Vocento’s GENIO Innovation Awards Celebrate Creativity and Leadership in Girona
The 19th annual GENIO Innovation Awards, organized by Vocento.Medios, took place on March 11th and 12th, 2026, in Girona, Spain, bringing together over 200 professionals from the marketing and advertising industries. The event focused on the theme of “La vulnerabilidad como aliada” (Vulnerability as an Ally), exploring how embracing limitations can foster creativity and innovation.
A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration
Vocento CEO Manuel Mirat described the GENIO awards as a “cross-cutting event, for clients, brands and agencies,” emphasizing its role as a platform for sharing ideas and experiences. Miguel Ángel Fernández Delgado, General Director of Vocento.Medios, highlighted the event’s significance as a national benchmark, noting Catalonia’s key role in Vocento’s commercial strategy. Elisabet Valls, General Director of Diffusion of the Generalitat of Catalonia, underscored Catalonia’s growing position as a hub for creativity and experimentation, stating the region “increasingly wants to be a laboratory of innovation.”
Key Themes and Speakers
The event featured presentations from a diverse range of experts, centered around the theme of vulnerability as a catalyst for learning and innovation. Kika Samblás, Partner & Managing Director of SCOPEN, led the day, introducing the speakers and framing the central idea of the conference.
Leadership and Polarization
Political scientist and psychologist Verónica Fumanal analyzed the evolution of political leadership, differentiating between traditional “boss” leadership and more modern approaches. She noted a recent shift towards more forceful leadership styles, coinciding with a decline in democracy and increasing polarization since 2004, characterized by “with me or against me” rhetoric. However, she also pointed out that business leadership continues to prioritize cooperation and teamwork.
The Creative Process in Extreme Environments
Underwater photographer and 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year Rafael Fernández Caballero shared insights into his creative process in challenging environments. He emphasized the importance of knowledge, patience, perseverance, and seizing opportunities, while accepting the limits of control and avoiding self-imposed restrictions. He noted that the ocean holds “some of the most incredible stories on the planet.”
The Power of Defeat
Javier Hernanz, President of the Royal Spanish Canoeing Federation and Olympic athlete, discussed the value of failure in both sports and life. He summarized his philosophy with the concepts of goals, passion, attitude, and self-commitment, advocating the belief that “Everything that happens, is good,” and that accepting defeat allows for reevaluation and new goal setting. He emphasized that leadership is built on sustained commitment and inspiring others through personal example.
Understanding Addiction
Ruy Arroyo, founder of Charlas Adictivas Podcast, explored the mechanisms of addiction, drawing on his personal experiences and the “boiled frog syndrome” metaphor. He warned that addictions can develop gradually, leading to a loss of freedom, and that immediate gratification can be particularly addictive. He also highlighted the impact of addiction on those around the individual, while emphasizing the transformative potential of the recovery process.
Emotional Sustainability and People-Centric Approaches
Clinical psychologist Inma Puig concluded the presentations with a reflection on emotional sustainability, particularly in the context of increasingly diverse workplaces with multiple generations. She advocated for listening, caring, and recognizing the contributions of others, stating that “homogeneity atrophies and variety enriches.”
Awards and Recognition
Rafael Fernández Caballero was awarded the Blue GENIO award by Elisa Brustoloni, CEO of dentsu, for his work in showcasing the beauty of the ocean. The GENIO Innovation Awards are supported by CaixaBank, Dentsu, and Hyundai Motor Company, and are organized with strategic advice from SCOPEN.
The GENIO Innovation Awards continue to serve as a vital forum for reflection on innovation, leadership, and creativity within the advertising and marketing sectors, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas between companies, agencies, and industry professionals.