The University Foundation of Las Palmas (FULP) hosted the event, part of the Lizardo Martell Cárdenes Chair in Ethical Business Leadership. The gathering brought together approximately 50 representatives from business, professional, and university sectors to discuss the relational and competency-based foundations of leadership, stressing the need to prioritize people within organizations and foster management based on responsibility and trust.

Domènec Melé, internationally recognized for his work in business ethics and humanistic management, explained that leadership is fundamentally an interactive process between individuals. He emphasized that beyond achieving common goals, it is crucial to recognize the inherent dignity of each person within the organization. "People cannot be understood solely as resources for results, but as unique, free subjects capable of development," he stated, advocating for leadership that promotes trust, cooperation, and human growth.

During his presentation, titled "Relational and Competency Foundations of Leadership," Melé detailed the essential competencies for ethical leadership, including professional skill, honesty, and benevolence. He highlighted trust as a key element, supported by technical, relational, and moral competencies such as practical wisdom, willingness to serve, justice, responsibility, loyalty, listening skills, example-setting, and emotional self-control.

Following the conference, a Q&A session moderated by Eduardo Manrique de Lara, Managing Director of FULP, opened a dialogue on topics such as the role of artificial intelligence in leadership, the importance of honesty and benevolence in building trust, identifying these competencies in selection processes, applying people-centered leadership in various company sizes, and evaluating leaders based on values and virtues.

Cathaysa Nolasco, a recipient of a research scholarship from the Chair, presented the findings of her study on "Ethical Leadership and its Influence on Decision-Making, Perception of Justice, and Work Performance," offering practical conclusions to the event.

The Lizardo Martell Cárdenes Chair, promoted by the University Foundation of Las Palmas and the Martell Hernández family with support from various entities, aims to perpetuate the legacy of Lizardo Martell Cárdenes as a benchmark for leadership and business ethics in Canarias, fostering training, research, and dissemination of responsible leadership.