Preparing to Make the Leap

What led you to GMP?

I am a lawyer by training, with degrees in law and business. Early in my career, I worked for a law firm and gained substantial experience with corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions. Eventually I became general counsel for Prumo. Our company builds and develops the Açu Port, a large industrial port complex with offshore and onshore terminals.

A few years ago, I was responsible for negotiating a major deal in which EIG, an energy-focused private equity firm, bought a 75 percent stake in the company. After finalizing the transaction, I considered other jobs, but Prumo made me a compelling offer to stay. Because I had been working very intensively for several years without a real break, I negotiated a package that included a study leave, so I could take some time off to think and to learn. That's when I applied to GMP. I had a succession plan and could hand over my responsibilities easily, so I was able to truly unplug when I enrolled in the program.

What were the most valuable aspects of GMP?

The most valuable part of the program was the opportunity to have some time for myself. My hard work had paid off—I had become a corporate officer at 27. But at that point I needed breathing room. GMP enabled me to gain perspective on my career and my life. I also gained a tremendous amount of knowledge. The faculty members were extraordinary—incredibly engaged and accessible. They were available whenever I needed to discuss something—in fact, I'm still working with few HBS faculty members on a consulting basis.

I met an incredibly diverse group of people, and I learned so much about the world! Our group had 144 people from 35 countries, which led to an amazing cultural exchange and great networking connections. I was surprised that such a diverse group was able to bond so quickly. That experience demonstrated that people are people, no matter where they come from. We've kept in touch through online forums, and I am close to several people in my living group including individuals from Germany, India, and Kuwait. But even though I made these connections, I wish I had taken advantage of even more social opportunities to bond with my peers.

Which aspects of the curriculum stand out?

Linda Hill's leadership classes were mind blowing. They helped me understand that people management is more of a science than we might suppose. Cultures can be different but the same problems come up all over the world. We learned to create useful models in our minds and apply concepts and practices that have been successful elsewhere. The innovation sessions were also very powerful—Stefan Thomke is one of the most incredible people I have ever met in my life.

Macroeconomics with Rawi Abdelal made me wonder how one man could carry so much knowledge in his head! This topic can be a sensitive one, making it difficult to teach—but Rawi delivers messages in a very elegant, Socratic way that enables people from all over the world to understand the concept without taking offense. One woman from Russia was very worried about what he might say about Russia. She left the class electrified.

Did GMP surprise you at all?

I was surprised by the extent to which the entire teaching team—the faculty, coaches, and guest speakers—were wholeheartedly committed to helping us grow and succeed. The faculty walked into class each day with a genuine desire to change our lives for the better.

I was also awestruck by the facilities and how well everything was handled. We were embedded in an environment that enabled us to focus 100 percent on our learning. Experiencing the HBS environment helped me understand the power of organization and culture. Everything was managed in a way that embraced us and gave us peace of mind. And everyone at HBS was proud of the institution. I could see it in their eyes, from the person in the cafeteria to the faculty and program team.

What impact did the program have on your career?

The program gave me the confidence to make a major decision. I had a lot of time to reflect, clear my head, and decide what I wanted to do next. When I came back, I told my colleagues that I was finished with being general counsel—I wanted the opportunity to contribute at a higher level, apply what I'd learned, and have a greater impact on the business. So they created a role for me as Executive Vice President. I also sit on the boards of several of our subsidiaries.

What do you do differently after attending GMP?

Brazil is going through a lot of changes right now, politically and economically, and this turbulent time is affecting my peers at other companies. That makes me even more grateful that the program has given me a certain kind of awareness and also equanimity in the face of challenges—gravitas beyond my age. In the past, I had thought some challenges were insurmountable and outside my control. I don't see them that way anymore.

In addition, I am now better able to step back and listen and ask questions. I've learned how and when to voice my opinions. I was always very diplomatic, but that approach has limits because it's also important to have integrity and not be silent about things that are unfair. I learned that I have to speak up and take a stand.

Finally, the program helped me understand how big the world actually is. I want to do my best for the organization, but in doing so, I will keep my job in perspective.

What advice do you have for executives who might be considering GMP?

If you find yourself at a transition point in your career, I definitely recommend GMP. It's well designed to help you move to the next stage. If you're a manager, you'll become a better manager. If you're a corporate executive, you can prepare yourself for a broader role, including CEO. This program can transform your life.