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Welcome to my journey
Embark on a journey through my life, a tale of transformation, adventure, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. From my ordinary beginnings in a middle-class Spanish family, my life has taken unexpected turns. Undeterred by academic shortcomings, I dared to dream beyond the mundane and break free from uninspiring jobs. This quest for more led me from Madrid to Dublin and back, and ultimately to London, where perseverance paid off with a dream job at Google. My career soared as I spent a decade in Asia, calling Singapore and Manila home and exploring over 30 countries. Today, as a successful investor and financially independent, my journey stands as a testament to the power of ambition and the boundless possibilities that arise from daring to dream. Welcome to "My Journey".
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STEPPING STONES
Saigon 2024 -
Having just landed back in Southeast Asia in July 2024, I’m soaking up the endless summer once again. This vibrant region is packed with opportunities for adventure, from daily swims and amazing food discoveries to exploring stunning landscapes and lively cities. My spirit feels totally renewed, and I’m ready to dive into all the adventures that lie ahead. This isn’t just another trip; it’s the next chapter in my life journey, driven by a passion for exploration and a relentless desire to keep dreaming big.
Madrid 2021 - 2024
Coming back to Madrid turned out to be a lot tougher than I expected. After spending a decade chasing endless summers in Southeast Asia, getting used to Madrid's four distinct seasons—especially the long winter—was a big shift. The bureaucracy in Europe was another shock, so different from the smooth process I was used to in Southeast Asia. But on the bright side, my daughter built a beautiful bond with her family, especially her grandmother and cousins, and we got to explore some of Spain's stunning cities together. Once she became fluent in both English and Spanish, we knew it was time to head back to Southeast Asia.
Singapore 2018 - 2021
My second stint in Singapore was even better than I could have imagined. Surrounded by friends, I lived an amazing lifestyle packed with bootcamps, beach volleyball, parties, gaming, social gatherings, and plenty of time by the pool. Then, the pandemic came along and disrupted everything, but there was a silver lining—the birth of my daughter. That changed everything, and our focus naturally shifted away from the party scene. By late 2021, I realized my daughter was missing out on connecting with her family in Madrid. So, I made the big decision to quit Google and leave Singapore to give her the chance to truly know her Spanish roots, culture, and language.
Manila 2017 - 2018
In 2017, I got a fantastic opportunity to lead a large team working with high-value customers all around the world, so I jumped at the chance and moved to Manila. It was a big step up in my career, and I didn’t waste a moment exploring the city and the beautiful country, from its stunning northern mountains to the countless paradisiac islands. I enjoyed a great lifestyle while traveling all over the place. I thrived in my role, even earning a promotion along the way. Once I’d achieved what I set out to do, my focus shifted back to Singapore, and after a little over a year in Manila, I made my way back home.
Singapore 2012 - 2017
Singapore had me hooked from the start. Determined to make it my home, I kept applying to Google Singapore until I finally secured a position in 2012. My new role had me managing large teams across the Philippines, Japan, and Malaysia. Financial success followed, and I found myself traveling all over the region. Singapore became my home base, and Southeast Asia turned into my playground. I dove into authentic Asian cuisine and indulged in some seriously luxurious experiences. Staying in five-star hotels in Tokyo, Manila, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur became the norm. Life was so fulfilling.
Dublin 2007 - 2012
My second stint in Dublin was a dream come true from day one. I was surrounded by incredibly talented people from all over the world, and work and play just seemed to blend effortlessly. The job at Google was everything I’d hoped for—fun, inspiring, and so fulfilling that I actually looked forward to Mondays! My bank account was thriving, and my mindset was evolving as I started to explore the world like never before. To mark my third anniversary at Google, I took a sabbatical that changed my life. That’s when I discovered Singapore and fell head over heels for the city.
London 2006 - 2007
Even with my improved English and the lessons I learned from Dublin, my time in London was just as tough. I went through months of unemployment, watching my savings dwindle, and spent countless hours perfecting my resume and interview skills. Despite facing rejection after rejection, I refused to give up. Finally, I got my shot—a Google Ireland interview. I put all my new skills to work, nailed the on-site interviews, and landed a spot at one of the most prestigious companies in the world. That moment turned my life in ways I could never have imagined.
Madrid 2005 - 2006
Coming back to Madrid after that wild year in Dublin felt like a homecoming, but I was still dealing with some lingering health issues that really knocked me down. For months, I struggled with sickness and fatigue, but I eventually bounced back. Once I got my strength back, I knew it was time to chase my dreams again. This time, I set my sights on London. I prepared by diving into English audiobooks, thinking, "This time, I’m going to be better equipped than when I took off for Dublin back in 2004." It was time to create my future all over again!
Dublin 2004 - 2005
I arrived in Dublin in October 2004—a virtual stranger with no job, no home, no friends, and extremely limited grasp of the language. I survived my first job selling alarm systems door-to-door - for a week -, and soon after, I joined Marks & Spencer as a cashier. Despite the challenges of this demanding period, I learned to live independently in a foreign land. This experience bolstered a deep self-awareness that would shape my future in ways I never imagined. Looking back, moving to Dublin was undoubtedly the best decision I ever made.
Madrid 1975 - 2004
My journey started on November 13, 1975, in Madrid, Spain. I’m the eldest of three siblings, and I had a happy childhood growing up in my hometown, where I went through school, high school, and university. While high school wasn’t exactly my favorite time, I discovered a life-changing computer game. Civilization dramatically enhanced my planning and strategic thinking skills, which would prove critical later in life. While at university, I followed the typical Spanish path of working for uninspiring companies. However, one scorching summer in 2004, at the age of 29, I decided to leave Madrid for Dublin, ready to chase a bold vision and see where it would lead me.