As ETL GLOBAL celebrates 10 years of empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, the network spotlights key individuals who played a vital role in its journey. In this interview, Juan Bermúdez, CEO of ETL GLOBAL Spain, shares his insights on the challenges, milestones, and future of ETL GLOBAL.
Reflecting on the Beginnings
Looking back, Juan admits, “I never imagined we would come this far, and so quickly. They say, if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together. At ETL GLOBAL, we’ve managed to go both fast and far, thanks to the support of our partners.”
He recalls the early days as challenging, akin to “preaching in the desert,” the uncertainties from partners who doubted the potential of the project were significant obstacles. Yet, what kept him going was the support of his family. His wife, pregnant with their second child, and his parents provided encouragement during those critical moments. “The only option was to give my all and immerse myself 100% in the project,” Juan explains.
Since then, ETL GLOBAL Spain has grown tremendously, integrating firms across the country and building a network of exceptional professionals. Juan believes that the key to success lies in the people: “We’ve brought together not just talented professionals but genuinely good people who contribute to a competitive and professional environment.”
Reflecting on the first ETL GLOBAL Conference in Barcelona, Juan shares a mix of nostalgia and humour “The first international conference was held near the port of Barcelona. We were very few back then, but thankfully, the network hasn’t stopped growing. There’s now a newer generation of members and partners, and I’m happy to see ETL GLOBAL rejuvenating. Most of us at that first event were auditors—that’s how it all started. I also remember the challenge of getting the ETL GLOBAL car into the hotel (he says with a smile)—it wasn’t easy squeezing it through the entrance! Thankfully, it was a small car (thanks to Mr. Jörg Horauf). And of course, we all had more hair back then!”
“I never imagined we would come this far, and so quickly. They say, if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together. At ETL GLOBAL, we’ve managed to go both fast and far, thanks to the support of our partners.”
Juan at the first international conference near the port of Barcelona, pictured with the ETL GLOBAL car, a memorable feature of the event.
A Day in the Life of a Leader
Juan’s workdays vary depending on whether he is in the office or travelling. At home, his mornings begin with breakfast with his wife and children at 8:00 AM, followed by dropping the kids at school and heading to the office by 9:00 AM. The day begins with team meetings to prioritise tasks and align with the goals set at the start of the year.
Mid-mornings are often spent connecting with partners from larger firms, discussing their plans and tackling challenges. Before lunch, Juan reviews financial updates with the CFO, including ongoing integrations, group performance, and progress toward objectives. He squeezes in a workout at midday, keeping meals light to stay energised for the rest of the day. Afternoons are dedicated to legislative updates, article writing, or strategy development.
Evenings are reserved for family, with dinner together at 8:00 PM. Balancing personal and professional life is a priority, although disconnecting entirely from work can be challenging. “With today’s technology, it’s hard not to check messages, even on a Sunday morning.”
Insights on Success and Leadership
When asked about his preferred mode of communication—email, phone, or in-person meetings—Juan highlights the value of face-to-face interactions. However, he acknowledges the practicality of emails for keeping records and the convenience of video calls for tight schedules. Juan also emphasises the critical role of leadership in ETL GLOBAL’s growth: “Dr. Gorny and his vision were crucial for the Spanish partners to decide to join ETL GLOBAL. His leadership gave us the confidence to take the leap.”
Travel is a big part of Juan’s role, but he manages it by avoiding trips on Mondays and Fridays whenever possible. “Sometimes, I convince my wife to join me,” he adds with a smile. One memorable moment came after a trip when a pilot joked, “You travel more than we do!”
Future Outlook
Juan sees technology as the cornerstone of ETL GLOBAL Spain’s future. “Our competitors of tomorrow won’t just be accountants or lawyers—they’ll be financial institutions, public administrations, and even robots. Instead of opposing them, we should collaborate with these advancements.”
Reflecting on his professional journey, Juan considers starting ETL GLOBAL Spain from scratch the most significant decision of his career. “Each integration is both a professional and personal commitment, and I’ve never regretted any of them.”
A look back at ETL GLOBAL Conferences
