The vital maxim of Thales of Miletus - to know oneself - has a chance in times of moving. Completion of programs of study university, first work, extended trip abroad with generous doses of loneliness, birth of a first child, completion of a demanding master's program, professional transfer to a distant country... These are ideal experiences to ask questions that tend to be postponed sine die. Crises are a propitious moment to inquire about oneself. From the most absolute anonymity, I would like to share a mock interview I've had with my family and frequently in recent months. What are your talents? "I don't know, I don't excel in anything, but I do well in many disciplines through hard work". Yes, but going back to the peaks of your biography, what are you particularly good at? "I'd have to think about it, I've developed various skills and knowledge, but I wouldn't know what my natural abilities are."

What do you like to do, what arouses your passion and interest? "No idea, I had never thought of those keys. I associate pleasure and fun with leisure. Business has more to do with seriousness, discipline and a sense of duty." What sectors or industries appeal to you? I don't usually come up with concrete answers, but there are quasi-definitive disclaimers. My interlocutor still doesn't know who he is, but at least he remains expectant.

Functions most likely to allow your talents to unfold their full potential: finance, marketing, operations, staff positions at the corporate center, the line, close to those fighting in the trenches, research? "I don't know, it's hard to narrow down such a broad question, at least some areas look more appealing to me". Business cultures and institutions that provoke your enthusiasm? Values and philosophical principles that you are not willing to give up? Ethical dilemmas that you would not like to be involved in? In these registers I stumble upon theoretical convictions that will later be put to test.

I try to track if I have an entrepreneur in front of me. "Yes, I would love to have my business, be my own boss" Any ideas, products or services that come to mind? "It's just an outline, a dream I'd like to see become a reality." Business plan, financial muscle required, partners, synergies, complementarities? Silence.

And freelance professional, where autonomy and ownership of diary are core values? "Maybe, although I need a minimum of security. I'm used to working for someone else, to receive a paycheck at the end of the month, and to do without their shelter makes me a little dizzy". Size of the business? multinational or any of our large Spanish firms, or small where visibility and responsibility are guaranteed even at the cost of added risk. "More the former than the latter".

My visit has a headhunter waiting for him, and I have class with my students. I have only given him a committee. Let it be him, natural and authentic, the artificial and false can be smelled immediately. Little by little he will get to know himself, do not despair and trust him.