In this episode of The Leadership Code Podcast, we sit down with Ernesto Gómez, a seasoned executive whose three-decade career spans entrepreneurial ventures and global corporate leadership.

From building food service businesses in the U.S. and Mexico to leading human capital strategies for Sigma Alimentos and Grupo Alfa—two powerhouse organizations with a combined workforce of over 120,000—Ernesto brings a rare perspective on leadership, transformation, and the critical importance of succession planning.

Together, we explore why succession planning is often an afterthought until it becomes a crisis—and how to shift from reactive backfills to proactive talent development.

Ernesto shares insights from his global work leading cultural and talent initiatives, offering practical strategies for identifying and developing high-potential talent, embedding succession into daily leadership practice, and creating equitable access to leadership roles for underrepresented groups.

We also tackle the psychology of leadership—what it takes to prepare successors without feeling threatened, how to measure what matters, and where organizations should begin if they’re just now taking succession seriously.

Whether you're a C-suite executive, HR leader, or emerging leader preparing to shape the future, this episode offers a blueprint for turning succession from a risk into a strategic advantage.