Partner Q&A: Behind the scenes with Maria Zabala

What do you love most about your job?

Human interaction - being efficient implies, among other things, listening to and understanding your client. I also love a challenge.

What is one piece of advice that would you give to someone who was looking at starting out in your industry?

Do not forget ethics, they always remain in the background.

What would you do if you weren’t in your current role?

I would be involved in management, I suppose, or if I were brave enough, I would be working for a humanitarian organization.

Name 3 people that you would invite to a dinner party (living or dead).

Difficult to choose… I have learned that you may be surprised by those whom you least expect.

What was your first job?

Edecan* in different events.

* An assistant at meetings or conferences

What motivates you?

Being satisfied with what I achieve.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

In Bilbao, and definitively in Spain! Nevertheless, knowing that I would be coming back, I would like to experience living in some of the world’s biggest cities.

How do you start each morning?

Turning off the alarm for ten additional minutes… and then an Italian coffee.

What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve received?

Do not expect others to behave as you may.

What is your favourite holiday destination and why?

I love changing where I holiday every year - knowing different places is the best way to disconnect.

Name one item that you can’t live without.

Laughter.

What is the number one problem Alliott Group solves for your clients?

International reach.

What would you say to a firm that is considering whether to join Alliott Group or a different international group?

Alliott Group offers you a wide group of experts that would be more than happy to answer a simple question or assist you in the most complex issue. Alliott Group makes you feel stronger.

Describe Alliott Group in as few words as possible.

Experience.