Gender balance marks book launch in Puerto Rico
More than 300 business, community and entrepreneurial leaders gathered in San Juan for the launch of “Men Who Lead” and “Women Who Lead,” two books highlighting leadership and gender balance within Puerto Rico’s business community.
“For the first time in the history of Puerto Rico’s business events, a gender balance never before seen on a professional stage was achieved,” said Frances Ríos, CEO of Women Who Lead and editor of both publications. “Twenty men and 20 women served as co-authors of these editions.”
The books compile accounts from leaders in sectors including finance, construction, health care, education, advertising and social entrepreneurship. Each co-author shares experiences of resilience and leadership developed while navigating professional challenges.
The publication describes the two editions as “a practical and powerful compendium of lessons learned from those who lead through experience,” adding that reading them “is like earning an MBA without having to go to college.”
Panels during the event examined the changing dynamics of leadership and emphasized strategies for professional and personal growth. Topics included resilience during crises, mentoring, the creation of support networks, maintaining purpose and adapting to technological and market shifts.
Gender equity was a recurring theme, with several co-authors describing how they confronted bias and transformed obstacles into opportunities for advancement.
Organizers said the event “marked a before and after in Puerto Rico’s business world,” and underscored the value of balanced representation and inclusion in strengthening organizations and shaping leadership models for future generations.
