Carlos E. Santos Saint Romain ✍🏼's Linkedin Analytics

What a transformative exercise! I was fortunate to experience something similar thanks to Monika Stezewska-Kruk, MBA, ICF PCC during Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer's class, and it changed my life completely. Living my "version 3" now, I can honestly say I've never felt more aligned with my true purpose. It's proof that it's never too late to pursue your dreams. I started my PhD at 37. Ideal timing? Perhaps not. Deeply rewarding? Absolutely. They say a person is born twice: their birth day, and the moment they discover why they came to this earth. This journey has been my second birth. I'm deeply thankful to Professor Joerg Dietz for creating space for my research passions and entrepreneurial thinking. And words can't express my gratitude to Teresa Nebauer, not just my manager and CEO, but the love of and my partner in life- whose unwavering belief in me made this dream possible. Sometimes your biggest champion is right beside you and let's not forge: Sometimes it is within yourself if, and only if you grant your personhood the opportunity to question your identity with such exercises. Thank you Daniel Pink for the reminder. When we embrace AFOG moments (Another F*** Opportunity for Growth) as Carole Robin, Ph.D. would say, we G! Like a G6! 😉 🛫

The Vaticano didn’t have a Human Resources Department until 2022. Can you believe that? For nearly 2,000 years, one of the oldest institutions on Earth operated without a formal HR department. Then Pope Francis changed that. On September 5, 2022, he appointed Luis Herrera Tejedor as the Vatican’s first-ever Director of Human Resources, a bold, symbolic, and strategic move to modernize its administrative core. And why does this matter for organizational behavior scholars? Because when a global leader introduces HR reform into the most tradition-bound institution on Earth... ...you pay attention. Francis wasn’t just leading a church. He was leading a cultural shift. • He reframed humility in leadership • He brought empathy to the center of power • He reengineered legacy systems from the inside out This is organizational behavior in the wild. It’s leadership under a microscope. It’s change management at a Vatican scale. It’s a masterclass in modern influence wrapped in ancient robes. If you study leadership, systems, or cultural transformation... Start studying Pope Francis. P.S. What’s the boldest organizational shift you’ve seen in an unlikely place? And if this sparked something in you, ♻️ repost it for the thinkers in your network.

"Jesús es el Señor de la Locura y los quiere locos por la vida, los quiere locos para que le den vida a los demás." Esta era la fuerza y la pasión del Cardenal Bergoglio por los jóvenes, desde antes de convertirse en el Papa Francisco. Uno de mis discursos favoritos. Espontáneo y al alma. ¡Gracias por todo Jorge! Descansa en Paz. ¡Te vamos a extrañar!

Powerful reflection!

70+ countries. 1 election like never before. But, why is this conclave so special? The next pope will be elected by the most internationally diverse conclave in the Church's history. For the first time ever, cardinals from over 70 countries will be gathering in il Vaticano to pick the next pope. Quick facts: - 252 cardinals at the time of Francis' death - 135 voting cardinals younger than 80 - 108 appointed by Pope Francis - Europe makes up 40% of voters, down from near-total dominance a century ago Why does this matter? - Catholicism is shifting southward and eastward - Representation from Asia, Africa, and Latin America is bigger than ever - New voices, new perspectives And when a pope is chosen, there is more at stake than theology; it is also about leadership, geopolitics, and the future of 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. So, who are the cardinals? Can. 351 §1. The Roman Pontiff freely selects men to be promoted as cardinals, who have been ordained at least into the order of the presbyterate and are especially outstanding in doctrine, morals, piety, and prudence in action; those who are not yet bishops must receive episcopal consecration. So, who can be pope? Usually, the pope comes from the College of Cardinals, but this has not always been the case. Not only have laymen (e.g., John XIX, 1024–1032) been elected pope, but also deacons (e.g., Leo X, 1513–1521). Canonical Law 332 §1. states: "The Roman Pontiff obtains full and supreme power in the Church by his acceptance of legitimate election together with episcopal consecration." However, if the person elected lacks episcopal character, he is to be ordained a bishop immediately. The Church has elected several non-bishops to the papacy. Said clearly, a papabile must: (a) be willing, (b) be baptized, (c) be ordained deacon, priest, and bishop in the use of reason to accept the election 🤔 So, as 135 cardinals from over 70 countries gather for this unprecedented conclave reflecting a century of transformation, join believers worldwide in prayer for the future Pope. Pause today to ask for divine wisdom upon the man who will shepherd 1.3 billion Catholics. May he be granted strength, courage, and compassion to unite faithful and non faithful across continents and address the Church's most pressing challenges. And... May the cardinal electors find clarity amid complexity. May they build bridges where divisions have grown. May they speak to both ancient wisdom and modern needs. Whether through prayer, meditation, or simply a positive intention, your participation adds to a global vibe of hope for thoughtful and servant leadership in our time. Share this call with those who care about compassionate global leadership, regardless of their faith tradition. Because, as a matter of fact, the future-being-shaped-in-Rome-today will certainly expand way beyond the Church walls. One minute. One intention. ONE CHURCH. 🙏🏼 #PrayForTheConclave

This morning, as I watched my daughters excitedly hunting for colorful eggs, a question hopped into my mind: How did a furry bunny become the face for Christianity's most sacred celebration? As they continued their search, I decided to dig into this delightful historical paradox! The Surprising Truth? The Easter Bunny has absolutely nothing to do with the biblical resurrection story. Niente, nada. So how did these two traditions become intertwined? The name "Easter" itself offers our first clue. In Germanic languages, it derives from "Eosturmonath" (Easter Month), documented by the 8th-century scholar Bede. Though historians debate some details, this connection points to pre-Christian spring celebrations. Cultural Blending - When Christianity spread through Europe, it often absorbed local traditions. Spring's natural symbols of rebirth (eggs, rabbits, flowers) conceptually aligned with resurrection themes, creating perfect conditions for cultural syncretism. - The egg-laying hare tradition (which later became the Easter Bunny) appears in German writings from the 1600s, but earlier connections are less documented. - Some folklorists point to the natural behavior of hares in spring (when they can be seen "boxing" in fields) as a possible inspiration for their association with the season. - Alternative theories suggest the rabbit/hare symbolism might have entered Easter traditions through medieval artwork where rabbits were used as symbols of fertility and rebirth. So? The Easter Bunny tradition as we know it emerged more formally among German Lutherans in the 17th-18th centuries. German immigrants then brought their "Osterhase" (Easter Hare) to the US, where it evolved into the chocolate-delivering bunny we know today. Why This Matters? This blend of traditions shows us how cultural practices rarely develop in isolation. The Easter Bunny represents how human celebrations evolve organically, weaving together religious significance with seasonal traditions. Whether you celebrate Easter's religious meaning, enjoy the chocolate bunnies, or both, understanding these origins adds richness to our shared cultural traditions and origins. What other holiday traditions have surprising origins? #Easter #CulturalHistory #Traditions

"What Do Undergrads Need to Know About Trade?" 6 takeaways from Paul Krugman's 1993 paper in The American Economic Review. Not as cited as I would have expected. 1. We need a new model (I really dislike the word paradigm) Misconception: Everything changes with an open economy; we need a new economic paradigm. Reality: Basic economic principles still apply. Trade is just another economic activity subject to the same principles as any other. Krugman uses the parable of an entrepreneur converting U.S. resources into consumer goods to illustrate that international trade is essentially transforming exports into imports. 2. Competition Misconception: Countries compete with each other like companies in the same business. Reality: International trade is about mutually beneficial exchange, not competition. Krugman emphasizes that imports, not exports, are the purpose of trade. The goal is to obtain goods and services that a country wants, and exports are just the means to pay for these imports. 3. Productivity Misconception: High productivity is important because it helps a country compete globally. Reality: High productivity is beneficial because it allows a country to produce and consume more, regardless of international competition. Krugman uses a thought experiment to show that even if other countries have higher productivity growth, the U.S. standard of living would still rise based on its own productivity growth. 4. High-Value Sectors Misconception: Countries must focus on high-value sectors to increase real income. Reality: The concept of high-value sectors is misleading. What matters is specialization based on comparative advantage. Krugman explains that a country’s high living standard is not due to being in the right sector but due to its overall productivity and specialization. 5. Jobs Misconception: The central issue of trade is employment; trade policies directly affect job creation. Reality: Employment levels are determined by macroeconomic factors, not trade policies. Trade policy should be debated in terms of its impact on efficiency, not on phony numbers about jobs created or lost. Krugman stresses that the level of employment depends on aggregate demand and the natural rate of unemployment. 6. Government Partnership Misconception: The government should support domestic firms to help them compete internationally. Reality: Government support for industries should be based on economic principles, not misguided notions of international competition. Krugman argues that government intervention should be justified by factors like external economies, not by the idea of competing with foreign firms. Supporting one industry often comes at the expense of others. Conclusion Krugman’s paper looks to equip students with the ability to critically analyze and debunk these common misconceptions, emphasizing the importance of understanding fundamental economic principles in the context of international trade. #Trade #Krugman

This week was the WORST in my academic career! I got a 2, a 3, and a 4. Not exactly the numbers I wanted to bring home to celebrate. And yet, when I add them up, I end up with my favorite 9. You might be wondering, how can I celebrate a score that, at first glance, seems like a failure? Well, for years, the ideal grade in the Swiss System for 3 assignments would be 6 + 6 + 6 = 18, and then 1 + 8 = 9. Well, this week I achieved the 9 in the reduced form (forgive me for my IV joke). Reflecting on my way home, I feel compelled to ask myself: What if I hugged this pain? What if motivation doesn’t stem from feedback or clarity but from uncertainty? Traditionally, we’re told clear feedback and structured evaluation drive us to improve. But what if the real spark of agency comes from the open-ended question, “What if I had done this differently?” that propels us into action? Was the plastic avoidable? At the end of the day, only confronting myself in the All Mighty’s presence can I know what I could have done better to end up Lent better. And then, in that act of seeing what is left to uncover, from the ashes of failure, from the lowest point of my academic career, I came with these texts preparing for my next homework that pushed me to think. - Alvesson & Sandberg (2011) challenge us to question assumptions to ignite new pathways of thinking and action. - Durand & Vaara (2009) would probably tell me that counterfactuals, those annoying thoughts in the language of the Queen, “What if I had studied differently?”, aren’t just signs of failure, they are the very tools that activate agency, pushing us to strive for more. For years, I have forbidden myself to use that grammatical form. But what if for once I let it be? - Maybe Tsang & Ellsaesser (2011) would dive into the idea of uncertainty as a motivational force, asking why some people thrive in ambiguity while others feel stalled. I have had trouble for years with the idea of uncertainty pushing us forward. But what if I use it for that purpose? - Alvesson & Kärreman (2007) would tell me to stay with the mystery—don’t rush to solve it. Instead, let the ambiguity fuel deeper insights, fostering growth. - Davis (1971) would likely find the appeal in this: motivation thrives in what’s surprising—the “not yet” of our potential. It’s in this space of uncertainty that real growth happens. So yes, this week wasn’t easy but I own it. But it came with a lesson: Motivation doesn’t always arise from success. Sometimes, it’s the nagging uncertainty, the recognition that we’re not yet who we could be, that fuels our drive to push further. No wonder why Christ died. And today, on a holy Friday, we honor his sacrifice in a special way. We acknowledge his death! No toxic positivity in exchange. So, I remember this is just a chapter, a comma, an episode in the story of my life. And then I remember HOPE! HOPE coming from the ashes, like a Phoenix. And still today, the Phoenix is dead!

Pope Francis is a Force of Nature I still remember the day he was elected. 🇦🇷 Coming from Latin America, I was overjoyed when I saw the result of the "Habemus Papa". Here was a man who had already shaken things up as a bishop—bold enough to challenge the Argentine president and the "mercenaries of death" who have killed so many in our countries. As Pope, his influence would only grow. Days after our wedding in Munich, we flew to Rome, woke up at 5 am and got helped by a lady of his choir that told me the secret to be at the right spot at the right time after she noticed how important this was for me. We did it! I thanked him for the story of little Emanuel, the boy who asked, “Where is my atheist father who baptized us all?” some years after loosing mine. It's a very touching video you can find on YouTube. Then something happened. He looked at the family pictures I brought and asked, “Are these for me?” I froze. "Of course" I said. He blessed us. Before leaving, he asked us to pray for him. His security team laughed when I said, “I will...” "...because in the Church, we are a team, a better team than San Lorenzo." 🤭 His Impact on the World has been massive: 1. Redefining Leadership. Opted for modest living, rejecting luxury and etiquette. Prioritized direct engagement with people over formality. 2. Pushed for a more inclusive, decentralized Church. Empowered local bishops with greater autonomy. 3. Championing the Planet issuing Laudato si’, urging urgent global action on climate change. 4. Standing with the Marginalized, advocating for the poor, refugees, and vulnerable communities. Encouraged inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals and other overlooked groups. 5. Strengthened interfaith relations, co-signing the Document on Human Fraternity, addressing the European Parliament on human rights and social justice. Went to the Arabic Peninsula. Improved the relationship with China. 6. Fought for improving the Church, reforming Vatican finances for greater transparency and accountability and tackling sexual abuse by enforcing stricter reporting and punishment measures. 7. Preaching Mercy Over Judgment, declaring the Jubilee Year of Mercy, shifting focus from punishment to forgiveness, encouraging a pastoral approach over rigid doctrine. 8. Embracing the Digital Age, bringing Vatican messaging into the modern era, expanding global outreach. Leveraged social media and digital platforms to connect with millions. Document on AI. 9. A Voice for the Voiceless, advocating for migrants, pushing the Church to combat global inequality, strengthening ties with communities in the Global South. 10. Of course there's more... We are currently in the year of hope thanks to him. Therefore, I sincerely hope he recovers so this list keeps expanding! If you don't pray, at least send good vibes from him. Because Pope Francis isn’t just a leader—he’s a movement. I have been worried for him! What’s your favorite story about him?

In 2016, Pope Francis elevated Mary Magdalene's memorial to a Feast day, a liturgical recognition that affirmed what Scripture had always proclaimed: she was the prima testis (first witness) of the Resurrection and apostolorum apostola (apostle to the apostles). In a single decree, Pope Francis accomplished what centuries of theological discussion could not: he shattered the glass ceiling of sacred memory. So when history evaluates his papacy, the elevation of Mary Magdalene to liturgical equality with the apostles will stand as one of its most profound and far-reaching contributions, a powerful and just restoration of biblical truth. This wasn't merely a calendar adjustment. It was a declaration that the Church's understanding of its own foundations can deepen and mature, that tradition breathes with life rather than calcifying in time. The significance for the 21st century context cannot be overstated: In an age questioning institutional relevance, Francis demonstrated the Church can recognize historical oversights without compromising its essential nature, even if it took more than 2000 years to do so, mining deeper into Scripture's treasures to recover what was always there. "Why did this happen in the first place?" is another question. At a time when women worldwide rightly seek recognition of their full dignity and contribution, the elevation affirmed that the Resurrection narrative itself pivots on her testimony. The first evangelist, the one entrusted to announce Christ's victory, was INDEED Mary Magdalene. In a polarized era, the defining aspect of our times, where tradition and progress are falsely pitted against each other, this act revealed profound compatibility. It wasn't progressive to elevate Mary Magdalene, it was deeply traditional, a return to Scripture's clear witness, going back to its origins. The decree's timing during the Jubilee of Mercy was itself prophetic, a recognition that divine mercy often manifests as historical correction and dignification of the overlooked. This papal action represents far more than symbolic recognition. It establishes a theological framework where fidelity to origins and openness to deeper understanding coexist in perfect harmony, a model desperately needed in our divided times. If the first witness of the Resurrection could be overlooked for centuries despite Scripture's clarity, what other truths await our discovery? What voices remain unheard? What testimonies have we marginalized? So, the challenge before us is clear: Where in your own spheres of influence can you amplify overlooked voices of truth? How might you create space for the "Magdalenes" in your community, those whose authentic witness challenges comfortable assumptions? And the question isn't whether we will encounter transformation in our lifetime. The question is: Will we have the courage to announce it? #PapalLegacy #ChurchReform #WomenInFaith #BiblicalTruth #MaryMagdalene

"Where there is no hope, we must invent it." In the darkest days of Argentina's military dictatorship, a young Jesuit priest named Jorge Bergoglio faced a critical choice: Would he retreat into safety or risk everything for those being "disappeared"? Confronted with the question, "what would Christ do?" he disguised persecuted as seminarians, shaping networks of safety when danger surrounded the vulnerable. This wasn't abstract theology, this was hope with skin on it. This hope continues in every heart choosing to see the world both as it is and as God dreams it could be. Like St. Hildegard of Bingen, Francis integrated spiritual vision with practical action. I'm reminded of her vision of "viriditas", the greening life-force that persists even through winter's death, understanding the divine flows through all creation, echoing Laudato Si'. His hope was not naïve idealism but tempered with Solomonic wisdom. As St. Thomas Aquinas taught, "The wise man considers both the means and the end." Like St. Catherine of Siena, he confronted a wounded Church while remaining devoted to Christ's promise of renewal. Like St. Lucy, who carried light into the catacombs, Francis illuminated hidden paths in dark times, both in Argentina's "Dirty War" and as Pope, exposing what others preferred to keep hidden: clerical abuse, financial corruption, and systemic injustice while simultaneously showing us pathways toward healing. This because he understood renewal requires acknowledging the brokenness first: cleansing hope! Like St. Catherine who told the Pope, "Speak out as if you had a million voices, it is silence that kills the world," Francis ensured that previously silenced voices would shape our Church's future. And "Hope has two beautiful daughters ... Anger and Courage" taught St. Augustine. "Anger at the way things are, and courage to see they do not remain as they are." Francis embodied this truth, channeling righteous anger at injustice into courageous action for change. His teachings on ecology, his advocacy for migrants, and his dialogue with those on the peripheries demonstrated hope grounded in wisdom. The College of Cardinals he shaped, diverse and representative of the global Church, shows his hope-filled vision. Like Our Lady of Guadalupe who appeared during Mexico's darkest oppression, Francis became a sign of divine protection for the marginalized, revealing glimpses of God's kingdom breaking into our broken world. His passing during Easter speaks profoundly: what seems like ending is transformation; what appears as loss contains resurrection. As Catherine wrote, "Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire!" "Start being brave about everything... Don't look at your weakness, but realize that in Christ crucified you can do everything." May we honor Francis by being THE TROUBLEMAKERS he urged us to be: missionaries of hope in our beautiful yet wounded world, remembering in Amoris Laetitia, we are Fratelli Tutti!