José Miguel Gómez is a Senior Director with Alvarez & Marsal’s (A&M) Restructuring Division in Madrid. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Universidad Carlos III (Spain) and a master’s degree in general management from IESE Business School. 

In the Q&A below, José shares how A&M’s operational DNA played an important part in his return to the firm, why giving back is important to him and about his love of motorcycles.

You earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University Carlos III of Madrid. You then went on to earn a master’s degree in general management from IESE. What led you to pursue a career in consulting? Were there any “aha” moments that led you to that decision?

At the time I wasn’t considering a career in consulting. My initial consulting experience was almost 20 years ago. My master’s degree from IESE was really inspiring and I found the opportunity to work at A&M aligned with what I was looking for — working in different industries in a very dynamic environment. My “aha” moment occurred when I knew the operational DNA and hands-on environment of Alvarez & Marsal would challenge me and propel me forward.

Tell us about your experience with Alvarez & Marsal’s CRO and PEPI groups and the skill sets you strengthened/acquired while at A&M? You recently rejoined A&M as a Senior Director. What were some of your reasons for returning? What would you tell someone who left and is contemplating coming back?

It’s very linked to the people I worked with and the operational DNA and values of A&M that led me to rejoin. I found great professionals and friends at A&M.

To someone who left and is contemplating coming back, I would tell them that it’s hard to find vigorous opportunities to learn and interact in different environments. And if that is what you desire and thrive on, then returning to A&M would be the best decision to amplify your career.  

What do you enjoy most about working at A&M? Do you feel that our core values (quality, personal reward, objectivity, diversity, inclusive diversity, integrity and fun) stand true?

It is amazing that with such rapid growth in the last five years that A&M’s core values spread consistently across the organization. What I enjoy most about working at A&M is the flexibility and freedom to deliver results to clients. And the capability to work in different industries or even SBUs.

How does A&M differ from other consulting firms?

In my personal view there are several characteristics that make A&M unique: dynamism, execution (operational heritage), less organizational complexity and personal reward or meritocracy.

Why are you passionate about what you do?

At each place I have worked, I have always liked to have the full picture. For many years I worked developing and leading different functions in corporations to learn and get different points of view. This experience helped me to stay involved in transformational situations and that’s what I’m passionate about. It is really gratifying to design solutions and make them come true through a conscious and realistic implementation. It’s where you can quickly see the footprint of what you do.

You’ve worked in a plethora of different industries (automotive, construction materials, management consulting). What has been the biggest advantage to being exposed to a multitude of industries?

The biggest advantage is that I had the chance to see and understand so many different organizations, from different countries, in different industries. This helped me to quickly adapt to different cultures and identify levers and key aspects of every organization/business. This has been especially helpful for my development at A&M.

What is the best professional advice you have received?

Do your best, be honest and put all your effort into making things happen. When you do that, everything will work itself out.

What is the most surprising fact you’ve learned about yourself?

That in a crisis I am able to keep calm and have been a point of reference for others to do the same and overcome the situation at hand.

What is your personal philosophy in life?

Be humble and honest with myself and others, respect everybody and try to contribute and learn from everything.

You volunteer with Juegaterapia and Ayuda en Acción, two foundations that focus on children. Can you tell us how you got involved and why they are important to you?

My partner works for Juegaterapia, a foundation dedicated to assisting treating children with cancer. We find it is important to balance our contribution to society and that’s why at home we are also focused in supporting social causes and, specifically, children as they are very vulnerable.

What are some of your hobbies and passions outside of work?

My priority is family and friends. I love traveling, motorcycling and I like restoring old motorbikes. Currently I have six!

What are some random fun facts about you?

I would say that I am intense and a perfectionist, although I have also learned to see the practical side of things.