Starting over is a verb that most people avoid. It carries a weight of uncertainty, fear, of giving up what you know to dive into what you can’t control.

But those who have had to start over from scratch, whether in another country, in a new business, or in a new life cycle, know that it is in this space between what is lost and what is rebuilt that the most transformative lessons reside.

When I left Brazil and began my journey in Ireland, I thought I was just changing my address.

In practice, I was changing my identity. From entrepreneur to learner, from speaker to listener, from someone who had answers to someone who needed to ask questions.

It was uncomfortable, often lonely, but it was also liberating. Because starting over forces you to see the real value of things: work, people, patience, time.

The invisible lessons of starting over don’t appear in spreadsheets or motivational speeches.

They manifest themselves when you learn to ask for help without shame, to celebrate small victories, and to understand that the pace of things isn’t always yours.

You discover that humility is a type of intelligence and that haste is the greatest enemy of those who want to build something that lasts.

Starting over also teaches you to trust processes more than plans.

Because plans fail. Processes mature.

And, little by little, you realize that starting over isn’t a step backward, it’s a reinvention.

Each mistake becomes raw material for the next success, and each obstacle teaches you to adjust your perspective, to react better, to understand what really matters.

Today, after so many restarts—personal, professional, and cultural—I’ve learned to respect the timing of things.

I’ve learned that life isn’t a straight line of achievements, but a sequence of beginnings and restarts that test, shape, and strengthen us.

And if there’s one thing only those who have started from scratch understand, it’s this: success isn’t about never falling, but about learning to get up wiser, calmer, and more whole each time.

For a long time, we associate leadership with the ability to do well. À ability to inspire, to move people through powerful speeches.

But after years in front of SEDA College, I discovered that words do not support anything if they are not accompanied by coherence.

Leading is less about what is said and more about what is done when no one is listening.

I do not silence the difficult decisions, the delicate conversations and the small daily attitudes that a culture is built, or is lost.

When you start to undertake things outside of Brazil, you need to learn to lead people of different origins, cultures and mentalities.

It is not enough to falar about purpose or values; I needed to live these values ​​in every gesture.

Because, when there is diversity in the team, beautiful speech can impress, but it is coherence that generates confidence.

The coherence is the invisible elo between the leader and the time.

This is what makes people credit their decisions, even when they do not agree with all of them.

A coherent leader does not need to repeat at all times “acreditem em” — he demonstrates, by means of consistency and transparency, that it is someone in whom it is worth accrediting.

I learned that leadership comes not by example.

Not an idealized example, but not a human one: one who admits when he errs, who asks for help, who listens more than he fails.

In a world where images are valued, being consistent is a source of courage.

Because it is easier to construct a narrative than to support a truth.

In SEDA, I saw firsthand how much is so different.

When a student or collaborator perceives that the leader is in agreement with what he asks — even in moments of crisis — or the environment changes.

Confidence grows, motivation appears and the team aligns not out of obligation, but out of conviction.

It is at this point that the purpose stops being a slogan and becomes a living culture.

The coherence also separates leaders from chefs.

Or chefe cobra; or leader inspires.

The chef wants results; o leader build people who achieve results.

This construction requires time, patience and, above all, consistency.

In fact, leadership is about being predictable in the best sense of the word: knowing that, given any situation, you will continue to act in accordance with your principles.

Because sometimes we don’t know that it is higher — that it remains inteiro when everything around it changes.

Lead a daily exercise of coherence.

Perhaps the greatest praise a leader can receive is not “he is inspiring”, but “he is confident”.

Because inspiration enchants, but coherence that sustains.

For years, I believed that entrepreneurship was synonymous with opening companies, taking on risks and generating profits. But, over the course of my journey, I discovered that there is an even more powerful type of undertaking — the one that transforms people.

And for this reason I say, with conviction: educating is the most entrepreneurial that exists.

Undertake and identify a dream and create a solution. Educating is exactly this, but not a deeper level.

Quem ensina, form futures. E quem form futures, mute or rumo de tudo que vem depois.

At SEDA, I learned that each student is an impact project. An investment of time, energy and faith. He does not know what he is going to build, but he believes that, in some way, he is going to multiply or that he learns.

Educating requires the same courage of an entrepreneur. Start without guarantees, test paths, err, correct and try again. Engage with different people every day, balance purpose and result, inspire without promising achievements.

The difference is that the end, or “profit” of education is not measured in numbers, but rather in stories.

When I founded SEDA, my goal was never just to teach English, but to teach self-accreditation.

Seeing a student becoming insecure and coming out confident is the greater validation that learning is the true driving force of social transformation.

This is what every entrepreneur should understand: the most sustainable growth is what begins within the people.

Companies go bankrupt, markets change, technologies change. But knowledge, when shared, multiplies.

It is my pleasure to say that education is the only thing capable of generating infinite value because what is learned can change the world.

I believe that every great entrepreneur, at some point, needs to become an educator.

Not necessarily in a classroom, but as a way to inspire, share and build knowledge.

Because, not fim, undertake and educate the same purpose: to prove that the future can be better and aspire to make it real.

When SEDA was founded in 2009, the objective was simple: to offer an English school where foreign students felt truly supported.

At that time, most schools dealt with international students as a number. I wanted something different — a space where I could learn English as a natural consequence of feeling part of a community.

The beginning was modest: a bright room, few teachers and a group of students who accredited the proposal.

But, from the beginning, there was something greater behind it. The idea that education is about belonging, and that studying outside the country is both transformative and challenging.

And it was precisely that human spirit that guided us when the first difficulties appeared.

Growing up in a foreign country requires adaptation. We have to understand Irish culture, adjust processes, deal with different legislation and, at the same time, maintain the Brazilian essence: embrace, embrace, transform.

With each course formed, we realized that the learner did not end in the diploma — he came there. Or someone returned home with more than a language: he brought with him a new vision of the world.

This is the perception that we need to take the next step. SEDA stopped being just a school and became a global educational ecosystem, connecting learning, technology and opportunities.

We create online platforms, professional training projects and partnerships with companies that serve the same purpose: preparing people for a world without borders.

Behind the scenes, this growth was built with many more doubts than certainties.

Forms of adjustments, recommendations and difficult decisions. But in every obstacle there was a lição — and, mainly, a confirmation that we are on the right path.

Now, when I see former students undertaking, teaching, traveling and transforming their own realities, I understand that SEDA is not a property or a brand: it is a movement.

A movement that was born from a personal dream and became a collective purpose.

And there is something that I learned throughout the day and that a business only becomes global when it stops talking about itself and starts talking about everyone who credits it.

When I decided to start a business in Ireland, I didn’t imagine the size of the challenge I was about to face. It wasn’t just about opening a company.

It was about rebuilding myself in a place where nothing belonged to me—not the language, not the culture, not the way of thinking.

Starting a business outside your country is an experience that teaches you more about humanity than about business. In the beginning, I believed that all it took was a good idea and hard work.

Then I understood that the real difference lay in something much simpler—and much more difficult: understanding people. I learned that each culture has its own rhythm, its own codes, and, above all, its own fears.

And that leading international teams requires empathy before strategy. When you come from abroad, you need to prove twice as much, not just competence, but intention. That’s how we built SEDA College: not by selling courses, but trust.

There were times when I thought about giving up. The bureaucracy seemed insurmountable, the costs high, the cultural differences immense.

But it was there that I realized the strength of a value I carry to this day: resilience is the universal language of entrepreneurs. No matter where you are — Ireland, Brazil, or any other country — those who remain are those who understand that falling is part of the process.

The international experience also showed me that thinking globally isn’t about speaking fluent English or opening a branch abroad.

It’s about adopting a mindset open to the new, to mistakes, and to constant learning. It’s about recognizing that a good leader isn’t the one who has all the answers, but the one who knows how to listen to different questions.

Today, when I look at SEDA’s trajectory and the hundreds of stories that have crossed our path, I see that the greatest learning didn’t come from financial results, but from people.

From each student who crossed the world to change their life, from each employee who believed in the purpose, from each mistake that forced us to mature.

Building a global company from a country that wasn’t my own taught me that borders aren’t lines on a map — they’re tests of vision, empathy, and persistence. And those who learn to overcome them never see the world the same way again.

As an angel investor and enthusiast of the startup ecosystem, I have closely followed the rise of innovative solutions that are revolutionizing compliance with standards and regulations in the financial sector.

In an increasingly dynamic and demanding market, the role of regtechs – startups that develop technology to facilitate compliance – becomes essential to reduce costs and mitigate the risk of penalties.

The digital transformation of compliance

Over the years, I have witnessed the evolution of traditional compliance systems, which depended on manual processes and human interpreters, to automated and intelligent solutions.

This transformation has not only made processes more efficient, but has also brought greater security to financial institutions.

After all, automation allows the detection of inconsistencies and risks in real time, which means that organizations can act preventively, avoiding sanctions that could compromise their reputation and financial health.

In the meantime, I have invested in companies that are betting on this disruptive change, and I can confirm that the integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analysis has been decisive in making compliance more agile and accurate.

By adopting these solutions, banks and financial institutions are not only complying with regulations more efficiently, but also gaining a competitive advantage in the market.

Current cases that inspire confidence

Among the cases that impressed me, I would highlight Idwall, a Brazilian startup that has developed identity verification and fraud prevention solutions.

Idwall uses advanced algorithms to validate customer documents and data, ensuring that financial transactions occur in a secure environment and in accordance with current regulations.

This is a clear example of how technology can simplify compliance with complex regulations, while increasing transaction security.

Another relevant case is that of ClearSale, which initially stood out in combating fraud in e-commerce transactions and later expanded its operations to offer robust risk analysis solutions for the financial sector.

ClearSale’s innovative approach, combined with a machine learning methodology, has enabled financial institutions to optimize their processes and significantly reduce costs associated with fraud and penalties.

On an international level, I cannot fail to mention ComplyAdvantage.

This company has attracted global attention by offering a platform that uses artificial intelligence to monitor suspicious activities and ensure that institutions are in compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations.

These examples reinforce the importance of investing in technologies that enable more efficient compliance management.

The Role of the Investor in the New Era of Compliance

For me, as an angel investor, investing in regtech startups is not just a financial strategy, but a vision of the future.

I believe that by supporting companies that innovate in regulatory management, I am contributing to the construction of a more ethical, transparent and secure financial environment.

In addition to reducing operating costs, this trend offers an extra layer of confidence for investors and consumers, expanding the sector’s growth potential.

The digital transformation of compliance, through innovative technological solutions, represents a watershed moment for the financial sector.

I am convinced that the future of the financial market will be shaped by this synergy between technology and regulation, a path that promises to reduce risks and open new doors to innovation and sustainable growth.

When we talk about education, it is inevitable to mention Finland. After all, the country has one of the best education systems in the world, if not the best.

As an entrepreneur and passionate about innovation, I always look for references that can inspire new paths, and that is why I see the Finnish education system as an example that deserves to be replicated on a global scale.

Below, I share the main lessons that every country should learn from them.

Equality: education for all

Finland is based on the idea that education should be accessible to everyone. This is not just a theory; it is a practice implemented with excellence. In practice, all schools are free, from primary to higher education.

Students also receive free meals, textbooks and school transport, reducing inequalities that compromise learning.

I see this approach as essential. In many countries, the cost of education is a barrier that prevents millions of children and young people from reaching their potential. Finland shows that, by investing in equality, we create real opportunities for everyone.

Teachers as pillars of the system

Another thing that impresses me is the way Finland values ​​its teachers. Teaching there is a highly respected and admired profession.

All teachers must have a master’s degree and undergo rigorous training. In addition, they have the autonomy to create their own classes, which motivates them to constantly innovate.

In Brazil, for example, we still need to work hard to value our educators. Finland teaches us that investing in the quality and autonomy of teachers is investing in the future of a country.

Curriculum flexibility and multidisciplinary learning

In Finland, teaching is not limited to isolated subjects. There is a focus on interdisciplinary projects, where students learn in a connected way, applying knowledge to real problems.

For example, when studying climate change, students explore concepts from science, geography and public policy in an integrated way.

This methodology goes far beyond memorization. It prepares young people for the real world, stimulating critical thinking and problem-solving. Imagine the impact an approach like this would have if it were implemented in other countries!

Fewer tests, more learning

Another distinguishing feature is the low emphasis on standardized testing. In Finland, the goal is to assess learning throughout the process, rather than just through a final exam. As a result, students do not feel pressured, and learning becomes something natural and enjoyable.

If we could adopt this approach elsewhere, I believe we could reduce student stress and foster a true passion for learning.

Student well-being

Finally, Finland understands that well-being is a fundamental part of academic success. The system prioritizes a balance between study, leisure, and rest.

Workloads are reduced, and breaks are longer, allowing children time to be children. It is inspiring to see an education system that does not treat students as grade-producing machines, but as complete individuals.

As an entrepreneur in the education sector, I see the importance of bringing these principles into broader debates. After all, we are not just educating students, but future citizens who will change the world.

The 2025 European Jiu-Jitsu Championship was a remarkable event, full of challenges, victories and learning. For those who participated or followed it closely, it is clear that the lessons learned on the mat go far beyond the medals.

That is why today I decided to share the main lessons I took away from this transformative experience, in the hope of inspiring you to apply these teachings in your own journey, whether inside or outside the sport.

Discipline is the foundation of any achievement

One of the first things that jiu-jitsu teaches is the importance of discipline. From daily training to mental and physical preparation, every detail counts.

At the 2025 European Championship, it was clear that those who reached the podium were those who maintained an unwavering commitment to their training routine.

However, discipline is not just about going to the mat every day. It involves taking care of your diet, respecting rest and balancing other areas of your life. This lesson is universal: to achieve any goal, you need a clear plan and the consistency to execute it.

Defeats are also victories

In sports, as in life, things don’t always go as planned. At the European Championship, I experienced moments of frustration when facing extremely skilled opponents. However, each defeat brought with it a valuable gift: the opportunity to learn.

By analyzing what went wrong, I was able to identify areas for improvement and adjust my strategy. Defeats are, in fact, stepping stones to success. They test our resilience and force us to grow. In the end, losing is just one part of the process of evolution.

The importance of the team

As individual as jiu-jitsu may seem, it is impossible to grow without a team. My performance in the championship is a direct reflection of the support I received from my coaches, gym mates and family.

Having a team means having people who push you to be better, who share knowledge and offer emotional support in difficult times. This lesson makes me appreciate even more the relationships that build a solid foundation for any journey.

The value of mental preparation

On the mat, it’s not just the body that fights – the mind plays a crucial role. During the championship, I realized how much confidence and focus influence performance.

Moments of pressure can lead to nervousness, but that’s where the value of mental preparation comes in. Practicing meditation, visualizing positive scenarios and working on self-confidence made all the difference.

This lesson is a reminder that, often, it’s the mindset that defines the difference between success and failure.

Overcoming limits is a choice

Throughout the championship, there were times when I thought about giving up. Pain, fatigue and doubt arise, but the decision to continue depends on each one of us.

Overcoming limits is about challenging the inner voices that tell us we’re not capable. It’s about persisting, even when everything seems difficult. This lesson showed me that the real enemy is in our mind – and defeating it is the greatest victory.

Gratitude multiplies results

At the end of the championship, regardless of the result, I felt profound gratitude for everything I had experienced. Each opponent, each fight and each training session contributed to my evolution.

Being grateful broadens our perspective and helps us value progress. This lesson is a reminder that it is important to recognize progress, even if it seems small, because it is this that takes us to the top.

Experience is the greatest prize

In the end, trophies are just symbols. What really matters is the experience gained throughout the journey. Each training session, each fight and each moment of reflection builds a legacy that goes far beyond the mat.

Participating in the 2025 European Jiu-Jitsu Championship was an opportunity for personal and professional growth. I take with me not only improved techniques, but also values ​​that I will apply in all areas of life.

Implementing affirmative action in education companies, especially in English schools, is a fundamental initiative to promote racial equity and correct historical inequalities that affect the black population in Brazil.

These policies not only expand black people’s access to educational opportunities, but also enrich the learning environment with cultural diversity and varied perspectives.

The importance of affirmative action in education

Affirmative action is a targeted public policy that seeks to reduce political, social and economic inequalities between groups in a society.

They aim to promote the socioeconomic inclusion of populations that have historically been deprived of access to opportunities, such as the black population in Brazil.

In the educational context, these policies are essential to ensure that black students have equal access to quality educational institutions.

This is particularly relevant in English schools, where mastery of a second language can open doors to significant academic and professional opportunities.

Examples of affirmative action in English schools

Some language schools have adopted affirmative action measures to promote the inclusion of black students.

For example, scholarship programs aimed exclusively at black or low-income students have been implemented to facilitate access to English courses.

In addition, initiatives that seek to diversify the teaching staff by hiring black teachers contribute to representation and serve as inspiration for students.

Another approach is to adapt teaching materials to include diverse cultural references, valuing Afro-Brazilian culture and promoting a more inclusive learning environment.

These actions not only benefit black students, but also enrich the educational experience of all students, promoting mutual understanding and respect.

Benefits for education companies

The adoption of affirmative action brings multiple benefits to education companies.

In addition to fulfilling an important social role, these initiatives broaden the target audience of institutions, attracting students from different backgrounds and promoting a richer and more diverse learning environment.

Companies that invest in diversity tend to be more innovative and adaptable, as they incorporate multiple perspectives into their decision-making processes.

Furthermore, by promoting inclusion, these institutions strengthen their reputation and demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility, which can be a competitive advantage in the education market.

As educators and administrators, it is our duty to promote inclusion and ensure that all students have equal access to learning opportunities.

When I decided to invest in my first startup, the word “resilience” was not yet part of my everyday vocabulary. Like many entrepreneurs, I started out full of enthusiasm, envisioning a path of victories and rapid growth.

However, I soon realized that the world of startups is, above all, a constant test of resistance, adaptability and learning.

The journey taught me that resilience is not just an abstract concept; it is a practical and essential virtue.

The beginning is not always glamorous

I thought that all it took was to see someone with an innovative idea to invest in the idea and see a quick financial return. I could not have been more wrong.

Reality has shown me that starting a startup is full of uncertainties and challenges. You have to deal with tight budgets, sleepless nights and, often, with the doubt of “will it work?”.

Resilience, in this context, means staying focused and determined, even when results take time to appear.

When the first “no’s” arrived, it was hard not to get discouraged. But I learned that each setback was an opportunity to improve, adjust, and move on.

Learning from mistakes is essential

One of the greatest lessons of resilience is understanding that mistakes don’t define who you are, but rather how you react to them. There were times when bad decisions made me lose money, time, and even business partners.

Instead of letting myself be paralyzed by the fear of making mistakes, I learned to see mistakes as part of the process. Each failure helped me refine my strategy and better understand my market. Resilience, here, means accepting mistakes as a strict but essential teacher.

Adapting is surviving

The startup market is like an unpredictable tide. What works today may become obsolete tomorrow. For me, resilience is also synonymous with adaptability.

During the pandemic, for example, I had to rethink a lot of things at SEDA College. And that’s when I started to envision teaching English online. That was a time when I had to deal with a true test of resilience.

I confess that these changes were not easy, but they were necessary. That’s why I say that being resilient means not sticking rigidly to a plan when reality demands flexibility.

Strength comes from a support network

I used to believe that entrepreneurship was a lonely journey, but I discovered that resilience is also about asking for help.

Friends and mentors were essential in the most difficult moments. They reminded me of my purpose when I myself began to doubt it.

So, if you are starting your journey as an entrepreneur, surround yourself with people who believe in you and your project. This support network can be the strength you need to keep going.

Resilience is the key to persevering

Starting a startup is a challenging and, at the same time, incredibly rewarding experience. For those who want to embark on this journey, my biggest tip is: cultivate resilience.

It will be your anchor in times of storm and the fuel that will carry you forward when everything seems difficult. Remember: success in a startup does not come only from a brilliant idea, but from the ability to persist, adapt and learn along the way.