Javier Tabernero (Madrid, 1971) defines himself as a responsible and happy person. And very competitive. He is the president of Canon for Southern Europe, a company with a worldwide turnover of more than 27 billion euros, of which almost 30% comes from Europe. He says he likes to capture reality to understand it better.
Ask. Does he take good photographs?
Answer. I think that’s reasonable. As a young man I won two awards, neither of them relevant, but I have the ability to see and, above all, I am a hard worker. I won them with a photo of Piazza San Marco in Venice and another of the Parador de Bayona, in Galicia, where I usually spend the summer.
Q. Do you take photos as a hobby or only when you travel?
R. Generally when I travel. I travel a lot for work; day yes, day no. Before, when I had more time, I dedicated myself more to photography. But now I always bring a nice photo with me when I return from the trip. Also, I love sharing them, I tend to be pretty intense when I share them publicly online.
Q. How much free time do you have?
R. I usually look for moments of disconnection on the weekends. Every day I am very focused on work. I also travel, I love listening to customers and usually have lunch, dinner and breakfast with them. These are long days.
Q. How do you get along with the influencers?
R. I think well. I have already given out several awards at the Top Teachers conferences, where we look for content creators. I learned that they are professionals, in some cases extraordinary in their use of the language.
Q. And do you follow any?
R. Some like Ibai Llanos or Nude Project are the ones that tend to adapt the most.
Q. What are your main hobbies?
R. For most of my life it was sport. I still enjoy skiing, golf and mountain hiking. They have always been a way of health, fun and disconnection. I’m very competitive. I loved basketball, tennis, football… Another hobby is anything that has to do with socializing. In short, even cooking, organizing trips, championships and everything related to competitions is something that really attracts me.
Q. What championships do you promote?
R. Every year I organize a golf championship for friends in Galicia. Even in company. And many championships at home. Competing with good people, having fun, disconnecting… it’s the hobby I dedicate the most time to.
Q. From what I see he likes Mus.
R. I am world champion. My wife and I play a lot. I got married in Sigüenza (Guadalajara) and there they have a championship that they called the world championship, because the key word is to brag and challenge others. We won it and I usually sell it that way.
Q. Is he very boastful or is he just mus?
R. Don’t believe. I am a hard worker, very competitive and I like to lead by example. I’ve been in positions where you have to be discreet and humble. But in some moments you have to be brave and know how to show off. It’s very healthy.
Q. I read that he really likes cinema.
R. I really like cinema and it helps me in many work, family and social activities. Cinema is almost the only way I have to lower my adrenaline, to be able to escape from my mind and listen to other stories.
Q. And do you usually go to the cinema or watch it at home?
R. I love going to the cinema. Now, with the few previews we have, I go once a month or every two months. In his day he went there practically every week.
Q. What is your favorite movie?
R. life is beautifulI’ve probably seen it three times. I’ve seen more others, like Forrest GumpI’ve seen it five times, or halfwaywhich is not less than four. I almost always watch movies accompanied by my wife, she shares this hobby with me, and sometimes three of my daughters give me their time to watch movies together.
Q. Do you take care of yourself?
R. Reasonably. I try to give myself rules when it comes to eating, even when it comes to walking and moving, and I rest well. I sleep seven hours a day.
Q. Do you have stress?
R. I handle them well. I’m competitive and having adrenaline is part of my nature. It’s positive stress. I have a very clear conscience and this makes me sleep well.
Q. So much competitiveness, how does it translate into your daily life?
R. Well, I bet your interview will be the best I’ve ever had in my life. (Laughs) I usually play constantly, in everything, I can’t help it.
Q. You said you travel a lot for work, but which leisure trip do you remember best?
R. My daughters were studying in the United States and it was wonderful for me to go to the Grand Canyon with the whole family. That was the last good trip. The same thing happened last year in Southeast Asia.
Q. And your favorite?
R. What I did with my wife and parents across 10 states in the US and we came back pregnant with my twin daughters. It was an unbeatable trip.
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