Octavio Díaz Interview
With a career that spans finance, strategy, and storytelling, Octavio Díaz represents a new generation of leaders who balance results with purpose. In this interview with The World’s Times, Díaz reflects on translating strategy into execution, building high-performance teams, and transforming data into decisive action. He also shares the personal inspiration behind co-founding México puede ser de oro, a platform rooted in storytelling and national pride. At its core, his journey underscores a powerful belief: sustainable success is built when leaders put people first, inspire through real stories, and strive to create value that transcends organizations and generations.
Challenging the Status Quo
We started the interview by asking, “Your career spans finance, strategy, and now storytelling. What has been the common thread throughout this journey?”
Octavio Diaz replied, “I’ve always believed that things can be done differently and better. That mindset pushed me to constantly challenge myself and question the status quo. Throughout my career, the obsession with delivering results, creating impact, and never losing sight of the human side of organizations has remained constant. We are people first, with individual needs, motivations, and goals — and meaningful results only happen when that is understood.”
From Strategy to Execution
The Worlds Times: You’ve worked closely with commercial and operational teams as a business partner. How do you translate strategy into execution?
Octavio Diaz replied, “Execution starts with alignment. Strategy only works when people understand not just what we are doing, but why we are doing it.
It’s also essential to consider both the current environment and the desired future state. Every action we take generates impact — not only within our organization, but across the market and among competitors. Being prepared for those reactions, understanding the dynamics they create, and adjusting accordingly is critical when pursuing execution with excellence.”
Building High-Performance Finance Teams
The Worlds Times: You’ve led complex financial functions across multinational organizations. What defines high-performance finance teams in your view?
Octavio Diaz replied, “High-performance finance teams go far beyond reporting numbers. They anticipate risks, challenge assumptions, actively participate in action plans, and truly own the outcomes. Delegation is key — not as a task distribution tool, but as a way to build capabilities and develop talent. When finance is proactive, compliant, and commercially aware, it becomes a real value creator for the organization.”
Turning Data Into Market Action
The Worlds Times: One notable achievement in your career is building a Marketing Intelligence function from scratch. Why was this important?
Octavio Diaz replied, “It was a turning point in my career. I had already worked in marketing, finance, and sales, and it was the right moment to bring all that expertise together and transform it into action. That is exactly what Marketing Intelligence allowed me to do.
It was where data became decisions, and analysis turned into clear action plans that could actually be executed in the market. It was also possible because I had the support and trust of my leaders, who believed in the vision and the plan. In any successful journey, having leaders who trust and support you is fundamental.”
Inspiring a Nation Through Stories
The Worlds Times: What inspired you to co-found México puede ser de oro?
Octavio Diaz replied, “The inspiration comes from two deep passions: sports and my country. I wanted to create a platform that inspires Mexico through real stories. I strongly believe that people inspire people — and that listening to stories of effort and success pushes us forward. México puede ser de oro is about creating a space where people transcend through their stories and leave an even stronger legacy than the one they are already building.”
Storytelling as a Leadership Tool
The Worlds Times: How does storytelling connect with leadership and long-term value creation?
Octavio Diaz replied, “Stories connect us — not only with each other, but with the why behind what we do. They transform distant figures, and even idealized “characters,” into real people: people who struggle, fail, prepare, and try again until they succeed. And that is what inspires.
For me, that is the essence of leadership. A leader is someone who inspires others — someone who motivates, supports, and guides people to give their best in pursuit of meaningful goals, goals that create impact far beyond today.”
A Mission to Create Lasting Legacy
Lastly we asked, “At this stage of your career, what is your personal mission as a CEO and leader?”
“I want my work to contribute to something that truly lasts. To add value to my country, my community, my organization, and my family — so that we can all become better.
I want to honor those who never gave up, those who lead by example. To develop new talent and create new stories that continue to remind us what is possible. Stories that show, time and again, that Mexico can be golden. To transcend.” Octavio Diaz concluded
Connect with Octavio Diaz on LinkedIn
For more information visit México puede ser de oro
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Jean-Noël Georges Building Digital Trust
Sheba Simpson-Amsterdam: Empowering Communities with Purpose
William Westbrook: Tech-Driven Global Trade Innovation
