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Visionary Talent Management & Wellness Expert of the Year 2025

In a fast-paced world where stress, pressure, and urgency often define leadership, Ignacio Bonasa chose a different path. Instead of racing forward, he paused. He reflected. He listened to his inner voice. And in doing so, he found a new way of leading—one that comes not just from the head, but from the heart. From a successful banking executive to a pioneer of soulful leadership, Ignacio’s journey is a living example of what happens when someone dares to turn their life around and lead with purpose. At EliteX, we are proud to have Ignacio Bonasa as the Visionary Talent Management & Wellness Expert of the Year 2025.

Today, Ignacio Bonasa stands at the forefront of a new movement that blends leadership, wellbeing, and human connection. He is the Founder and Executive President of Liderarte, Talent Factory, an innovative organization that promotes training and human development through the power of art. He also leads two influential associations in Europe: the European Association for Wellbeing and the European Association of Soulful Organizations. Through these platforms, Ignacio channels his mission to transform the way people and companies live, work, and lead. But Ignacio does not see himself as just a trainer or a coach. He sees himself as a guide. He awakens the human spirit in leaders. He doesn’t simply run workshops or create programs; he builds movements. For him, wellbeing isn’t a buzzword—it’s a culture. His work brings together art, neuroscience, purpose, and emotion to help both individuals and organizations flourish from the inside out.

 “We don’t manage people like resources — we nurture them like seeds.”

Ignacio’s own transformation began with a feeling of emptiness. After many years of success in the banking world, he realized he had achieved everything—except inner fulfillment. That realization pushed him to take a bold step: to leave behind the familiar and search for something deeper. What he found was not just a new career, but a calling. He saw that many people were suffering silently in workplaces that valued performance over people. He wanted to change that. He wanted to create environments where people could breathe, feel safe, and grow—places where leadership meant caring, not commanding.

At the core of his leadership philosophy is the belief that talent should not be treated like a resource to manage, but like a seed to nurture. Ignacio believes that visionary leadership is not about being ahead of others—it’s about reshaping the future with empathy, courage, and soul. In his view, great leaders today are not those who control from the top, but those who uplift from within. They don’t create fear-based environments—they build “vitamin cultures” that nourish people instead of draining them. These are cultures where purpose becomes the guide, and wellbeing is no longer optional—it is essential.

Wellbeing, to Ignacio, is a fundamental human right. It should not be something extra; it should be the base upon which everything else is built. When people feel valued, respected, and genuinely happy at work, they don’t just perform better—they become the best versions of themselves. That’s why Ignacio promotes the concept of “soulful organizations”—companies where emotional freedom, authenticity, purpose-driven motivation, and human-centered decision-making are part of the DNA.

As the world enters 2025, Ignacio observes several key trends that are shaping the future of work, talent development, and wellness. One of the most exciting, he says, is the integration of art into learning and development. Art opens emotional doors and helps people connect with themselves and each other in profound ways. Another trend is the rise of organizational happiness as a serious metric—companies are now measuring wellbeing as a strategic indicator, not just a nice-to-have. Neuroscience is also being combined with conscious leadership practices, giving leaders the tools to understand both the mind and the heart. Purpose-driven cultures are becoming more important than ever, uniting thoughts, emotions, and actions. And perhaps most importantly, organizations are beginning to build more caring professional communities—places where mutual support and kindness are recognized as powerful forms of leadership.

At Liderarte and in the organizations he leads, Ignacio has developed a unique way of aligning wellness programs with business goals. His programs are not abstract theories—they are experiences that touch people deeply and produce measurable outcomes. Every wellbeing initiative is linked to real business indicators: productivity, engagement, retention, and reputation. Ignacio insists that a healthy culture cannot be forced from the top. It has to be felt. It has to grow naturally through shared values and genuine connection.

One of the breakthrough initiatives Ignacio is most proud of is called Resetéate (Reset Yourself). This is a one-day immersive experience designed to help people slow down, breathe, and reconnect with their inner selves through a combination of art, emotion, and self-awareness. The program has been used by a number of companies and has consistently delivered outstanding results. Participants have reported better workplace climates, increased creativity, and reduced stress. But more than that, many people leave the experience with a renewed sense of purpose. Sometimes, Ignacio says, the best business strategy is simply to help people feel again.

Diversity and inclusion are also at the heart of Ignacio’s approach. For him, true inclusion means more than numbers or representation—it means emotional integration. His programs create spaces where every voice is heard, where people are seen as individuals, and where their unique perspectives are welcomed. He uses artistic tools to allow each person to express themselves in a genuine way. This not only makes people feel safe and respected, but it also drives innovation by encouraging diverse thinking and emotional richness.

In a world filled with complex technology, Ignacio’s favorite tools are emotional. He uses theater-based learning to explore roles and perspectives, music to open emotional channels, and reflective writing to promote self-discovery. Digital platforms help measure emotional climates and track progress in soft skills, but for Ignacio, no technology is more powerful than emotional intelligence. Without it, he says, there is no real future for any organization. When it comes to balancing business objectives with employee wellbeing, Ignacio offers a simple but powerful insight: wellbeing is not a cost—it’s an investment. Companies that truly care about their people gain a natural advantage. They don’t need to sacrifice results for wellbeing. In fact, when people feel supported and inspired, performance improves on its own. A soulful company doesn’t just hit targets—it sustains them, because the foundation is human connection.

Ignacio has faced many challenges on his journey. The biggest one was letting go of what he knew—the security of his corporate life—and stepping into the unknown to follow his deeper purpose. There were moments of doubt, moments of fear, and moments when others didn’t believe in his vision. But he kept going. He built a community of leaders who shared his dream. He reminded himself that real change is never easy—but it is always worth it. Every challenge became a step forward, and every setback taught him something valuable.

To future leaders in the field of wellness and talent, Ignacio offers heartfelt advice: don’t be afraid to lead with your soul. Be bold. Embrace your differences. Remember that a happy company is a strong company. Listen deeply. Care sincerely. And always remember—true leadership is not something you enforce. It’s something that inspires others to rise. Receiving the recognition as Visionary Talent Management & Wellness Expert of the Year has been an honor for Ignacio, but he sees it as more than a personal achievement. It is a sign that the world is ready for a new way of leading. It is a reminder that soulful leadership matters. This recognition pushes him to continue his mission—to keep planting seeds of wellbeing, awakening leaders, and helping organizations become more human. Because, as he says, talent without soul is just noise. But talent with soul? That’s music.

Ignacio believes that leadership is more than influence. Soulful leadership, he says, is healing. It is elevating. It is the kind of leadership that transforms people and organizations from within. His own path has not been easy, but it has been filled with meaning. And if there’s one thing he knows for sure, it’s this: no organization will truly change unless the people inside it change first.

This recognition, in his eyes, belongs to everyone who believes in a better way of working. It belongs to those who still dream of companies that care, that listen, and that inspire. It belongs to those who dare to build cultures based on love, purpose, and respect. Ignacio’s commitment remains unshaken. He will keep helping more people remember who they really are. He will support more leaders to lead with feeling. And he will keep infusing organizations with soul—because only then, he says, will we truly change the world.

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