For Alexander X. Félix Rodríguez, leadership is about preparation, vision, and action.
A member of the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico (IUPR) chapter, Rodríguez recently completed a transformative international consulting rotation in Colombia with Bancolombia, the country’s largest financial institution. This opportunity not only marked his first professional experience in the Latin American banking sector, but also his first time leading a major transformation initiative abroad.
“Representing Puerto Rico, the United States, and my alma mater on the international stage was both a profound responsibility and a deep honor,” Rodríguez says.
Driving Transformation in Colombia
Rodríguez’s consulting journey began in Bancolombia’s Corresponsal Bancario program, an initiative designed to expand financial inclusion for underbanked communities across Colombia. Over ten months, he advanced through three pivotal roles—business operations consultant, customer experience and service excellence consultant, and finally, advisor consultant.
Each stage built upon his background in industrial engineering, business strategy, and leadership. By applying proven methodologies, service design, and data-driven decision-making, Rodríguez achieved measurable results, including a 40% increase in daily transaction volume, 25% reduction in processing and service times, 80% decrease in cash handling errors, 20% improvement in customer retention, and 35% reduction in complaints.
“These improvements helped preserve millions in labor, compliance, and operational costs, reinforcing the critical role of human-centered, efficient financial services,” Rodríguez explains.
Equally transformative was the cultural impact and knowledge gained during his time overseas.
“I developed a broader lens on global financial systems, regional regulatory frameworks, and international currency exchange between the U.S. Dollar, Colombian Peso, and Euro. These experiences enhanced my cultural intelligence and adaptability — critical competencies for any modern business leader.”
The Skills That Shaped His Success
Behind these achievements was a core set of leadership skills. Rodríguez credits strategic thinking, cross-cultural communication, customer experience design, decision-making, project management, adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving as instrumental to his success.
“Operating in a new country pushed me outside my comfort zone,” he says. “I adapted quickly to new regulatory environments and shifting priorities while maintaining professional integrity.”
Transitioning into an advisory role at the close of his rotation, Rodríguez synthesized his work into a strategic framework for Bancolombia’s long-term growth, presenting his data-backed recommendations to senior leadership — a summation worth the challenge, and a reminder to seize opportunities even if it does mean getting a little uncomfortable first.
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How the NSLS Made a Difference
Rodríguez emphasizes that his NSLS membership provided a vital foundation for his success.
“The NSLS provided a framework for goal setting and accountability,” he says. “The SNT meetings were transformative. Being part of a circle of like-minded individuals who were not only goal-oriented but committed to personal and professional growth gave me the accountability I needed to follow through.”
Success Networking Team (SNT) meetings are designed to challenge yourself and others, an integral part of the Foundations of Leadership (FOL) program.
“I learned how to give and receive feedback, how to listen with empathy, and how to build meaningful relationships rooted in trust and shared vision,” he says.
He adds that the NSLS reinforced one of the most important lessons in leadership: that it’s rooted in service.
“As a Puerto Rican Latino leader, this has been deeply personal. The NSLS gave me the confidence to step forward, advocate for others, and lead boldly across industries, communities, and cultures.”
Building a Lasting Legacy
Looking ahead, Rodríguez has ambitious long-term goals. He aspires to become a global executive leader, give back to his alma mater, mentor and empower underrepresented communities, and lead a life rooted in faith, family, and service.
“As a proud Puerto Rican, I aim to uplift and inspire Latinos, Hispanics, and underrepresented communities to believe in themselves, chase the impossible, and never give up,” he says. “Leadership for me is about creating environments where people dare to dream and are equipped to make those dreams real.”
Whether through keynote speeches, business transformation, or mentorship, Rodríguez is determined to inspire others to reach their highest potential while staying grounded in his values and purpose-driven approach.
Alexander’s Advice for Future Leaders
“Becoming a better leader starts with leading yourself first through discipline, humility, and a relentless commitment to growth,” Rodríguez says.
He offers five key pieces of advice to aspiring leaders.
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Know your purpose. “Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about service. Understand why you want to lead and who you want to impact. Let that purpose guide your decisions and actions.”
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Be a student of leadership. “Read, listen, observe, and ask questions. Learn from great leaders — both their victories and their failures. Invest in your personal and professional development consistently.”
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Take action and own your growth. “Leadership is built in the arena, not on the sidelines. Raise your hand, take on challenges, and don’t be afraid to fail forward. Growth often comes from discomfort.”
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Lead with empathy and courage. “Great leaders listen deeply, communicate clearly, and make bold decisions even when it’s hard. People won’t always remember your strategy, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.”
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Stay humble and give back. “Always lift as you climb. Mentor others, share your journey, and be a source of inspiration and opportunity for those who follow. Leadership is not a destination — it’s a lifelong journey. Stay grounded in your values, driven by your vision, and committed to leaving every place and person better than you found them.”
For Rodríguez, leadership is many things, but it all comes back to one foundational truth.
“True leadership is about empowering others with compassion, serving as a guide and motivator, and never settling for complacency,” he says. “It’s a commitment to continuous growth, to building a legacy of positive change, and to showing up every day with vision, passion, and unwavering dedication to excellence… built on that one foundational truth: preparation, vision, and action are the keys to lasting leadership.”
And if you’re wondering whether or not you should embrace that next challenge, Rodríguez believes you should.
“I encourage every member to embrace the unknown, step into new arenas, and lead with purpose.”
All great leaders know that failure and discomfort are stepping stones to success. Meet Shelica Cox next, another member who understands that mistakes only make you
