Breaking Boundaries and Driving Inclusive Innovation in Tech

Laura Hernandez Gonzalez, Managing Director for MENA at Globant opens up about her mission to foster diversity, inclusivity, and innovation in the tech world. She shares her approach to leading projects that prioritize the integration of emerging technologies like AI, while ensuring that these advancements benefit underserved communities and drive positive societal change.

What inspired your journey into technology and business strategy, and how did you transition into leadership roles in the industry?

From the start, my path into technology and business strategy has been shaped by curiosity, adaptability, and a deep belief in transformation through innovation. With a background in chemical engineering, I started my career in the Oil & Gas sector, where I was exposed very quickly to large-scale transformation projects and the power of digitalization. Working on pioneering technology-driven initiatives sparked my passion for strategic problem-solving and business evolution, eventually leading me to transition into business consulting. There, I found the opportunity to help organizations rethink their models and unlock new avenues for growth through technology and innovation.

Throughout my career, I’ve also embraced an entrepreneurial mindset, taking on initiatives that required me to navigate uncertainty, build solutions from the ground up, and drive meaningful impact beyond traditional corporate structures. This experience reinforced my ability to spot opportunities, adapt quickly, and lead with a results-driven approach—qualities that have shaped my leadership style over the years.

Working across multiple industries, countries, and cultural landscapes, has helped me gain a global perspective that has been instrumental in shaping my strategic thinking. Understanding different market dynamics, leadership styles, and business environments has only strengthened my belief that adaptability and innovation are key to long-term success. The defining moments in my journey have always been those that challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, embrace change, and take bold action.

What ultimately drew me to the tech industry was its boundless potential to reshape entire sectors. Technology is no longer a supporting function—it is the driving force behind transformation in finance, healthcare, entertainment, and beyond. Being part of Globant, a company that partners with the world’s most influential brands, has allowed me to contribute to high-impact projects while continuously evolving as a leader.

Today, leadership in technology is not about authority—it’s about empowerment. At Globant, we embrace a leadership model that fosters autonomy, collaboration, and continuous learning. My role is not to dictate every decision but to create an environment where brilliant minds can thrive, innovate, and challenge the status quo.

Having worked across multiple continents, how have these diverse experiences shaped your leadership style and strategic approach to business?

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that leadership is rooted in adaptability and empathy. Working across multiple continents—from Europe and the Americas to the Middle East—has reinforced the importance of understanding diverse perspectives, adapting to different business dynamics, and fostering inclusive environments where teams can thrive.

At Globant, with operations in 35 countries across five continents, we have built a culture of collaboration, agility, and innovation. Our Agile Pods model—autonomous, multidisciplinary teams that experiment and innovate continuously—has shown me firsthand that true innovation happens when different perspectives and expertise come together. This approach not only enhances efficiency and creativity but also empowers teams to take ownership of their goals and drive meaningful impact.

My global exposure has shaped my leadership philosophy—I’ve seen that success isn’t just about expertise; it’s about embracing diversity of thought, culture, and experience. Inclusion isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a competitive advantage, and in a world where technology is bridging gaps and redefining industries, leaders who cultivate diverse, adaptable teams will be the ones who shape the future.

Can you walk us through your daily routine and also share some positive habits you’ve developed to continually improve and adapt in your leadership role at Globant?

Balance is essential. My daily routine revolves around three key pillars: connection, continuous learning, and well-being. No matter how fast-paced our industry is, I prioritize meaningful interactions with my team and clients—because people are at the heart of every successful company. Staying engaged fosters trust, collaboration, and innovation.

The rapid pace of technological change means stagnation is not an option. To stay ahead, I make continuous learning a priority, whether through executive education—like my experience at Stanford GSB—or by engaging with leading voices in the industry. One key takeaway? Technology’s true power is unlocked through human ingenuity and creativity.

Equally important is well-being, because high performance is not sustainable without balance. I ensure that self-care remains a priority, whether through sports, reading, or moments of reflection. Maintaining mental sharpness and energy is essential, not just for personal resilience but for making better, more strategic decisions as a leader.

Great leadership is about inspiring, empowering, and driving meaningful impact. I believe that staying curious, agile, and engaged is what makes this journey fulfilling.

As a woman leader in technology, how do you see AI-driven personalized banking solutions advancing financial inclusion, particularly for women and underserved communities?

AI is reshaping financial services, making them more accessible than ever. Traditional banking models often rely on rigid credit requirements, leaving many individuals—including those in emerging markets—without access to essential financial tools. We are now seeing AI-driven solutions democratizing access to banking, credit, and investment opportunities, reaching populations that were previously underserved.

In regions like the Middle East, where financial ecosystems are evolving rapidly, AI has the potential to expand access to personalized financial services at a larger scale. By leveraging alternative data and intelligent credit scoring, financial institutions can move beyond traditional eligibility criteria and offer more inclusive, tailored financial solutions.

At Globant, we believe in technology for good. AI shouldn’t just drive efficiency; it should empower people. If leveraged correctly, it can help millions gain financial independence and control over their economic futures. The key is to ensure that these technologies are designed with inclusivity, transparency, and ethical considerations at their core.

What’s one important leadership lesson you’ve learned that every woman in leadership roles should embrace?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to embrace challenges, take risks and step out of comfort zones. Growth happens when we push ourselves beyond what feels familiar—whether that means leading a new initiative, transitioning into a different industry, or taking on a bigger role. The key is to say yes to opportunities, even before feeling fully ready—because that’s where real development happens.

Having spent many years in the Middle East, I’ve witnessed firsthand the significant progress in women’s inclusion and leadership across industries. More women are stepping into technology, entrepreneurship, and executive roles, actively shaping the region’s innovation landscape. This transformation highlights the impact of opportunity, mentorship, and education—key drivers of meaningful and lasting change.

Another key lesson is the power of community and mentorship. No one succeeds alone, and building strong networks of support, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing is essential for any leader. At Globant, we encourage a mindset of boldness and continuous learning, providing the tools and support for people to develop professionally and thrive. We actively promote STEM education and initiatives that encourage young women to pursue careers in technology and leadership.

To anyone looking to thrive in tech, my advice is simple:

•  Keep learning and evolving—curiosity fuels growth
•  Build a network of people who challenge, support, and inspire you
•  Own your journey—confidence comes from action, not just certainty

The future of technology is diverse, and we all have a role in shaping it.