José María Linares, a member of the UPB board of directors and one of Bolivia's most seasoned executives in international banking, with more than three decades on Wall Street and in global markets, was interviewed on the UPB Profiles program, where he shared reflections on leadership, risk-taking, and the transformative value of education for professional and national development.

With more than three decades of experience at institutions such as JP Morgan and Banco Santander —where he now leads global operations—, Linares emphasized that professional success does not depend exclusively on having a global career, but on the constant pursuit of excellence. He noted that the pivotal moments of his career were marked by calculated risk-taking and the willingness to take on challenges greater than those already known.

Throughout the interview, the executive identified three essential skills that every student should develop today: mastery of English, proficiency in artificial intelligence, and a strong ethical foundation. He emphasized that AI does not replace the professional but rather enhances them, and warned that those who do not incorporate these tools will fall behind in a market that is constantly changing.

Linares also reflected on authentic leadership, clearly distinguishing the boss from the leader: while the former gives orders, the latter builds teams, creates trust, and fosters a culture of radical transparency within the organization.

Regarding Bolivia, he expressed optimism based on the country's resources: strategic minerals, renewable energy potential, a young population, and a privileged geographic location to connect the continent. However, he warned that none of those assets translates into development without quality education.

It was precisely that conviction that led him to join the UPB board of directors. "I see in this project the ambition for excellence, and that did not exist in this country," he said, reaffirming the institution's commitment to transformative education for Bolivia.