Perfectly Imperfect Fatherhood with BBVA
Perfectly Imperfect Fatherhood was BBVA Mexico’s fresh approach to celebrating Father’s Day—one rooted in vulnerable leadership, not tradition. Rather than showcasing perfection, The Failure Institute partnered with BBVA to host a private event for over 500 employees, focusing on honest conversations and stories about the messy beauty of being a dad.
This Father’s Day, BBVA adopted a new kind of leadership: one that values presence, emotion, and mistakes as tools for growth.
Rethinking Fatherhood Through Vulnerable Leadership
Vulnerable leadership is not often associated with corporate environments. But in this event, it took center stage. The Failure Institute co-created an internal edition of its storytelling format, fostering a safe space for BBVA fathers to reflect on their journeys.
The result? Perfectly Imperfect Fatherhood— a deeply human, highly engaging evening hosted at Pinche Gringo BBQ in Mexico City.
Inside the BBVA + The Failure Institute Collaboration
Tailoring the Format for BBVA
The event maintained the essence of The Failure Institute’s storytelling approach but focused on parenting failures. The lineup included:
- Four speakers across data, communications, and corporate leadership
- Ricardo Castañeda (The Failure Institute Global Team) as host and moderator
- Curated storytelling with speaker coaching to ensure authentic, emotionally resonant delivery
Stories That Shift Perspective
The night was anchored by this message:
“Shame dies and inspiration is born when stories are told in safe spaces.”
Meet the Fathers Who Shared Their Imperfect Journeys
Antoine Pérouze: From Provider to Presence
As Growth Leader at Amazon Music, Antoine believed working hard was enough. Over time, he learned that vulnerable leadership at home meant being present.
“I felt like I was wearing a mask.”
Now, connection matters more than achievements.
Emiliano Berruecos: When Career Collides with Fatherhood
Emiliano’s work in government demanded constant availability. One poorly timed tweet during a burnout phase made him pause.
“If I keep working here, I’ll burn out. And I’m not enjoying my kids.”
His story illustrates how vulnerable leadership can sometimes mean prioritizing family over status.
Pablo Hill: Realigning Priorities
Just after being promoted, Pablo’s family contracted COVID-19. On a business trip, he told his boss:
“I shouldn’t be here. I should be home.”
That moment realigned his focus. He now treasures singing with his son on school drives.
Mauricio Pallares: Evolving as a Lifelong Father
With nearly three decades as a dad, Mauricio reminded us:
“Our children aren’t here to fulfill our dreams.”
He highlighted how vulnerable leadership evolves—and how letting go is part of growth.
Why Vulnerability Builds Stronger Teams
Vulnerable leadership isn’t just for home—it strengthens organizations. By allowing fathers to share real struggles, BBVA fostered empathy, inclusion, and resilience among its employees.
Creating these human spaces helps prevent burnout and deepens team connection.
From Celebration to Connection
This wasn’t your typical Father’s Day event. Perfectly Imperfect Fatherhood showed that celebrating our flaws can be the most powerful way to lead. BBVA’s decision to co-create this event with The Failure Institute reaffirms that storytelling, when done vulnerably, builds trust, and trust fosters better leaders.
💡 Curious about how BBVA celebrated motherhood in the same spirit? 👉 Check out Perfectly Imperfect Motherhood with BBVA
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