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Bank Audi’s Corporate Ambassador, Maxime Chaya, is currently on a nationwide tour to schools and universities with the purpose of motivating Lebanese youth to pursue their dreams and work hard to achieve their full potential. Chaya also delivers motivational speeches entitled 'There is an Everest for Everyone' to multinational corporations, both locally and abroad. Maxime is currently finalising an inspirational 500-page book that includes more than 700 spectacular, full colour photos. “Steep Dreams; A Journey to the Top of the World” will be on the shelves in October 2009.

"When you aim for the summit, you don’t count the steps."

What kills you most?

Corruption, lying and negligence.

What gets you up in the morning?

Passion.

What happened to your childhood dreams?


They are on their way to be fulfilled 100 percent.

What distinguishes you from others?

Faith perhaps?

What do you need most?

The grace of God.

Do you think that anyone can become an artist?


No, but there’s no harm in trying our very best, otherwise, we’ll never know!

Where are you from?

Planet Earth.

Do you feel your situation is enviable?

Certainly not my financial one!

What have you given up on?

Nothing.

What do you do with your money?

What money?

What moves you?

The injustice in this world.

What are your favourite pleasures?

Inspiring others, especially the young generation.

What would you like to receive for your birthday?


A trip to space.

Name three living artists that you hate most?


I don’t hate anyone. Definitely not artists, past or present.

What or whom do you defend?

My values.

What are you capable of refusing?

Anything I deem immoral.

What are you capable of doing in the name of love?


Nothing I wouldn’t do otherwise.

What are you blamed for?

I don’t know... You tell me!

What does art bring to you?

Pleasure, although not as much as it should, perhaps.

Who do you think you are?

Someone who, without regretting it, had the guts to follow his dreams all the way, as well as the humility to follow orders along the way.

What drives you nuts?

The daily crimes committed against the environment.

Write your own epitaph?

Gosh! I never thought anyone would ask that one! Off the top of my head, I would write: “Adventurer, currently paying tribute to his lifelong guide.”

Under what form would you like to come back as?


Either a dolphin or an eagle.

What was the last book you read?

Mine! ‘Steep Dreams: My Journey to the Top of the World’ (currently being proofread, and about to be printed very soon.)

Do you like animals?

Of course I do!

Why did you choose to be the image of Bank Audi?


It is more like Bank Audi chose me to represent it, and that is perhaps because it felt that I embody its vision, and its slogan ‘Grow Beyond your Potential’.

Who is the woman of your dreams?

I haven’t really found her yet, but I must admit that being so busy fulfilling my other dreams, I haven’t looked very hard yet.

What is your philosophy in life?

I am not a philosopher – far from it - but if you insist, I would say: ‘When you aim for the summit, you don’t count the steps.’

What is the most important thing in your life?


The health, and well-being of my family.

Talk to an alien, or draw an alien.

I’m not much of an artist, so I would rather talk than draw. Accordingly, I would say: “7owell!” (literally meaning “divert!”, a Lebanese rural expression meaning “come in for coffee!”).