A brief Coffee Table Chat: STIRRINGPASSIONS: EXPLORING LIFE BEYOND WORK
One-on-One with Jesús Parrilla
Join us for a conversation with Jesús Parrilla as he shares how his personal passions—football, nature, wine, and cooking—shape his professional approach to leadership and hospitality. From his lifelong loyalty to Sevilla FC to his love for storytelling through wine and food, Jesús reveals how life beyond work fuels his creativity and commitment to sustainable travel experiences.
1. WHAT PERSONAL INTERESTS 1. DO YOU HAVE?
I have several personal interests, but football—what I affectionately call “the suffering game” because for 30+ years I have followed from another continent— is one of my earliest passions. My childhood is filled with memories of the crowd’s roar, a sea of red and white flags, and the comforting presence of my father and older brother as we watched Sevilla FC battle it out on the pitch, week in and week out. Just as my father did with his father and siblings, supporting Sevilla, the resilient underdog, is more than just a pastime for our family—it’s a way of life. Owning a few shares in the club has only deepened that connection. For me, being a one-club person isn’t just about loyalty; it’s about a lifelong commitment that has profoundly bound our family together.
Beyond football, I find solace, inspiration, and gratitude in long-distance walks through nature. There’s a regenerative power in those quiet moments when the rhythm of my steps and the sound of my heartbeat bring peace, spark creativity, and offer clarity like nothing else. Walking through the wild, I feel a deep connection to the world, to my thoughts, and to the boundless potential of what could be.
2. WHAT ELSE DO YOU ENJOY DOING?
Food and wine aren’t just pleasures for me; they’re passions that resonate deeply with the soul. I have a particular affinity for complex, structured wines and a special appreciation for the robust, earthy notes of Chilean wines, especially those from the Apalta region. There’s something profoundly satisfying about the alchemy of flavors in a well-crafted wine—how it tells the story of the land, its people, the sun, the rain, and the hands that nurtured it. Cooking is another joy of mine, a creative and therapeutic outlet where I blend influences from the places I’ve called home—Southern Spain, Texas, Tennessee, and Chile. My culinary style, if I were to describe it as such, is deeply rooted in soulful food—the kind that’s slow-cooked, comforting, and rich in flavor, yet not overwhelming. It’s deeply satisfying and replenishing. Each dish I prepare is a tribute to these diverse regions and to the people I’ve met along the way—a celebration of the cultures and traditions that have shaped both my palate and my life.
3. HOW DO YOUR PERSONAL INTERESTS INFLUENCE YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE?
My personal interests have deeply shaped my professional life in meaningful ways. From football, I’ve learned the value of resilience and loyalty. Supporting Sevilla FC as an underdog has taught me that true commitment comes from standing by something through both triumphs and setbacks, unlike those who follow only when success is guaranteed. This rebellious spirit of the underdog and steadfast dedication inform my approach to leadership and innovation.
My love for nature has inspired my work in outdoor hospitality. The deep appreciation I have for the natural world drives my commitment to preserving and celebrating it through immersive, sustainable travel experiences. This passion for nature influences how I design and manage outdoor projects, ensuring that they respect and enhance the environment.
Wine has offered me insights into the importance of storytelling and culture in hospitality. Learning about different wine regions and their histories has shown me how a well-curated wine selection can foster meaningful connections and great conversations, enriching the guest experience. In cooking, I have gained a profound respect for local cultures and traditions.
My culinary experiences have deepened my gratitude for the diverse people and places that have shaped my life. This respect for cultural heritage and the joy of sharing meals with others inform my approach to hospitality, emphasizing the importance of honoring and celebrating local traditions. Together, these experiences drive my social commitment and understanding of the importance of sharing and fostering harmonious coexistence. They remind me that personal growth and professional success are intertwined with a deep appreciation for the world and the people around us.
