In a career spanning nearly 3 decades, Pilar Mendiola-Fernández’s journey has been marked by transformative experiences and a broad global perspective. Pilar has worked across continents in the non-profit and for-profit sectors and has underscored the importance of understanding before being understood and approaching life with curiosity. Her journey reflects a commitment to partnerships, unlocking potential, and creating lasting change. Named one of the 100 top mentors in the US alongside Michelle Obama, Sonia Sotomayor, and other incredible women in 2015 for her contributions to the training and developing thousands of leaders globally. In 2019, The Washington Center honored Pilar Mendiola Fernandez’s exceptional leadership, innovation, and steadfast commitment by establishing a scholarship in her name. The Pilar Mendiola Fernandez Scholarship was created to recognize her efforts in fostering positive impact for young women leaders in Colleges and Universities from underserved populations. This scholarship served as a testament to Pilar’s commitment to empowering and supporting the next generation of leaders.
A Diverse Career Graph
Pilar’s exceptional leadership skills and purpose-driven mindset have earned her extensive experience in various C-suite positions. From operations, revenue generation to global programs, federal programs, partnerships, academic programs, and institutional advancement, she has showcased a diverse skill set that sets her apart. Pilar’s career has positioned her as a prominent figure in the industry, known for her astute strategic acumen, innovation, transformative initiatives that leave a lasting impact. Pilar’s previous role in the non-profit sector was nothing short of remarkable. She dedicated her efforts to fostering cross-sectoral partnerships with fortune 500 companies, U.S federal government, international governments, higher education, and civil society organizations. In doing so, she built ecosystems of opportunity that focused on capacity building, leadership development, and workforce initiatives.
Pilar’s expertise lies in designing and implementing customized, multi-year training/development, and innovation strategies. She has successfully executed these strategies in over 50 countries, solidifying her status as a results-driven leader with an impeccable reputation which is a testament to her exceptional abilities and contributions to the industry. Witnessing the transformative impact of access and opportunity on young people was deeply rewarding. She spearheaded training and global workforce development initiatives benefiting underserved communities, providing life-changing experiences to thousands of individuals. Transitioning into social innovation, she supported startups, foundations, and entrepreneurs in amplifying their impact. The partnerships that she has forged with Presidents, Prime Ministers, CEOs of corporations, the higher education community, the federal government, more than 102 countries globally, and civil society, translated into thousands of young professionals acquiring skills and professional experiences that made them more competitive and completely transform their communities.
“Aligned with global leaders and learning about responsible leadership, I feel privileged to have been able to be part of those transformations for two decades. I’ve embraced diverse roles throughout my career, from leadership positions in non-profits, private sector, and social enterprises. This journey has provided invaluable opportunities for continuous learning, sharing knowledge, and making meaningful contributions to communities around the world. Each phase has underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving positive change,”. To me, leadership plays a vital role in shaping the trajectory of history. For as long as I draw breath, my resolute dedication lies in the preparation, determination, and steadfast effort to forge a profound and lasting influence. Pilar asserts.
Amid diverse boardrooms and industries, I’ve learned the significance of assertiveness and confidence while maintaining an unwavering commitment to making a difference. I’ve understood that intentionality and high standards are essential for achieving meaningful results.
A Global Role
Today, Pilar serves as the CEO of the Experts Advisory Council, COO at Alamo Solutions Holding Group, and Chair of Programs and Partnerships of The Advanced Leadership Foundation. Her personal and professional mission are intertwined: Providing a Path for Transformation for enterprises. Future proofing enterprises and institutions while adopting a sustainable leadership approach.
As CEO of the Experts Advisory Council (EAC), Pilar provides strategic leadership, fosters collaboration, and builds robust ties. The EAC is her top priority. It is where she gets to work with Europe’s most visionary and forward-looking CEOs and executive teams. It revolves around assembling dream teams of experts to tackle their high-impact strategies, endeavors, and conundrums. The aim is to future-proof their plans and initiatives with the world’s top experts from the respective fields.
Alamo Solutions: Where Sustainability Meets Growth
Empowering private sector and public leaders, fostering opportunity, and driving sustainable prosperity is the mission of Alamo Solutions Holding Group, a leading provider of sustainable business development services headquartered in Washington, D.C. With operations spanning the U.S., Latin America, Spain, and Portugal, they believe in aligning economic growth with environmental and social responsibility. They have tailored expertise for every stage:
- Expert Advisory Council (EAC): FUTURE PROOFING ENTERPRISES: EAC connects C-suite and board members with pre-vetted, top-tier experts in their fields, tackling pressing issues and high-impact initiatives. Annual memberships provide curated round tables featuring leading voices, ensuring super specialized, informed decision-making.
- ALAMO Solutions Strategic Initiatives Development Firm: Partner with them for strategic planning, ESG & CSR enhancement, sustainable plan design, global network expansion, circular economy practices, and diversity & equity promotion. Their expertise empowers you to achieve sustainable business growth while achieving social impact.
- Alamo Solutions Investments: Seeking profitable investments aligned with sustainability goals? Alamo Solutions leverages its extensive network to identify and develop opportunities, ensuring both financial and environmental benefits.
- Advanced Leadership Foundation: Bridging the sustainability skills gap, the Foundation provides essential training for future and executive leaders. Their programs empower individuals to integrate sustainability into their organizations, driving positive change.
Breaking Barriers
Stepping into the professional arena as a young, tenacious woman, Pilar was faced with hurdles defining her leadership style. Earning respect and a seat at the table often felt like an uphill battle. To overcome the perception of being “young and inexperienced,” she meticulously over-prepared, exceeding expectations and demonstrating her value through relentless hard work.
Traveling internationally amplified these challenges, placing Pilar as the lone female voice in many rooms. Undeterred, she developed a bold, defiant presence, refusing to be silenced. Fortune smiled upon her in the form of two supportive mentors, leaders who recognized her grit, initiative, passion for solving challenges and excellence. Fueled by this encouragement, she poured countless hours into honing her skills and tackling challenges head-on. Building high-performing teams and achieving audacious goals became her resolute focus. At 27, a seemingly impossible feat materialized: Pilar shattered the glass ceiling, becoming part of an all-white, male C-suite club. Her confidence and poise flourished as she interacted with CEOs, ambassadors, Presidents, and Prime Ministers. But the journey wasn’t without its ongoing struggles, particularly in her current environment where female representation in leadership roles remains scarce.
“I draw strength and power from the lessons learned in my early career, channeling the “fearless and unapologetic” energy and mindset of that young woman in Washington, D.C., to efficiently traverse the complex terrain of obstacles and emerge as a formidable and consequential leader,” says Pilar.
Driving Sustainable Success and Igniting Responsibility to the Planet and Optimal Growth
Alamo Solutions is embarking on an exciting journey centered on Sustainable Economic Prosperity. By aligning all its practices with this vision, Pilar and her team are unlocking immense potential for positive change. They are focusing on integrating sustainable practices into businesses through initiatives like their sustainability framework, enabling them to grow and thrive economically while actively reducing their environmental impact. Additionally, they’re committed to expanding Sustainable Leadership with training programs such as their partnership with the IFC of the World Bank and other European Institutions offering Green Leaders Accelerator Programs.
“I believe in the importance of the work we do at the Experts Advisory Council, Alamo and the foundation in today’s extraordinary times. Our dynamic approach to delivering first class customized expertise just in time and just in context without long-term commitments meets the urgent needs of businesses today. Through my role as CEO of EAC, I’ve seen firsthand the visionary strategies of Europe’s leading companies, their CEOs, and Board members. Again, it always boils down to their CEO’s and leadership teams and their passion to make a difference.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to witness the remarkable outcomes that can arise from the partnerships between the topmost innovative and sustainable leaders in Europe and the experts in their respective fields. Being a part of this transformative process has been an absolute privilege that has filled me with awe and admiration. When it comes to the individuals and companies that I am most enthusiastic about partnering with, It is a tough question but I cannot help but mention the visionary Ignacio Colmenares, CEO of Ence, the exceptional Juan Antonio Guijarro Ferrer at Agbar, Jose Luis Nuñez at Soltec, the forward-thinking Alejandro Fernández y Ana Uruñuela at Ilunion, and the trailblazers Leandro Sigman and Marco Bressan from Insud Group. Their unwavering dedication to driving positive impact and spearheading innovation is truly extraordinary, and I am truly excited about the bright future ahead,” shares Pilar.
Going forward, Pilar’s personal goals resonate with her lifelong pursuit of forging meaningful partnerships, unlocking untapped potential, embracing continuous learning, and sharing knowledge. What captivates her imagination is the boundless potential in the partnership between artificial intelligence (AI) and humans leading companies and organizations. “Together, we can redefine our journeys in this conjuncture and amplify our impact, leveraging the true potential of partnering with AI to bring about positive and meaningful change in our communities,” she says.
Pilar’s fascination also lies in the future of all sectors and unraveling the secrets of transforming CEOs into Next-Generation leaders, equipped with the skills, mindsets, and knowledge necessary to future-proof their organizations and enterprises. As she delves into this pursuit, it becomes increasingly apparent that the role of a CEO will grow more intricate and multifaceted in the years to come. Strategic preparation and a deep understanding of specific technical domains will prove to be essential for their success.
After more than two decades of a stellar trajectory in leadership development, Pilar feels that the challenge lies in providing CEOs with the right tools and support systems for future strategy development and positive impact. The Experts Advisory Council (EAC) is a brilliant option, and it is equally vital to develop diverse mechanisms, methods, and vehicles to support CEOs’ journeys for the future ahead.
The CEO’s role is evolving with rapid technological progress, requiring a mix of strategic insight, flexibility, and tech knowledge. No longer can CEO and C-suite leaders rely on past achievements; they must acquire new abilities to future-proof their companies. The concept of the Next-Generation CEO emphasizes the importance of leaders who are able to innovate, adapt, and continuously learn in order to maintain a competitive edge. Alongside Carmenchu Mendiola, Pilar is diligently delving into the research on what future CEOs require for their growth and exploring the most efficient support models available.
Mentoring the Leaders of Tomorrow
Pilar believes that having a growth mindset encompasses the ability to unlearn, learning agility, and the intention to continuously evolve is crucial for anyone seeking a leadership role. It requires an active and unwavering commitment to absorb information, learn quickly, and be open to unlearning and relearning. By embracing these qualities, individuals can cultivate a mindset that fosters personal and professional growth, enabling them to navigate the ever-changing landscape with confidence and adaptability.
To aspiring female leaders, Pilar offers a simple and powerful message: Embrace and love the version of yourself that exists today. Hold your goals and aspirations close to your heart, but never postpone self-love until you achieve certain milestones or accomplishments. Know that you are already perfect just as you are. Resist the urge to compare yourself to others, for your journey is unique and incomparable. She once wrote a blog titled “The Modern Rule,” which underlines the importance of following your own path, your own way, and your own timeline.
“Cancel the noise of external expectations and aspirations that do not align with your true self. Instead, focus on discovering and amplifying your own voice. Surround yourself with individuals who genuinely love and celebrate you—those who show up for you unconditionally and never stop being curious about the world around you. And remember, as a female leader, you must be prepared to be full—full of authenticity. Embrace the fullness of your being, your worth and inherent power; through this self-fulfillment and permanent evolution that you will inspire others, set examples, and continue to evolve as a transformative force, for that is the essence of a woman’s true leadership,” she concludes.
Making Self-health a Priority
Life’s challenges can lead us to discover self-healing. While not everyone has the resources, our brains can adapt and grow, offering new healing paths. Self-healing demands commitment, responsibility, and compassion. In Washington, DC, Pilar built a successful career but overlooked her health. Despite regular exercise, her stress led to serious health issues. This wake-up call prompted her to embrace self-healing, mindfulness, and meditation. She studied integrative wellness, realizing that mental health and personal growth are essential for peak performance. She learned the importance of prioritizing well-being and establishing supportive routines for lasting health.
“By embracing 100% responsibility for our healing, we open ourselves to the infinite possibilities that lie within. We become the architects of our own destiny, empowered to rewrite our stories, and set ourselves free from the chains that once held us back. Awareness is key to transformation, as shared by experts like Dr. Nicole Lepera. Their teachings help us overcome adversity and embrace our innate ability to heal. Taking full responsibility for our healing unlocks endless potential, allowing us to shape our future and break free from past constraints,” shares Pilar.
