In October, 50 women leaders from 24 countries gathered in London to discuss leadership, innovation, and artificial intelligence.
Leadership with purpose and presence
For Scasso Roche, the experience was much more than just an academic gathering; “it was transformative.”
“Representing Uruguay in a program that brings together women leaders from around the world reaffirmed the need for our Latin American voices to be heard in the forums where new models of leadership are being shaped.”
Her career has been marked by more than a decade of work in women’s entrepreneurship, bridging the gender digital divide, and building innovative teams at both ORT and public and private institutions within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. At Universidad ORT Uruguay in the Bachelor’s programs in Management and Administration and Digital Business, as well as in theMaster’s program in Creativity, Innovation, and Communication.
Two different realities: Europe and Latin America
One of the most striking contrasts in the program emerged when comparing European debates with those in Latin America.
Issues that remain pressing in our region, such as the glass ceiling, were barely mentioned in London. “There, the focus was on ethical leadership, purpose-driven artificial intelligence, and managing diverse teams,” she explains.
In Latin America, we are still working to create the conditions of equality that will allow women to thrive without having to choose between a career and a family.
Include rather than choose
The most profound insight he took away from SW50 was the idea of leading through presence. It’s not about doing more, but about “being” more.
“For years, we were led to believe that we had to choose: career or family, education or personal life. But that’s not the case. The real challenge is to balance it all. To be a mother and a leader, a teacher and an entrepreneur, a professional and a human being,” she says.
For Scasso Roche, the key to leadership lies in fully embracing each role, without spreading oneself too thin.
“It’s about being fully present in what we do: teaching, creating, supporting, and enjoying ourselves. That’s where authentic and sustainable leadership comes into play,” he says. “Innovation isn’t just technological; it’s also cultural. The best results come from complementary teams where different perspectives and sensibilities coexist.”
Building the future through collaboration
Back in Montevideo, Scasso Roche sums up his experience with a single sentence: “Leadership isn’t about competition; it’s about connection.”
He asserts that the future lies in stronger networks, more empathetic spaces, and organizations that integrate all aspects of life: work, family, reflection, and community.
“When one woman succeeds, we all succeed. And when more women enter highly innovative sectors, we broaden the foundation for change. It’s not just about taking up space, but about filling it with meaning and presence.”
“If we understand this and act on it quickly, there are great opportunities for small countries like Uruguay to lead change by strengthening networks that easily connect academia, businesses, startups, and the public sector.”
Her commitment remains unwavering: to foster a culture of purpose-driven innovation from Uruguay, where women’s talent plays a leading role in building a technologically advanced future with a human touch, creating opportunities for everyone.