Investing in emerging markets and leading global teams
In this episode of How to be the Difference, we sat down with Irene Arias Hofman, CEO of IDB Lab, to talk about her +25 years of experience working for multilateral organizations–including 20 years at the World Bank Group.
Having been exposed to different realities and cultures from a young age, Irene always knew she wanted to pursue a career in which she would be making a social impact. That’s how she found her calling working for organizations that focused on promoting financial development in emerging markets through tech innovation.
In conversation with Johanna and Paul, Irene explains the importance of being able to collaborate with people whose interests don’t necessarily align and provides tips on how we can reframe the way in which we think about conventional constraints. She believes that the private and public sectors can work together to foster disruptive innovation with the right foundation.
Outline of this episode:
[0:28] - Ireland is opening up
[3:04] - Introducing Irene
[4:40] - Growing up in Madrid
[11:32] - An interest in development
[15:41] - Public versus private sector
[18:28] - Investing in a team
[24:17] - On trusting your instinct
[27:50] - Skills for success in the modern age
[30:28] - A post-pandemic world
[32:38] - Working in a male dominant sector
Resources & people mentioned:
Irene Arias Hofman
IDB Lab
Johanna Molina
Paul Lynskey
The Intern Group
Adam Kahane
