For seven years now, the Lean In Circles have been quietly working to create a space where people can learn alongside each other and reflect on the things that truly matter to them and those around them.

How can we broaden our horizons so that everyone feels included? The Lean In Circles offer a chance to connect with colleagues from different countries, explore new ways of thinking, and better understand the diversity within the company. They’re also an invitation to reflect on the unconscious biases that shape our lives every day.

“When prejudice wins, talent loses out. Everyone is different: we need to learn how to look beyond what’s on the surface,” explains Marilen Stengel, the facilitator of this initiative. “If we focus solely on outward appearances or let assumptions guide our judgment , we risk overlooking the capabilities of those around us. And that inevitably affects how teams perform. It’s essential to change how we think and free ourselves from unconscious biases.”

Andrea Mihailiuc, Procurement Expert, took part in the 2025 Lean In Circles and highlighted the value of building relationships beyond usual work dynamics: “This initiative brings us into contact with colleagues we don’t normally speak with, whether because they’re in another part of the world or have a completely different background. It really brings home the range of professionals at Tecpetrol. I also appreciated how, even when we think differently, we can still listen to one another and build a more empathetic and collaborative environment.”

Francisco Do Pico, Country Manager for Ecuador, attended two editions and shares that, “Listening to such a diverse group helps broaden our perspective and understand what others see beyond our own assumptions.” He also underlines the importance of the setting itself: “It’s a safe space, where people feel comfortable talking about both work-related and personal topics.”

How can Lean In Circles help you?

Byron Duque, IT Regional Manager, notes that each session gave him tools he was able to apply immediately in his day-to-day work. “It was like holding up a mirror. I was able to identify team dynamics I hadn’t seen clearly before, and that allowed me to actively work on improving the working environment,” he explains.

Andrea adds that she became more aware of what people—both others and herself—say and do. “You learn to observe yourself and those around you, to notice how you act and what you say, with a view to improving. It opens a path to self-awareness that isn’t always easy, because it can be difficult to recognize your own biases. But that shift in perspective is essential to making both work and personal life more positive,” she confesses.

Byron also highlights the personal impact of the experience and how it made him far more aware at home as well. “I started talking about diversity with my partner and even thinking about the example I set for my children. When they’re young, they’re like little sponges, they absorb and imitate everything they see. That motivates me to do better every day, because I know the best example they can have is the one they see at home,” he adds.

Francisco believes that taking part in the Lean In Circles is a valuable step toward becoming more open to diversity. “Everything we learn, we carry with us. Of course, it’s a long process and requires ongoing effort, but every step makes a real difference,” he concludes.