Miguel Guadalupe is the chief operating officer at Pacific Ventures, a UAE-based independent developer. The American was born in Coco Solo in the Panama Canal Zone in 1953 to an army office father and after graduating with a degree in computer information systems and mathematics from Miami Dade College, worked in management positions in various industries before moving to the UAE to join the company.
What are your favourite things to do on the weekend?
I am a nature person so my favourite things are fishing, hunting, swimming, going to the park and taking long drives between the mountains. Apart from these, I like watching movies and visiting family and friends.
What do you consider to be your favourite hobby?
Hobbies are a crucial element in our lives. It keeps the person passionate about life as it’s something you love to do. My hobby is camel riding and horse riding and Formula One. I love experiencing them as well as watching them. It’s very exciting and relaxing. Riding is a very good hobby, because it keeps you fit and helps you relax.
What can’t you live without?
My friends and family. I don’t see the point of living alone, not sharing your happiness or sadness with your beloved ones. The other things come automatically: food, shelter, love and good health.
What do you consider the secret to your success?
You must be passionate about what you are trying to achieve. For me, successful entrepreneurs pick an opportunity where others see nothing. Work hard to achieve it. It’s not as easy as it sounds, but within the long journey to success the person should be patient and should know how to enjoy that journey. I trust my gut instinct more than any spreadsheet. One should be flexible as well as persistent. I strongly believe in teamwork. It’s a simple fact: no individual can be good at everything. I rely on my team and make sure that everything is moving smoothly. Honesty and integrity are key words for me to achieve long-term success. It is a long journey and much more fruitful if you give back.
What advice would you offer others starting out in your business?
Becoming an entrepreneur and starting a business may sound scary for many, however, nobody expects rocket growth or a high profit initially. So they should just start slowly. To become a good entrepreneur, they should have passion to learn and an inquiring mind. They should get an adviser or a guide to learn from others' mistakes. It will stop them making the same mistakes and will help their business grow faster. They should attend networking events, exhibitions to grow their circle. Learning and enthusiasm does not always come from a guide. Some of their best learning may take place when they speak honestly to another businessperson in the same line of business. As long as the other entrepreneur is not a competitor, they are likely to be willing to share what they have already experienced. Networking is mutually beneficial for both the parties. Whenever you take business advice, make sure you give back too.
How do you achieve a work-life balance?
On my way to work, I switch myself into the work “me”, so on my way home I switch back again to being the non-work “me”. I believe in a planned and balanced life. Starting to think about what you want to do that evening can eventually draw your work thoughts away and help this change into becoming the non-work “you”. I also have a life after work, so why waste it? When I plan my week, I schedule my time with my family and friends, and activities that help me refresh.
How do you relax after the working day?
I go swimming, camping or the easiest way to relax for me is to listen to music. I sometimes take drives to relax after work as well. If it was a long day I might go for a massage. An after-work massage is a great way to unknot tight muscles. Muscles hold stress, and it is a great way of releasing this stress.
If you weren’t COO of this company, what else would you be doing?
I would do a lot of travelling. I love travelling to different countries and meeting different cultures. I would probably travel and give inspirational talks to the youth.
lbarnard@thenational.ae
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