Leading with values: the humanist vision of Mario Alonso Ayala
The president of Auren Spain and International speaks about his career and reflects on the role of leadership and corporate culture in a time of transformation
by mercedes galán
Economist, lawyer, entrepreneur, and writer, Mario Alonso Ayala―president of Auren Spain and International―breaks down the keys to the firm’s comprehensive business model, the construction of its international network, and the recent alliance with the Waterland Private Equity fund. He also reflects on the role of leadership, corporate culture, and creativity in times of transformation, and how he has managed to combine his humanist vocation with the strategic management of a global firm.
You are an economist, lawyer, entrepreneur, writer… and has been linked to Auren’s growth from the beginning. How would you describe your career in one sentence?
I am a restless person, I am interested in many aspects of nature, science, art, literature, and economics. In many of them I have managed to train myself and participate in one way or another.
What values have guided you?
As you get older, you realize that in a vast majority of the issues you face there are no blacks or whites, almost everything is gray, except in certain values, which for me are immutable and non-negotiable, such as ethics, loyalty, or empathy.
What does it mean for Auren to offer services in different areas of activity?
We have a broad portfolio of services that allows us to offer a comprehensive proposal thanks to a multidisciplinary team with diverse training and experience. This enables us to cover audit, legal, consultancy, and corporate from a coordinated perspective. We act as a single partner who understands the client’s strategy, anticipates their challenges, and offers real solutions tailored to each functional area, with a specific approach for each need.
