"Cultivate your voice, advocating for what you believe in with conviction and integrity" ~ Maria Marta Perez Lippi

IoD Ireland member Maria Marta Perez Lippi is Founder and Chief Operating Officer, of MMPL Consulting, and former Google Ireland Director. She is a passionate LatinX executive with over 20 years of experience in sales and operations, having held significant roles at Google, Sun Microsystems, and Schindler Lifts.

She currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of MMPL Consulting, where she provides fractional COO and Coaching services to Startups and SMEs. Prior to this role, she worked for over 18+ years at Google Ireland, where she led global sales and operations growth, fostering a strong team culture. She is a highly skilled in cross-functional collaboration, strategic growth, and achieving high customer satisfaction. She holds a degree in Marketing and Graphic Design from Universidad de Palermo in Argentina and an MBA from Liverpool John Moores University. Here she shares her career highlights, and leadership and business perspectives.

What is the one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?

Every leader should possess a clear purpose and vision. Leaders must articulate why the organisation exists, what it aims to achieve, and its core purpose. This clarity fosters organisational alignment, enhances performance, and boosts employee satisfaction. When leaders are intentional about their vision, they inspire and guide their teams more effectively, ensuring everyone is working towards the same goals. This not only drives success but also creates a cohesive and motivated work environment, essential for long-term organisational health.

What is the most important lesson, from your personal or business life, that has guided you the most in being a business leader?

An important lesson that has guided me is that change is an opportunity. It allows us to learn, develop, progress, and grow. Change challenges us to think differently and seek new opportunities. Throughout my career, embracing change has led to my greatest growth and success. As a leader, I empower my teams to view change positively, helping them adapt, innovate, and thrive in dynamic environments. This mindset fosters resilience and continuous improvement, driving both personal and organisational success.

Is there someone who has had a major impact on you as a leader? Why and how did this person impact your life?

A senior leader profoundly impacted me by providing hard-hitting feedback and consistently challenging me. Initially tough to accept, his guidance and opportunities to address the feedback were invaluable. He also demonstrated openness to receiving and acting on difficult feedback himself, showing humility and growth. This fostered a long-lasting relationship, and he has become one of my most trusted mentors and career influencers, shaping my leadership approach and career trajectory.

What are the biggest business challenges or/and opportunities that you have seen over your career to date? And how did you help to overcome or/and optimise these?

Some of the biggest business challenges and opportunities I've encountered include reorganisations, regulatory changes requiring rapid adaptation, and environmental shifts. To navigate these, I assessed each situation carefully and communicated openly with my team about the challenges and opportunities. By bringing in experts and fostering cross-functional collaboration, we created strategic plans to make the most of each scenario. Throughout the process, I ensured we remained adaptable and supportive, continually checking in and adjusting our approach to achieve the best outcomes.

How do you think business leaders can best prepare for the future?

Besides staying on top of technology, AI and industry trends which are crucial, business leaders can best prepare for the future by embracing continuous learning and adaptability. Cultivating a culture of innovation and resilience within their teams ensures agility in the face of change. Leaders should also focus on building strong, diverse teams and fostering inclusive environments that encourage diverse perspectives. Additionally, maintaining a clear purpose and vision helps guide decision-making and keeps the organisation aligned with its long-term goals. Prioritising sustainability and ethical practices will also be key in addressing future challenges and opportunities responsibly.

What do you hope to gain from your membership with the IoD?

As I embark on my journey with the IoD, I'm excited about the opportunities it presents for forging meaningful connections with fellow senior leaders across various industries in Ireland. I look forward to engaging with this diverse network, where we can share experiences, exchange insights, and moments of shared learning and inspiration.

What advice would you offer to new or aspiring directors in Ireland?

Embrace curiosity as your compass, nurture a thirst for knowledge and growth. Prioritise building genuine connections, leveraging the wisdom and experiences of fellow directors. Don't hesitate to seek guidance when needed, and reciprocate by offering your insights to others. Fearlessly challenge the status quo, championing innovation and progress. Above all, cultivate your voice, advocating for what you believe in with conviction and integrity. This blend of curiosity, connection, courage, and advocacy will serve as your guiding principles on the path to success as a director.