Skip to main content
Marsh logo

Julio Garcia-Villalon

Mercer Marsh Benefits Leader - IMEA

12/03/2024

"As we move into a future that none of us can quite imagine, there is a clear need for qualities like common sense, entrepreneurship and collaboration – not only in our homes and families, but at institutional and corporate levels, too."

I am extremely fortunate to have been raised by a strong woman, whose determined outlook on life helped to shape my own.

My mother was essentially the ‘CFO’ of our family. Although my father had a promising academic career as a university professor, he had very limited financial resources – a situation that’s not uncommon in many countries.

It was up to my mother to bridge the financial gap – which she did admirably, harnessing her entrepreneurial flair to establish her own real estate agency. Thanks to her, my two brothers and I were able to enjoy wonderful opportunities. We all studied abroad, where we were exposed to other cultures and experiences. I believe this also helped us develop the clear priorities that have guided our decisions and informed the paths we have taken in life.

My mother remains the pillar of our family. Today, she takes care of my father, who is now 96 years old, and she is still our go-to for advice on everything from family to financial fitness. Her guidance continues to help us navigate our way in a world that is constantly in flux. I am grateful that I have been blessed with a wife and daughter who share my mother’s principles.

I am reminded of my mother’s strength on International Women’s Day. This celebration calls to mind many memories of the gifts she gave us, and the wonderful example she provided.

I believe that occasions like this should stand as a call to action for women and men around the world. As we move into a future that none of us can quite imagine, there is a clear need for qualities like common sense, entrepreneurship and collaboration – not only in our homes and families, but at institutional and corporate levels, too. I encourage women to step forward and leverage these qualities to find effective solutions to the challenges we face in an ever changing world.