Before I joined McKinsey, I was an antitrust lawyer in Brazil. I had the chance to work on high-profile cases, but I was not deciding the strategy of the mergers and the judiciary system moves very slowly in Brazil. I was looking for something more dynamic, a job that would allow me to drive more significant impact. That's when I realized that McKinsey would be a good fit for me.
Active Engagements
One of the things that I like most about McKinsey is how involved we get with our clients. We don't just sit in a room, alone, working at a computer. Instead, we get out there and work closely with our clients. I had the chance to do this recently, working with the sales force of a large telecom company. We were tasked with creating a new set of metrics for pricing, but we realized that the metrics alone weren't enough: we need to go out and change the way the sales reps approach the pricing. So I got the chance to create a pilot program for the sales representatives, and then had the chance to go to several branches, working very closely with the sales force to drive real change.
Time Away
I joined McKinsey as a business analyst in the Brazil office. I left after two years to join the Government in Brazil to attract private investment to the State of Minas Gerais. Then I decided to pursue my MBA, and while at Stanford University, had the chance to work as a summer intern at Facebook. This was during a time when the company was growing very quickly; it was still relatively early in its development. I loved the fast pace and the exciting environment that working in a company like Facebook offered. I decided to return to McKinsey after getting my degree, because McKinsey offers a level of exposure, to high-profile clients and to complex issues, that is unlike anywhere else. And no other company that I've come across devotes as much time and energy to personal development, by investing in the resources for training, as well as in the coaching and feedback I receive during every client study I work on.
Stepping Up
After graduate school, I rejoined McKinsey as an associate, and recently have had the chance to step into a more managerial role, serving as a junior engagement manager. Managing the expectations of the client and the roles of the McKinsey team isn't easy; in fact, in the beginning, I found it to be quite a struggle. I was working with a family-owned business in Brazil, helping the company through a leadership transition. The partner from my team and I had a very open conversation; she helped me understand my role and expectations. An all team discussion also helped a lot. As always, the level of coaching and support I got, and the amount I was able to learn on the job, just really impressed me.
A New Network
I'm relatively new to the HLCSS community, and I recently attended my first HLCSS event, a conference in New York. I was able to meet some great people, and make very strong connections with a new group of people. I especially liked the chance to meet people who I consider mentors and role models. I found it very interesting to hear from partners who were able to be successful at McKinsey even though English is not their primary language. Hearing their stories and learning how they made it happen gives me the confidence to know I can do the same thing.
What I do in my free time
When I'm not at work, you can find me at the beach. I love sunny, warm places and I like to scuba dive. When I'm at home, I love to cook.
Offices
Education
| Stanford University - Graduate School of Business |
MBA, Business Administration |
2010 |
| Fundação Getulio Vargas |
BA, Public Administration |
2005 |
| Universidade de Sao Paulo |
BA, Law |
2004 |