The WFE's Women Leaders 2025 - Yolanda Gil Quintero, Chief Integration Officer, Nuam

Nominee’s name: Yolanda Gil Quintero

Nominee’s job title: Chief Integration Officer

Organisation: Nuam

1. Brief description of nominee’s role and job.

Leveraging over two decades of leadership experience at the Colombian Stock Exchange and Central Securities Depository (Deceval), I am dedicated to driving strategic transformation and fostering business agility. At nuam, I lead groundbreaking initiatives, including the integration of stock exchanges across Chile, Colombia and Peru to establish a single, liquid, and dynamic market that benefits all stakeholders.

My expertise spans strategic project execution in product development, commercial strategies, operations and technology. I bring a solid academic foundation with a degree in Finance and International Relations from Universidad Externado de Colombia, advanced Corporate Finance specialisation from CESA, an MBA from INALDE Business School, and a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

2. Short bio (career highlights, education, interests/hobbies).

I bring over 23 years of leadership experience in Colombia’s financial and stock market sectors, specialising in organisational transformation and strategic project management. My passion lies in driving change, leading impactful initiatives, and leveraging agile and predictive methodologies to deliver results. Currently, I serve as Corporate Manager of the Integration Office at nuam, where I am leading the integration of stock exchanges across Chile, Colombia and Peru to create a single, technology-driven market.

Throughout my career, I have been privileged to hold pivotal roles, including managing the corporate merger between the Colombian Stock Exchange and Deceval, as well as leading the Project Management Office at the Colombian Stock Exchange. My expertise spans project management, product development, commercial operations and technology.

I earned a degree in Finance and International Relations from Universidad Externado de Colombia and an MBA in Business Management from INALDE Business School. I am also certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Scrum Master (CSM), Scrum@Scale Practitioner, SAFe 5 Agilist and Kanban System Designer.

Outside of work, I am an avid reader, enjoying books on finance, management and novels. I treasure weekends spent with my husband and two children, playing board games, visiting parks, or watching movies at the cinema. I am also deeply committed to supporting social causes that promote women’s education and development.

3. What were your professional highlights and challenges of 2024?

In 2024, we experienced the first year of nuam’s corporate integration, with the Integration Management Office (IMO) playing a pivotal role in launching the strategic projects that will deliver a new single trading and post-trading platform for Colombia, Chile and Peru.

One of the year’s most significant accomplishments has been consolidating a portfolio of over 10 strategic projects, engaging more than 200 professionals across the organisation. By implementing agile frameworks and maintaining a steadfast focus on delivering value to our clients, we’ve laid the groundwork for transformative market solutions.

This year has demonstrated the power of collaboration, adaptability and strategic alignment as we navigate the complexities of integration, ensuring that every initiative contributes to our vision of creating a seamless, scalable and customer-centric capital market across the region.

4. Tell us about a few of your key achievements throughout your career?

Throughout my career in capital markets, I have led high-impact initiatives that have transformed market dynamics, driven technological advancement and enhanced investor confidence. I played a key role in the organisation's agile transformation, aligning teams and processes to deliver value efficiently and adapt to evolving market demands. Notable achievements include driving the strategic launch of platforms such as A2censo, which democratised access to crowdfunding for SMEs, implementing Nasdaq Inet, a state-of-the-art trading engine that elevated operational efficiency, and establishing the Central Counterparty Clearing House for equities in Colombia, fortifying market stability and risk management.

I also orchestrated the corporate integration of the Colombia Stock Exchange (bvc) and the Colombian Central Securities Depository (Deceval), a landmark initiative that streamlined operations and unlocked synergies to better serve market participants. In the equities market, I championed the development of innovative financial products—including custodial services, market makers, securities lending, and ETFs—that expanded investment opportunities and deepened market engagement.

Currently, as Chief Integration Officer at nuam, I am managing the portfolio of integration projects for the capital markets across Chile, Colombia, and Peru. This strategic initiative aims to create a seamless, scalable and liquid single market, strengthening regional competitiveness and positioning us as a relevant destination for global investment.

 5. What and who inspires, and has inspired, you to achieve your professional success?

I have had the opportunity to lead and participate in impactful projects across Latin America, which fills me with pride. However, what truly warms my heart is witnessing the growth and success of the people who have been part of my teams or accompanied me along the way. Guiding their journeys—both professionally and personally—reinforces my belief in the power of collaboration and continuous learning as cornerstones for driving meaningful transformation.

Many women have profoundly inspired me throughout my life, starting with my mother and grandmother, whose resilience, wisdom, and unwavering support shaped my values and approach to leadership. On a global stage, I have drawn inspiration from leaders such as Angela Merkel, for her steadfast vision, and Indra Nooyi, for her transformative leadership and authenticity. I am also deeply inspired by Juan Pablo Córdoba, nuam's CEO, whose leadership exemplifies innovation, vision and strategic insight.

I resonate strongly with the principles outlined in Cabeza, corazón y manos (“Head, heart, and hands”) by Álvaro González Alorda, a book that offers practical wisdom for navigating change and fostering transformation. This approach aligns with my belief that true leadership requires balancing intellect, empathy and action.

Moreover, I believe in carving out personal time for exercise, self-reflection and cultivating new habits and interests. These moments of renewal are essential energy sources that enable me to grow as an individual and better support and inspire those around me.

Ultimately, leadership is not about comparing oneself to others; it’s about unlocking the best version of every individual on the team. By embracing this perspective, we cultivate not only technical expertise, but also the human connections that drive lasting success.

6. How have you overcome setbacks, and what advice would you give to others dealing with setbacks?

Overcoming setbacks is not just about staying calm and finding solutions—it’s about embracing challenges as catalysts for transformation. In my experience with complex transformation processes, I’ve discovered that obstacles are invitations to innovate, strengthen teams, and rethink strategies. They often hold the keys to breakthroughs we didn’t initially envision.

One of the most powerful shifts I’ve made is fostering a culture that doesn’t just tolerate change but actively seeks it out, grounded in a shared purpose. When every team member understands the deeper “why” behind our decisions, challenges become shared puzzles rather than individual burdens.

When difficulties arise, I focus on leveraging the collective strength of the team. Transparent communication, combined with a willingness to adapt and experiment, often uncovers new paths forward. At the same time, staying rooted in my values and long-term vision provides an anchor, ensuring that temporary setbacks don’t derail our larger mission.

For anyone facing tough times, I’d offer this: reframe setbacks as opportunities to test your adaptability and creativity. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, seek out lessons in every stumble, and trust that every obstacle holds the potential for growth. It’s not just about enduring the challenge—it’s about emerging stronger, wiser, and more equipped to tackle what comes next.

7. What advice do you have for other women who aspire to be in leadership positions? What is the biggest takeaway you want to leave with the reader?

To women aspiring to leadership, I would stress this: true leadership begins with authenticity. Embrace your integrity and empathy, and let them guide your actions. Lead by example, foster collaboration, and create spaces where others feel valued and empowered to contribute their best.

The real challenge lies in balance—not perfection. As women, we often navigate multiple roles and expectations, and the key to sustaining success is recognising that priorities will shift throughout life. Let go of the pressure to be “perfect-plus” and instead embrace flexibility and self-compassion. Balance isn’t about achieving an impossible ideal; it’s about making intentional choices that honor your values and current realities.

Leadership also demands a clear strategic vision and the confidence to articulate your ideas. It’s not about conforming to extremes of assertiveness or passivity but about finding your authentic voice—a voice that reflects your unique journey and inspires others. Avoid comparisons, as they can diminish the uniqueness of your story. Instead, focus on defining success on your own terms.

Remember, leadership is not a destination but a continuous journey of learning, adapting, and growing. Stay grounded in your purpose, and use your voice to lift others along the way. When you lead with balance and authenticity, you create a ripple effect that extends far beyond your own achievements.