Dr. Azalia Gongora Larrieu recently shared a presentation on human-centered leadership with the Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise. The presentation took place during the club’s meeting on September 15, 2026. Titled The Human Side of Leadership: Connecting, Understanding, and Leading Well, the session explored the role of human connection in leadership.
Exploring Human-Centered Leadership
Dr. Larrieu explored the importance of connection, curiosity, and understanding in effective leadership. Through interactive activities and reflections, participants considered leadership from a more personal perspective.
The session encouraged participants to look beyond professional titles and recognize the person behind each position. This perspective can create opportunities for leaders to better understand the people they work with and the experiences that influence them.
Connection, Understanding and Leadership
The presentation also examined how individual experiences and perspectives can shape our understanding of respect, fairness, appreciation, commitment, and service.
Participants were invited to consider the stories they tell themselves and the assumptions they make about others. These assumptions can influence workplace relationships, communication, and the culture people create together.
By approaching leadership with greater curiosity, people can create more space for understanding different perspectives. Empathy and openness can also encourage more thoughtful communication between leaders, colleagues, and the communities they serve.
The Human Side of Leadership
By bringing a human-centered perspective to leadership, Dr. Larrieu invited participants to reflect on how they connect with and lead others. The session emphasized curiosity, empathy, openness, and a willingness to understand experiences beyond our own.
The presentation also connected with the broader work of Meta Belize in supporting emotional well-being, communication, and healthier relationships. Explore our services at Meta Belize or learn more about Meta Belize.
For additional information about leadership and emotional intelligence, visit the American Psychological Association’s healthy workplace resources.
