Federico Linares shares the keys to his leadership at Global Alumni Weekend 2026

IE University’s Global Alumni Weekend (GAW/26) provided the setting for an inspiring conversation featuring Federico Linares, President of EY Spain and alumnus of IE Law School's Master's Degree in Tax Advisory (Class of 1996). The session, introduced by Soledad Atienza, Dean of IE Law School, brought together alumni for a discussion focused on the impact of ethical leadership, personal purpose, and social responsibility in the business world.

THREE ESSENTIAL LESSONS

During his talk, Federico Linares shared three fundamental lessons that have shaped his more than 30-year professional career since graduating from IE Law School:

The Greatness of Humility: Linares recalled how his father taught him the importance of humility as an essential leadership virtue. "To be humble, one must first be great," he said, quoting Argentine writer Ernesto Sabato.

Sapere Aude (Dare to Know): The President of EY Spain reflected on the beginning of his career in 1997 at the firm’s Málaga office and how his experience in New York as a mergers and acquisitions lawyer marked a turning point in his professional path. The months he spent in the city, although challenging, proved to be the most enriching of his career. In addition, the impact of the September 11, 2001, attacks left him with a valuable lesson about solidarity and the power of civil society. Linares cited Horace’s phrase, Sapere Aude, as a constant reminder of the importance of intellectual courage.

Find Your Purpose: Inspired by the verses of Spanish poet Antonio Machado—"Do not be surprised, dear friends, that my brow is wrinkled: I live at peace with others and at war with myself"—Linares reflected on the importance of finding a purpose in life and making the most of the time we have. "We are the time we have left," he said, highlighting how this perspective guides his leadership and decision-making.

BUSINESS LEADERSHIP AND THE CREATION OF SOCIAL VALUE

Linares elaborated on his vision of business as a civic actor committed to creating social well-being. He emphasized that business leadership must be grounded in ethical principles, not merely regulatory requirements, in order to generate a positive and sustainable impact on society.

Alongside his role leading EY Spain, Linares supports social initiatives spanning culture, education, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion. Among them, he highlighted his collaboration with Fundación Alalá, which promotes the inclusion of Roma children and young people through flamenco. "I have learned that I am very fortunate, and that I have a responsibility to help those who are not," he noted.

THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Linares also addressed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), describing it as one of the greatest social transformations in modern history. While acknowledging the enormous risks associated with this technology, he emphasized learning capacity as one of the most valuable qualities when recruiting talent.