- The event brought together over 100 women and featured the participation of Soledad Onetto, journalist and television presenter, and Carmen Gloria Larenas, General Director of the Teatro Municipal de Santiago, who, alongside industry executives, reflected on female leadership, professional purpose, and contemporary challenges in career development.
As part of its sustainability strategy, Inchcape Chile held the discussion panel “Paths with Purpose: Women Leading Their Development” this Thursday, a space designed to inspire, connect, and highlight diverse stories of female leadership both within and beyond the organisation. The panel — moderated by Camila Elgueta, Communications Manager of Inchcape Chile — featured journalist Soledad Onetto; Carmen Gloria Larenas, General Director of the Teatro Municipal de Santiago; Belki Abbona, Commercial Manager of Subaru; and Natalia Díaz, Marketing Manager of Changan.
The panellists shared experiences that shaped their professional journeys, addressing the barriers women face and the importance of leading with authenticity. In this context, Soledad Onetto stated that “each of us must manage our own life and career; no one can decide for us,” emphasising that beyond asking whether something is possible, “the key lies in asking what we truly want to do.” Her reflection sparked a debate on autonomy, self-confidence, and decision-making in high-pressure environments.
For her part, Carmen Gloria Larenas delved into the value of consistency throughout professional cycles and the demands placed on women in highly challenging work environments. She remarked that “while some walk, women often have to fly,” alluding to the higher standards and efficiency expected of them. Nevertheless, she highlighted the importance of maintaining authenticity and personal judgement, recognising when to close chapters and when to move on to new challenges.
The discussion addressed topics such as imposter syndrome, work-life balance, managing complex moments, and the pressure to “do it all.” Attendees contributed questions and reflections that enriched the conversation and strengthened the sense of community among women from various fields.
Inchcape emphasised the importance of fostering these spaces for dialogue and development. “At Inchcape, we believe in the transformative power of female leadership. Every story shared paves the way for other women and reaffirms our commitment to building environments where everyone can grow, make decisions freely, and lead with purpose,” commented Laura Jil, Sustainability Manager at Inchcape Chile. In line with its global diversity and inclusion strategy, the company promotes the development of women at all levels through the IN Women’s Network, a regional initiative with over 400 female volunteers aimed at strengthening a supportive culture and gender equity. Initiatives like this panel help to highlight role models, foster support, and advance towards more equitable workplaces.