When I decided to do business abroad, I had no idea how intense the journey would be.
I thought I already had enough resilience, leadership experience and a good understanding of the market. But nothing fully prepared me for the reality of doing business in another country.
The experience taught me much more than numbers, strategies and business plans. It transformed me as a person and as a professional.
And, looking back, I see that each difficulty helped me grow in ways that I would never have experienced if I had stayed in my comfort zone.
Respect (and embrace) the local culture
One of the first lessons learned — and perhaps the most valuable — was understanding that you can’t “export” a Brazilian business model and expect it to work the same way in another country.
Each place has its own habits, its own consumer culture, its own rules (written and unwritten). Doing business abroad requires opening your mind, listening much more than talking and adapting with humility.
I realized that respecting the local way does not mean losing the essence of the business. It means finding the best way to deliver value in that context.
Communication goes beyond language
Even though I speak English, I needed to learn how to truly communicate. And I’m not just talking about words. I’m talking about gestures, tone of voice, reading the environment, timing for negotiations and even humor.
Intercultural communication is an essential skill for global entrepreneurs. Many times, a negotiation or a partnership does not move forward due to subtle misinterpretations or differences in expectations.
I learned to listen more, ask more questions and adjust my message to be truly understood — and not just translated.
Resilience on a new level
What I can say is that entrepreneurship is already an act of courage in Brazil. Outside of Brazil, it is a deep dive into a sea of uncertainty.
Bureaucracy, cultural barriers, homesickness, loneliness, financial difficulties… All of this happens at the same time. And that’s where resilience goes beyond just “putting up with the pressure.”
It becomes the ability to find creative solutions, ask for help when necessary, and stay calm in unpredictable scenarios.
The value of creating a strong network
Overseas, I learned that no one builds anything great alone. Having a support network — mentors, friends, local partners — makes all the difference.
These connections were essential to understanding the market, finding opportunities, and overcoming obstacles. That’s how I was able to strengthen my business and expand SEDA College more safely.
Conclusion: starting a business abroad is a real-life MBA
Starting a business abroad is much more than a business decision. It’s a profound process of self-discovery, a daily test of flexibility, and a unique opportunity for growth.
If I could summarize everything I learned in one sentence, it would be: you don’t come back the same person — you come back bigger.
