April 15, 2025 • 43 mins
Curious how top leaders thrive under pressure and inspire through chaos? In this Beyond Confidence episode, Divya Parekh talks with Teresa Mafalda Gonçalves about leading through crises, transformation, and global change. Discover practical insights on managing restructuring, aligning strategy with well-being, and building a trust-driven culture for lasting success. A must-listen for leaders at every level.
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Beyond Confidence is broadcast live Tuesdays at 10AM ET on W4WN Radio - Women 4 Women Network (www.w4wn.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4radio.com) on the Talk 4 Media Network (www.talk4media.com). Beyond Confidence TV Show is viewed on Talk 4 TV (www.talk4tv.com).
Beyond Confidence Podcast is also available on Talk 4 Media (www.talk4media.com), Talk 4 Podcasting (www.talk4podcasting.com), iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Audible, and over 100 other podcast outlets.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beyond-confidence--1885197/support.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
The topics and opinions expressed on the following show are
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We make no recommendations or endorsement for radio show programs, services,
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(00:20):
directed to those show hosts. Thank you for choosing W
four WN Radio.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
This is Beyond Confidence with your host dvpark. Do you
want to live a more fulfilling life? Do you want
to live your legacy and achieve your personal, professional, and
financial goals? Well? Coming up on dvaparks Beyond Confidence, you
will hear real stories of leaders, entrepreneurs, and achievers who
have stepped into discomfort, shattered their status quo, and are
(00:46):
living the life they want. You will learn how relationships
are the key to achieving your aspirations and financial goals.
Moving your career business forward does not have to happen
at the expense of your personal or family life or
vice versa. Learn more at wwdas don't divpork dot com
and you can connect with dvat contact dants divpark dot com.
(01:06):
This is beyond confidence and now here's your host Divpark.
Speaker 3 (01:11):
Good morning listeners, It's Tuesday, and of course I love
to be with you all, So I want to share
a kindness story. It's a beautiful kindness story. So one
of my neighbors she grows butterflies. And when I talk
about gross butterflies, y'all might be thinking, how do you
do that? She will plant milkweeds, and I'm going to
(01:34):
invite you to do that. We are in that time,
especially in the US, plant local milkweeds in your frontyard
and your backyard because monarchs are dining out. These are
special butterflies and they're very helpful for pollination and for
keeping our crops and like you know, it's a cross
(01:56):
pollinator and for a lot of different things, and of
course they're beautiful themselves, so it's worth preserving those species.
So what she does is she spends a lot of time,
you know, having the butterflanets and taking the caterpillars. And
I want to give a shout out to Robin and
(02:16):
then she really spends a lot of time taking care
of them. So there are people out there who are
doing it. So what we could do is at least
grow some milkweeds. It's is local to your region and
help our monas grow. So for those of you who
(02:37):
have got her books expert to Influencer, Entrepreneur, Garden and
the others me, thank you because you are helping us
spread the message in For those who have not got it,
think about it and get those because those books will
help you. And also want to share that the partial
(03:00):
profits from the books to go to keywa dot org.
So we are helping each other out and helping the
entrepreneurs too.
Speaker 4 (03:09):
Let's bring in.
Speaker 3 (03:10):
Our guest, Teresa. She is a very powerful leader and
you're going to enjoy the show today.
Speaker 5 (03:19):
Welcome Teresa, Hi Dvia. Thank you very much for this.
It's a real pleasure to be here. I've been following
your work and this truly I truly admire the way
you lead these conversation. So thank you for creating this
space and for inviting me.
Speaker 3 (03:37):
Thank you. Oh, I appreciate that kind words and see
like that kindness keeps on going. So, Teresa, do you
recall a moment or a person from your childhood, who'll
have to post and mark on you.
Speaker 5 (03:52):
Yeah, yes, when you ask that, if you come to
my mind. But there's one that really stands out. I
remember a philosophy teacher I had in school, and he
was deeply human, someone who genuinely cared about his students.
And I had always done well academically, but in one
(04:15):
particular test, I got a much lower greater than usual,
and it really threw me off. But then when he
returned the test, he didn't give just just a grade.
He gave me a perspective. He said something that stayed
in my in my life forever. He said that only
those who fight can win. And that sentence made a
(04:39):
deep impression on me because he reminded me, and he
reminds everybody.
Speaker 4 (04:45):
That a single moment, especially one that war, that we
fall short, doesn't define who we are.
Speaker 5 (04:54):
And that message was so powerful, especially coming at a
time when I felt disappointed is with myself a reminder
that we are allowed to fail, to stumble, to have
moments that things don't go our way. But but it
(05:14):
was truly important. Uh and and and it's it was
very important for for me to to know this, because
we choose how to respond and we choose how we
will learn and how we will move forward.
Speaker 4 (05:30):
And and.
Speaker 5 (05:32):
He made he made it clear that resilience is not
about it. It's not about never failing. It's about how
we raise uh. And that mindset stayed in my life
forever and UH and even in the worst moments.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
UH.
Speaker 4 (05:52):
This is this is the thing that I have always
in my in my mind.
Speaker 5 (05:56):
And of course I can speak about the positive influence
without mentioning my parents, because for me, family has always
been a fundamental pillar in my life. The education we
received myself and my sister and my brother at home,
ships who we become give us our values, our resilience,
(06:17):
and our drive. And it's and I'm considered, I consider
that I'm incredibly lucky to have parents who are invested
in our education that taught us to see beyond our surroundings.
Speaker 4 (06:30):
And my mother, she's a warrior. She was always present,
She was.
Speaker 5 (06:36):
A she wasn't teach anymore, but she was a teacher,
and she she was always involved. And she thought that
nothing is impossible if we're willing to work for it.
And she showed us how to support one another and
to stay commitment committed no.
Speaker 4 (06:54):
Matter what and it was incredible.
Speaker 5 (06:57):
And my father, he's still in research and he's still working,
and he showed me what resilience truly looks like, how
facing difficulties with strengthen and determination eventually brings rewards.
Speaker 4 (07:12):
And he always reminded us that.
Speaker 5 (07:15):
Whatever we do, we must do it well, we must
give our best. And those lessons for my teacher and
for my parents have never left me. They shaped who
I am and they still guide me, uh and guide
the way I lead and the way I.
Speaker 4 (07:33):
Face difficulty moments difficult moments.
Speaker 5 (07:36):
So sometimes when I'm feeling discouraged, my mother reminds me,
come on, you know, it only those what I mean,
And it's her way of saying, there's no time for
self doubt.
Speaker 4 (07:50):
We keep moving, we fight, and we give everything we've
got that's beautiful.
Speaker 3 (07:58):
And you know what you shared was so it just
kind of touched me because I've had moments in my
career where like, you know, you get the papers back
and there's never a comment, and your teacher just kind
of sharing that one thing and that lasting with you
for the rest of your life. It shows leadership, your
(08:20):
parents' leadership. And so many people have this idea about
that you know, you have to have a title, you
gotta be in the c suite, or you gotta be
at the director manager level position to be the leader.
And here's such a beautiful examples that you can be
leader anywhere. Yeah, what are your thoughts on that? What
(08:44):
do you think?
Speaker 4 (08:46):
Yes? I agree, I agree. It's true.
Speaker 5 (08:49):
You can be leader in any position, in any profession
you have. You can inspire others anywhere. You just have
to be human. You just have to to feel the
pains of the others to understand their positions.
Speaker 4 (09:07):
And they think so I agree.
Speaker 3 (09:11):
Absolutely, And I really like what you're sharing is that
you can be a leader anywhere. You just have to
be human. That is so profound. And so as you
grew up, what for your interest and like, you know,
(09:33):
what did you want to become?
Speaker 4 (09:36):
Well, that's a nice question. I would say I had.
Speaker 5 (09:42):
One single interest type pursue or in or that I
was focusing. But I've always been someone who's who's who
was deeply curious and emotionally connected to the world around me,
and I think that shape a lot who I am today.
(10:03):
I've always had a strong passion for arts, especially cinema
and theater, and for a time I even seriously consider
studying theater, but in Portugal and Portugal back then that
that path wasn't really encouraged and it was seemed too
uncertain or difficult, so I ended up letting go that trim.
(10:27):
But still cinema remains a huge part of my life.
Speaker 4 (10:30):
I remember during.
Speaker 5 (10:32):
School holidays I watched film after film. It was absolutely fascinated,
and I remember that I used to put the alarm
at the middle of the night to see the Oscars events.
For many years, I had that tradition of going to
the movies every Friday with my father and it was
(10:52):
our special ritual. We don't do it as often in
these days, but is something that we should bring back.
And I also loved traveling and discovered places, meeting people,
creating forgettable memories, and especially now with my kids, I
try to bring that sense of exploration enjoy into our
(11:14):
time together.
Speaker 4 (11:17):
I also played piano for many years.
Speaker 5 (11:20):
I had a teacher stick one who would actually tap
us on the fingers with a sharp stick when we
made mistakes. But despite that, yeah, it was tough, but
despite that, I loved playing. And there's something about music
that helps us focus, express and disconnect. At all, and
(11:43):
so this was one thing that I love to do
and another thing that always been part of me and
is the desire, is the desire.
Speaker 4 (11:52):
To help others.
Speaker 5 (11:55):
I've always enjoyed supporting people in any way I could
and if. When I was young, I look for ways
to get involved in volunteering, and later in my life
I had the chance to support a group of incredible,
talented young athletes who practice ecobratic gymnastics, and these kids
(12:16):
were amazing. They were regularly selected to represent Portugal at
European or World Championships, but they came from and privileged
backgrounds and couldn't afford to travel. So I did a
big part of my time helping them raising funds and
it became one of the most rewarding things I've ever
(12:37):
done because with the support all of several companies, and
we had one in Portugal, the main producer of coffee
that gave the official training suits for them, and we
were able to get to support they needed. So honestly,
I achieved more than I ever imagined.
Speaker 4 (12:58):
And it was beautiful face.
Speaker 5 (12:59):
It was a beautiful face and full of proposed and
proposed and enjoy because it reminds me that when we
come together to for a cause, amazing things can happen.
Speaker 4 (13:12):
So it's it's it's amazing.
Speaker 3 (13:15):
Oh that is powerful. And there is so much power
in working with youth because you know they're full of
aspiration and it's almost like you know, when they're young,
they're like blank candids where we can influence them, we
can work help them become the leaders. And I can
completely relate to that because I have worked with it,
(13:40):
underserved youth and done robotics and then the mentorship, and
it's just so powerful. They get so energized, and that
energy and like going for it, and I even feel
energizes us as well. So how did you get started
into your professional journey?
Speaker 4 (13:59):
Well, I studied economics.
Speaker 5 (14:04):
I've always been curious about how systems work, how decisions
are made, how resources were located, and how these impact
people's lives. So for me, economics felt like the right
foundation for that kind of thinking. It was rigorous, but
incredible and reaching, and it gave me a big framework
(14:24):
that I still use today.
Speaker 4 (14:27):
In everything I do.
Speaker 5 (14:30):
And then at a certain point I found myself naturally
drawn to finance. I began choosing financial subjects whenever I
could and completed several areas and courses in the management degree.
Speaker 4 (14:45):
Relatively finance. I found those subjects.
Speaker 5 (14:48):
More challenging, more technical, and I enjoyed a lot, so
all my professional journey was more.
Speaker 4 (14:57):
Dedicated to the area.
Speaker 5 (15:00):
I pursued a post graduate degree in finance also, which
allowed me to get a deeper into financial analysis, markets,
corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions that I then start working.
But at the same time I tried to have an
overview on other areas, not only financing, and I went
(15:23):
to help to do a business marketing strategy course because
after spending so many years focused on finance, I felt
I need to understand other areas, other areas of business
and special disk commercial and strategic dimensions. So I shift
completely the area of interest.
Speaker 4 (15:45):
I have been doing that for during.
Speaker 5 (15:47):
My life and because then I was later in my life,
I was appointed a director for promotion and for Protection
and promotion of competition at National Land Transport Regulator and
then I had to enroll on a post graduate in
competition and regulation, completely a completely different area in the
(16:10):
law university. So it was a completely mindset, a different mindset,
but I also accept this challenge and I went to this,
and then I have done several several courses focused on
topics that nowadays I believe will shape the future of business,
(16:32):
particularly sustainability and leadership. And I completed a program in
Cambridge University about business management, business sustainability management, and lending
Harvard about leadership principles. And these are subjects I find
fascinating and also essential because from I think that I
(16:56):
want to understand how environmental, social and government issues the
now famous es CHIEF framework I can influence how companies operate.
And today we are seeing just how our urgent is
to shift this chief has to to become. For example,
in Europe, there's a whole set of regulations and reporting
(17:18):
obligations that companies need to comply with. So business are
being forced to adapt quickly. Uh and UH, it's important
to be aware of these of these trends and and
the things. So I'm a firm, firm believer that we
need to continue always learning. And it's a lifelong learning,
(17:41):
our our journey.
Speaker 4 (17:43):
UH.
Speaker 5 (17:43):
And I always try to keep evolving as the world
and leadership changes. And but if I if I if
in terms of my career, if I had to set
up my professional journey in one sentence outside, I'm someone
who who drifts on building, transforming and growing businesses, and
(18:08):
especially when the challenge is complex and the impact is meaningful.
Because in my life I had done so many different
things and challenge things.
Speaker 4 (18:17):
I am just to be brief.
Speaker 5 (18:19):
I started my career in consultancy, but very early I
found my passion in corporate finance and business development and
merchants and dequisitions that I used to say M and
A and I spent several years at the biggest player
in TV, mobile and internet in Portugal, and this displayer
(18:40):
had several operations in Brazil, Africa, Asia, so I lead
the international M and A business and the business development
process across Africa and Asia. I participated in several transactions.
One that when we sold the biggest player, we we
(19:04):
had a junk venture with a Spanish operator and we
saw the biggest player of mobile phone in Brazil and
I was doing that transaction it was very very interesting.
Or the stale of stake of a company that we
had in Macau. So all these were excellent, we're excellent
(19:26):
things that I've done in this M and A and
the corporate finance and sale mergers in the quisitions area,
and it was a time where I actually learned how
to think strategically and and that ecasively because I was
negotiating the concession contract with Moore tele Com and with
the government. We had a company in Timore and we
(19:50):
had to negotiate the contract with the government. So it
was all these are our unique experiences that I have.
Speaker 4 (20:01):
And and later on I moved.
Speaker 5 (20:02):
To the public sector and I joined the Portuguese Transport
Authority Regulator.
Speaker 4 (20:10):
Where I where I where.
Speaker 5 (20:11):
I stayed there for for a while, going through all
the area of land transport and competition. And here it
was very funny because uh we we were we coordinated.
Speaker 4 (20:28):
A group of the.
Speaker 5 (20:30):
Rail with all the royal entities, and I had a
unique experience here the because this this group called i
Rtie Rail.
Speaker 3 (20:44):
So yes, yeah, So it sounds like you have had
a lot of different experiences, which kind of makes a
very awesome experience. So you mentioned about corporate finances and
margining acquisitions. So usually corporate finance it's more of a
men's world in a sense, like there are more men
(21:05):
than women. Did you experience that.
Speaker 4 (21:07):
Well, yes, this is a men's world completely.
Speaker 5 (21:13):
I used to be in rooms to negotiate the contracts
and there was only men in the in the undertible
to negotiate. And this it's a very men's world because
it's a very tough world. You have to work a lot,
you have to you have to work very very much
(21:33):
to comply with all the informations, with all the legal
things that you need for the transactions. It's a very
demanding business in the very demanding world, and we have
to work very very very hard.
Speaker 4 (21:48):
But it's a men's world completely completely.
Speaker 3 (21:51):
Yeah, and a lot of women are stepping into a
fintech area, Like I've got few clients and they're experiencing
the same thing. So what are the futures that you
would give them that not only they can step into it,
but they can drive in the financial corporate financial.
Speaker 6 (22:12):
Area, Well, this area is very very specific and we
face UH we have to overcome and to to deal
with bias and stereotypes.
Speaker 5 (22:28):
And to overcome this, we have to build confidence in
our abilities and we have to demonstrate our value through results,
continuously invest in our professional in our personal and professional
growth UH and seek environments that actively diverse value, diversity
(22:48):
and an inclusion.
Speaker 4 (22:49):
Because nowadays this is a.
Speaker 7 (22:52):
Very thing that people are thinking about diversity inclusions, so
it's important to try to actively try to look for
these environments.
Speaker 4 (23:05):
Then there's a.
Speaker 5 (23:06):
Lot of there's a limited access to leadership positions in
this area to women.
Speaker 4 (23:12):
And once again, I think that.
Speaker 5 (23:14):
We need to develop a strong professional network and seek
mentorship opportunities, and this is very important. We have to
be proactive in showcasing our achievements. We have to express
express our ambitions very clearly, and we have to support
other women collected to to to collect with advanced opportunities
(23:37):
for leadership roles, and this is very important support each other.
I think that men have this mindset. We women don't
have this mindset, but we need to start creating this mindset.
It's important that we work together. And then there's the
problem of the work life balance challenges, and I think
(23:58):
that we need to set boundaries and openly communicate our
needs and there's no problem. I used to say that.
Speaker 4 (24:09):
I was promoted when I had my second son. I
was in a.
Speaker 5 (24:13):
Live and the board member of the company I was
working on he called me and said can you come here?
Speaker 4 (24:21):
And he said I will, I will go to promote you.
Speaker 5 (24:24):
Uh, And I was not at work, but it was
because of all the work that I have done for
the other for the last years. And so there's no
problem if we if we talk and if we communicate
our needs, I think they will understand and they will
be b So today we have so many technology and
(24:48):
resources to manage responsibilities in different ways, so it's important
that we can set that And and also it's important
to have a balanced life.
Speaker 4 (25:03):
Because I.
Speaker 5 (25:06):
Didn't tell, but I was also in sat after all
these m and A areas and things. I went to
the aviation also, and I was in Sato with the
first SCFO then s CEO, and when I decided to leave,
I was CEO of SACK and I decided to leave
more or less on a year ago. It was because
(25:27):
I realized the project I had set out to accomplish
had reached its natural conclusion. And throughout my career I
have always thought professionally for the best interest of the
company and that I read so I couldn't accept taking
paths that I believe were in aligned with integrity and
the highest standards, and recognizing that my contribution had reached
(25:50):
its standpoint was crucial for me. So this is also
important because this post after leaving SATA turn out to
be extremely valid as it allowed me to understand how
essential is, for example, to reinvest in myself mentally and
physically to effectively manage this pressure that we.
Speaker 4 (26:15):
That we are are are always facing.
Speaker 5 (26:19):
And I learned that uh, regular physical exercises that is.
Speaker 4 (26:26):
A key building to to to to.
Speaker 5 (26:29):
Resilience and and and to our mind and it's important.
And I also discovered the critical importance of healthy nutrition
in maintaining optical optimal health. So I discovered that all
these things are very extremely important and in our life
(26:50):
we used to forget about all this.
Speaker 3 (26:53):
Yeah, no, definitely having that holystic approach is very very
helpful and that keeps us going and as you mentioned,
you know, keep our resilience going deeper. And as you
build your resilience, then you're able to increase your capacity
and capabilities. So share with our audience, what were two
(27:16):
two three issues you faced on your way to becoming
a CEO and then two to three issues while you
are a CEO, and how.
Speaker 5 (27:29):
Issues I faced on becoming a CEO. M For me,
the being a CEO is not just uh try to
get profitability on the business or UH being a CEO
(27:51):
is to care about people.
Speaker 4 (27:52):
Uh and uh and and and this is.
Speaker 5 (27:59):
This is the most of one thing I think that
that I I needed to realize when I became a CEO.
I already had this, this notion, but as a CFO,
I never, I never, I was focused on numbers. I
was focused on understanding all the company and all the
areas of the company.
Speaker 4 (28:20):
But being a CFO a CEO was completely different. I
think that the most important thing.
Speaker 5 (28:31):
Is to is to to help people and to to
to manage with truth and and with honesty. And the
truth is not always easy because especially when we are
going through transformation, uh, this can be incredible demanding times
(28:53):
and and it's a very lonely path.
Speaker 4 (28:57):
It's a very lonely pan.
Speaker 5 (28:59):
The are moments of doubt, of exhaustion, of oppression, and that.
Speaker 4 (29:05):
Few people see this and the leaders.
Speaker 5 (29:08):
As leaders, we often carry the weight of knowing that
many are depending on us. And that sense of responsibility
is what gives us strength to continue fight and and
keep us motivated and and what keeps me motivated, especially
during this difficult transformation.
Speaker 4 (29:27):
Because I was CFO, I was CEO during a.
Speaker 5 (29:31):
Very difficult period in a complicated company that was dealing
with financial problems with operational problems, and we will restruct
the company.
Speaker 4 (29:41):
So especially during this difficult transformation.
Speaker 5 (29:46):
Uh. The the what motivates me is the belief that
I'm doing something meaningful. I don't see my work just
as managing numbers, solving operational problems the CEO. It is
an opportunity to create something different, something better, something.
Speaker 4 (30:08):
That positively impacts people's life.
Speaker 5 (30:11):
And the at SATA where I was the CEO, I
had around two thousand people depending on me. And that's
not just a number that were two thousand families, two
thousand personal stories, two thousand reasons to.
Speaker 4 (30:25):
Do my absolute bests. So I couldn't let them down.
Speaker 5 (30:29):
And I think that's what keeps us as going is
the impact that we can cause. I truly believe in
building something better, not just fixing problems, but leaving the
legacy that.
Speaker 4 (30:43):
Transform and.
Speaker 5 (30:46):
A stronger a company to be stronger and more sustainable
than what was than what was when before we come back,
we come So I believe in people's potential. I think
that watching others grow through the process, becoming more confident
and empower UH, that's deeply motivating and that's the thing
(31:11):
that we the CEOs need to look for. And I
think that many leaders they motivated not just for themselves,
but because they can't afford to fail. And this this,
this was also the thing that I had in my mind. Uh,
(31:32):
it's not for our own lego, but for the people
that we lead, the teams that believe in in us
and the future they are working to build together. So well,
this was the things that I don't know if I
just mix everything, but it's as a CEO was was
(31:52):
this was this my my my focus and my Yeah.
Speaker 3 (31:56):
You mentioned one of the key points that I believe
in and that and it's with me is people. Because
when your people are happy, when people in your company
are feeling fulfilled, they're going to be productive. You know,
the performance is going to be high and profitability will
(32:17):
follow itself. So you're absolutely spot on that, and so
many companies don't recognize that. So tell us, like, you know,
did you have any difficulty as you transition from chief
finance officer to CEO because as you mentioned before, it
was more about the numbers and now it was about
(32:38):
the people.
Speaker 5 (32:41):
Well, the big challenge was to to to empower the
workers and so that they feel veld. One thing I
strongly believe is that empowerment isn't just about giving someone
(33:03):
more responsibility. It's about giving them a challenge.
Speaker 4 (33:06):
I propose the tools to grow.
Speaker 5 (33:10):
And when people feel trusted and valued, they go further.
They give more, as we were speaking, more of themselves
because they feel.
Speaker 4 (33:20):
Part of something meaningful.
Speaker 5 (33:22):
And when I became CEO at SATA, I saw that
even during the most difficult phases of the restructing, we
didn't stop investing in people.
Speaker 4 (33:33):
And that was my biggest aim, investing people.
Speaker 5 (33:39):
Even when budgets were tight and career promotion weren't immediately available,
we found out the ways to empower our teams, offering training, design,
personal development plans, encourage internal mobility, gave people the chance
to step in new roles, UH departments and and broaden
(34:03):
their their experience and UH And for me, empowerment is
also about exposure. It's about giving people the opportunity to
see how other parts of the company work, to understand
different realities, and to to stretch themselves beyond the usual responsibilities.
And and that's how confidence grow. UH and not just
(34:25):
for for titles. And so I think that UH, we
have a duty to create those opportunities for people. And
this was my biggest challenge as CEO, to help people
grow even when external conditions are difficult. If we wait
for the perfect moment to invest in our teams, will
miss that chance to transform the Yes, Ma, I never
(34:51):
I I I I think that subtle was with big
financial problems. But one thing that I said was I
just launched two initiatives that for me were extremely important.
Speaker 4 (35:06):
One of them was.
Speaker 5 (35:09):
Twelve months twelve twelve twelve training sessions and during the year, all.
Speaker 4 (35:16):
The workers would have access.
Speaker 5 (35:19):
To several training sessions of several subjects, and for me
that was very important because I think that they needed
to understand everything since the specific thing of aviation, but
also what is an interest rate, what is the inflash
(35:40):
and things that caused them some.
Speaker 4 (35:43):
Problems in the daily life. So I launched this initiative.
Speaker 5 (35:49):
Or for example, I also recognized importance of mental health
and we introduced the employee Wellbeing programmed that included mental
health consultations. And this was a success because if someone
if some workers didn't trike and didn't want others used
a lot.
Speaker 4 (36:09):
And felt good and thought that they were being.
Speaker 5 (36:16):
We were caring about them and we were trying to
them to feel better, and so we try to promote
several things, and I think this is very important.
Speaker 4 (36:26):
People feel valued in the company and it seem to be.
Speaker 3 (36:33):
Yeah, yeah, Now this is very powerful because you're not
boxing people and a lot of people and seven of
my clients will tell me that they don't like they're
so good at something that they're doing that their leaders
will box them in and not let them grow. So
the growth is something most people are looking for and
allowing them to grow mentally, you know, supporting their mental
(36:56):
well being while they're growing. It is very very powerful.
So as we get close to the end of our show,
what's next for you? And what's what message would you
like to share with our audience?
Speaker 4 (37:13):
So what's next for me? I would say that.
Speaker 5 (37:27):
Over the next years, my vision both personally and professionally
is deeply to connect to growth and impact. On a
personal level, I want to continue involving as human being.
Speaker 4 (37:41):
I believe growth doesn't stop with experience.
Speaker 5 (37:44):
It comes from reflection, learning and staying open to new
challenges and perspectives. And professionally, my goal is to grow
my strategic financial and governments consulting practice that I just started.
Speaker 4 (38:00):
I want to build a solid platform.
Speaker 5 (38:02):
Where I where I can support entrepreneurs, business leaders and
organizations in navigating in complex environments, helping them to define strategies,
strengthen their financial structures, and implement governance models that ensure
sustainable success. So I truly aim to become a reference
in this space, someone recognized not only for technical expertise,
(38:27):
but also for trust, for consistency, clarity. So I want
to be the person that companies call when they need
to make a critical decision or when they need to
guidance to take a strategic vision with the execution. So
at the core of everything is a strong commitment to values,
(38:47):
and I want to continue reading by example and maintaining
ethical practices in all my interactions. Integrity, transparency, and a
high ethical standard for me are not negotiable. So these
are the foundations of real lasting success, both in business
(39:07):
and in my personal life.
Speaker 3 (39:11):
Very powerful, and I'm sure you'll be a great partner
for anyone. Your heart is in the right place and
you will be able to guide them in a really
beautiful way, be their partner and support them to their success. So,
if our audience wanted to connect with you, what's the
best way to connect.
Speaker 5 (39:33):
Well, I'll be very happy to connect with anyone from
the audience. The bost way to reach me right now
is through my email, so I'll try to translate it
because it's Portuguese.
Speaker 4 (39:45):
It's complicated, but I'll try to is.
Speaker 5 (39:48):
My email is T E R E S A dot
G O n C A l V E S t
MPG slash consulting dot com. And this is the email
of my company, the email of the company that I
created or I'm available in the LinkedIn also is a
(40:11):
found the consolved. I also have an Instagram account, and
fortunately my website is under development, so for now it's
just LinkedIn in my land and Instagram. But I'd love
to hear from anyone who wants to connect with this
UH and UH and the and that I can help.
(40:31):
Of course, I'm very happy.
Speaker 3 (40:33):
Yeah, and I'm sure that they'll be in good hands.
So thank you for joining us and giving us your
wisdom and sharing from heart. Any last thoughts you'd like
to share.
Speaker 5 (40:47):
I want to share the last thought I usually share
because it's very it's it means a lot to me,
So I want to share this this thought that in
life things does not always give us what we want
or it's always what we would prefer, but we have
(41:08):
to accept this reality. We must always seek something that
makes us smile. And I never stopped drinking about what
I believed in and even in when doors closed, even
when it's completely impossible. Believing was always my greatest strength,
and never giving up in face of difficulties was my
(41:30):
driving force. And bringing others along with me was what
I always did best. And at the heart of everything
is people and people are the most important gift in
life we have. So I have a say that Nelson
Mandela used to say that I like a lot, and
I would like to say here that is a winner
(41:52):
is a dreamer who never gives up. And this is
my motto, never give up on anything or anyone. And
it's important that you remember that true leadership means empowering
others as much as yourself. Your impact is your legacy.
So this is the last message. Yeah, that's beautiful.
Speaker 3 (42:12):
Thank you for sharing that a dreamer is a winner
whoever gives up. Yes, thank you for that. Thank you
listeners for joining us, because without you, the show would
not be possible. Reach out to us, let us know
how we can support you which experts to bring in,
what topics to have as you always do so I
(42:33):
really appreciate you always reaching out to me. Thank you,
Thank you for that, and thank you one for making
the show technically possible. So be well and take care
until next time.
Speaker 2 (42:45):
Thank you for being part of Beyond Confidence. With your host,
d v Park, we hope you have learned more about
how to start living the life you want. Each week
on Beyond Confidence, you hear stories of real people who've
experienced growth by overcoming their fears and building meaningful relation.
During Beyond Confidence, Vapark shares what happened to her when
she stepped out of her comfort zone to work directly
(43:06):
with people across the globe. She not only coaches people
how to form hard connections, but also transform relationships to
mutually beneficial partnerships as they strive to live the life
they want. If you are ready to live the life
you want and leverage your strengths, learn more at www
dot dwpark dot com and you can connect with vat
(43:26):
contact at dvpark dot com. We look forward to you
joining us next week.
The topics and opinions expressed on the following show are
solely those of the hosts and their guests and not
those of W four WN Radio. It's employees are affiliates.
We make no recommendations or endorsement for radio show programs, services,
or products mentioned on air or on our web. No liability,
explicit or implied shall be extended to W four WN Radio.
Its employees are affiliates. Any questions or common should be
(00:20):
directed to those show hosts. Thank you for choosing W
four WN Radio.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
This is Beyond Confidence with your host dvpark. Do you
want to live a more fulfilling life? Do you want
to live your legacy and achieve your personal, professional, and
financial goals? Well? Coming up on dvaparks Beyond Confidence, you
will hear real stories of leaders, entrepreneurs, and achievers who
have stepped into discomfort, shattered their status quo, and are
(00:46):
living the life they want. You will learn how relationships
are the key to achieving your aspirations and financial goals.
Moving your career business forward does not have to happen
at the expense of your personal or family life or
vice versa. Learn more at wwdas don't divpork dot com
and you can connect with dvat contact dants divpark dot com.
(01:06):
This is beyond confidence and now here's your host Divpark.
Speaker 3 (01:11):
Good morning listeners, It's Tuesday, and of course I love
to be with you all, So I want to share
a kindness story. It's a beautiful kindness story. So one
of my neighbors she grows butterflies. And when I talk
about gross butterflies, y'all might be thinking, how do you
do that? She will plant milkweeds, and I'm going to
(01:34):
invite you to do that. We are in that time,
especially in the US, plant local milkweeds in your frontyard
and your backyard because monarchs are dining out. These are
special butterflies and they're very helpful for pollination and for
keeping our crops and like you know, it's a cross
(01:56):
pollinator and for a lot of different things, and of
course they're beautiful themselves, so it's worth preserving those species.
So what she does is she spends a lot of time,
you know, having the butterflanets and taking the caterpillars. And
I want to give a shout out to Robin and
(02:16):
then she really spends a lot of time taking care
of them. So there are people out there who are
doing it. So what we could do is at least
grow some milkweeds. It's is local to your region and
help our monas grow. So for those of you who
(02:37):
have got her books expert to Influencer, Entrepreneur, Garden and
the others me, thank you because you are helping us
spread the message in For those who have not got it,
think about it and get those because those books will
help you. And also want to share that the partial
(03:00):
profits from the books to go to keywa dot org.
So we are helping each other out and helping the
entrepreneurs too.
Speaker 4 (03:09):
Let's bring in.
Speaker 3 (03:10):
Our guest, Teresa. She is a very powerful leader and
you're going to enjoy the show today.
Speaker 5 (03:19):
Welcome Teresa, Hi Dvia. Thank you very much for this.
It's a real pleasure to be here. I've been following
your work and this truly I truly admire the way
you lead these conversation. So thank you for creating this
space and for inviting me.
Speaker 3 (03:37):
Thank you. Oh, I appreciate that kind words and see
like that kindness keeps on going. So, Teresa, do you
recall a moment or a person from your childhood, who'll
have to post and mark on you.
Speaker 5 (03:52):
Yeah, yes, when you ask that, if you come to
my mind. But there's one that really stands out. I
remember a philosophy teacher I had in school, and he
was deeply human, someone who genuinely cared about his students.
And I had always done well academically, but in one
(04:15):
particular test, I got a much lower greater than usual,
and it really threw me off. But then when he
returned the test, he didn't give just just a grade.
He gave me a perspective. He said something that stayed
in my in my life forever. He said that only
those who fight can win. And that sentence made a
(04:39):
deep impression on me because he reminded me, and he
reminds everybody.
Speaker 4 (04:45):
That a single moment, especially one that war, that we
fall short, doesn't define who we are.
Speaker 5 (04:54):
And that message was so powerful, especially coming at a
time when I felt disappointed is with myself a reminder
that we are allowed to fail, to stumble, to have
moments that things don't go our way. But but it
(05:14):
was truly important. Uh and and and it's it was
very important for for me to to know this, because
we choose how to respond and we choose how we
will learn and how we will move forward.
Speaker 4 (05:30):
And and.
Speaker 5 (05:32):
He made he made it clear that resilience is not
about it. It's not about never failing. It's about how
we raise uh. And that mindset stayed in my life
forever and UH and even in the worst moments.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
UH.
Speaker 4 (05:52):
This is this is the thing that I have always
in my in my mind.
Speaker 5 (05:56):
And of course I can speak about the positive influence
without mentioning my parents, because for me, family has always
been a fundamental pillar in my life. The education we
received myself and my sister and my brother at home,
ships who we become give us our values, our resilience,
(06:17):
and our drive. And it's and I'm considered, I consider
that I'm incredibly lucky to have parents who are invested
in our education that taught us to see beyond our surroundings.
Speaker 4 (06:30):
And my mother, she's a warrior. She was always present,
She was.
Speaker 5 (06:36):
A she wasn't teach anymore, but she was a teacher,
and she she was always involved. And she thought that
nothing is impossible if we're willing to work for it.
And she showed us how to support one another and
to stay commitment committed no.
Speaker 4 (06:54):
Matter what and it was incredible.
Speaker 5 (06:57):
And my father, he's still in research and he's still working,
and he showed me what resilience truly looks like, how
facing difficulties with strengthen and determination eventually brings rewards.
Speaker 4 (07:12):
And he always reminded us that.
Speaker 5 (07:15):
Whatever we do, we must do it well, we must
give our best. And those lessons for my teacher and
for my parents have never left me. They shaped who
I am and they still guide me, uh and guide
the way I lead and the way I.
Speaker 4 (07:33):
Face difficulty moments difficult moments.
Speaker 5 (07:36):
So sometimes when I'm feeling discouraged, my mother reminds me,
come on, you know, it only those what I mean,
And it's her way of saying, there's no time for
self doubt.
Speaker 4 (07:50):
We keep moving, we fight, and we give everything we've
got that's beautiful.
Speaker 3 (07:58):
And you know what you shared was so it just
kind of touched me because I've had moments in my
career where like, you know, you get the papers back
and there's never a comment, and your teacher just kind
of sharing that one thing and that lasting with you
for the rest of your life. It shows leadership, your
(08:20):
parents' leadership. And so many people have this idea about
that you know, you have to have a title, you
gotta be in the c suite, or you gotta be
at the director manager level position to be the leader.
And here's such a beautiful examples that you can be
leader anywhere. Yeah, what are your thoughts on that? What
(08:44):
do you think?
Speaker 4 (08:46):
Yes? I agree, I agree. It's true.
Speaker 5 (08:49):
You can be leader in any position, in any profession
you have. You can inspire others anywhere. You just have
to be human. You just have to to feel the
pains of the others to understand their positions.
Speaker 4 (09:07):
And they think so I agree.
Speaker 3 (09:11):
Absolutely, And I really like what you're sharing is that
you can be a leader anywhere. You just have to
be human. That is so profound. And so as you
grew up, what for your interest and like, you know,
(09:33):
what did you want to become?
Speaker 4 (09:36):
Well, that's a nice question. I would say I had.
Speaker 5 (09:42):
One single interest type pursue or in or that I
was focusing. But I've always been someone who's who's who
was deeply curious and emotionally connected to the world around me,
and I think that shape a lot who I am today.
(10:03):
I've always had a strong passion for arts, especially cinema
and theater, and for a time I even seriously consider
studying theater, but in Portugal and Portugal back then that
that path wasn't really encouraged and it was seemed too
uncertain or difficult, so I ended up letting go that trim.
(10:27):
But still cinema remains a huge part of my life.
Speaker 4 (10:30):
I remember during.
Speaker 5 (10:32):
School holidays I watched film after film. It was absolutely fascinated,
and I remember that I used to put the alarm
at the middle of the night to see the Oscars events.
For many years, I had that tradition of going to
the movies every Friday with my father and it was
(10:52):
our special ritual. We don't do it as often in
these days, but is something that we should bring back.
And I also loved traveling and discovered places, meeting people,
creating forgettable memories, and especially now with my kids, I
try to bring that sense of exploration enjoy into our
(11:14):
time together.
Speaker 4 (11:17):
I also played piano for many years.
Speaker 5 (11:20):
I had a teacher stick one who would actually tap
us on the fingers with a sharp stick when we
made mistakes. But despite that, yeah, it was tough, but
despite that, I loved playing. And there's something about music
that helps us focus, express and disconnect. At all, and
(11:43):
so this was one thing that I love to do
and another thing that always been part of me and
is the desire, is the desire.
Speaker 4 (11:52):
To help others.
Speaker 5 (11:55):
I've always enjoyed supporting people in any way I could
and if. When I was young, I look for ways
to get involved in volunteering, and later in my life
I had the chance to support a group of incredible,
talented young athletes who practice ecobratic gymnastics, and these kids
(12:16):
were amazing. They were regularly selected to represent Portugal at
European or World Championships, but they came from and privileged
backgrounds and couldn't afford to travel. So I did a
big part of my time helping them raising funds and
it became one of the most rewarding things I've ever
(12:37):
done because with the support all of several companies, and
we had one in Portugal, the main producer of coffee
that gave the official training suits for them, and we
were able to get to support they needed. So honestly,
I achieved more than I ever imagined.
Speaker 4 (12:58):
And it was beautiful face.
Speaker 5 (12:59):
It was a beautiful face and full of proposed and
proposed and enjoy because it reminds me that when we
come together to for a cause, amazing things can happen.
Speaker 4 (13:12):
So it's it's it's amazing.
Speaker 3 (13:15):
Oh that is powerful. And there is so much power
in working with youth because you know they're full of
aspiration and it's almost like you know, when they're young,
they're like blank candids where we can influence them, we
can work help them become the leaders. And I can
completely relate to that because I have worked with it,
(13:40):
underserved youth and done robotics and then the mentorship, and
it's just so powerful. They get so energized, and that
energy and like going for it, and I even feel
energizes us as well. So how did you get started
into your professional journey?
Speaker 4 (13:59):
Well, I studied economics.
Speaker 5 (14:04):
I've always been curious about how systems work, how decisions
are made, how resources were located, and how these impact
people's lives. So for me, economics felt like the right
foundation for that kind of thinking. It was rigorous, but
incredible and reaching, and it gave me a big framework
(14:24):
that I still use today.
Speaker 4 (14:27):
In everything I do.
Speaker 5 (14:30):
And then at a certain point I found myself naturally
drawn to finance. I began choosing financial subjects whenever I
could and completed several areas and courses in the management degree.
Speaker 4 (14:45):
Relatively finance. I found those subjects.
Speaker 5 (14:48):
More challenging, more technical, and I enjoyed a lot, so
all my professional journey was more.
Speaker 4 (14:57):
Dedicated to the area.
Speaker 5 (15:00):
I pursued a post graduate degree in finance also, which
allowed me to get a deeper into financial analysis, markets,
corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions that I then start working.
But at the same time I tried to have an
overview on other areas, not only financing, and I went
(15:23):
to help to do a business marketing strategy course because
after spending so many years focused on finance, I felt
I need to understand other areas, other areas of business
and special disk commercial and strategic dimensions. So I shift
completely the area of interest.
Speaker 4 (15:45):
I have been doing that for during.
Speaker 5 (15:47):
My life and because then I was later in my life,
I was appointed a director for promotion and for Protection
and promotion of competition at National Land Transport Regulator and
then I had to enroll on a post graduate in
competition and regulation, completely a completely different area in the
(16:10):
law university. So it was a completely mindset, a different mindset,
but I also accept this challenge and I went to this,
and then I have done several several courses focused on
topics that nowadays I believe will shape the future of business,
(16:32):
particularly sustainability and leadership. And I completed a program in
Cambridge University about business management, business sustainability management, and lending
Harvard about leadership principles. And these are subjects I find
fascinating and also essential because from I think that I
(16:56):
want to understand how environmental, social and government issues the
now famous es CHIEF framework I can influence how companies operate.
And today we are seeing just how our urgent is
to shift this chief has to to become. For example,
in Europe, there's a whole set of regulations and reporting
(17:18):
obligations that companies need to comply with. So business are
being forced to adapt quickly. Uh and UH, it's important
to be aware of these of these trends and and
the things. So I'm a firm, firm believer that we
need to continue always learning. And it's a lifelong learning,
(17:41):
our our journey.
Speaker 4 (17:43):
UH.
Speaker 5 (17:43):
And I always try to keep evolving as the world
and leadership changes. And but if I if I if
in terms of my career, if I had to set
up my professional journey in one sentence outside, I'm someone
who who drifts on building, transforming and growing businesses, and
(18:08):
especially when the challenge is complex and the impact is meaningful.
Because in my life I had done so many different
things and challenge things.
Speaker 4 (18:17):
I am just to be brief.
Speaker 5 (18:19):
I started my career in consultancy, but very early I
found my passion in corporate finance and business development and
merchants and dequisitions that I used to say M and
A and I spent several years at the biggest player
in TV, mobile and internet in Portugal, and this displayer
(18:40):
had several operations in Brazil, Africa, Asia, so I lead
the international M and A business and the business development
process across Africa and Asia. I participated in several transactions.
One that when we sold the biggest player, we we
(19:04):
had a junk venture with a Spanish operator and we
saw the biggest player of mobile phone in Brazil and
I was doing that transaction it was very very interesting.
Or the stale of stake of a company that we
had in Macau. So all these were excellent, we're excellent
(19:26):
things that I've done in this M and A and
the corporate finance and sale mergers in the quisitions area,
and it was a time where I actually learned how
to think strategically and and that ecasively because I was
negotiating the concession contract with Moore tele Com and with
the government. We had a company in Timore and we
(19:50):
had to negotiate the contract with the government. So it
was all these are our unique experiences that I have.
Speaker 4 (20:01):
And and later on I moved.
Speaker 5 (20:02):
To the public sector and I joined the Portuguese Transport
Authority Regulator.
Speaker 4 (20:10):
Where I where I where.
Speaker 5 (20:11):
I stayed there for for a while, going through all
the area of land transport and competition. And here it
was very funny because uh we we were we coordinated.
Speaker 4 (20:28):
A group of the.
Speaker 5 (20:30):
Rail with all the royal entities, and I had a
unique experience here the because this this group called i
Rtie Rail.
Speaker 3 (20:44):
So yes, yeah, So it sounds like you have had
a lot of different experiences, which kind of makes a
very awesome experience. So you mentioned about corporate finances and
margining acquisitions. So usually corporate finance it's more of a
men's world in a sense, like there are more men
(21:05):
than women. Did you experience that.
Speaker 4 (21:07):
Well, yes, this is a men's world completely.
Speaker 5 (21:13):
I used to be in rooms to negotiate the contracts
and there was only men in the in the undertible
to negotiate. And this it's a very men's world because
it's a very tough world. You have to work a lot,
you have to you have to work very very much
(21:33):
to comply with all the informations, with all the legal
things that you need for the transactions. It's a very
demanding business in the very demanding world, and we have
to work very very very hard.
Speaker 4 (21:48):
But it's a men's world completely completely.
Speaker 3 (21:51):
Yeah, and a lot of women are stepping into a
fintech area, Like I've got few clients and they're experiencing
the same thing. So what are the futures that you
would give them that not only they can step into it,
but they can drive in the financial corporate financial.
Speaker 6 (22:12):
Area, Well, this area is very very specific and we
face UH we have to overcome and to to deal
with bias and stereotypes.
Speaker 5 (22:28):
And to overcome this, we have to build confidence in
our abilities and we have to demonstrate our value through results,
continuously invest in our professional in our personal and professional
growth UH and seek environments that actively diverse value, diversity
(22:48):
and an inclusion.
Speaker 4 (22:49):
Because nowadays this is a.
Speaker 7 (22:52):
Very thing that people are thinking about diversity inclusions, so
it's important to try to actively try to look for
these environments.
Speaker 4 (23:05):
Then there's a.
Speaker 5 (23:06):
Lot of there's a limited access to leadership positions in
this area to women.
Speaker 4 (23:12):
And once again, I think that.
Speaker 5 (23:14):
We need to develop a strong professional network and seek
mentorship opportunities, and this is very important. We have to
be proactive in showcasing our achievements. We have to express
express our ambitions very clearly, and we have to support
other women collected to to to collect with advanced opportunities
(23:37):
for leadership roles, and this is very important support each other.
I think that men have this mindset. We women don't
have this mindset, but we need to start creating this mindset.
It's important that we work together. And then there's the
problem of the work life balance challenges, and I think
(23:58):
that we need to set boundaries and openly communicate our
needs and there's no problem. I used to say that.
Speaker 4 (24:09):
I was promoted when I had my second son. I
was in a.
Speaker 5 (24:13):
Live and the board member of the company I was
working on he called me and said can you come here?
Speaker 4 (24:21):
And he said I will, I will go to promote you.
Speaker 5 (24:24):
Uh, And I was not at work, but it was
because of all the work that I have done for
the other for the last years. And so there's no
problem if we if we talk and if we communicate
our needs, I think they will understand and they will
be b So today we have so many technology and
(24:48):
resources to manage responsibilities in different ways, so it's important
that we can set that And and also it's important
to have a balanced life.
Speaker 4 (25:03):
Because I.
Speaker 5 (25:06):
Didn't tell, but I was also in sat after all
these m and A areas and things. I went to
the aviation also, and I was in Sato with the
first SCFO then s CEO, and when I decided to leave,
I was CEO of SACK and I decided to leave
more or less on a year ago. It was because
(25:27):
I realized the project I had set out to accomplish
had reached its natural conclusion. And throughout my career I
have always thought professionally for the best interest of the
company and that I read so I couldn't accept taking
paths that I believe were in aligned with integrity and
the highest standards, and recognizing that my contribution had reached
(25:50):
its standpoint was crucial for me. So this is also
important because this post after leaving SATA turn out to
be extremely valid as it allowed me to understand how
essential is, for example, to reinvest in myself mentally and
physically to effectively manage this pressure that we.
Speaker 4 (26:15):
That we are are are always facing.
Speaker 5 (26:19):
And I learned that uh, regular physical exercises that is.
Speaker 4 (26:26):
A key building to to to to.
Speaker 5 (26:29):
Resilience and and and to our mind and it's important.
And I also discovered the critical importance of healthy nutrition
in maintaining optical optimal health. So I discovered that all
these things are very extremely important and in our life
(26:50):
we used to forget about all this.
Speaker 3 (26:53):
Yeah, no, definitely having that holystic approach is very very
helpful and that keeps us going and as you mentioned,
you know, keep our resilience going deeper. And as you
build your resilience, then you're able to increase your capacity
and capabilities. So share with our audience, what were two
(27:16):
two three issues you faced on your way to becoming
a CEO and then two to three issues while you
are a CEO, and how.
Speaker 5 (27:29):
Issues I faced on becoming a CEO. M For me,
the being a CEO is not just uh try to
get profitability on the business or UH being a CEO
(27:51):
is to care about people.
Speaker 4 (27:52):
Uh and uh and and and this is.
Speaker 5 (27:59):
This is the most of one thing I think that
that I I needed to realize when I became a CEO.
I already had this, this notion, but as a CFO,
I never, I never, I was focused on numbers. I
was focused on understanding all the company and all the
areas of the company.
Speaker 4 (28:20):
But being a CFO a CEO was completely different. I
think that the most important thing.
Speaker 5 (28:31):
Is to is to to help people and to to
to manage with truth and and with honesty. And the
truth is not always easy because especially when we are
going through transformation, uh, this can be incredible demanding times
(28:53):
and and it's a very lonely path.
Speaker 4 (28:57):
It's a very lonely pan.
Speaker 5 (28:59):
The are moments of doubt, of exhaustion, of oppression, and that.
Speaker 4 (29:05):
Few people see this and the leaders.
Speaker 5 (29:08):
As leaders, we often carry the weight of knowing that
many are depending on us. And that sense of responsibility
is what gives us strength to continue fight and and
keep us motivated and and what keeps me motivated, especially
during this difficult transformation.
Speaker 4 (29:27):
Because I was CFO, I was CEO during a.
Speaker 5 (29:31):
Very difficult period in a complicated company that was dealing
with financial problems with operational problems, and we will restruct
the company.
Speaker 4 (29:41):
So especially during this difficult transformation.
Speaker 5 (29:46):
Uh. The the what motivates me is the belief that
I'm doing something meaningful. I don't see my work just
as managing numbers, solving operational problems the CEO. It is
an opportunity to create something different, something better, something.
Speaker 4 (30:08):
That positively impacts people's life.
Speaker 5 (30:11):
And the at SATA where I was the CEO, I
had around two thousand people depending on me. And that's
not just a number that were two thousand families, two
thousand personal stories, two thousand reasons to.
Speaker 4 (30:25):
Do my absolute bests. So I couldn't let them down.
Speaker 5 (30:29):
And I think that's what keeps us as going is
the impact that we can cause. I truly believe in
building something better, not just fixing problems, but leaving the
legacy that.
Speaker 4 (30:43):
Transform and.
Speaker 5 (30:46):
A stronger a company to be stronger and more sustainable
than what was than what was when before we come back,
we come So I believe in people's potential. I think
that watching others grow through the process, becoming more confident
and empower UH, that's deeply motivating and that's the thing
(31:11):
that we the CEOs need to look for. And I
think that many leaders they motivated not just for themselves,
but because they can't afford to fail. And this this,
this was also the thing that I had in my mind. Uh,
(31:32):
it's not for our own lego, but for the people
that we lead, the teams that believe in in us
and the future they are working to build together. So well,
this was the things that I don't know if I
just mix everything, but it's as a CEO was was
(31:52):
this was this my my my focus and my Yeah.
Speaker 3 (31:56):
You mentioned one of the key points that I believe
in and that and it's with me is people. Because
when your people are happy, when people in your company
are feeling fulfilled, they're going to be productive. You know,
the performance is going to be high and profitability will
(32:17):
follow itself. So you're absolutely spot on that, and so
many companies don't recognize that. So tell us, like, you know,
did you have any difficulty as you transition from chief
finance officer to CEO because as you mentioned before, it
was more about the numbers and now it was about
(32:38):
the people.
Speaker 5 (32:41):
Well, the big challenge was to to to empower the
workers and so that they feel veld. One thing I
strongly believe is that empowerment isn't just about giving someone
(33:03):
more responsibility. It's about giving them a challenge.
Speaker 4 (33:06):
I propose the tools to grow.
Speaker 5 (33:10):
And when people feel trusted and valued, they go further.
They give more, as we were speaking, more of themselves
because they feel.
Speaker 4 (33:20):
Part of something meaningful.
Speaker 5 (33:22):
And when I became CEO at SATA, I saw that
even during the most difficult phases of the restructing, we
didn't stop investing in people.
Speaker 4 (33:33):
And that was my biggest aim, investing people.
Speaker 5 (33:39):
Even when budgets were tight and career promotion weren't immediately available,
we found out the ways to empower our teams, offering training, design,
personal development plans, encourage internal mobility, gave people the chance
to step in new roles, UH departments and and broaden
(34:03):
their their experience and UH And for me, empowerment is
also about exposure. It's about giving people the opportunity to
see how other parts of the company work, to understand
different realities, and to to stretch themselves beyond the usual responsibilities.
And and that's how confidence grow. UH and not just
(34:25):
for for titles. And so I think that UH, we
have a duty to create those opportunities for people. And
this was my biggest challenge as CEO, to help people
grow even when external conditions are difficult. If we wait
for the perfect moment to invest in our teams, will
miss that chance to transform the Yes, Ma, I never
(34:51):
I I I I think that subtle was with big
financial problems. But one thing that I said was I
just launched two initiatives that for me were extremely important.
Speaker 4 (35:06):
One of them was.
Speaker 5 (35:09):
Twelve months twelve twelve twelve training sessions and during the year, all.
Speaker 4 (35:16):
The workers would have access.
Speaker 5 (35:19):
To several training sessions of several subjects, and for me
that was very important because I think that they needed
to understand everything since the specific thing of aviation, but
also what is an interest rate, what is the inflash
(35:40):
and things that caused them some.
Speaker 4 (35:43):
Problems in the daily life. So I launched this initiative.
Speaker 5 (35:49):
Or for example, I also recognized importance of mental health
and we introduced the employee Wellbeing programmed that included mental
health consultations. And this was a success because if someone
if some workers didn't trike and didn't want others used
a lot.
Speaker 4 (36:09):
And felt good and thought that they were being.
Speaker 5 (36:16):
We were caring about them and we were trying to
them to feel better, and so we try to promote
several things, and I think this is very important.
Speaker 4 (36:26):
People feel valued in the company and it seem to be.
Speaker 3 (36:33):
Yeah, yeah, Now this is very powerful because you're not
boxing people and a lot of people and seven of
my clients will tell me that they don't like they're
so good at something that they're doing that their leaders
will box them in and not let them grow. So
the growth is something most people are looking for and
allowing them to grow mentally, you know, supporting their mental
(36:56):
well being while they're growing. It is very very powerful.
So as we get close to the end of our show,
what's next for you? And what's what message would you
like to share with our audience?
Speaker 4 (37:13):
So what's next for me? I would say that.
Speaker 5 (37:27):
Over the next years, my vision both personally and professionally
is deeply to connect to growth and impact. On a
personal level, I want to continue involving as human being.
Speaker 4 (37:41):
I believe growth doesn't stop with experience.
Speaker 5 (37:44):
It comes from reflection, learning and staying open to new
challenges and perspectives. And professionally, my goal is to grow
my strategic financial and governments consulting practice that I just started.
Speaker 4 (38:00):
I want to build a solid platform.
Speaker 5 (38:02):
Where I where I can support entrepreneurs, business leaders and
organizations in navigating in complex environments, helping them to define strategies,
strengthen their financial structures, and implement governance models that ensure
sustainable success. So I truly aim to become a reference
in this space, someone recognized not only for technical expertise,
(38:27):
but also for trust, for consistency, clarity. So I want
to be the person that companies call when they need
to make a critical decision or when they need to
guidance to take a strategic vision with the execution. So
at the core of everything is a strong commitment to values,
(38:47):
and I want to continue reading by example and maintaining
ethical practices in all my interactions. Integrity, transparency, and a
high ethical standard for me are not negotiable. So these
are the foundations of real lasting success, both in business
(39:07):
and in my personal life.
Speaker 3 (39:11):
Very powerful, and I'm sure you'll be a great partner
for anyone. Your heart is in the right place and
you will be able to guide them in a really
beautiful way, be their partner and support them to their success. So,
if our audience wanted to connect with you, what's the
best way to connect.
Speaker 5 (39:33):
Well, I'll be very happy to connect with anyone from
the audience. The bost way to reach me right now
is through my email, so I'll try to translate it
because it's Portuguese.
Speaker 4 (39:45):
It's complicated, but I'll try to is.
Speaker 5 (39:48):
My email is T E R E S A dot
G O n C A l V E S t
MPG slash consulting dot com. And this is the email
of my company, the email of the company that I
created or I'm available in the LinkedIn also is a
(40:11):
found the consolved. I also have an Instagram account, and
fortunately my website is under development, so for now it's
just LinkedIn in my land and Instagram. But I'd love
to hear from anyone who wants to connect with this
UH and UH and the and that I can help.
(40:31):
Of course, I'm very happy.
Speaker 3 (40:33):
Yeah, and I'm sure that they'll be in good hands.
So thank you for joining us and giving us your
wisdom and sharing from heart. Any last thoughts you'd like
to share.
Speaker 5 (40:47):
I want to share the last thought I usually share
because it's very it's it means a lot to me,
So I want to share this this thought that in
life things does not always give us what we want
or it's always what we would prefer, but we have
(41:08):
to accept this reality. We must always seek something that
makes us smile. And I never stopped drinking about what
I believed in and even in when doors closed, even
when it's completely impossible. Believing was always my greatest strength,
and never giving up in face of difficulties was my
(41:30):
driving force. And bringing others along with me was what
I always did best. And at the heart of everything
is people and people are the most important gift in
life we have. So I have a say that Nelson
Mandela used to say that I like a lot, and
I would like to say here that is a winner
(41:52):
is a dreamer who never gives up. And this is
my motto, never give up on anything or anyone. And
it's important that you remember that true leadership means empowering
others as much as yourself. Your impact is your legacy.
So this is the last message. Yeah, that's beautiful.
Speaker 3 (42:12):
Thank you for sharing that a dreamer is a winner
whoever gives up. Yes, thank you for that. Thank you
listeners for joining us, because without you, the show would
not be possible. Reach out to us, let us know
how we can support you which experts to bring in,
what topics to have as you always do so I
(42:33):
really appreciate you always reaching out to me. Thank you,
Thank you for that, and thank you one for making
the show technically possible. So be well and take care
until next time.
Speaker 2 (42:45):
Thank you for being part of Beyond Confidence. With your host,
d v Park, we hope you have learned more about
how to start living the life you want. Each week
on Beyond Confidence, you hear stories of real people who've
experienced growth by overcoming their fears and building meaningful relation.
During Beyond Confidence, Vapark shares what happened to her when
she stepped out of her comfort zone to work directly
(43:06):
with people across the globe. She not only coaches people
how to form hard connections, but also transform relationships to
mutually beneficial partnerships as they strive to live the life
they want. If you are ready to live the life
you want and leverage your strengths, learn more at www
dot dwpark dot com and you can connect with vat
(43:26):
contact at dvpark dot com. We look forward to you
joining us next week.
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