Maria Salvatore, a seasoned GBS leader with over 20 years of experience across industries, has dedicated her career to elevating GBS as a strategic driver for business transformation.
As companies face unprecedented disruption and rapid technological advancement, the role of Global Business Services (GBS) has become central to navigating this new landscape. GBS has evolved from a support function into a transformative engine that enables companies to operate with agility, efficiency, and customer-centric precision. By creating digitised, end-to-end processes that operate seamlessly across geographies and functions, GBS offers a powerful model for efficiency and competitive advantage.
In our conversation, Maria shared insights on GBS as a transformation tool, the changing psychology of leadership, and her commitment to empowering women in the industry through her non-profit, Conductor.
Maria’s approach to Global Business Services (GBS) centres on more than just efficiency; she views GBS as an essential driver of business transformation. “GBS can be a powerhouse for organisational change,” she says. “By centralising and optimising functions, GBS enables companies to focus resources on strategic growth areas rather than getting mired in operational redundancy.”
Reflecting on her experience across multiple sectors, Maria emphasises that GBS success is about keeping a clear focus on business impact. “When GBS leaders connect every process to a measurable outcome, transformation becomes sustainable and valuable. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about creating an infrastructure that supports a company’s bigger vision.” Her experience leading projects for diverse industries has helped her refine an adaptable, results-driven approach that aligns GBS goals with overarching business objectives.
Throughout her career, Maria has been recognised for her ability to identify opportunities and navigate risks in dynamic environments. “Every transformation comes with risks, but a leader’s job is to manage those risks and make informed decisions that drive results,” she shares.
For Maria, success in GBS and transformation initiatives depends on staying attuned to both market trends and internal dynamics. “Transformation requires a certain boldness—knowing when to move forward and when to reassess. Strategic risk management is about looking ahead and making decisions that support long-term objectives, even when the path isn’t entirely clear.” Her pragmatic approach helps her balance the need for quick action with the importance of carefully evaluating each step.
Beyond her strategic expertise, Maria has a deep interest in the psychology of leadership and how it influences team dynamics. She describes how traits like confidence and competition shape leadership styles, often to powerful effect. “Confidence and a healthy sense of competition can be incredible drivers for success,” she explains. “For example, studies show that testosterone influences competitive behaviour, making leaders feel more assertive and willing to take risks.”
Maria believes that understanding these behavioural elements can help leaders cultivate an environment where people feel empowered to take initiative. “A confident leader inspires others to feel confident too, fostering an atmosphere where people are motivated to achieve ambitious goals. It’s about knowing when to push, when to listen, and when to lead by example.”
As co-founder of Condutto, a non-profit dedicated to helping women reach executive roles, Maria is committed to supporting female talent within shared services and GBS. “Condutto is a community where ambitious women can find support, mentorship, and networking opportunities,” she says. “We want to see women not only succeed but thrive and redefine what leadership can look like.”
Maria believes that fostering female talent isn’t just about individual growth but creating a more inclusive industry landscape. “Women bring unique strengths and perspectives to leadership, and supporting their development ultimately enriches the entire field. Condutto is about creating space for those voices and providing the resources that make their journeys smoother.”
A respected executive in transformation and GBS, Maria Salvatore has a distinguished career spanning the UK, Europe, and North America, with extensive experience across manufacturing, energy, FMCG, and life sciences. Known for her practical insights, Maria has become a key voice in the finance and GBS community, often speaking at industry conferences. As co-founder of Condutto, she continues to mentor and support female professionals, championing diversity and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
