Materials.Business Newsletter ⚙️December 04th, 2024
Podcast Guest: Isabel Gomez
Video in Spanish you can add subtitles in any language - see below to learn how!
In this episode of Materials.Business, Monica hosts Isabel Gómez, a leader at Cueros Vélez, Colombia, to discuss the intersections of sustainability, inclusion, and innovation in the materials industry. This inspiring conversation explores Isabel’s journey from academia to industrial leadership, offering insights into how Cueros Vélez integrates social and environmental responsibility into its operations.
Discussion Highlights
The discussion unfolds with Isabel sharing her early experiences as a materials science student and her transition to a career she once considered out of reach. She describes how her work at Cueros Vélez evolved into a mission to innovate with purpose, blending research, production, and sustainability.
Isabel delves into the unique culture at Cueros Vélez, where diversity and inclusion are central. She highlights how the company fosters a welcoming environment for employees from all backgrounds, including women in leadership roles and workers with disabilities, proving that collaboration across diverse perspectives drives success.
We see inclusion not as a checkbox but as a way to unlock innovation and community growth,
The conversation also touches on the company’s environmental initiatives, such as establishing bee sanctuaries to support biodiversity and implementing water treatment systems that return purified water to its source. Isabel emphasizes that these efforts are not merely corporate goals but a reflection of the company’s deep commitment to sustainability.
Monica and Isabel explore the broader implications of designing with sustainability in mind. Isabel shares how Cueros Vélez integrates these values into the entire production chain, from sourcing raw materials to designing products that meet the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility.
Isabel highlighted an innovative initiative by Cueros Vélez: the establishment of repair ateliers across Colombia. These workshops are not only a testament to the brand’s commitment to sustainability but also a powerful example of social responsibility. The ateliers empower customers to extend the life of their leather goods by teaching them how to properly care for, repair, and restore their items. This initiative fosters a culture of conscious consumption, reducing waste and promoting the value of craftsmanship.
By investing in repair education, Cueros Vélez strengthens community ties and inspires sustainable practices in everyday life.
"Sustainability starts with how we care for what we have. Teaching repair is teaching responsibility."
The episode closes with an empowering message about resilience and breaking barriers. Isabel encourages listeners to challenge mental limits and societal expectations, reminding us that true growth stems from persistence and daring to ask, even when the answer might be “no.”
This episode of Materials.Business serves as a testament to the power of resilience, diversity, and purposeful innovation. Isabel’s journey and her work at Cueros Vélez offer a roadmap for how businesses can thrive while making a meaningful impact on society and the planet.
Limits are often mental barriers. Breaking them opens doors to unimaginable possibilities.– Isabel Gómez
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#MaterialsBusiness #Sustainability #Inclusion #Innovation #WomenInSTEM #CuerosVelez #EnvironmentalImpact #cuerosvelez
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Apasionada por la Ingeniería, los Materiales, la Innovación, Investigación y Desarrollo con propósito para el servicio de la sociedad, la industria y el medio ambiente. Especialista en Gerencia de Proyectos. Líder del área de ingeniería de Materiales de la compañía Cueros Vélez, Colombia.
Listen on Apple podcast, Spotify or You Tube and make sure to Follow US!
If you are watching the episode on YouTube, you can translate to almost ANY language, here is how:
- Open any video on YouTube.
- Click the CC button so it is underlined in red.
- Click the Settings (Gear) Button.
- Click Subtitles.
- Click Auto-translate.
- Choose a Language.
Why Join the Materials.Business Community?
We asked our guest....
Isabel emphasized the value of being part of the Materials.Business community, highlighting it as an essential platform for professionals passionate about sustainability, innovation, and growth in materials science and industry. She praised the podcast for its ability to create a collaborative space where technical knowledge intersects with real-world applications, fostering continuous learning and connection.
"It’s an excellent space to learn, stay up-to-date, and share insights that might inspire others to see new possibilities." – Isabel Gómez
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