Leading by example is key. I’ve found that when leaders embody the values and behaviors they expect from their teams, it sets a positive tone. Additionally, actively seeking and valuing input from all team members fosters inclusivity and collaboration.
Aspart of our series called “Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective C-Suite Executive,” we had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Julio Verissimo.
Mr. Julio Verissimo has over more than 24 years experience in multisectorial growth and has deployed and executed projects in more then 47 countries, an executive leader and native Visionaire from IT to technological transformations to wireless networks and had significant roles in telco and banking sector with development of several systems for VAR and regulation, he is also executive member of several chambers of commerce with major roles and was partner of several equity and funds for diverse sectors including crypto currency projects, he also worked with UKTI UK Trade and investment in multiple countries for fund acquire for many companies. business offerings in green energy and sustainable infrastructure.
Mr. Julio Verissimo was awarded the “World Eminent Man of Global Financial Technology 2023,” awards by The Who is Who International Academy & Awards (WIWIAA)
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
Myjourney into the world of business and consulting began with a deep-seated passion for technology and its transformative power. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in diverse sectors, from IT (includes solutions and digital transformation’s), telecommunications, Energy, Infrastructure, Agriculture, Logistics, Petroleum Industry (convergence to green production), Real Estate and banking & Investments,This global exposure allowed me to witness firsthand the impact of technological innovation on various industries. It inspired me to establish Borderless Consulting, a firm dedicated to helping businesses navigate the complexities of cross-border operations while fostering sustainability through the Foundation Borderless Consulting.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
One of the most fascinating experiences in my career was working on a project that involved deploying wireless networks in a remote part of a developing country. The project aimed to connect underserved communities to the digital world for the first time. Witnessing the transformative power of connectivity as it opened up new educational and economic opportunities for people who had previously been isolated was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced my belief in the positive impact technology can have on people’s lives.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life?
One of my favorite quotes is “Nothing is impossible.” Throughout my career, I’ve encountered numerous challenges and obstacles, especially when working on cross-border projects. This quote has always served as a reminder that with determination, innovation, and a committed team, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges. It’s a mindset that has been relevant in both my professional and personal life. Also, this is another personal quote:
“In the realm of the seemingly impossible, where no one wishes to tread, lies the potential for triumph, where the unthinkable becomes the unshakeable reality.”
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on your leadership style? Can you share a story or an example of that?
“Good to Great” by Jim Collins had a profound influence on my leadership style. The book emphasizes the importance of disciplined people, thought, and action in achieving greatness in organizations. It encouraged me to focus on building a strong team and fostering a culture of discipline and excellence at Borderless Consulting, leading to sustained growth and success.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
Borderless Consulting stands out for its unwavering commitment to sustainability and its global reach. We’re not just a consulting firm; we’re dedicated to making the world a better place together with our Foundation’s environmental education programs. By combining technology with a focus on the environment, we’re able to drive positive change on a global scale. One notable project involves collaborating with governments around the world to implement sustainable infrastructure solutions, which will have lasting impact on both local communities and the environment.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Vision: Having a clear vision and the ability to communicate it effectively has been crucial. For instance, when working on international projects, a well-defined vision helps align diverse teams and stakeholders toward a common goal.
Resilience: In a constantly changing business landscape, resilience is vital. I recall a time when a major project faced unexpected regulatory hurdles. By maintaining resilience and adapting our strategy, we successfully navigated these challenges.
Empathy: Empathy for team members and clients fosters strong relationships. I once had to lead a team through a challenging period of change. By understanding their concerns and providing support, we not only weathered the storm but emerged stronger as a unit.
Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader?
One of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make was the reallocation of resources during a financial crisis. It required downsizing certain areas of the company to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business. While it was a difficult choice, it ultimately allowed us to refocus our efforts and emerge from the crisis stronger, safeguarding the livelihoods of the majority of our team.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Most of our readers — in fact, most people — think they have a pretty good idea of what a C-Suite executive does. But in just a few words can you explain what a C-Level executive does that is different from the responsibilities of other leaders?
C-Level executives bear the responsibility of shaping the overall strategy and direction of the organization. They must focus on the big picture, making decisions that impact the entire company. While other leaders may oversee specific departments or functions, C-Level executives have a holistic view of the business and must align all aspects to achieve long-term success.
What are the “myths” that you would like to dispel about being a C-Suite executive? Can you explain what you mean?
One myth is that C-Suite executives have all the answers. In reality, they rely on their teams and external expertise to make informed decisions. Another myth is that their role is glamorous and stress-free; it often involves high-pressure situations and challenging decisions that affect many lives.
What are the most common leadership mistakes you have seen C-Suite leaders make when they start leading a new team? What can be done to avoid those errors?
New C-Suite leaders sometimes micromanage or resist delegation, which can stifle team growth. It’s important to trust your team and empower them to take ownership. Additionally, failing to adapt to change can be a pitfall. Staying flexible and open to new ideas is essential.
In your experience, which aspect of running a company tends to be most underestimated? Can you explain or give an example?
The importance of maintaining a positive and inclusive corporate culture is often underestimated. Neglecting this aspect can lead to disengagement, turnover, and inefficiency. A strong culture fosters employee satisfaction and contributes to the overall success of the company.
Ok super. Here is the main question of our interview. What are your “Five Things You Need To Be A Highly Effective C-Suite Executive”? If you can, please share a story or an example for each.
Strategic Vision: A clear strategic vision is essential. For instance, at Borderless Consulting, our vision of combining technology with environmental sustainability drove us to create innovative solutions with lasting impact.
Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances is vital. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we swiftly adapted our operations to remote work, ensuring minimal disruption to our clients and team.
Empowerment: Empowering team to make decisions fosters a culture of ownership. I once empowered a team member to lead a critical client negotiation, and their initiative led to a significant deal.
Resilience: Resilience is crucial when facing setbacks. We encountered setbacks during the launch of our environmental education programs, but we persevered, and the programs have since thrived.
Global Perspective: A global perspective is vital in today’s interconnected world. Our work with international governments on sustainable projects highlights the importance of understanding diverse cultures and markets.
In your opinion, what are a few ways that executives can help to create a fantastic work culture? Can you share a story or an example?
Leading by example is key. I’ve found that when leaders embody the values and behaviors they expect from their teams, it sets a positive tone. Additionally, actively seeking and valuing input from all team members fosters inclusivity and collaboration.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I would start a movement focused on environmental sustainability and technology education. It would aim to empower individuals and communities to address environmental challenges while equipping them with the skills needed for a technology-driven future. This movement could have a profound and positive impact on the planet and people’s lives.
How can our readers further follow you online?
You can follow me and stay updated on my work and insights on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julioverissimo/ . Additionally, you can visit the Borderless Consulting website https://bodlsc.com/ for more information on our initiatives and projects also our News: https://news.bodlsc.com/ Podcasts and Interviews: https://liveshow.bodlsc.com/ Foundation Borderless Consulting: https://foundation.bodlsc.com/ . Thank you for your interest in our work.
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About the Interviewer: Douglas E. Noll, JD, MA was born nearly blind, crippled with club feet, partially deaf, and left-handed. He overcame all of these obstacles to become a successful civil trial lawyer. In 2000, he abandoned his law practice to become a peacemaker. His calling is to serve humanity, and he executes his calling at many levels. He is an award-winning author, teacher, and trainer. He is a highly experienced mediator. Doug’s work carries him from international work to helping people resolve deep interpersonal and ideological conflicts. Doug teaches his innovative de-escalation skill that calms any angry person in 90 seconds or less. With Laurel Kaufer, Doug founded Prison of Peace in 2009. The Prison of Peace project trains life and long terms incarcerated people to be powerful peacemakers and mediators. He has been deeply moved by inmates who have learned and applied deep, empathic listening skills, leadership skills, and problem-solving skills to reduce violence in their prison communities. Their dedication to learning, improving, and serving their communities motivates him to expand the principles of Prison of Peace so that every human wanting to learn the skills of peace may do so. Doug’s awards include California Lawyer Magazine Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers in America Lawyer of the Year, Purpose Prize Fellow, International Academy of Mediators Syd Leezak Award of Excellence, National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals Neutral of the Year. His four books have won a number of awards and commendations. Doug’s podcast, Listen With Leaders, is now accepting guests.
