Panel: “Sense of Belonging: The foundation of Leadership and Inclusive Finance”
The Connect 2026 Forum hosted the panel “Sense of Belonging: The Foundation of Leadership and Inclusive Finance,” a session that invited reflection on one of the greatest challenges facing institutions: ensuring that new generations understand not only how an organization operates but also why it exists.
Moderated by Pedro Fardella, the panel brought together Claudia Moreno, Reynold Walter, and Francia Navarrete. They shared experiences and perspectives on the importance of preserving institutional purpose as the foundation for leadership and the sustainability of inclusive finance.
During the discussion, the participants agreed that a sense of belonging does not arise spontaneously; rather, it is built, lived, and passed on a day by day basis. In this context, Reynold Walter highlighted that true inspiration for new generations lies in the industry’s impact on people’s lives: “Contributing to the improvement of families’ living conditions is the basis for inspiring new generations.”
Claudia Moreno noted that generational turnover is a natural and inevitable process, but she reminded the audience that the essence of institutions must remain intact. “What cannot change is our reason for being, our essence, and our DNA as an industry,” she stated, emphasizing that keeping the institutional philosophy alive is just as important as achieving business results.
Along the same lines, Francia Navarrete emphasized that purpose must be experienced from day one. To achieve this, organizations must create environments that foster professional development, recognition, and a genuine connection to their mission, thereby strengthening talent commitment and retention.
Finally, Pedro Fardella noted that leaders play a fundamental role in transmitting organizational culture. “A leader’s example must be consistent with their behavior and character. It is one thing to talk about it, but quite another to live it and pass it on,” he highlighted.
The panel’s main conclusion was clear: microfinance transcends products, processes, and indicators. When the purpose is lived authentically and shared with new generations, the institutional mission endures beyond specific roles and individuals, ensuring that the positive impact on communities continues to strengthen opportunities for the future.
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