ACHIEVERS™ IN ACTION
Pilar Garcia de Paredes
For over 50 years, it’s been the goal of the Bell Leadership Institute to help build more exceptional leaders in the world—what we call “Achievers.” According to Dr. Gerald Bell, our founder and CEO, an Achiever is someone who is confident, warm, spontaneous, creative, realistic, compassionate, and effective. They are the most psychologically healthy and effective individuals, which is among the highest achievements a human being can obtain.
In honor of some of the amazing Achievers who we’ve had the pleasure of working with here at Bell Leadership, we’re kicking off a new series, “Achievers in Action,” where we give a brief glimpse into the lives of these special humans. For this first selection, we are highlighting Pilar Garcia de Paredes, a native of Spain and talented Bell facilitator. Pilar is moving into the next phase of her life, focusing on her family. She recently explored with us some of her history and passion for helping others. As Pilar transitions away from work at Bell (for now), we hope she has gained some wisdom worthy of passing along to her family, just as our team and clients have gained insights and inspiration from her passion for serving others through leadership.
While we are sad to see her go, we are incredibly grateful for the dedication, positivity, and kindness she brought to our team and our clients. As she embarks on this new chapter to build her family, we know that the same passion she poured into her work will make her an extraordinary parent. Her legacy of excellence will continue to inspire us all!
Can you share a little bit about your background growing up in Spain?
I was born in Cadiz, a small town in Spain close to Seville and the American Navy base of Rota. When I was three years old, we moved to Cartagena on the east coast. I have wonderful memories from my childhood! My brothers and I enjoyed tons of freedom, climbing trees, building forts with palm branches, and riding bikes. Cartagena was one of the most important seaports during the Roman Empire and its ancient ruins were like a playground for our imaginations. Spain is very family-oriented, so I grew up with lots of family gatherings. Big meals with 20 or more people were common in my childhood; we’d spend hours eating, chatting, laughing and enjoying that after-meal time called "sobremesa.”
I studied law at the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid. In high school, I focused on physics and technical drawing intending to study architecture, but I found myself increasingly drawn to the field of law. My mother, a prosecutor, played a key role in this shift. I remember having conversations with her about some high-profile legal cases, and I was fascinated by the ease with which judgments can be formed and the complexities involved in determining the truth. Discussing cases and exploring what would be the fairest outcome based on the evidence and the law sparked a genuine interest in me. Ultimately, I chose to study law because I wanted a career where I could make a real difference in people's lives, helping others navigate life’s complexities and making a positive impact.
When I was in Spain, I met someone who was interested in exploring a career in executive coaching and leadership development, a field that was relatively unknown in Spain at that time, and it left an impression. After moving to the United States, I was able to dive deeper into this field and was captivated by it. The motivations that led me to study law were still relevant, but I found that leadership development offered an even greater opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives. When my search for leadership development organizations began, the Bell Leadership Institute consistently stood out. I met Dr. Bell and the team and learned more about their research and learning methodologies, and I knew this is where I wanted to be.
: During my time at Bell, I worked as an Executive Facilitator and coach, and it turned out to be everything I had hoped for and more. I had the chance to explore Dr. Bell’s research, connect deeply with clients, and see transformative changes in their lives. It’s been incredibly rewarding and has given me a lot to reflect on, helping me become more effective in my own work. Before I started at Bell, someone told me, “Once you work there, you’ll never be the same person.” Looking back, I can say those words were spot-on. My time at Bell has truly reshaped my perspective and left a lasting impact on me, professionally and personally.
The biggest impact I see with our clients has been through the commitment to listening with genuine intent and without making assumptions. As Dr. Bell puts it, “A good listener makes people think better.” The entire team at Bell is dedicated to bringing deep, thoughtful listening to every client interaction. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is to listen well, causing remarkable insights and growth for those we work with. The entire Bell team strives to create a safe and supportive environment for our clients so that they feel comfortable to be themselves and acknowledge their strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. This foundation is crucial for fostering meaningful and lasting change.
There are so many valuable lessons I will take with me. The Achiever Model is an exceptional framework for understanding different personality patterns and their motivations. I frequently use this model to interact effectively with people. The most profound lesson I will carry forward is the commitment to personal growth and self-awareness. Knowing oneself deeply leads to better decision-making, self-acceptance, and more meaningful relationships. The commitment to self-improvement is the best legacy I hope to pass to my family and community.