-What time do you get up and what is the first thing you do?
Between 5:30 and 6:00 am I go see my children, kiss them and prepare breakfast for them before starting the day.
-Of the books you have read, which one would you recommend?
The man in search of meaningby Viktor Frankl. It is a hard book, but necessary. It makes you understand that even when you can’t control what happens to you, you can always decide how you deal with it.
-What object cannot be missing in your life?
Photos of my family. They remind me of what is really important and for whom all the efforts are worth it.
-Cinema or theater?
I love and enjoy theater a lot, but cinema offers you an immersive experience that is very difficult to beat.
-What applications can’t be missing on your cell phone?
WhatsApp, Calendar, Zoom and ChatGPT.
-Netflix, Amazon, HBO, Apple or Disney?
HBO. They have always opted for quality instead of quantity.
-The car of your dreams?
I really like cars, but I no longer dream of one in particular. Over the years, I have gone through almost all makes and models, but over time you begin to prioritize issues that you did not necessarily look for before, such as space, comfort and safety, instead of speed or performance.
-Favorite vacation destination?
I have to admit that this is the merit of my wife. If I had found one that I enjoyed, I could have repeated that destination forever. But, thanks to her, I learned to enjoy always trying to see different places. We look for places where you can disconnect, but also learn. I try to slow down and come back seeing things a little differently.
-What sport do you practice?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is a sport that teaches you humility every day, because there is always someone who surpasses you and forces you to learn. It reminds you that no matter what you have accomplished outside, on the mat, and in life, you are always just starting.
-Cocktail or favorite drink?
A negroni for long days that need a break and, in the summer, always a chilcano.
-What is your favorite restaurant?
Anywhere where the ceviche is really good.
-A place you would like to be to relax and work at the same time?
A quiet place, without noise and with space to think. We are very used to running all the time, and I think we have to reclaim the break. At a certain level, one brings much more value from clarity than from speed, and those moments to slow down are key to coming back better.
-Describe yourself in three words
Curious, persevering and optimistic.
-Do you have any hidden talents?
I really enjoy cooking for my family.
-A phrase that defines it
The challenge is not in the ideas, but in the execution and the commitment to sustain them.
-What company is an inspiration for you?
Any company that is born from a real purpose, solves an important problem and manages to be sustainable over time. When impact and business go hand in hand, that is when things are built that are truly worthwhile.
-Which representative from your field would you like to have dinner with?
With the team behind Coursera or the first MOOCs. They knew how to see a huge gap in access to education and turn it into a solution at scale. I would be interested in understanding how they thought about that leap: from seeing the problem to impacting millions.
-Who gave you the best advice and what was it?
My dad. The days may feel long, but the years fly by. Be clear about your goal and work to achieve it, but don’t stop enjoying everyday life.
-A business decision that you would change?
Prioritize the CV as the first hiring filter. Many companies continue to do so, when in reality the attitude, values and way of thinking end up being much more decisive.
-What key question would you ask to hire someone?
If money wasn’t a factor, what would you really do?
-What is your greatest pride?
By FAR, my children. Having happy children who know they are loved, protected, self-confident and have the ability to fulfill all their dreams is my most important responsibility and job.
-What is the big issue that is not talked about in the media?
The enormous gaps in people’s opportunities and the disconnection between what is studied and real job opportunities.
-What is the main virtue of Peruvians?
Resilience and the ability to undertake. We are an entrepreneurial, hard-working and ambitious country, what we lack is structure and order. We have learned to get ahead even in difficult contexts.
-And its main defect?
Sometimes we focus too much on what we lack and on the problems, and not enough on the opportunities and all the potential we already have. It’s natural, complaining is much easier. But for us nothing has ever been easy, and there is much to be proud of. Let’s start valuing what is ours always, not just when there is a soccer game or people talk about our food. And when we truly recognize our potential, we will be unstoppable.
