Marco Arcaini Partner AltoSearch GmbH / AltoPartners Germany

WHERE WERE YOU BORN, AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?

I was born in Frankfurt, and currently live with my family in Wiesbaden, Germany. My spiritual home though is in Tuscany where I spent all my holidays growing up. My Italian grandfather was a musician and a successful entrepreneur. Every summer, he and my grandmother would open their house in the Tuscan countryside, and I remember long, vibrant summers full of art and music. Needless to say, my cousins and I were not on the VIP guest list, but rather hard at work behind the scenes ensuring the estate was in perfect shape for guests and visitors.

WHAT DID YOU STUDY AND WHY?

I didn’t have enough conviction to become an artist, so I went into banking instead! I graduated with a degree in business administration from New York’s Hofstra University and later completed an MBA in the UK.

FIRST JOB?

My first real job was as a researcher for a boutique executive search firm. I knew instantly that it was for me: I liked the dynamic, ever-changing nature of the assignments and the excuse to wear nice suits.

FIRST CAR?

The legendary and utterly reliable Fiat Uno. It had a 45-horsepower engine, that felt more like 200!

CURRENT CAR?

Audi Q4 e-tron – my first fully electric car. Very exciting.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST SURPRISE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

The difference you can make every single day! I enjoy being able to contribute to people’s careers and take pleasure in following a candidate’s progress after the initial placement. Even when candidates do not make it in the final cut, I will always provide constructive feedback that I hope will give them an edge next time around.

BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK?

Founding an executive search company at a time when I had no real financial buffer, and our twins were just about to enter elementary school. Happily, we succeeded and went on to become part of AltoPartners.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL BETTER ON A BAD DAY?

Meditation – in all its forms.

MY MOST REDEEMING QUALITY IS…

I am deeply sincere in everything I do. I walk the talk, even if I come across as a bit naïve on occasion. It keeps me joyful and protects me from cynicism.

I HAVE LEARNED TO COME TO TERMS WITH…

The fact that even the best of intentions will occasionally be misconstrued.

WHAT’S THE THING THAT PEOPLE ARE MOST SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?

I am currently training for my first marathon in the fall.

IN THE LAST MONTH, WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING CONVERSATION YOU HAVE HAD?

During a recent business trip to Kuala Lumpur, I had a conversation about life and work with the senior executive that I had come to see, and the doorman of my hotel. Both took their 60-hour-plus week in their stride.

LAST (OR MOST LOVED) HOLIDAY?

Tuscany.

BEST BOOK YOU’VE READ IN THE PAST YEAR?

Ego Is the Enemy, by Ryan Holiday. Excellent advice on how to make better decisions by eliminating the ego.

WHAT HAVE YOU BINGE-WATCHED RECENTLY?

Succession on HBO.

BEST GADGET?

My Lavazza A Modo Mio espresso machine.

HOW DO YOU RELAX AND UNWIND?

I work. It may sound counterintuitive, but I love what I do, and working with many different, interesting people is very rewarding. If I feel like a break, I will take a workcation with my wife in a nice city and find a good hotel, where I can check emails and talk to candidates and clients between visiting museums, taking in the sights and enjoying a nice walk.

CHARITY/ CAUSE CLOSEST TO YOUR HEART?

I support any organisation promoting love, compassion, justice, and peace.

I HAVE A COLLECTION OF… good wine gathering dust.

IN MY FRIDGE, YOU WILL ALWAYS FIND … a pint of Häagen-Dazs. This is a real novelty for me as now that my kids have moved out, I can finally rely on the fact that it will always be there - waiting for me.