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Mario de Ávila Muñoz
AnthroComplexity Wizard - Agile Pioneer - Innovation Sensei - Data Analyst - Digital Factory Builder - Entrepreneur, Mentor & Seed Investor
Professional Background
Mario de Ávila Muñoz is a renowned expert in digital transformation and organizational innovation, currently engaged in a pivotal role as the Digital Factory Builder for a leading national bank. His responsibilities entail the re-engineering of the bank's digital operations with a focus on achieving end-to-end agility through modern methodologies such as Design Thinking, Customer Discovery, Extreme Programming (XP), and DevSecOps. Mario is deeply involved in the bank's transition to a Cloud Native model, making significant strides in enhancing operational efficiency in the rapidly evolving digital banking landscape.
Prior to this critical role, Mario co-founded The Bridge - Digital Talent Accelerator, where he served as Chief Academic and Product Officer. In this capacity, he masterminded the business architecture and product design for various cutting-edge programs, including Cybersecurity, Data Science, Full Stack Web Development, and Digital Product Design (UX/UI). A significant aspect of his tenure involved establishing a robust employability sector, contributing to the overall success and reputation of the first digital talent accelerator in Spain.
With more than 25 years of experience in innovation, growth, and large-scale organizational change, Mario has been at the forefront of implementing various methodological approaches in Spain since 1991. His early adoption of Scrum in late 2001 demonstrates his visionary thinking, as he was among the first to apply this Agile methodology in a large food sector enterprise outside of software development, paving the way for Agile methodologies in numerous projects thereafter.
In 2009, Mario played a crucial role in introducing Lean Startup methodologies in Spain and designed the world's first Lean Intrapreneurship program at Vodafone R&D in 2010. Additionally, he served as a consultant in developing the Lean Elephants program at Telefónica, contributing his rich expertise to foster innovation within the corporate sector. Beyond his notable work in enterprise settings, Mario is a key facilitator in nurturing entrepreneurship ecosystems across Spain, mentoring budding entrepreneurs and co-founding startups like Exovite.
Education and Achievements
A lifelong learner, Mario's academic credentials reflect his commitment to continuous professional development. He holds an Executive MBA from IE Business School, further solidifying his leadership prowess in business management. His academic journey also includes studies at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, a Master's degree from Escuela de Organización Industrial, and completion of a Bootcamp in Data Science at The Bridge. Mario earned his Licenciatura from the esteemed Universidad de Sevilla, providing him with a strong foundation for his varied career.
Mario has also been instrumental in bridging the gap between academia and industry. As an Adjunct Professor in the Entrepreneurship area at the IE Business School since 1998, he has shared his extensive knowledge with students, focusing on creativity, critical thinking, and complex problem-solving. His dedication to education is evident in the dynamic learning environments he creates, preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs to thrive in an ever-changing business landscape.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mario has advised numerous organizations across more than thirty different industries, enhancing their operational frameworks and driving innovation. Notable clients include CaixaBank, Servicio Catalán de Salud, Ergo-Gruppo DAS, Telefónica, and Canal de Isabel II, among many others. His diverse experiences and widespread influence make him a respected figure in organizational consultancy and digital transformation.
Notable Achievements
- Pioneer in Agile Methodologies: Mario was one of the first to implement Scrum in a corporate setting in Spain, revolutionizing how organizations approached project management and product development.
- Lean Startup Introduction: He effectively introduced Lean Startup concepts to Spain, aiding companies in adopting efficient product development strategies and fostering innovation initiatives.
- Intrapreneurship Initiatives: His groundbreaking work at Vodafone R&D set the stage for future Lean Intrapreneurship programs, promoting a culture of innovation within established corporations.
- Mentorship and Ecosystem Building: As a mentor and advisor, Mario has greatly influenced the startup landscape in Spain, assisting aspiring entrepreneurs and contributing to the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Highlights
Why probability probably doesn’t exist (but it is useful to act like it does) https://t.co/NQCck4YM9d Statistics and much of science depend on probability — an astonishing achievement, considering no one’s really sure what it is. https://t.co/qbnIyRpYy4

