How the GLS Transformed Ronny Alfaro’s Leadership Journey

Ronny Alfaro Barahona, a pastor, business administrator, and Executive Director of the Global Leadership Summit (GLS) in Costa Rica, is a testament to how leadership rooted in faith and empowerment can transform lives. A resident of Santa Ana, San José, Costa Rica, Ronny’s dedication to his family and his passion for helping others thrive are at the core of his mission as a leader.

A Foundation Built on Faith and Family
Ronny’s life is deeply shaped by his faith and family. He and his wife, Ileana Saenz, have been married for 15 years and are raising two daughters, Daniela (10) and Mariela (7). His role as a father inspires his approach to leadership, instilling values of care, empathy, and vision in both his personal and professional life.

As the pastor of Comunidad Celebración Church, Ronny finds great joy in walking alongside others, helping them uncover their potential, and encouraging them to live purpose-filled lives. His passion for leadership extends beyond the church, as he integrates the principles of faith-driven leadership into his role as a business administrator.

Discovering GLS: A Turning Point
Ronny’s introduction to the GLS in 2014 was a turning point in his leadership journey. Invited to attend the summit in Chicago, he discovered a leadership framework that challenged him to think differently about ministry and business. Since then, he has attended five GLS events, each experience reinforcing his commitment to growing as a leader and empowering others to do the same.

Reflecting on his first encounter with GLS, Ronny says, “It was definitely after this tool that my life and my leadership changed completely. It changed my empathy for people, my way of leading, and my approach to empowering others.”

A Vision for Empowering Leaders
Ronny credits the GLS with reshaping his understanding of leadership. One concept that profoundly impacted him is a statement by Craig Groeschel: “A leader should not be obsessed with results but with empowering leaders.” This insight transformed Ronny’s perspective, moving him to prioritize inspiration and empowerment over control or fear-based leadership.

As a pastor and entrepreneur, Ronny’s leadership now centers on empowering others to pursue a shared vision. “Today, leaders have to inspire,” he explains. “People don’t follow a person—they follow a vision. And a leader has to recognize that the vision is more important than themselves.”

Leadership Beyond the Church
Ronny’s influence extends beyond his church community. In 2023, the Costa Rica Summit made a significant impact when the Vice President of the Congress of the Republic attended and expressed the importance of expanding GLS’s reach nationally. This moment underscored the summit’s power to transform not just individual leaders but entire nations by equipping leaders with tools to serve others with integrity and inspiration.

For Ronny, the GLS is more than an event; it is a movement that enables leaders to reach places and people that might otherwise remain untouched. He sees it as a divine tool to inspire leaders to work for the greater good, driving change in their communities and beyond.

A Prayer for Leaders
Ronny’s heart for leadership is deeply tied to his faith. His prayer for the GLS family reflects his desire for leaders to embrace wisdom, justice, and a vision of unity:

“God, guide the leaders of the world with wisdom and justice to work for peace, unity, and the well-being of all humanity.”

Continuing the Legacy
Ronny Alfaro’s leadership story is a powerful example of how faith, vision, and empowerment can transform individuals, organizations, and communities. Through his work with GLS and his role as a pastor and entrepreneur, he continues to inspire others to lead with authenticity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to serving God’s greater purpose.