The Story of Ignacio Bonasa & Liderarte, Helping People Become Better Leaders

In a world often consumed by the pursuit of status and profit, Ignacio Bonasa dared to ask a profound question: "What is the true cost of success if it comes at the expense of the soul?"

This question became the turning point for Ignacio, leading him on a remarkable journey to establish Liderarte, a company dedicated to helping people become better leaders through art, creativity and personal development.

His story is a testament to years of dedication, a fervent desire to transform challenges into opportunities, and an unwavering drive to evolve continuously.

The Dynamic Leader: Ignacio Bonasa's Path

Ignacio Bonasa, the visionary behind Liderarte, champions a different kind of leadership – one that is built on trust, not fear, and guides with empathy, not imposition. He believes leadership isn't about having followers but about awakening leaders within others.

Read also- The Story of Two Architects & Automated Architecture, Redefining Home Construction

His journey began over two decades ago in the demanding world of senior banking management. He served as General Manager of Caja Rural de Aragón, became CEO of BBVA Portugal, and was President of BBVA Dinero Express. These were years filled with success, pressure, and recognition, where he honed his understanding of strategy, discipline, and leadership.

Beyond Liderarte, Ignacio is also the president of three global movements: the European Association for Wellbeing, the European Association of Soulful Organisations, and the International Association Turn the Table (Dale la Vuelta a la Tortilla), a worldwide initiative that transforms personal and collective pain into growth, connection, and light.

A Question That Changed Everything

Despite reaching the pinnacle of professional achievement in banking, holding executive roles like CEO of BBVA Portugal, Ignacio felt an emptiness inside. The spreadsheets were full, but his heart was not. The applause was loud, yet his inner voice was louder, urging him to question: "Was this the happiness I was seeking? Was this truly my purpose?"

Read also- Two Visionaries Build A Healthtech Startup Curifylabs, Changing the Future of Personalized Medicine

This profound introspection led him to make a choice few would dare: to leave behind everything that no longer resonated with his true essence and step into the unknown. The answer to his question didn't come in a single moment but through a symphony of signs.

Ignacio realised that leadership wasn't about power, but about impact; not about directing, but about inspiring; and most importantly, not about climbing positions, but about elevating people. This realization compelled him to rethink his path forward.

His ambition shifted from climbing corporate ladders to walking alongside others as they discover their true selves.

The Courageous Leap to Liderarte

With a profound internal shift, Ignacio made the courageous leap. From this act of faith emerged Liderarte, a pioneering organisation that seamlessly blends art, emotion, learning, and soulful leadership to create transformative experiences.
More than just a company, Liderarte is a living expression of humanity, a sanctuary where leadership transcends a mere title. As Ignacio proudly states, "Liderarte for me no longer has walls: it has a soul."

Liderarte thrives on an emotional, creative, and conscious approach. They use art as both a mirror and a catalyst, creating safe spaces for people to express themselves, shed their inhibitions, and blossom.

Read also- Two Problem Solvers Builds A Multi-Million-Euro Company, Circula; Making A Real Difference In The World Of Finance

Ignacio leads by example, demonstrating that leadership is not a technique but a way of being in the world. Their simple yet powerful strategy is to awaken the dormant talent within each person.

They achieve this through engaging programs like Resetéate (Reset Yourself), ArtExperience, Orchestral Leadership, Creative Compass, The Hero's Journey, and Brain Experience Journey, where emotions become the vehicle for learning. They don't just push; they ignite by helping people connect with their purpose, their story, and their authenticity.

A key differentiator for Liderarte is their unique methodology, Aprendizaje por el Arte® (Learning Through Art), based on their 4A model: Aprendizaje (Learning), Actitud (Attitude), Alma (Soul), and Acción (Action). As Ignacio believes that, "It’s not enough to know—you have to feel. It's not enough to teach—you have to move people. It's not enough to do—you have to be."

This philosophy underpins over 30 soulful projects, including Womentoring, BienestART, and the MASVida Master, all designed to foster well-being, creativity, and authentic leadership. Their core difference lies not in "what" they do but in the "how" and "why" – working with companies but always keeping people at the forefront, leveraging art, emotion, and purpose.

Turning Challenges into Innovation

The path to Liderarte was not without its hurdles. Stepping away from his comfort zone into a new career filled with challenges and risks, Ignacio faced two major obstacles after launching his startup: breaking away from traditional definitions of success and holding onto his unique vision when many didn't understand it.
Launching Liderarte was an act of profound faith.

Read also- 7Learnings: The Berlin-Based AI Startup Supporting Retailers Around the Globe

In the beginning, he encountered doubts, rejections, and closed doors. But he persevered, surrounding himself with unwavering believers and clinging to his purpose. Each time he felt himself falter, he would remind himself of his initial motivation.

Today, these challenges are not hidden but celebrated, for, as he believes, "each obstacle I've overcome is another note in the symphony of my life."

When Efforts Paid Off: A Life Transformed

Ignacio had every reason to remain at the pinnacle of the corporate world, yet he chose to embark on a new beginning. He bravely listened to his inner voice amidst the clamor of external success. He dared to change, unlearn, and reinvent himself, embracing vulnerability along the way.

On a personal level, transforming his own story – with all its light and shadows – into a message of transformation for others has been his greatest reward. Today, leaders and teams worldwide reach out to him, sharing how his insights have inspired them to think, feel, or act differently.

For Ignacio, his true achievement lies in having made his life a bridge for others to cross into their own authentic selves.

The Road Ahead: Leadership with Soul

Ignacio envisions a future where leadership and talent management are inherently emotional. The companies that thrive will be those that humanize their cultures, prioritize the wellbeing of their people, and foster meaningful learning. Future organizations won't just be measured by profitability but by their ability to generate happiness, purpose, and mental health.

Through Liderarte, he dreams of a work environment where teams sing, dance, create, listen, and truly embrace each other and a world where art and soul hold as much significance as key performance indicators.

Ignacio Bonasa's story is an intimate portrait of a man who seemingly had everything yet chose to become everything he truly is– not with control, but with compassion; not with fear, but with freedom; not with ego, but with soul.