International Women's Day 2026: Juliana Bustamante and Brad Knox

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights the power of investing in others to drive collective success.

At Proco Group, we spoke to colleagues across the business to hear their insights. In this interview, Juliana Bustamante, a Partner in Proco Group’s Industrials practice, shares her experiences leading industrial markets across Latin America, while Brad Knox, Global Head of Commodities and Managing Partner for NORAM, reflects on creating inclusive workplaces and the future he hopes for his daughters.

The Meaning of “Give to Gain”

For Juliana, the theme reflects a career-long philosophy: investing in relationships and supporting others without expecting immediate returns. “In our industry, networks are built on credibility and generosity – and those investments often come back in ways you could never have predicted.” she says.

Brad echoes this perspective, emphasising how investing in people strengthens teams and organisations. “In practice, ‘Give to Gain’ shows up through mentorship, collaboration and advocating for one another. When we create space for diverse voices and champion each other’s success, we all gain.” he explains.

Building a Career and Defining Moments

Juliana has spent her career in executive search across industrial, manufacturing, supply chain and energy sectors in Latin America. Much of her work has focused on building markets and teams from the ground up, helping organisations navigate transformation and leadership change.

A defining moment for her was stepping into roles that required building new markets and teams. “Those experiences taught me resilience, entrepreneurial thinking and the importance of collaboration.” she says. Today, as leader of industrial coverage for Latin America from Mexico, she draws on those lessons daily.

Brad, in his role across commodities markets, has witnessed first-hand the value diverse talent brings to organisations. His career reinforces the idea that inclusive leadership and deliberate support for colleagues amplify performance and innovation.

Navigating Challenges and Shaping Leadership

Working in male-dominated sectors has presented challenges for Juliana, but she views them as opportunities for growth. Early in her career, she learned to navigate these spaces with confidence, building credibility and strong professional networks. These experiences shaped her leadership style, which prioritises recognising impact and fostering environments where diverse perspectives are valued.

Brad highlights the role men and leaders play in supporting diversity. “Inclusion is most effective when it is championed from the top and supported by colleagues across the organization.” he says. Sponsorship, mentorship and amplifying diverse voices are central to his approach to leadership.

Progress in Gender Balance

Juliana has seen meaningful progress across Latin America. More organisations are intentionally prioritising diversity in leadership, and more women are emerging as leaders in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Yet she notes that structural change is still needed. “The next stage of progress will require companies to move beyond awareness and into structural change, ensuring women have access to leadership opportunities, sponsorship and clear career pathways.” she says.

Brad observes similar momentum in the commodities markets. Growing visibility of female leaders, stronger networks and proactive talent initiatives are creating new pathways for women to advance. “While there is still progress to be made, the momentum is encouraging.” he says.

Attracting, Retaining and Progressing Women

Juliana sees organisations increasingly recognising that diverse leadership teams drive stronger decision-making, innovation, and performance. Companies that succeed invest in mentorship, leadership development, and flexible career pathways that allow women to progress into senior roles.

Brad adds that attracting and retaining women requires intentional leadership and supportive cultures. “Companies are investing more in mentorship, sponsorship and leadership development programs to support women as they advance in their careers.” he explains.

The Future of Work and Allyship

Brad reflects personally on the future he hopes for his daughters. “I hope my daughters will experience a workplace where the glass ceiling doesn’t exist! A place where women can lead without judgment, and where people are rewarded and progress based on performance, not gender.” He emphasises that achieving this requires action today:

1. Challenging bias
2. Amplifying diverse voices
3. Creating equitable opportunities

Juliana’s perspective complements this vision. She stresses adaptability, curiosity and the importance of building strong relationships as tools for women to navigate and thrive in evolving workplaces.

Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders

Juliana encourages women to embrace challenges, even when they feel outside their comfort zone. “Many of the most important moments in my career came from taking on challenges that initially felt outside my comfort zone. Surround yourself with people who believe in your potential and focus on the impact you want to create.” she advises.

She emphasises curiosity and continuous learning as key drivers of growth. Taking on new experiences, asking questions and seeking feedback help build both competence and confidence. Juliana also highlights the importance of building strong professional networks early in a career. These connections provide support, guidance and opportunities that may not be visible at first.

Finally, she encourages adaptability and risk-taking. Careers rarely follow a perfectly linear path, and some of the most valuable opportunities come from unexpected directions. By staying open to change and willing to step into challenging roles, women can accelerate their development and create meaningful impact in their organisations.

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Thank you to Juliana and Brad for sharing their insights with us. Over the coming days, we’ll continue to share the experiences, insights and advice of our colleagues at Proco Group to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day.