Careers are often described as personal journeys, but few paths are built alone. Behind every leadership story sit moments of trust, quiet encouragement, and people willing to open doors before someone feels fully ready to walk through them.
Ana Franco’s career in digital infrastructure, data centers, and global operations is shaped as much by those moments as by strategy or ambition. From her first unexpected introduction to the data center world in Panama to leading across regions and industries today, her story is deeply rooted in gratitude. In this conversation, Ana reflects on the mentors, sponsors, and unexpected champions who helped shape her leadership style and taught her what great leadership really looks like.
When you look back on the very beginning of your career, who was the first person who truly opened a door for you, and how did that moment change the way you saw yourself or your future?
The first person who truly opened a door for me was Sergio Rosengaus. In 2012, I attended the inaugural event for KIO’s new data center in Panama, without knowing much about the industry and without knowing that Sergio was one of the owners. They were explaining what a data center was and why they were investing in the region, and something immediately sparked my curiosity.
I walked up to him afterward, gave him my card, and told him honestly that I didn’t know anything about data centers yet, but that I learned fast and wanted to be part of what they were building. That moment changed how I saw my future. It taught me that curiosity and courage can open doors you didn’t even know existed, and it set the foundation for my entire career in digital infrastructure.
Before you fully believed in your own potential, who saw it in you first and encouraged you to grow across technology, data centers, and international markets?
Several people saw my potential before I fully understood it myself. Alejandro Flórez was one of the first, he trusted me with key regional accounts early on, which pushed me to grow quickly, study constantly, and step into responsibilities that stretched me. Later, Marco Saenz played a major role in shaping the leader I am today.
He taught me how to lead teams with different cultures, personalities, and working styles, even within the same region. Through Marco, I learned the importance of emotional intelligence, trust, and alignment, and how strong teams perform best when they feel supported and empowered.
I also learned a great deal from Federico Jimeno, who represented the private equity group that acquired KIO. Working closely with him on budgets line by line strengthened my financial discipline and strategic thinking. And Santiago Suinaga helped expand my vision even further, encouraging me to step into Infrastructure Masons and contribute at an industry-wide, global level. Each of them played a distinct role in helping me grow into international leadership.
Every leader carries certain words or lessons with them over time. What piece of guidance from a mentor or sponsor has most shaped the way you lead teams today?
One lesson that has stayed with me came from a combination of experiences, trust your team and give them room to rise. Early in my career, I believed leadership meant having all the answers. Over time, I learned that leadership is really about creating clarity, setting direction, and empowering others to succeed.
Marco, in particular, taught me how emotional intelligence plays a critical role in leadership, knowing when to challenge, when to support, and when to listen. That guidance shaped how I lead today, with trust, accountability, and a strong focus on people.
Your journey has taken you into complex environments that require collaboration across regions and industries. Who helped you learn how to navigate high-stakes relationships with confidence and intention?
Early in my career, I learned how to operate in high-stakes environments by working closely with deeply technical teams, where credibility and trust had to be earned, not assumed.
I learned quickly that confidence doesn’t come from being the loudest voice in the room, but from listening carefully, understanding the technical and operational realities behind decisions, and showing up prepared and consistent. Navigating those environments taught me how to communicate across functions, align diverse stakeholders, and remain calm under pressure.
Over time, this experience shaped my ability to collaborate effectively across regions, cultures, and industries. Today, I bring that same clarity, respect, and steadiness into every complex relationship I manage.
From the editor…
Listening to Ana Franco speak about her journey makes one thing clear. Leadership is not built through titles or authority alone, but through trust, curiosity, and people who are willing to invest in others. The doors that opened for her were not always formal or planned. Many came from honest conversations, shared challenges, and leaders who chose to see potential early.
Today, as Ana helps shape teams, industries, and global networks, that same mindset carries forward. She leads with the understanding that opening doors for others is not a side effect of leadership. It is the work itself.
