Mariana Palacios
Social Impact and Sustainability Program Manager, Justworks
📍New York, USA
Pledge 1% is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. What can companies do (or do more of) to have a positive social impact in the next 10 years?
1. Be courageous and ground themselves in their values and missions. Policy will change and evolve, but values do not.
2. Today, more than ever, actions will define companies. It is no longer about what a website and press releases says - it's about the actual actions that are taken.
3. Continue to play the long game. Positive impact does not happen overnight, and we still have a lot of work to do. This continues to be a long game - keep focus on that future.
4. Stop focusing on terms and double down on the work. Call it what you call it - the question should be about the change companies are creating and not if they are calling it CSR, ESG, or DEIB.
5. Dare to innovate and dream up new scenarios, solutions and coalitions. What got us through previous challenges will not get us through this one. We need different and innovative approaches.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I don't think much about my legacy, but more of the world I hope I can contribute to build. That is a world center on connection - among people and planet. If we are connected to each other, we see and honor each other's humanity. If we are connected to the planet, we value it, respect it, and protect it. This is important to me, became organizations are ultimately people. If this can happen in all, if not most of us, then we can work for a world that is balanced.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Communal - it is really important for me that people feel connected to a purpose, that they understand their role in achieving a common goal, and that there is true collaboration and openness to different perspectives in the process.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
This work, this life - they are not linear. Listen to your passions, interests and heart. Follow the curves that are presented to you.
Listen to your passions, interests and heart. Follow the curves that are presented to you.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
This year, I am getting married, and I am extremely excited for what this new chapter will bring. Commitment is a very important value to me, and I'm looking forward to the commitment I am about to enter.
