• In a motivational talk or “Pep-Talks” format, 12 speakers from the private and academic sectors shared their experiences and knowledge with the business community.
• This is the first time AmCham Panamá has held an event in this format, covering topics such as Why Panama?, Leadership, Creativity and Innovation, and Values.
  

Panama, January 23, 2025. AmCham Panamá held the ON Day with the participation of members who gathered at INCAE Business School in Panama City. In a “Pep-Talks” format, twelve speakers from the private and academic sectors shared their experiences and knowledge in a captivating and dynamic way, as a source of inspiration for the business community.

In his welcoming remarks, the President of AmCham Panamá, Jean Pierre de Roux, said: “For more than 45 years at AmCham Panamá we have worked diligently to strengthen trade ties between the United States and Panama. Since then, AmCham has served as a platform and meeting point for key players in the public and private sectors, and today we are bringing together more than 70 representatives and business leaders from American and Panamanian companies for an update session that we trust will continue to add value and bring our two countries closer together.”

Participants enjoyed a day full of inspiration and energy built around four thematic pillars, which gave 12 Panamanian business leaders the chance to share the advice, strategies and personal stories that have led them to success. This innovative format made it possible to explore four thematic pillars in a single day:

WHY PANAMA?: A look at Panama’s potential as a destination for business and investment based on the experiences of Bernard Killian, of INCAE Business School; Olga Cantillo, of the Bolsa Latinoamericana de Valores; and Jorge Barnett, of the Georgia Tech Panama Logistics Innovation & Research Center. At the end of the 4 talks, Luis Laguerre of KPMG moderated the question-and-answer session, which concluded that Panama offers many advantages for doing business and opportunities for growth, but at the same time faces challenges in key areas such as public education, higher education and the conditions needed to improve private investment, among others.

LEADERSHIP: How to influence people and teams with a clear vision of success, with the participation of Miguel Bolinaga, AES Panamá; Damaris Young, Comité Olímpico de Panamá; and Aristides Chiriatti, Petroport. Dacil Acevedo of Sinergia 507 moderated the question-and-answer session, in which they stressed that the characteristics of leaders are highly varied and depend on each person’s personal and professional path. All agreed that passion, personal relationships, teamwork and conviction, among others, are key attributes. They also agreed that, as leaders, they have the opportunity and the responsibility to influence other people in order to transform their lives and create different realities.

CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION: Finding new ways to keep companies competitive and relevant, with Francisco Gatto, MCKINSEY Digital Lab; and Glenn Tjorn, of 3H Innovations, and Olga Sinclair, Fundación Olga Sinclair. After the 4 talks, Julio Cohen of AES moderated the panel, which concluded that digital transformation succeeds not only because of technology, but also because of talent, skills, organizational culture and leadership. They likewise concluded that it is important to stay up to date and to be ethical in the use of artificial intelligence (AI), since it is the natural evolution of technology.

VALUES: Reaching goals with a dose of personal passion that strengthens brands while building their reputation and trust, with Ana Karina Smith Cain, Legacy Transformation; Marvin Castillo, Fundesteam; and César Barría, transcontinental swimmer. At the end of the 4 presentations, moderated by Alyssa Lince of Arden & Price, the panel concluded that we live in a culture of distorted values and that we are not giving children examples of positive values. It is imperative that education include teaching critical thinking skills and values such as ethics, teamwork, communication and perseverance, among others. The panel stressed how important it is for successful business leaders to take part and contribute to improving education in order to change the lives of children and young people in Panama.

In the final days of his term as President of AmCham Panamá, Jean Pierre de Roux used this event to reaffirm the benefits the Chamber offers its members through spaces to connect, strengthen their companies and continue promoting ongoing work to bring value to the strong historic relationship between Panama and the United States.