Pioneering Leadership in Telecommunications
Marisa Estevez graduated in Telecommunications Engineering from Madrid’s Polytechnic University – a field historically dominated by men, with women comprising just 19.7% of Spanish engineering graduates according to 2023 OECD data. After completing an MBA and executive training programs internationally, she began her career at Hewlett-Packard, later transitioning to DHL before joining BT where she accumulated 27+ years of experience. Today, she serves as BT’s Global Director of Business Operations.
The Engineering Advantage in Leadership
Estévez credits her engineering background with developing three critical leadership capabilities:
1. Problem-Solving Through Technology: “Engineering teaches systematic approaches to complex challenges – a skill directly transferable to business leadership”
2. Data-Driven Decision Making: “In our data-saturated world, technical literacy separates effective leaders from the rest”
3. Cross-Functional Collaboration: “Modern engineering projects require diverse teams – perfect preparation for corporate leadership”
Championing Gender Equality in Tech Leadership
As President of Spain’s Association of Executives and Directors (EJE&CON), Estévez leads initiatives to address leadership gender gaps:
Closing the Representation Gap
While women hold 38.5% of Spanish management positions (Instituto Nacional de Estadística, 2023), they represent only:
• 10% of S&P 500 CEOs
• 19% of Spanish executive committee members
“True progress requires systemic change,” Estévez emphasizes. “Our Corporate Code of Good Practices has helped 120+ companies implement merit-based promotion systems.”
Concrete Solutions Through #HereTheyAre
EJE&CON’s flagship #HereTheyAre initiative maintains Europe’s largest verified database of female experts, with:
• 5,800+ vetted professionals
• 78 technical specializations
• EU-backed matching algorithm
“Visibility creates role models,” notes Estévez. “When young women see technical experts who look like them, career paths become tangible.”
AI Ethics in Business Operations
With three decades observing tech evolution from dial-up to AI, Estévez advocates responsible technology adoption:
The Human Accountability Principle
“AI doesn’t eliminate human responsibility,” she asserts. “We must govern systems through:
1. Bias Audits: Regular algorithm assessments using ISO/IEC 24027 standards
2. Transparent Data Provenance: Documented training data sources
3. Ethical Decision Trees: Human override protocols for critical decisions”
Executive Leadership Fundamentals
Estévez’s leadership philosophy rests on five pillars validated through decades of global operations management:
1. Exemplary ethical conduct (“Authority flows from integrity”)
2. Transparent communication frameworks
3. Strategic delegation with oversight
4. Talent amplification systems
5. Courageous, data-backed decision-making
As telecommunications infrastructure becomes increasingly critical to global economies – projected to support $15 trillion in economic activity by 2030 (World Economic Forum) – Estévez’s blend of technical expertise and inclusive leadership offers a template for next-generation executives.
Images Credit: www.diariodeibiza.es