Alonso Puig comienza por redefinir el concepto de crisis. Lejos de la connotación negativa que solemos atribuirle, el médico sugiere que una crisis es, etimológicamente, un momento de discernimiento. Es el punto de inflexión donde el cerebro se ve obligado a salir de sus mapas mentales anticuados.
En sus charlas para BBVA, Puig explica que el ser humano tiende a la homeostasis: nos gusta estar en equilibrio, en la zona de confort. Sin embargo, cuando el entorno cambia drásticamente —como ha sucedido en la última década con la transformación digital y social—, nuestros viejos mapas dejan de ser útiles. Reinventarse, por tanto, es el proceso de aceptar que el mapa antiguo ya no nos lleva a ningún sitio y tener el valor de dibujar uno nuevo.
Basado en las conferencias internas y materiales formativos de Mario Alonso Puig en BBVA, podemos extraer tres pilares fundamentales para la reinvención profesional:
Uno de los obstáculos más potentes para la reinención es el miedo a perder nuestra identidad. Alonso Puig utiliza una metáfora poderosa: todos llevamos dentro un "ángel caído". Esta es aquella parte de nosotros que sueña, que tiene talento, que quiere crear, pero que ha sido herida por el fracaso, la crítica o el desánimo.
El miedo a que ese ángel vuelva a caer nos paraliza. En el contexto corporativo y personal que BBVA propicia a través de sus charlas, Puig insiste en que el fracaso no es lo contrario al éxito, sino parte del camino hacia él. Reinventarse exige perdonarse a uno mismo los errores del pasado para liberar el potencial del futuro.
Puedes aplicar el método Mario Alonso Puig hoy mismo:
In a world defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), the ability to adapt is no longer a competitive advantage; it is a prerequisite for survival. Yet, for renowned surgeon and motivational speaker Dr. Mario Alonso Puig, adaptation is insufficient. He champions a deeper, more radical process: reinventarse—to reinvent oneself. This concept, which he has famously articulated in talks and workshops for global corporations like BBVA, transcends mere change management. It is a philosophical and psychological journey from fear to potential, from limitation to expansion. In the context of BBVA’s digital transformation, Puig’s message served not just as a motivational speech, but as a strategic blueprint for reshaping the bank’s culture and, crucially, the mindset of its employees.
The core of Puig’s philosophy on reinvention lies in the neuroscientific understanding of perception. He argues that we do not see reality as it is, but as we are. Our beliefs, past traumas, and mental schemas create a “filter” that limits our ability to see new opportunities. For an individual, staying in a comfortable but obsolete role is a form of “protective inhibition.” For an organization like BBVA, this translates into clinging to legacy systems, traditional banking models, and a risk-averse culture. Puig’s call to reinventarse is, therefore, a call to break these neurological and cultural patterns. It requires seeing oneself not as a fixed “banker” or “manager,” but as a creator, a learner, and an explorer. This shift from a fixed identity to a growth identity is the first and most difficult step in the reinvention process.
BBVA’s aggressive digital transformation under the leadership of Carlos Torres Vila provides the perfect case study for Puig’s principles. As the bank pivoted to become a “digital native,” it faced the classic innovator’s dilemma: how to protect the legacy business while creating the future. Puig’s talks to BBVA executives and teams focused on a crucial internal barrier: fear. He posits that fear of failure, fear of judgment, and fear of the unknown paralyze the prefrontal cortex—the brain’s center for higher reasoning and creativity. By teaching mindfulness, emotional regulation, and the reframing of failure as “data,” Puig helped BBVA employees dismantle the neurological anchors holding them back. Reinvention, in this sense, became less about learning new software and more about unlearning the fear of looking incompetent.
Furthermore, Puig emphasizes the social dimension of reinvention: trust and psychological safety. He often quotes that “trust is the glue of life,” and in a changing organization, it is the lubricant for transformation. Without trust, individuals remain in defensive routines, hiding their doubts and guarding their territory. BBVA’s adoption of agile methodologies, cross-functional teams, and open innovation spaces directly mirrors Puig’s advice to create “high-trust environments.” In these spaces, employees feel safe enough to propose radical ideas, challenge the status quo, and collaborate across silos. Reinvention becomes a collective act, not a lonely struggle. The bank’s notable success in becoming a leader in open banking and digital customer experience is not just a testament to technology, but to the human trust Puig argues is essential for systemic change.
Critically, Puig distinguishes reinvention from simple reskilling. Reskilling is learning a new how; reinvention is discovering a new who. For the BBVA employee, this meant moving from a transactional mindset (“process a loan”) to a relational and creative mindset (“design a financial solution for a life goal”). Puig draws on the concept of “flow” and purpose, arguing that sustainable reinvention only occurs when individuals connect their work to a deeper sense of meaning. A bank teller learning data analytics is not reinventing themselves; a bank teller reimagining themselves as a holistic financial wellness coach for their community is. This emphasis on purpose gives the arduous work of personal change a cognitive reward, turning the anxiety of obsolescence into the excitement of emergence. reinventarse mario alonso puig bbva
However, Puig’s message is not naive optimism. He acknowledges the pain of reinvention—the grief for the old self, the exhaustion of learning, the vulnerability of incompetence. It is a heroic journey that requires courage. In his BBVA engagements, he uses powerful metaphors (often drawn from his surgical experience) of bleeding and healing. He reminds his audience that a butterfly’s struggle to break free of its cocoon is not a design flaw; it is the very process that forces fluid into its wings, enabling it to fly. For BBVA, as for any individual, the struggle of reinventarse—the late nights, the failed sprints, the awkward new roles—is not a sign that transformation has failed. It is the sign that it is working.
In conclusion, the concept of reinventarse as articulated by Mario Alonso Puig for BBVA offers a profound lesson for the 21st century: the most resilient competitive advantage is not a product, a patent, or a business model. It is a mindset. Puig teaches that the most significant transformation a bank or any institution can undertake is not digital; it is human. By facing fears, building trust, and reconnecting with purpose, employees at all levels can unlock latent potential. BBVA’s successful shift from a traditional Spanish bank to a global digital powerhouse demonstrates that when an organization invests in helping its people reinvent themselves, it does not just survive disruption—it becomes the disruption. The ultimate act of reinvention, therefore, is the decision to believe that we are not prisoners of our past, but architects of a future that is waiting, as Puig would say, to be born from within.
Mario Alonso Puig , a renowned doctor and expert in motivation and leadership, frequently collaborates with BBVA "Aprendemos Juntos" to share transformative insights on personal growth. His core philosophy on "reinventing oneself" isn't about changing who you are, but about discovering the inner resources you didn't know you had.
Below is a synthesis of his key teachings on reinvention, structured as a guide for personal transformation. 1. The Call to Reinvention
Reinvention often starts with a "why." Most people seek change because they feel they aren't living up to their full potential or are trapped by mental limits.
The Goal: It is a journey toward becoming the person you truly want to be—your "second opportunity".
The Secret: Puig explains that we create the "viewpoints" through which we perceive the world. To change your life, you must first change these internal maps. 2. Beyond Intelligence: The Power of Inspiration
Puig argues that true power for change doesn't come from the intellectual mind alone.
Emotional Connection: Unlocking potential requires tapping into what inspires, touches, and moves you.
Resourcefulness: Change is driven by "resourcefulness"—dormant energies, talents, and capacities—rather than just external resources like money or status. 3. Managing Fear and the Brain Alonso Puig comienza por redefinir el concepto de crisis
A major hurdle in reinvention is the brain's natural resistance to change.
Neuroplasticity: Drawing on the work of Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Puig emphasizes that we can "sculpt" our own brains through focused intention and new habits.
Overcoming Fear: Reinvention requires managing anxiety and fear. It involves shifting from a state of "control" to one of "possibility".
Optimism and Illusion: Approaching life with a perspective of hope and renewed enthusiasm is often the only path forward during difficult transitions. 4. Practical Tools for the Journey In his online training programs and books like Reinventarse , Puig offers a "map" for this internal voyage.
Meditation: Used to calm the mind and reduce the need for constant control.
Self-Knowledge: Understanding your mental processes and how they impact your health and energy.
Action: Strengthening confidence through small, clear decisions that open new doors.
For those looking for a starting point, his interviews with BBVA provide deep dives into how to live with more purpose and less fear. Puig for managing fear during a transition? Reinventing yourself: Mario Alonso Puig at TEDxGranVia Live
Reinventarse: The Art of Reinvention by Mario Alonso Puig
In today's fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, the ability to adapt and reinvent oneself is crucial for success. Mario Alonso Puig, the former President of BBVA (Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria), one of the largest financial institutions in the world, has written a book that offers valuable insights on this topic. "Reinventarse" (which translates to "Reinvention" in English) is a book that has become a bestseller in Spain and Latin America, and its principles can be applied to individuals and organizations alike. Reinventarse in Practice So, how can individuals and
The Author: Mario Alonso Puig
Mario Alonso Puig is a highly respected Spanish entrepreneur and banker. During his tenure as President of BBVA, he led the bank's transformation into a global financial institution, expanding its presence in over 30 countries. Under his leadership, BBVA became one of the most innovative and digital banks in the world. Puig is also known for his commitment to social responsibility and his advocacy for education and cultural development.
The Book: Reinventarse
In "Reinventarse," Puig shares his experiences and insights on how to successfully navigate change and reinvent oneself or one's organization. The book is based on his own journey, from his early days as a young banker to his leadership role at BBVA. Puig argues that reinvention is not just a necessity, but an opportunity to rediscover oneself and create a better future.
Key Takeaways
The book offers several key takeaways that can be applied to both personal and professional life:
Reinventarse in Practice
So, how can individuals and organizations apply the principles of "Reinventarse" in practice? Here are a few examples:
Conclusion
"Reinventarse" by Mario Alonso Puig is a thought-provoking book that offers valuable insights on the art of reinvention. By applying the principles outlined in the book, individuals and organizations can successfully navigate change, stay ahead of the curve, and create a better future. Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to reinvent yourself, "Reinventarse" is a must-read.