Ever since Elsa María Solis can remember, she has wanted to be a manager. Today she has a lucrative and successful career finding managers for her clients in Latin America as a partner at Executive Connection, a leading Colombian executive search and management consultancy and a proud member of AltoPartners.

What did you do when you left school?

I lived in Nice for a year to learn French. When I returned to Colombia, I enrolled in a business study degree at ICESI University in Cali, followed by a specialization in marketing at Universidad Javeriana, one of the oldest universities in the world, established in 1623. I love learning, so I just kept going with a degree in Management from the marvellously named Universidad de Los Andes. I have recently completed a course on women in leadership from the perspective of company boards through Universidad CESA (College of Higher Administration Studies) in Bogotá.

How did you get into Executive Search?

Completely by accident! My brother Santiago Solis Arias called in 2011 to ask me to join Executive Connection, which he and Maria Isabel Ventura were thinking of starting. Initially, I declined because I was wary of working with family and besides, I already had a business career as a Director of Business Development for Sodexo. Thankfully he persisted, and a year later, I said yes. It was really scary as I knew nothing about the industry, but I am very grateful that I took that leap of faith. It’s the best career move I have ever made.

How did you overcome that initial sense of fear?

I was very lucky to have an excellent mentor and business partner in Maria Isabel Ventura. She was the ideal mentor – she stepped up and shared her insights and knowledge generously. It’s a real privilege to have a mentor like that. She encouraged me to embrace lifelong learning and continually add to my understanding of the business and the sectors we specialize in. Her passion for quality and attention to detail is legendary — and contagious!

Attention to detail. Some would say that’s a superpower in itself.

Yes! Especially when you add all the other roles we play - mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend.

What is it about the executive search industry that hooks people?

For me, it’s about the relationships that you get to form with a wide variety of people across all kinds of industries. At the same time, you are helping clients find the best talent for their particular circumstances and assisting the candidates in landing their dream job.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Never give up! Ever.

How do you relax and unwind?

I love open water swimming and recently completed OCEANMAN San Andrés 2022, a 5 km competition off the coast of the beautiful island of San Andres in the Caribbean. Definitely one of my happy places!