Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this discussion with HBS BiGS, Manola Zabalza, Secretary of Economic Development of Mexico City, explains how Mexico City is focusing on building its fun economy, as well as ‘Utopias’ for women that include free childcare and laundry to foster economic development. She also shares how Mexico City is working to better distribute wealth and increase growth. Zabalza delves into advice for business leaders – including the importance of resilience and having a welcoming culture.
Key takeaways:
• Mexico City is a global city but also needs to focus on creating a better wealth distribution
• Mexico City has been creating ‘Utopias’ for women that provide free childcare and laundry to help foster innovation and a better lifestyle
• Culture and entertainment are important aspects of the economy
• Building a modern workforce is vital to the economy and include internationalizing universities
• Three main metrics can be used to measure progress: reduction of poverty, more people in formal jobs, and foreign direct investment
• Having resilience and a welcoming culture in a country are crucial
Zabalza explains how Mexico has proven to be a resilient country that is welcoming to other ideas and new businesses, making it an ideal place to foster new investments.
Timestamps:
00:09 - Innovative economic development in Mexico City
00:46 - Innovative policies for women
2:26 - Building a modern workforce
3:53 - Three metrics to measure progress
5:13 - Advice for business leaders
This video was filmed in Mexico City as part of our institute’s second Latin America Leadership Roundtable, which empowers Latin American business leaders to tackle pressing societal issues.
See more on BiGS research related to economic mobility:
https://www.hbs.edu/bigs/economic-mobility
In this discussion with HBS BiGS, Manola Zabalza, Secretary of Economic Development of Mexico City, explains how Mexico City is focusing on building its fun economy, as well as ‘Utopias’ for women that include free childcare and laundry to foster economic development. She also shares how Mexico City is working to better distribute wealth and increase growth. Zabalza delves into advice for business leaders – including the importance of resilience and having a welcoming culture.
Key takeaways:
• Mexico City is a global city but also needs to focus on creating a better wealth distribution
• Mexico City has been creating ‘Utopias’ for women that provide free childcare and laundry to help foster innovation and a better lifestyle
• Culture and entertainment are important aspects of the economy
• Building a modern workforce is vital to the economy and include internationalizing universities
• Three main metrics can be used to measure progress: reduction of poverty, more people in formal jobs, and foreign direct investment
• Having resilience and a welcoming culture in a country are crucial
Zabalza explains how Mexico has proven to be a resilient country that is welcoming to other ideas and new businesses, making it an ideal place to foster new investments.
Timestamps:
00:09 - Innovative economic development in Mexico City
00:46 - Innovative policies for women
2:26 - Building a modern workforce
3:53 - Three metrics to measure progress
5:13 - Advice for business leaders
This video was filmed in Mexico City as part of our institute’s second Latin America Leadership Roundtable, which empowers Latin American business leaders to tackle pressing societal issues.
See more on BiGS research related to economic mobility:
https://www.hbs.edu/bigs/economic-mobility
