The end of a year is a crucial time to reflect on the lessons learned, redefine priorities and set clear goals for the future.

For many, planning is an essential habit for achieving success, whether in your personal or professional life. If you want to make 2025 the most productive year of your career, the time to start is now.

Revisit your 2024 goals

Before setting goals for next year, it is essential to evaluate how you performed in 2024. Which goals were achieved? What fell through the cracks?

Do an honest analysis and identify the reasons that led you to achieve (or not) your goals. Use these answers to adjust your expectations and strategies for 2025.

This practice is not only a way to learn, but also a time to celebrate. After all, recognizing your achievements helps you start the new year with more confidence and energy.

Prioritize what really matters

With so many responsibilities and demands, it’s easy to get lost in what really matters. A valuable tip is to prioritize goals that are aligned with your values ​​and long-term vision. Ask yourself: “Will this bring me closer to my dreams?”

When setting priorities, remember to divide your goals into three main categories: personal, professional and financial, allowing you to have a clearer view of where to focus your efforts and helping you maintain balance.

Set realistic and measurable goals

Good planning starts with specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound goals (SMART methodology).

For example, instead of defining “I want to grow professionally”, establish something like “I want to be promoted to project manager by December 2025, meeting the company’s performance criteria”.

In addition, break down larger goals into small, measurable steps. This makes it easier to monitor and avoid frustrations throughout the year.

Set aside time to plan calmly

The end of the year can be busy, but it’s essential to set aside time to plan calmly. Good planning requires focus and attention to detail.

Consider using tools such as diaries, productivity apps or even a physical planner to organize your ideas.

Dedicate a day or a few hours of your week to structure your goals. If necessary, seek inspiration from books, courses or even mentors who can help you have a clearer vision.

Build a flexible plan

As much as planning is a powerful tool, unforeseen events are part of life. An effective plan must be flexible enough to adapt to changes. Create space for adjustments and review your progress regularly.

In addition, remember to include moments of self-care and rest. Success without balance can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion.

By taking advantage of the end of 2024 to design your 2025, you will be one step ahead, with clarity about what you want to achieve and how you intend to get there.

Don’t wait for the new year to start to take action; the ideal time to plan is now. After all, as the saying goes: “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

On the mat, the lessons we learn go far beyond technique. Jiu-Jitsu taught me values ​​that I carry into my personal and professional life, especially regarding respect and hierarchy.

These principles, fundamental to the functioning of any academy, are equally indispensable for leading teams with efficiency and harmony.

Respect as the basis of everything

Respect in Jiu-Jitsu is not just an act of education, but a foundation for learning and coexistence. Regardless of level or experience, each person on the mat has something to teach.

This vision is reflected in team leadership: listening to and valuing each member, recognizing their contributions and treating everyone with dignity are attitudes that strengthen the work environment.

As a leader, I realize that respect creates trust, which is the basis for a team that works together towards the same goal. When we lead with respect, we are able to inspire and engage the people around us.

Hierarchy as a structure, not as power

The hierarchy in Jiu-Jitsu is clear: there is a black belt, a teacher who guides training, and there are students at different levels of learning.

However, this hierarchy is not about power, but about responsibility. The role of those in a higher position is to help those behind them to grow, respecting each person’s pace.

This same logic is essential in the corporate world. Leadership is not about imposing, but supporting and guiding. Good leadership is built by offering the tools and support necessary for each team member to reach their potential.

Just like on the mat, the leader must also be humble enough to recognize that he or she still has something to learn, including from his or her subordinates.

Respect and hierarchy in balance

In Jiu-Jitsu, there is a natural balance between respect and hierarchy. The most experienced teach, but also learn by reinforcing fundamentals. The less experienced follow the guidelines, but have room to question and evolve.

When we apply this balance to teams, we create a healthy environment where people understand their roles but know they are valued.

As a leader, I seek to create this balance on a daily basis, cultivating a space where everyone has a voice, but where there is also clarity of roles and responsibilities.

After all, without respect, hierarchy becomes authoritarian; without hierarchy, respect loses direction.

Leadership beyond the mat

What I learned in Jiu-Jitsu transformed my view of leadership. At work, as in sports, results are built collectively.

A leader needs to know how to balance discipline with empathy, hierarchy with openness, and always maintain respect as a core value.

The mat is a reflection of life: we learn to fall, to get up, to fight and to respect. I take these lessons with me every day, both in corporate challenges and in training.

Because, in the end, leading is like fighting Jiu-Jitsu: it is not about winning alone, but about growing together with the team. Do you agree?

Finding purpose in both work and life is a deeply personal journey. It goes beyond titles, salaries, or external achievements.

It’s about understanding who we are, the impact we want to make, and how to align our daily actions with values ​​that truly matter. Here, I share some thoughts and strategies that can help you find that purpose.

1. Understand what purpose means to you

The concept of purpose can vary from person to person. For some, it’s related to big causes or changes in the world.

For others, it might be something simple, like taking care of family, being a good friend, or making a difference in a workplace.

Ask yourself: What really matters to me? What makes me feel alive and fulfilled? Answering these questions can be the first step in beginning to identify your purpose.

2. Reflect on your passions and talents

What do you love to do? What activities make you feel most energized and productive? Purpose often lies at the intersection of what we enjoy and what we do well.

List your passions and talents and see how they can connect with your personal and professional life. A hobby, for example, can be the starting point for a new project or even a new career path.

3. Align your values ​​with your choices

Purpose and values ​​are deeply intertwined. Identify what is non-negotiable for you: ethics, authenticity, collaboration, personal growth?

Make sure your work and life choices are aligned with these principles. When your actions reflect your values, the sense of purpose tends to grow naturally.

4. Find meaning in the present

We don’t always need big changes to find purpose. Often, it can be hidden in the small actions of everyday life.

Think about the impact you already have on the lives of those around you — colleagues, clients, family. Recognize the value of what you do and how it contributes to the greater good. This practice can transform your perspective on your current routine.

5. Seek out inspiring connections

People around us can help us see possibilities that we might not see on our own. Talk to mentors, colleagues, or friends about your ideas and goals.

Seek inspiration from stories of people who have found their purpose. These connections not only broaden our horizons, but also motivate us to take action.

6. Accept that purpose evolves

Your purpose today may be different in five years — and that’s okay. It evolves as we grow, face challenges, and gain new experiences. Be flexible and allow yourself to rediscover your motivation at different stages in life.

Finding purpose is an ongoing journey, not a destination. It’s about connecting with what brings you meaning and joy, both in your work and in your life. Remember: your purpose doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does have to be true to you.

We all face challenges in our lives, both personal and professional. However, what really sets people apart is not the absence of difficulties, but the way they choose to deal with them.

That’s why I decided to share a little bit of my journey and talk about how I learned to turn barriers into opportunities for growth. I hope you enjoy it!

The challenge as a starting point

Challenges often arise as unexpected problems that require resilience and creativity to be overcome. At the beginning of my career, I faced situations that put my skills and emotional balance to the test.

I realized that, before reacting to the challenge, it was necessary to understand it, analyze its causes and consequences, and only then seek practical solutions. What once seemed like an insurmountable obstacle began to transform into a constant learning experience.

Each difficulty gave me the chance to rethink strategies, learn new skills and, often, seek help from sources I would never have imagined.

Growth mindset: the power of learning

One of the most important moments of this journey was adopting a growth mindset. This change allowed me to see challenges from a new perspective. Instead of seeing them as limitations, I began to see them as lessons.

For example, when facing a competitive market, I understood that I needed to invest in my qualifications. I sought out courses, exchanged experiences with mentors and challenged myself to leave my comfort zone.

Over time, I realized that each step I took towards learning was a movement towards opportunities.

The power of human connections

Another essential lesson was the importance of building a support network. When we face challenges alone, the pressure can be overwhelming.

Throughout my career, I realized that sharing difficulties with colleagues, friends and mentors not only brings new perspectives, but also strengthens relationships.

Often, the best opportunities arose from these moments of exchange. Someone with a different view of the problem could offer a solution that I had not seen. Furthermore, creating genuine connections is a valuable resource that goes beyond the professional.

Transforming challenges into purpose

Finally, I realized that challenges only make sense when they allow us to grow and impact other people. With each challenge I overcame, I found ways to use my learning to contribute to the development of colleagues, friends, and my team.

This transformation of challenges into purpose brought even more clarity to my role as a professional and human being. Today, I see challenges as invitations to evolve and to strengthen the journey of those around me.

I like to say that transforming challenges into opportunities is a skill that develops over time. It takes courage to face what seems like an obstacle, determination to seek solutions, and humility to learn during the process.

In today’s world, marked by constant transformations and the growing interconnection between cultures and economies, international education is no longer just an alternative; it has become a necessity.

As CEO and founder of SEDA College, I have experienced first-hand the impact that an educational experience abroad can have on training individuals who are prepared to face the challenges of a globalized market and a multicultural society.

The value of international experience

Studying in another country goes beyond simply acquiring academic knowledge. It is a process of self-discovery and personal growth.

By coming into contact with different cultures, values ​​and ways of thinking, students develop fundamental skills such as empathy, adaptability and intercultural communication.

In addition, this experience prepares students to work in diverse teams, understand different perspectives and solve problems creatively.

These are qualities that, more than ever, are valued in global companies and necessary to operate in a constantly changing job market.

International education and career transformation

As an entrepreneur and educator, I see stories of transformation that international education provides every day.

Many of our students come to SEDA College looking for more than a diploma; they are looking for a fresh start, an opportunity to expand their horizons and reach new heights in their careers.

That is why I like to say that international education is not only a passport to the global job market, but also a gateway to a universe of possibilities.

From opportunities in multinational companies to innovative ventures, the learning acquired in an international environment forms confident, resilient professionals who are willing to lead changes.

The role of institutions in the formation of global citizens

Educational institutions like SEDA College play a crucial role in this scenario. More than offering English courses or specializations, our goal is to create an environment that values ​​diversity and promotes the exchange of knowledge between cultures.

We believe that forming global citizens means creating spaces where students can challenge themselves, experiment and learn collaboratively.

This means investing not only in infrastructure, but also in methodologies that prioritize practical learning, international networking, and the development of socio-emotional skills.

A final thought

In short, international education is a powerful agent of transformation, both for individuals and for society. It builds bridges between cultures, eliminates barriers, and creates a sense of unity in a world marked by differences.

As the leader of SEDA College, I feel privileged to be part of this journey and to contribute to the formation of global citizens, prepared to make an impact in their communities and the world.

Structural racism is still a challenging reality in many sectors of society, and the educational environment is no exception.

As a black professional working in the educational field, I have experienced firsthand the difficulties imposed by this unequal system. Today, I share some strategies that I consider essential to address and overcome this reality within educational institutions.

Recognizing the problem is the first step

Change begins with awareness. For a long time, structural racism has been made invisible or treated as something isolated, when in fact it is intrinsically linked to historical and social structures.

Recognizing that it exists in the educational environment is essential to proposing concrete solutions. This means being willing to revisit institutional practices and curricula that perpetuate exclusion and reinforce stereotypes.

One way to do this is to analyze data related to the representation of black teachers, administrators and students in prominent positions. This diagnosis helps to highlight inequalities and direct efforts to address them.

Anti-racist education as a tool for transformation

Education is, without a doubt, one of the most powerful tools we have to combat structural racism.

The inclusion of content that promotes African and Afro-Brazilian history and culture in school curricula, as provided for by Law 10.639/2003, is essential.

However, more than complying with a legal requirement, it is necessary to create a true culture of valuing diversity.

In my experiences, I have seen how initiatives that promote debates on racial inequality and training for teachers can positively impact the educational environment.

Preparing professionals to deal with racial issues is a differential in creating a more inclusive and safe space for all students.

Promoting representation and occupying positions of power

Another crucial point is ensuring that black voices are heard in all instances of the educational environment.

This involves not only encouraging the admission of black students to educational institutions, but also paving the way for them to occupy leadership positions, both in academia and in school management.

As a black person and an educator, I know how important it is to be a positive role model for students. Representation matters because it conveys the message that students can achieve whatever they want.

Being in prominent positions is not just an individual achievement, but also a way to challenge the status quo and open doors for those who come after.

Building alliances for change

Fighting structural racism cannot be a solitary struggle. It is essential to build alliances with other professionals, institutions and organizations that share a commitment to social justice.

In the educational environment, this can include partnerships with NGOs, social movements and even companies that promote inclusion actions.

These alliances strengthen the cause and expand the reach of initiatives, ensuring that the fight against racism goes beyond the classroom and impacts the entire society.

The future we want

I like to say that tackling structural racism in the educational environment is not an easy task, but it is absolutely necessary. Every step taken in this direction is an opportunity to transform lives and create a more just future for future generations.

May we be agents of this change, occupying our spaces and inspiring others to do the same. Because, in the end, education is the key to building a truly egalitarian society.

In recent years, bilingual education has been gaining ground in Brazilian schools, especially in the private sector. As someone who has lived and works in a multicultural context, I realize that the debate surrounding this topic still needs to mature.

As a nation rich in diversity, Brazil deserves an educational system that truly prepares new generations for a globalized future.

However, to achieve this, we need to deeply rethink how bilingualism is implemented in our schools. And what we are seeing is that there is a long way to go before this becomes a reality.

Bilingualism as a tool for the future

We live in a world where the ability to communicate in more than one language is no longer a differential, but a necessity. English, Spanish, and even less common languages ​​are becoming passports to academic and professional opportunities.

However, in many Brazilian schools, bilingual education is seen only as an attraction for parents concerned about their children’s future, and not as a robust educational strategy.

In this sense, bilingualism should be a tool for developing global citizens, not just an extra subject on the curriculum.

The challenge of accessibility and quality

One of the biggest challenges of bilingual education in Brazil is making it accessible to everyone, not just the economic elite. Currently, bilingualism in schools is almost exclusively a reality in the private sector.

Meanwhile, most public schools face difficulties even in offering quality education in the official language, Portuguese.

We need public policies that democratize language teaching, ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have access to the same learning opportunities.

In addition, it is essential to ensure that bilingual education is provided with quality. Often, the model applied in schools is nothing more than language classes with extended workload.

For bilingualism to work, it is necessary to invest in the training of specialized teachers and in methodologies that integrate language learning with the development of skills in other areas, such as mathematics, science and history.

Valuing the mother tongue

Another point that concerns me is the risk of devaluing our own language. After all, Portuguese is one of the most widely spoken languages ​​in the world, and our cultural wealth is deeply linked to it.

When rethinking bilingual education, we must be careful that it does not become an obstacle to mastering Portuguese.

We need to educate students who are fluent in English (or another language), but who also know how to express themselves clearly and profoundly in their mother tongue.

A more bilingual and inclusive future

Rethinking bilingual education in Brazilian schools is essential to creating a more egalitarian, prepared and globally connected society. This is an issue that requires collaboration between governments, educators, families and companies.

I believe that, with well-planned strategies, we can transform bilingualism into a right for all, and not just a privilege for a few.

This transformation begins with our reflection and, who knows, with a joint effort to change the current reality. Do you agree?

I deeply believe that social projects have the power to transform lives. After all, throughout my life, I have seen very well-planned initiatives.

They are focused on the real needs of a community, can open doors, create opportunities and, above all, restore dignity to those who need it most.

That is why I decided to write this article to share some thoughts on this topic, because I believe that this is a subject that affects us all.

The direct impact on communities

I have always been impressed by the impact that small gestures can have on vulnerable communities, and how they can transform people’s lives.

Social projects focused on education, health, job creation or professional training are often the only chance many people have to change their realities.

For example, imagine the impact of a computer class for someone who has never had contact with technology. It is not just a class – it is a gateway to the job market, an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

When I look at these initiatives, I realize that they create a positive cycle. An individual transformed by a social project impacts their family and, consequently, their community. It is a domino effect of change.

The power of empathy and collective engagement

For me, one of the most inspiring aspects of social projects is how they awaken empathy in people. Participating in a project is not just about helping others; it is about creating a genuine human connection.

It is about understanding someone’s pain and mobilizing to find solutions. I have participated in initiatives where the simple act of listening to the needs of the community made all the difference.

Many times, it is not about offering what we think is the best, but about building together, respecting the stories and experiences of each person. This collective construction is, for me, one of the greatest legacies of social projects.

Transformation that goes beyond those who receive

Something that has always struck me is how social projects transform not only those who benefit, but also those who get involved in them. Whether as a volunteer, donor or creator, the experience of participating is enriching.

I myself have learned a lot about resilience, courage and gratitude by listening to stories and sharing moments with people impacted by these initiatives.

It is as if, by donating our time or resources, we receive something even more valuable in return: the certainty that we are contributing to a better world.

I believe we can do more

When I reflect on the power of social projects, I see how much we still have to do. We don’t need grandiose initiatives to transform lives – a simple gesture can be the starting point.

And this motivates me to continue engaging in actions that promote social impact. Therefore, I leave you with an invitation: how about we reflect on how we can, individually or collectively, contribute to changing someone’s reality?

The transformation we seek in the world often begins with a small action on our part. And that action can be now!

I have always believed that learning goes far beyond the classroom and technical courses. It was on the mat, practicing Jiu-Jitsu, that I discovered valuable lessons that shaped the way I lead teams and face challenges on a daily basis.

That is why I like to say that Jiu-Jitsu, more than a martial art, is a true school of leadership and self-development.

And in this article, I want to share how this practice transformed me and how it can be a powerful ally in the development of leaders. I hope you enjoy it!

Resilience: getting up after every fall

In Jiu-Jitsu, defeat is a constant. Losing a position or being submitted is part of the process, but what really matters is the ability to get up, learn, and get back into the fight. This resilience is essential for leadership.

In difficult times, when we face rejection or obstacles, I remember that every mistake is an opportunity for growth.

As a leader, I adopted this “fail fast, learn fast” mentality, which helped me face challenges with more serenity and optimism.

Humility to learn from others

No matter how experienced you are in Jiu-Jitsu, there will always be someone with a better technique, a firmer grip or a more refined strategy. This taught me to value the exchange of knowledge and to recognize the importance of teamwork.

As a leader, I realize how essential it is to listen to others, learn from each team member and never assume that we already know everything. Humility creates an environment of continuous learning, which is fundamental for collective growth.

Planning and strategy under pressure

On the mat, every move needs to be calculated. It’s a game of chess where thinking two or three steps ahead can determine the outcome of a fight.

This ability to plan strategically, even in high-pressure situations, is one of the greatest lessons that Jiu-Jitsu has taught me.

I take this skill to the corporate world, where decisions need to be made calmly, even when faced with tight deadlines and uncertainty. Therefore, having a clear strategy, but knowing how to adapt, is a differentiator for any leader.

Emotional control: the key to balance

One of the first things I learned in Jiu-Jitsu is that losing emotional control is one of the greatest weaknesses. Anxiety and impulsiveness are powerful adversaries both on the mat and in leadership.

This practice taught me to stay calm, even in difficult situations, and to make decisions clearly. In the corporate environment, maintaining emotional balance inspires confidence in the team and helps to create a healthier and more productive culture.

Leadership that inspires by example

In Jiu-Jitsu, respect and discipline are not just words, but principles that guide each training session. At work, I realized that leading is not just giving orders, but acting with integrity, dedication and consistency.

Just as on the mat, where we inspire our partners through the effort we put in, in the corporate environment, an effective leader inspires his team by example.

Jiu-Jitsu taught me to be more resilient, strategic, humble and emotionally balanced. I believe that the best leaders are formed not only by the great challenges of life, but also by the daily practices that shape our character.

Therefore, the mat is a space for constant learning, which transforms not only the way we relate to others, but also how we view life.

Inclusion in higher education is not only a matter of social justice, but also of structural transformation in a society with historical inequalities like Brazil.

As CEO of SEDA College and someone who has experienced the opportunities provided by education, I firmly believe in the power of affirmative action as a driver of positive and lasting change.

That is why I decided to write this article as a way to explain a little about what I think about racial quotas in universities and how I think this is important to combat structural racism. I hope you enjoy it!

Reducing historical inequalities

Education has always been one of the main paths to social mobility.

However, many people from historically marginalized groups, such as black people, indigenous people and low-income people, face significant barriers to accessing and completing a higher education course.

That is why, in my view, affirmative action, such as racial and social quotas, are instruments to reduce these inequalities, ensuring that more people have the opportunity to enter universities and broaden their life prospects.

As a black man, I know that these policies go beyond numbers and percentages: they create real possibilities for those who might otherwise be left out of the education system.

Diversity that enriches everyone

More diverse environments are proven to be richer in innovation, creativity, and learning. In higher education, this means bringing a plurality of voices, stories, and perspectives into the classroom that, together, generate deeper debates and more complete reflections.

Affirmative action helps create this diversity, allowing universities to be more faithful reflections of the society in which they are inserted.

Students from different cultural and social backgrounds learn from each other, developing empathy and skills to deal with a diverse and globalized world.

A necessary step towards equity

Some argue that affirmative action is unfair, but we need to understand that equality is not the same as equity. Offering the same conditions to people who started from very different starting points does not solve the structural problem.

Affirmative action, on the other hand, recognizes these disparities and seeks to balance access to opportunities.

As an educator and leader, I see this as an essential step towards breaking cycles of exclusion and promoting a more just and truly meritocratic society — one where merit is not limited by each person’s initial living conditions.

Education as social transformation

Therefore, I believe that higher education plays a central role in social transformation, but this change does not happen automatically.

It is necessary to invest in inclusive policies, such as affirmative action, to ensure that more people can actively participate in this transformation.

By supporting these initiatives, I am reaffirming my commitment to a future in which access to education is a right for all, and not a privilege for a few. After all, when we expand opportunities for those who need it most, society as a whole advances.