1) Walk me through your career pre-LBS, when and why did you decide that Sloan was the next step?
My professional journey led me through executive roles in global companies like 3M, P&G, and Lego, spanning across the markets of Latin America, North America, and Europe. In 2011, when I accepted the position of CEO at a family-owned company in Brazil with the mission of orchestrating a turnaround, I made a pivotal decision, with the blessing of my family. I determined that this role would be my final stop before embarking on a journey to study abroad, outside my home country of Brazil.
This choice stemmed from a critical realization. Despite investing in short-term executive courses at prestigious American universities like Babson College, I recognized that the rapidly evolving global business landscape demanded a deeper comprehension of the disruptions affecting various facets of an enterprise. As an executive, I felt the imperative to evolve and broaden my horizons.
Hence, the Sloan program became an obvious choice, aligning perfectly with my career and personal aspirations. After exploring programs at institutions like Stanford University (MSx) and MIT, I ultimately opted for LBS due to its global outlook, cultural diversity, and the unique opportunity it offered my family to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of London.
2) What were the key goals you had before studying the programme, and have these been achieved?
Before embarking on the Sloan program at LBS, my primary objective was to advance professionally and equip myself for future roles, potentially as a board member or board advisor. I can’t say that I haven’t made progress toward this goal, as I now advise several companies. However, my objectives underwent a profound transformation.
I decided to pivot away from the corporate realm, embracing a career path centred on consulting, entrepreneurship, and academia.
3) How has being a Sloan alumnus impacted you on a professional and personal level?
On a personal level, the Sloan experience has left an indelible mark, not just on me but also on my family. During the program, an unforeseen opportunity arose for us to establish our lives in London. Presently, our entire existence is firmly rooted here, with my son already pursuing his education at a university in the UK.
Professionally, I embarked on a radical career shift, committing myself to entrepreneurship by founding my own strategy boutique. Furthermore, I invested in my academic journey, presently instructing on strategy and business transformation in an MBA program at a federal university in Brazil, as well as in a Master in Business program at a UK-based university.
Towards the end of 2022, I initiated a search fund dedicated to acquiring a manufacturing company in the UK. I’ve also become deeply engaged in the startup ecosystem, actively serving as an angel investor in multiple ventures in both Latin America and the UK.
4) What advice would you give to anyone thinking about applying for the programme?
I’ve shared this advice on numerous occasions, and those who’ve heeded it have undoubtedly reaped the benefits of the program’s outcomes.
My counsel is simple: maintain an unwavering openness to learning, experimentation, and personal and professional reinvention. The Sloan program at LBS represents a distinctive and profoundly transformative experience, provided you seize the opportunity with full dedication.
For further information about our Sloan programme click here.