Victor Arias, Managing Director at Diversified Search Group / AltoPartners USA. Working primarily in the Board of Directors practice, he is the leader of the firm’s Dallas-Fort Worth office and Co-Practice Leader of the Consumer and Retail practice.

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

I was born in El Paso Texas and now live in the Dallas TX area. I grew up in a Spanish-speaking household with strong Mexican roots.

WHAT DID YOU STUDY AND WHY?

I studied business administration at the University of Texas at El Paso where I earned a Bachelor’s degree and then went to Stanford University to get my MBA. I have always been attracted to business, especially finance and accounting.

FIRST JOB?

Working in a warehouse for a department store, moving large items and also doing deliveries.

FIRST CAR?

At college, I had a pre-owned Opel Kadett that I resprayed a deep purple. Everyone on campus knew it as The Grape.

CURRENT CAR?

2024 Mercedes C350. Not purple.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST SURPRISE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

How long I have been doing this…. almost 30 years but with different firms (Diversified, Korn Ferry, Heidrick & Struggles, Spencer Stuart). This is an “eat what you kill” business, so initially, I wasn’t sure if I could sustain a living. I am very pleased that my instincts have been good, and I have made a tremendous living and feel like I have contributed much to the firm, to my family and to the different communities I am a part of. Additionally, it’s allowed me to focus on making a meaningful contribution in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion. This has been very fruitful and, in many respects, positively surprising.

BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK?

Getting into the executive search business with no promises of income. The first six months were lean but then after that, things really happened and 30 years later I am very happy and fortunate.

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL BETTER ON A BAD DAY?

My family and my wife. My wife is professionally a nurse and even though she is technically retired, she is a very selfless person and helps the needy and downtrodden. I realise I have nothing to complain about when she shares her stories. All is well!

MY MOST REDEEMING QUALITY IS… Humility. My parents and my wife keep me humble. I treat everyone the same, whether it’s a board chair or the maintenance people in our building. We are all creatures of God.

I HAVE LEARNED TO COME TO TERMS WITH… the fact that you can’t please everyone! And that’s OK too. So long as you are honest with yourself and with others and do the right thing.

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

I am a musician (piano and guitar) and sing as a tenor.

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

The elections are on everyone’s mind. Have been speaking with other friends and treading lightly around the topic of the political environment in the US. Finding out many are in the middle just like me and are very disappointed by where the country is headed.

LAST (OR MOST LOVED) HOLIDAY?

I love Thanksgiving in the US because it lacks the pressures of the Christmas holidays, and it is easier to get family and friends together.

BEST BOOK YOU’VE READ IN THE PAST YEAR?

Empire of the Summer Moon by William Thomas. A gripping popular history of the Comanches, the most powerful and possibly least understood of the Native American civilizations.

WHAT HAVE YOU BINGE-WATCHED RECENTLY? World on Fire

BEST GADGET? My electric wine opener!!

HOW DO YOU RELAX AND UNWIND?

As well as playing and listening to music, I also enjoy a game of tennis and a round of golf.

CHARITY/ CAUSE CLOSEST TO YOUR HEART?

Catholic Charities of Dallas. They do excellent work with people in need, regardless of faith. They also work extensively with immigrants for whom I have real sympathy.

I HAVE A COLLECTION OF… Vinyl LPs from the 70s, 80s and some 90s including lots of mariachi music.

IN MY FRIDGE, YOU WILL ALWAYS FIND… Hot salsa (the spicier the better and usually made by me) and a variety of cheeses.