Carolina Goyeneche: Leading Through Grit and Heart

Some leaders grow through big moments; others grow through the everyday choices that define who they become. Carolina Goyeneche is the latter, someone who turns challenges into momentum, supports her teammates with genuine care, and leads by example even on the hardest days.

Dive into her story to see what drives her and what she’s learned along the way.

What achievement are you most proud of in your journey to becoming a Senior Associate?

‍On a day where things were not the best, I found a way to connect with my colleagues and push forward. Helping motivate my team makes me feel really proud. I try to maintain a light-hearted spirit during stressful situations. Sometimes a quick laugh can make it possible to do a better job and keep everyone's spirits up.

Can you share a time when you went above and beyond to deliver results for a client or team?

‍I can’t think of a specific day, but every now and then, I find that what the team needs is someone to push a bit further, and I commit to that. A little push on hard days is what truly matters to me.

What does ‘excellence’ mean to you in your day-to-day work?‍

Excellence means persevering. When energy is low and we're not achieving the results we aim for, maintaining energy, a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic—even when it's difficult—is what defines excellence for me.

What was one skill or mindset shift that helped you grow the most in the last 12 months?‍

This ties back to my personal attitude toward all situations. I don't let negative thoughts take over; I keep moving forward. In the end, things always turn around if you persist.

Can you recall a moment when you failed or struggled? How did you overcome it and what did you learn?‍

This one is easy—it all goes back to my friends and colleagues. A quick coffee break can turn a bad day into a good one, a complicated situation into an opportunity to learn. It’s easy to learn from failure when you have people around ready to teach you.
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Who or what played a key role in your development? Any mentors, teammates, or moments that stood out?‍

My mentor played a key role in helping me find my footing. She kept me motivated when situations felt overwhelming. She encouraged everyone to take a step back, breathe, and helped me learn how to tackle my responsibilities without letting stress take over. My friends and teammates were also essential to my development and continue to be a powerful source of motivation for me.

What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve received—and how did it shape your approach?‍

Initially, I often felt that I came across as shy, which made connecting with those around me a bit challenging. However, my friends and teammates encouraged me to be confident and take on more of a leadership role, even assigning me tasks to push me in this direction. This feedback was instrumental in my growth within the company and allowed me to be more authentic in an environment where I didn't initially think I could.

As Carolina puts it best, “Becoming a Senior Associate at Dialectica means taking responsibility—being accountable for those who are learning and for the trust placed in me by those with more experience.”

Her journey is a powerful reminder of how leadership grows from within.