technology has allowed the banking industry to optimize processes and enhance employee experience through tools such as People Analytics, AI, and automation. However, no digital tool can replace the empathy, mentorship, or inspiration that a leader provides to their team.
The challenge in the banking industry is not choosing between technology and humanity but finding the right balance.
Felaban’s Mission and Vision
Felaban has a clear mission: to strengthen banking integration in Latin America by promoting the development of the financial sector in the region. Within this mission, talent management is a key pillar for the sector’s sustainability and growth.
From the Human Development Commission, Castro works to ensure that banking in Latin America becomes synonymous with innovation, leadership, and professional development.
Advice for Aspiring HR Leaders
Castro’s advice for the upcoming professionals is, “To those aspiring to make a meaningful impact in banking HR, Castro emphasizes the importance of leading with purpose by shifting the focus beyond processes to creating a tangible and positive impact on people.” He also encourages professionals to act as agents of change, recognizing that transformation within the banking sector begins with the evolution of talent. Additionally, he underscores the necessity of continuous learning, as leadership is a journey of ongoing growth and adaptation.
Future Goals and Aspirations
Castro’s aspiration is clear: to turn talent management in Latin American banking into a global benchmark. His goal is to ensure that the region’s banking sector is a place where professionals grow, innovate, and build a lasting legacy. Because, at the end of the day, those who leave a legacy live forever.
Trends Shaping Human Development
The evolving workplace demands adaptability in HR strategies. Hybrid work models require flexible policies to maintain productivity and well-being. Upskilling and reskilling have become essential as automation transforms job roles, making continuous learning a priority.
AI-driven HR practices, such as People Analytics, enhance decision-making, but human connection remains critical. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) continue to shape talent strategies, driving innovation and long-term success.
