Innovating from within: Claudia and Alfonso's experience at Santalucía Impulsa

In each edition of Santalucía Impulsa stories emerge that reflect what it means to innovate from within. That of Claudia, a claims processor at Santalucía Seguros, and Alfonso, a risk underwriter at Santalucía Seguros, shows how two different trajectories converge on the same desire: to grow and to dare to leave the comfort zone.

“I arrived at Grupo Santalucía relatively recently, so I didn't know much about the innovation side. I saw the program announced on the internal portal and thought: why not try?” , Claudia remembers. Alfonso, on the other hand, had been watching his colleagues participate for some time: “I have seen colleagues go through each edition, but I waited until this year. I felt like it was my time. If you don't participate in Santalucía Impulsa, you're missing out on the best of Grupo Santalucía.”

First steps and discoveries

The beginnings were accelerated learning. Claudia admits that she was surprised at first: “I thought innovation was just about having a great idea and developing it. But no: it's all about people. It was a stroke of reality, although little by little I began to feel the project as my own”.

For Alfonso, the surprise came from teamwork: “I don't see it as extra work; it's personal growth. The team has become my people. It's an activity that makes me happy.”

Both agree that these first steps are what make the difference: they force us to get out of the routine, but they also awaken the illusion of being part of something transformative.

Combining everyday life

The commitment to the program is experienced with intensity. “There are days when we dedicate a lot of time to our project at Santalucía Impulsa. But I don't feel like an extra because I'm in love with the program,” says Alfonso.

Claudia shares it from another perspective: “In my case, it has helped me to make myself known in the company. You're not looking for an economic benefit, but a personal one: you grow, you dare more, and people are starting to recognize you. It's a win-win.”

Both agree that the effort is worth it because what has been learned is transferred to daily work through greater collaboration, active listening and new ways of thinking that enrich teams.

What it means to innovate

The vision of innovation was transformed for both of us. “I used to think that innovation was only for creatives with disruptive ideas. Now I see that it's simpler: don't judge your ideas, combine them with those of others, because that's where something great comes out”, reflects Alfonso.

Claudia agrees: “I looked zero creative at the beginning. Now I propose ideas in my department without fear of rejection. My way of seeing failure has changed: it's not the end, it's part of the process.”

For them, innovation is not synonymous with something complicated, but rather with improving by putting people at the center. A lesson that, they say, has stuck with them forever.

Shared learning

Experience brings skills and bonds that transcend work. Claudia confesses: “I am a perfectionist, but I have learned that the path is not straight: if you fall, the team will lift you up”.

For Alfonso, the most valuable thing has been teamwork: “Our daily jobs are individualistic, but here we share tasks, we are patient in times of stress and we adapt to every circumstance. The team brought us together in a brutal way.”

This companionship has been, for both of them, the essence of Santalucía Impulsa because they have discovered that together we can go further.

Looking to the future

Innovation, they say, is vital for Grupo Santalucía and for the insurance sector. “If you don't change, you don't connect with new customers,” Claudia says. Alfonso sums it up clearly: “To innovate is to make people happy. In such a competitive sector, it's the key to differentiating yourself.”

In addition, they highlight that initiatives such as Santalucía Impulsa make employees feel listened to and valued, generating an impact that goes beyond the project itself.

An invitation for others

His final message is also a call to those who are hesitant to take the plunge. “Don't be afraid, sign up and enjoy yourself to the fullest. It's tough, but it's worth it,” Claudia advises.

Alfonso agrees: “You have already won just by participating. You improve networks, social skills, you learn to innovate and that makes you happier.”

The experience of Claudia and Alfonso shows that innovating from within not only transforms projects, it also transforms people. And in that transformation lies the true strength of the project of Santalucía Impulses Employees.