1. What did you wish to become when you grew up? 

I played basketball in Brazil from the age of 10 to 21. That has shaped my life profoundly. Basketball taught me how to face challenges, the value of people and how to work in teams, to have determination and resiliency, and that “how to win is more important than winning itself”. My dream was to become a professional basketball player. I was able to fulfill it partially, playing for my state and national teams, but that experience, and my passion for the great coaches that I had and still study, has been transitioned to my new and fulfilling roles as a husband, a father and an executive.

2. What are you reading right now? 

I am one of those people that continues to love books – the touch, feel and smell are part of the experience for me. I am just finishing ‘No Time like the Future’, by Michael J. Fox about his many adversities and positive approach to life. I love to learn from personal stories/experiences. My father had Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s for 10 years before he passed away and, as a result, learning and supporting related causes is important to me.

3. If you had to delete all but three apps from your smartphone, which ones would you keep? 

I’d keep WhatsApp, Photos, and my Bank App. WhatsApp because that’s the way I keep my family and friends close. Photos, because what we do in life, in the end, is to collect great memories, and looking back at the most significant and happy moments is priceless. Finally, I know the saying that money does not buy happiness, but my bank app certainly helps!

4. What does a perfect vacation look like for you? 

Any place with my wife and three kids (not kids anymore, but you know parents…) is a perfect vacation. We make our time and place special, whenever and wherever we are.

5. If you were going to start your own business what would it be? 

I am fulfilled by the career I have chosen as an executive, helping business, communities and people. But when the time comes I will launch a ‘cosy, welcoming, high-end café’, so I can continue to connect and learn from the stories of the people that would pass by every day, plus show to my grandkids the continued value of work.

6. What is the most memorable event you have ever attended, and why? 

My last event in Brazil before leaving for the US was FENATRAN in 2019. It was not only memorable for this reason, but also the truck industry was coming out of a long period of recession and strikes. Our team was able to address all the main points the industry was asking us to support, and our stars aligned when the government announced a major incentive for the industry during our event. Immediately on entering the show you could feel the energy among the thousands of exhibitors and attendees congregating and doing business. The deals during those four days lasted for 18 months, with full production for the entire truck industry value chain. It was magical! That’s what our shows, and our people do. They make dreams happen!

7. What makes you proud to work at RX? 

Two things. Firstly, I don’t see any other industry with such a significant capability to impact so many lives by generating business, new connections, and learnings. Secondly, the most important piece of our business – our people. What they do is amazing! The opening day of an event is always a magical moment, but all the work done behind the scenes is actually extraordinary. Understanding the market needs, finding the right buyers and suppliers, connecting them through the year, and building the event itself – it’s something only a few special people can do. And I am proud to work with the best of them!