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Leadership is a skill you learn both in and outside the classroom.
teaching staff and faculty members, so we were really privileged in
that sense. We basically had private classes with the best of the best!
We shared classes with other faculties and we used to meet up in
the bar and library, so we got to know almost everyone really well.
I keep in touch with some of the teachers and with my Dean from
that time. As I said, we were surrounded by such great people,
which I think made all the difference.
What values do you think the university gave you and how
are they reflected in your daily work?
Universities have to provide students with a general knowledge
base in order to send them out into the world of work. Then comes
methodology and effort. You can start to decide what you want
to study, something that really motivates you. Until that point,
everything has been mapped out for you, but now it’s time to start
making your own decisions and plotting out your future, which
should motivate you rather than overwhelm you.
What do you remember about your university years?
Like any good entrepreneur, I was always motivated by
“challenges”, and I remember asking at the beginning of my studies
which was the most difficult subject. It turns out, Econometrics.
Well, there was my challenge. I remember that it was one of my best
marks and I was even able to help my classmates with their studies.
But the best thing was when teachers who had extensive
experience would share their stories. Professor Francesc Cabanes
was a living encyclopaedia of World Economic History. The Dean,
Juan Francisco Corona, was so well connected and understood
Liberal Economics very clearly, therefore, so did we.
How has your approach to leadership changed over the years?
Leadership is a skill you learn both in and outside the classroom. I
think communication is extremely important. We must know how to
convey our thoughts to those around us. Otherwise, we cannot lead.
professionally speaking, perhaps the ability to show enthusiasm
and passion at the start of a project. Sometimes it is the only
weapon you have to convince big suppliers, clients or even fellow
employees of your idea.
The worst obstacle is admitting that something you’ve put a lot of
effort and passion into isn’t working. In the end, we don’t have to fall in
love with our projects until the end, things either work or they don’t. In
fact, most likely they won’t. But we must know when to stop.
As entrepreneurs, we should explain our failures more often, as we
can all learn more from them than from the success stories. .
What does it take to be a good entrepreneur? What do you
think are the keys to success?
It has a lot to do with your attitude and fear of risk. It’s not for
everyone and it’s important to know who you are to know which
group you’re in. That’s why I think it’s good to have experience
from both sides, working for others and for yourself. When
we analyse early-stage companies, we focus on the team,
which is undoubtedly the most important factor; a competent,
multidisciplinary team that is invested in the project. Success also
requires hard work on a daily basis.
How do you keep up with the latest business trends and
technologies?
Being on different boards that analyse start-ups helps me keep an
eye on new trends.
What advice would you give to current students who are
about to start their careers?
It is normal to not really know what you want to do. My advice is
that instead of looking for a job, they look for bosses. Look for
somewhere you can learn, as this is a very important learning phase
that will help define your future. In the first years of your career, the
more knowledge you have, the better.
Over the years you realise that IQ is just as important as EQ,
i.e., emotional intelligence. Without it, we cannot lead teams or
companies, let alone start-ups.
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 is definitely becoming a father! But
Your favourite film
Dead Poet’s Society.
A book
Right now I’m reading Bailar
en la cocina (‘Dancing in the
kitchen’), by Pep Borrell.
Your favourite music
Spanish pop.
Hobbies
Sailing and skiing.
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