I’ve always been curious, restless, and interested in many things. When it was time to choose a degree, I found myself opting for Business Administration because it led to more career opportunities. Even so, I built a career that others around me considered successful. But I didn’t see myself in the work I was doing, so staying on that path was leading me to feel increasingly uneased.

Along the way, I started leading teams. And through leadership, I realized what truly energized me were people: ensuring they understood constant workplace changes and had the conditions to thrive. Perhaps because of that part of my job, I tried to adapt and stay on the career path I had built. I was 30 years old and believed that I already had the “Finance label”, that it was too late to change roles or areas. So, I changed companies instead, hoping the discomfort would disappear. But it didn’t… it worsen, it became unbearable.

One Friday night, almost as an emotional release, I blurted out something I hadn’t dared to say before: “I want to change careers.”. Saying it brought me relief and hope. I acted immediately. That was when I discovered Lourdes Monteiro, and that’s when my transformation began. I gained confidence, clarity, and an actionable plan. I decided that I wanted to move into Human Resources. So, I studied at night while working at a full-time job that drained me, until I realized I wouldn’t have the time or energy to make the change I wanted. I finally found the courage to make a financial plan and quit.

Over the following months, I stayed focused and applied strategically to roles I knew would motivate me. Behind the scenes, I worked on my mindset and surrounded myself with allies. I got exactly what I wanted: working in Organizational Culture in a big consultancy firm. It was the first time I felt real meaning at work.

I loved the entire experience and got to do many things I truly enjoyed: writing articles, moderating conversations, being a speaker and a trainer… And as life moves in cycles, when I felt I had learned all I needed there, I moved on to another organization. But to my surprise, I found myself once again misaligned with the values, with the responsibilities… I couldn’t understand how I’d ended up back in that place. I fought it until I reached complete physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. Yes, I had a burnout. During that time, I kept asking myself: What kind of life do I want to have? And how can my career better serve my life and the lives of others?

That’s when I realized I needed more than meaning. I also needed freedom and impact. I decided to work independently. That was the moment when coaching and mentoring became conscious career choices. Today, I help people manage and (re)design their careers, make intentional and aligned decisions, and bring more energy, balance, and meaning into their lives.

You might have seen yourself in some of the things I’ve shared. Maybe you’re ready to rethink your career and create change. And maybe you feel fear, doubt, external pressure. I know that place very well. I’ve been there – more than once. And I also know what’s on the other side: self-awareness, power, freedom.

That’s why I joined Lourdes Monteiro and Career Redesign®. Because I deeply believe in people’s potential to reinvent their lives and careers when they choose to do something for themselves.

Qualifications

I’m a Coach certified by the International Coaching Federation, hold an Executive master’s in strategic human resources management (INDEG – ISCTE), a Postgraduate Degree in Digital Marketing (Universidade Europeia), and a bachelor’s degree in management from the Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra.