Post 4/6: Redesigning a Life of Purpose — Pro-bono (Giving Back) Purpose
“The future is not awaited... it is built.” I owe this powerful reminder to
Miquel Lladó
A critical element of redesigning for a new life chapter is the commitment to giving back. However, I’ve learned that this is often easier said than done. Willingness is one thing; having the actual capacity to move the needle is another. It requires a deep sense of humility to recognize where you can truly add value to others (and where not)
THE FOUNDATION: LESSONS FROM 2008
In the past, my "pro-bono" energy was channeled into the birth of
ISDI. In the middle of the 2008 financial crisis, a group of ten friends, led by
Ignacio (Nacho) De Pinedo, set out with a clear mission: to give students the tools to reinvent their lives through digital skills.
Over the last 15 years, watching thousands of professionals grow has taught me that education is a critical lever for change. It showed me that even in times of deep uncertainty, you can build something that outlasts the crisis.
THE VISION: THREE PILLARS OF FUTURE IMPACT
As I look ahead, my commitment to service is evolving into three specific streams:
1. Institutional Governance: Serving as a Trustee for a foundation dedicated to either Health or Education—the two cornerstones of a thriving society. I am expecting to confirm the specific foundation before leaving for Harvard
2. Harvard ALI Project: Through
Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative, I will develop an impact project focused on extending professional careers. We need to rethink how education can keep people engaged and productive far longer than traditional models allow.
3. The "Third Chapter" Framework: This is perhaps the most personal. I am beginning to lecture and mentor pro-bono on Life Redesign. Many leaders approach this stage of their career with fear rather than excitement. My goal is to share a structured framework for this reinvention, providing the map I wish I’d had when I started this journey.
SURROUNDING YOURSELF WITH THE BEST
If you want to operate beyond your current knowledge, you must surround yourself with people who are better than you.
Last week, I had the privilege of joining the
Fundación Rafael del Pino in Oxford for their Workshop on Leadership and Civic Action. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with the brightest minds in Spanish civil society. Their talent and dedication are a reminder that while one person can start a movement, it takes a collective to build a legacy.
I am eager to stop "waiting" for the future and start building this next phase of impact.
#ImpactEconomy #ProBono #LifeRedesign #Leadership #Education #SociedadCivil #HarvardALI #GivingBack #ISDI #FundaciónRafaelDelPino