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Motivation and positive attitude in my day to day have helped me
grow as a leader.
What values do you think the University gave you and
how are they reflected in your daily work?
There are three main values I gained from the university:
Friendship and comradeship (teamwork); responsibility, both
personally and professionally in my subjects (teaching staff) and,
finally, confidence and personal growth in a new environment
such as the University that prepares you for the future.
What do you still remember about your university years (a
certain subject, teacher, maybe an anecdote)?
Some subjects I enjoyed more than others, such as foreign
trade or microeconomics. But I will always remember this one
comment from professor José M. Prats at my graduation: “Time
is money, so don’t spend years in the same job. You have to
grow professionally”.
How has your approach to leadership changed over the
years?
Your professional and knowledge skills develop as you continue
further “down the path”. My leadership skills do in every sense of
the word, in terms of commitment, passion, control...
But more than anything, motivation and a positive attitude in my
day to day have helped me grow as a leader.
What is your greatest achievement and how did you make
it happen? What about your greatest obstacle? How did
you overcome it?
My greatest achievement has been creating a successful
company like What’s Up!, now a market leader in the sector. Our
staff are one of one of the keys to our success. They convey the
What’s Up! philosophy and our students not only learn English,
they also enjoy, share and interact with each other, they create
the environment that has become one of our greatest assets.
What does it take to be a good entrepreneur? What do
you think are the keys to success?
Being an entrepreneur is complicated, even if you have a very
good idea. One of the keys is to establish a business plan
and innovate, otherwise you will not achieve your objective of
creating a company.
You need customers who are looking to buy (you need to have
done a market study) and above all, have a saleable product or
service and a clear commercial vocation. If it doesn’t sell and
isn’t profitable, you don’t have a business.
How do you keep up with the latest business trends and
technologies?
As I said, you have to know how to innovate and do it before
and better than the competition. I did a master’s degree in order
to stay up to date, and I rely on talent, both internal (staff) and
external, such as other professionals who know how to adapt
and implement your ideas. You are the one who knows your
market and company best.
What advice would you give to current students who are
about to start their careers?
You need a solid education and as I was told, don’t settle for just
one job. It is important to change and grow professionally every
two or three years.
Oh, so many obstacles! Facing insolvency proceedings,
negotiating with creditors and at difficult times (tax authorities,
banks, trade unions). We face obstacles by writing a business
plan, which makes it much easier to negotiate. With confidence,
a professional attitude and support from other creditors who
stand by your solution, you can overcome almost any problem.
Your favourite film
The Stings.
A book
I like suspense thrillers. Right
now I’m reading Everything
burns by Juan Gómez Jurado.
Your favourite music
“One” by U2.
Hobbies
Skiing and sailing.
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