Carlos Neuhaus: Liderar con todo en contra, historia de éxito / Megaplaza y Panamericanos

The Journey of Carlos Neuhaus: From Shoemaker to Business Leader

Early Career and Challenges

• Carlos Neuhaus shares his beginnings as a shoemaker, highlighting the economic challenges of hyperinflation and terrorism that nearly destroyed his business.

• He recounts joining Grupo Vice during a crisis, proposing the idea of creating a shopping center in San Miguel, which was initially met with skepticism from banks.

• Neuhaus reflects on organizing the most successful Pan American Games amidst logistical issues, showcasing his problem-solving skills under pressure.

Leadership During Crisis

• Faced with transportation issues for the event, he coordinated with military leaders and local taxi networks to resolve problems swiftly.

• Acknowledges support from sponsors like Rapifac, emphasizing their role in helping businesses manage operations effectively.

Personal Background and Education

• Neuhaus expresses gratitude for audience support while introducing himself further in the podcast format.

• He discusses his upbringing in Peru during a different era, setting the stage for understanding his professional journey.

Academic Foundations

• Born in 1950, he emphasizes the importance of education instilled by his father, who was a history professor.

• Neuhaus recalls organizing humanitarian efforts after the 1970 earthquake in Chimbote while studying at Universidad de Lima.

Professional Development and International Experience

• His early experiences included navigating bureaucratic challenges while delivering aid during crises.

• After obtaining two master's degrees abroad—one in administration and another in international business—he returned to Peru to continue working.

Insights into Economic Understanding

• Neuhaus highlights how understanding macroeconomic factors is crucial for managing businesses effectively.

• At just 27 years old, he became the financial manager at Banco Agrario; this role taught him innovation and early arrival as keys to success.

Notable Achievements

• He later became general manager at Cofide at age 30, marking him as one of the youngest individuals to hold such a position.

Experience and Resilience in Business

Overcoming Adversity

• The speaker reflects on the challenges faced during a crisis, highlighting that despite significant damage, there were no personal injuries.

• A good insurance policy helped mitigate financial losses from the incident, allowing the company to recover by distributing operations across different locations.

• The company is set to host an event on March 22, aimed at sharing success stories and new learnings through masterclasses led by successful entrepreneurs.

Leadership Under Pressure

• Discusses the difficulties of leading in a country facing hyperinflation and terrorism, emphasizing how these conditions test strategic management skills.

• A colleague experienced a panic attack during a crisis; however, the focus remained on ensuring everyone's safety and moving forward as a team.

Strategic Growth Initiatives

• Formation of a crisis committee involving key figures like Walter Piaza and Renato Vázquez to navigate through challenging times.

• The speaker took initiative to help another company in distress during an economic downturn in the late '90s.

Identifying Opportunities

• Observations about market needs led to proposing a shopping center where none existed before; this idea was initially met with skepticism.

• Conducted research indicating demand for quality retail spaces among local residents, which ultimately justified the project’s feasibility.

Community Impact

• The development of Megaplaza not only fulfilled consumer desires but also revitalized property values in surrounding areas.

• Local markets began modernizing their services due to increased competition and customer expectations following the establishment of new commercial centers.

Collaboration with Authorities

• Engaged with local government officials early in the project to ensure community employment opportunities were prioritized during construction efforts.

The Impact of Urban Development on Local Communities

Revaluation and Community Engagement

• The university's development was a significant opportunity for the municipality, enhancing local property values and generating substantial tax revenue.

• Initial community engagement included free transportation to the inauguration event, which helped build excitement and participation among residents.

• The pedestrian bridge, initially narrow and shaky, became a focal point for community use after its successful inauguration on November 28th.

Strategic Planning and Market Research

• Emphasizing the importance of forward-thinking strategies, effective market research, and engineering studies were crucial in planning urban projects.

• Transitioning to independence in his career allowed for greater flexibility in contributing to sports governance while maintaining professional commitments.

Sports Governance and Achievements

• Carlos took on a leadership role within the surfing federation from 2009 to 2012, leading Peru to world championships in both Masters (2010) and youth categories (2011).

• Highlighted the distinction between sports leaders who profit from their positions versus those who maintain separate professional lives outside of sports administration.

Environmental Advocacy

• As president of the surfing federation from 2012 onwards, Carlos focused on protecting coastal environments against harmful developments like breakwaters that damaged beaches.

• Successfully campaigned for the protection of waves at various beaches across Peru, ensuring sustainable conditions for surfing.

Infrastructure Development Challenges

• Faced with potential threats to iconic surf spots due to proposed port constructions by foreign interests; advocacy efforts were critical in preserving these locations.

• Engaged in defending public spaces along Costa Verde against urban development plans that prioritized vehicular traffic over community access.

Pan American Games Preparation

• Involvement with preparations for the Pan American Games began around 2016 amidst concerns about infrastructure readiness as deadlines approached.

• Despite initial skepticism regarding Peru's ability to meet commitments for hosting the games, strategic planning led to successful completion of necessary projects.

Successes Amidst Skepticism

• Overcame doubts about meeting infrastructure goals through efficient project management that resulted in high-quality venues being completed on time.

Development of High-Performance Sports Centers

Introduction to the Project

• The speaker discusses being appointed as president to oversee the development of a high-performance sports center, emphasizing the functional design created for this initiative.

• Collaboration with the International Surfing Association was crucial in getting surfing included in the Pan American Games, which also paved the way for its inclusion in the Olympics.

Overcoming Challenges

• The project faced significant challenges, including an abandoned velodrome. Efforts were made to salvage materials and construct a world-class aquatic center.

• Notable figures like Usain Bolt praised the facilities during their inauguration, highlighting improvements over previous training conditions athletes faced.

Strategic Planning and Execution

• The speaker recalls needing to act quickly due to tight timelines, referencing past experiences where inadequate resources led to project failures.

• A government-to-government approach was proposed based on prior successful projects, aiming for efficient execution under existing legislation.

Efficient Resource Management

• Emphasis was placed on having all necessary studies completed before starting construction; military assistance was utilized for land leveling.

• Automatic licensing processes were implemented to avoid bureaucratic delays that typically hindered municipal projects.

Transparency and Oversight

• The speaker insisted on involving the national audit office from day one to ensure transparency and accountability throughout all phases of construction.

• An internal auditing system was established within companies involved in construction projects to maintain oversight and address issues proactively.

Infrastructure Improvements Linked to Sports Development

• Decisions were made regarding multiple sports complexes; adjustments were made based on expert advice from engineers and architects.

• Additional facilities were constructed strategically using saved resources from other areas, ensuring a legacy for future sporting events in Lima.

Financial Management and Cost Savings

• Initial budget estimates were significantly reduced through careful planning; costs dropped from 5000 million soles down to 3800 million while maintaining quality standards.

• Infrastructure improvements extended beyond sports venues, enhancing overall urban development in Lima as part of preparations for upcoming events.

Conclusion: Legacy of Sports Infrastructure

Pan American Games Infrastructure and Challenges

Development of Sports Facilities

• The Pan American Games led to significant infrastructure improvements, including the construction of a single stadium with artificial turf in Callao, replacing the initial plan for three stadiums.

• The speaker recalls their experience at San Marcos Stadium, highlighting its renovation under Rector Orestes Cachay amidst protests and financial considerations.

Renovation Efforts

• Improvements included upgrading the track from asphalt to a more suitable surface and enhancing locker rooms, contributing to better athletic conditions.

• The upgraded facilities allowed for quality competitions and even concerts, marking a substantial legacy for San Marcos.

Security and Cybersecurity Measures

• During the event, there were extensive cybersecurity threats with 6 million attacks aimed at project infrastructures; however, effective measures prevented any breaches.

• Collaboration with military and police forces ensured security during the games, showcasing an organized approach to managing potential risks.

Volunteer Management

• Aiming to surpass Canada’s volunteer numbers (55,000), Peru successfully recruited 120,000 volunteers but ultimately utilized around 14,000 after training.

Transportation Challenges

• Managing transportation was complex; over 300 buses were required for officials. An incident occurred where drivers protested on the day of events.

• Quick problem-solving involved coordination with military leaders and local taxi networks to resolve transportation issues without delays.

Political Context and Team Dynamics

• Frustration arose from local drivers' protests perceived as sabotage against national efforts; this highlighted underlying political tensions within Peru.

• Reflections on team dynamics emphasized that despite individual challenges or conflicts among staff members, collective success should be prioritized over personal grievances.

Anecdotes from the Games

Reflections on the Pan American Games and Team Dynamics

Encountering Familiar Faces

• The speaker recounts a surprising encounter in Santiago with an Argentine official, highlighting the unexpected connections made during international events.

• A Bolivian athlete is recognized for their previous competitive challenges faced by Peru, showcasing the interconnectedness of athletes across nations.

Talent and Potential in Developing Countries

• The speaker reflects on the capabilities of countries like Peru to host significant sporting events, emphasizing that talent exists even in less developed regions.

• Notable achievements include Peruvian professionals gaining international experience by working on games abroad, indicating growth opportunities through sports.

Teamwork and Commitment

• The importance of teamwork is illustrated through a metaphor comparing team members to spark plugs in a car engine; each plays a crucial role in overall performance.

• A commitment to efficiency was emphasized among team members, fostering a strong work ethic leading up to the games.

Managing Expectations and Political Challenges

• The speaker discusses personal pressures as a leader amidst high expectations from both the public and political figures regarding project success.

• Transparency with stakeholders was key; regular updates were provided to maintain trust and demonstrate progress despite external scrutiny.

Communication Strategies

• Engaging directly with athletes helped build rapport; they expressed eagerness for medals while also receiving encouragement from leadership.

Insights on Peru's Future and Values

The Importance of National Awareness

• Discussion on the necessity for individuals preparing to work in companies to understand their country's context, emphasizing the interconnectedness of public and private sectors.

Reflections on Peruvian Values

• Inquiry into how values shape the future of Peru, highlighting conversations with older generations about changing societal values and potential.

Recognizing Potential Amidst Challenges

• Acknowledgment of Peru's untapped potential and talent, contrasting limited perceptions with a broader vision for collective well-being beyond political discourse.

State Apparatus and Public Sentiment

• Critique of state institutions like Contraloría, which audit based on regulations that may hinder progress; emphasis on transparency in public works processes.

Risks in Government Work

• Commentary on the risks associated with working for the state, including bureaucratic challenges and the need for qualified personnel over traditional roles like accountants or lawyers.

Corruption and Transparency Issues

Identifying Corruption at Local Levels

• Mention of "small Napoleons" in municipalities complicating formalization efforts; acknowledgment of both honorable individuals and corrupt practices within local governance.

Enhancing Competitive Bidding Processes

• Discussion about increasing competition in public works contracts from 1.6 bidders to over 40 by ensuring transparency during bidding processes.

The Role of Entrepreneurs in National Development

Collective Responsibility Towards Progress

• Urging citizens to prioritize national pride over personal gain; stressing that parents should inspire their children through honorable work rather than material wealth gained through questionable means.

Concerns Over Politicized Justice System

• Worry regarding politicization within justice systems that detracts from efficiency; call for focus on productivity and clear objectives to harness Peru's potential effectively.

Peru’s Economic Growth Potential

Current Economic Landscape

• Recognition of modest growth rates (3.2%) amidst regional challenges; optimism about informal sector formalization leading to significant economic improvements.

Vision for Future Prosperity

• Encouragement towards leveraging national strengths while addressing systemic issues; belief that proper orientation can lead Peru towards substantial advancement.

Final Thoughts: Unleashing Potential

Call for Action Against Bureaucratic Barriers

• Emphasis on removing obstacles hindering progress under the guise of order; advocating for a supportive environment where entrepreneurs can thrive without excessive regulation.

Focused Governance Priorities

Discussion on Investment and Resource Allocation in Peru

Critique of Government Spending

• The speaker highlights the significant expenditure of over $22 billion by Petroperú since 2012, questioning the rationale behind such spending.

• There is a concern that funds could have been better utilized to enhance oil production and attract private investment, which is deemed crucial for economic growth.

• The argument emphasizes that the state should not monopolize investment opportunities; rather, it should encourage private sector involvement to mitigate risks and foster development.

Call to Action