“There is No Limit to What You Can Do”

Liliana Escobar, the Marketing Manager for the Middle East at Ariston Group, says life requires risks if you want to go somewhere else

Can you share a little bit about what it is that you do and what a typical day for you is like?
As Ariston, our job is to provide sustainable comfort for everyone across the globe. In the Middle East, we make sure every house having an Ariston Water Heater, either Electrical, Solar, or Heat Pump, is getting the necessary amount of warm water at every single use.

In my current role, I am in contact with our main customers, distributors, consultants, retailers, and FMC to define and execute the actions needed to accelerate sales. I’m also in charge to explore business opportunities regarding new products and technologies to be launched in the region, making sure that end users understand the benefits of each water heater technology and how we are positioned in the market.

What first got you interested in the industry you work in?
In my professional life, my main goal is to help to improve people’s lives, so that’s exactly what the water heaters and all new technologies in the sector do for people, they give the comfort of warm water to everyone.

So that attracted me, how a simple product and us, the people behind the brand can make our best to give people the comfort of hot water everywhere, the relaxation of a nice warm shower which can give you a good time after a long day.

What obstacles did you have to overcome?
The main obstacle is that it is an industry mainly dominated by men, on both suppliers’ and customers’ sides. It was very interesting to see only men in the discussions, meetings, and events we were having at the beginning. Everything was conceived from men for men.

At the same time, it has been a pleasure to see some change in the last couple of years, where we can now see how the female crowd has started to grow. There is still a way to go as most of the senior positions in this industry are covered by men.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in the industry you represent? What do you wish you had known?
My advice for new challenges is always: Go for it! There is no limit to what you can do. In my opinion, the only way to learn and understand is by doing, trying, and getting out of your comfort zone. Life requires risks if you want to go somewhere else.

Who is your role model?
One of the women I admire the most is Michelle Obama. She is a woman who proved that we can be successful at all levels. She has stepped out of what it seemed to be the expected job she should have as a lawyer. She decided to follow her dreams and do what makes her happy as a professional combining and balancing it with her personal life and has successfully become a great attorney, writer, wife, mother, daughter, and sister.

What do you do to unwind after work or over weekends?
I enjoy traveling around the world, I can proudly say that I have visited more than 50 countries. I also love reading, I read 10-12 books a year, and last but not least I adore spending time with my husband and my lovely 1-year-old baby girl.