IWD 2026 - interview with: Maria Pardo

In our CORE International Women’s Day Interview series, we speak with industry leaders who know that sharing knowledge creates stronger futures.

In this interview, we are talking to Maria Pardo, Fractional CMO and Technology Advisor in the logistics sector. 

Could you share a brief overview of yourself, your career journey and how it has brought you to your current role?

I’ve built my career at the intersection of marketing, sales and inside sales in technology and telecommunications, evolving from hands-on roles to strategic leadership. Along the way, I’ve focused on building inclusive, high-performing teams and creating opportunities for others to thrive. But what I’m most proud of is how I led the process: with clarity, with care, and by inspiring a team that felt fully invested in the outcome. Today, as a Fractional CMO and Technology Advisor, I lead with purpose, shaping strategy, mentoring future leaders, challenging the status quo in how businesses operate, and driving initiatives that deliver both commercial impact and empower people.

What does the International Women's Day slogan "give to gain" mean for you personally, and how does it translate into your approach to leadership?

To me, ‘give to gain’ is about generosity of time, knowledge, and influence. Leadership isn’t just about meeting targets; it’s about helping others grow and succeed alongside you. By actively investing in people and championing colleagues across the organisation, I’ve seen individuals develop, teams flourish, and the business achieve stronger results. At the end of the day, I often gain even more from these interactions, and it’s amazing what can happen when you give.

How important is it for you to actively sponsor (not just mentor) each other, and what does that active support look like in practice?

Sponsorship is critical because it allows you to open doors for people who may not yet see their own potential, even those with high potential themselves. It’s about making them visible for opportunities, promotions and key projects, supporting them along the way, celebrating their successes, and sometimes taking calculated risks on their behalf. True sponsorship goes beyond mentoring: it’s actively advocating for others and helping them realise what they’re capable of achieving

Can you share a specific instance where you have given your time, resources, or influence to help other women advance in their career, and what you "gained" from that experience?

I recently supported a group of women in Toastmasters International who were hesitant to take on committee roles, feeling they weren’t ready. I coached them, encouraged them to step forward, and actively advocated for their involvement. Seeing their confidence grow and watching them take on leadership responsibilities was incredibly rewarding, not just for them, but for me too. I gained perspective on the power of deliberate support and a renewed commitment to helping others realise their potential.

Workforce: 53.1%, Top Level Leadership: 28.8%, Gender Pay Gap: 20% Worldwide, (12% - 18% Europe & North America, 16%-19% UAE, 5% New Zealand…) What do these numbers represent to you?

These numbers highlight that progress has been made, but inequality remains. Women contribute over half the workforce globally yet occupy fewer leadership positions and still face pay gaps. For me, these statistics reinforce the urgency of active sponsorship, inclusive leadership, and building structures that enable women to thrive. 

What trends do you see shaping the future of leadership for women in business?

Looking ahead, I see AI acting as a partner, sometimes like a long-term marriage, sometimes just a useful dating app, alongside the power of communities, flexibility, inclusivity, and technology shaping the future of women’s leadership. Communities provide strategic support, knowledge, and recommendations, while AI helps women work smarter, make informed decisions, and even handle some of the more tedious tasks, leaving us free to focus on the fun, strategic side of our work.

As a successful leader, what is your top tip for fostering a workplace culture where employees feel encouraged to give feedback, share knowledge, and gain growth opportunities?

• lead by example and be consistent:  Do what you preach and follow through, as people are always watching. Leadership sets the tone, and consistency builds trust, credibility, and reinforces the culture you want across the organisation. 
• create safe spaces: A blame culture is exhausting and simply doesn’t work. People need to feel safe to speak up, share ideas, and ask questions without fear. 
• encourage collaboration: Consider hosting a knowledge-sharing session on a Friday afternoon when people are more relaxed and receptive. Small initiatives like this make sharing insights fun, habitual, and impactful. I’ve run these sessions with my team, which not only strengthened collaboration but also accelerated project delivery and innovation. 
• empower growth opportunities: Give people the chance to take on projects outside their comfort zone and collaborate across functions. Invest more time upfront to mentor and guide them, and over time, they become more independent, needing less support—creating a sustainable growth cycle. 

Have you had mentors or role models who influenced your career? How did they help?

I’ve been fortunate to have a mentor at Oracle who challenged me, advocated for me, and helped me see my own potential. Her guidance showed me that leadership is about empowering others, not just personal success, and inspired me to pay it forward deliberately in my own career.

What legacy do you hope to leave for the next generation of women leaders?

I hope to leave a legacy of empowerment and visibility: a culture where women are supported to lead, encouraged to innovate, and inspired to pay it forward. I believe that if you want change, you should be the change yourself

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self at the start of your career?

Speak up sooner, as your voice is your power. Build meaningful connections with those who inspire and challenge you, be visible, and never underestimate the impact you can have, always believe in yourself.