Personal life
When and where were you born?
You were born on February 17, 1932, in Mexico City.
What was happening in the world during your lifetime?
World Wars, the Cold War, globalization, and university expansion.
What did he invent, discover, or create?
He didn't invent anything material, but he created educational institutions (IPADE, UP, ICAMI) and a cultural magazine (Istmo), as well as a philosophical approach applied to business.
How was he viewed by society at the time?
Was he respected and admired.
Did he champion any social or political causes?
He wasn't active in politics, but he championed the cause of holistic human development and the social responsibility of business leaders.
What was your childhood like?
He lived between Mexico and Spain, in an academic and entrepreneurial environment.
What social problems did you face in your time?
The lack of quality education and the separation between ethics and business.
What impact did his actions have on his country?
He transformed business education in Mexico, bringing an ethical and humane approach to business management. He also contributed to intellectual development with his philosophical work.
Was he controversial or respected?
More respected than controversial.
Did he have enemies or people who opposed his ideas?
More than direct enemies, he faced resistance from those who believed that ethics shouldn't be mixed with business.
Was there any important event in your childhood that left a mark on you?
At the age of 15 he contracted tuberculosis and discovered philosophy during his recovery.
What was your greatest achievement or contribution to humanity?
Your greatest contribution was the creation of prestigious educational institutions such as IPADE and the Universidad Panamericana, which trained generations of leaders and entrepreneurs with an ethical and humanistic vision.
Did he work as a team or primarily alone?
He worked as a team. The creation of universities and educational centers was always a collective effort, although he was the intellectual leader and founder
Did he help improve the lives of others? How?
Yes, by training leaders with ethics and values
What was happening in Mexico during Llano’s childhood?
Mexico was recovering from the Revolution and Cárdenas nationalized oil in 1938.
What schools did he attend?
He studied in Spain, Rome (PhD in philosophy), and UNAM (second PhD in philosophy).
How did your career or main job begin?
You began as a philosophy professor and gradually combined your academic vocation with founding educational and business institutions.
How did his discipline change?
He introduced philosophical and humanistic thinking into business education, uniting two worlds that previously seemed separate: ethics and business.
What other important figures did he associate with?
With José Gaos and members of Opus Dei.
What marked Mexico in the 1960s?
The 1968 student movement and the Tlatelolco massacre.
When and where did he die?
On May 5, 2010, in Miami, United States.
Did he win any awards, medals, or recognition?
Yes, he received multiple awards: the Medal of Business Merit (1994), the Eugenio Garza Sada Award (1999), and the Jaime Torres Bodet National Award for Excellence (2001).
What legacy did he leave in his field?
His legacy is a people-centered business vision, as well as strong institutions that continue to develop leaders in Mexico and Latin America today.
Did he participate in social or political movements?
Not in politics, but in educational projects.
What political change happened before Llano’s death?
In 2000, the PRI lost power and Mexico had its first democratic alternation with Vicente Fox.