5 perguntas para: Wilson Fernandes, CFO da ESPN

Summary

In this insightful interview, an executive with diverse experience across multiple industries and countries shares his journey, highlighting key challenges in both national and international markets. The conversation delves into the nuances of financial management, cultural adaptation, and leadership across different sectors, including pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and services. Drawing from his experiences in Venezuela, Russia, and Switzerland, he discusses resilience, digital transformation, and the importance of understanding cultural differences in business. His philosophy emphasizes continuous learning, adaptability, and the value of personal growth through diverse professional experiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker discusses the challenges of working in both national and international markets, especially in complex economic environments.
• 😀 Financial roles involve managing balance sheets and profit/loss statements, which remain consistent across industries, offering a clear understanding of finances.
• 😀 Working in diverse sectors, from pharmaceuticals to services, provides valuable experience and flexibility, improving agility in business operations.
• 😀 Cultural awareness is crucial for working internationally. The speaker highlights how understanding local customs and behaviors is essential for successful interactions, especially in Russia and Venezuela.
• 😀 Leadership and adaptability are key skills. The speaker emphasizes the importance of managing teams and understanding different business environments to lead effectively.
• 😀 Working in service industries offers different challenges compared to product-based industries, especially in areas like pricing and competition.
• 😀 The speaker shares personal experiences working abroad, particularly in Russia and Venezuela, and the importance of embracing local cultures while maintaining professional goals.
• 😀 Effective communication is essential in management. The ability to communicate strategy and manage teams is highlighted as a major factor in success.
• 😀 Resilience and flexibility are essential traits when facing difficult situations, such as political unrest or economic instability in foreign countries.
• 😀 The digital transformation is a global challenge. Understanding how digitalization impacts business models and adopting new ways of generating revenue is crucial for success.
• 😀 The speaker stresses the importance of continuous learning and personal growth. Emphasizing the journey over the destination, the speaker encourages a mindset of lifelong learning and adaptability.

Q & A

What are some of the main challenges in working in both national and international markets?

The key challenges involve dealing with complex economic conditions and understanding different business models. Financial management remains consistent, but adjusting to diverse business environments, such as service and pharmaceutical sectors, presents unique challenges in terms of competition, pricing, and market dynamics.

How does working in multiple industries help develop leadership skills?

Having experience in multiple industries enhances agility and flexibility. It allows a person to see business models from different perspectives, thus improving decision-making and adaptability in various sectors, such as industry and services.

What does the speaker say about the role of experience in shaping leadership capabilities?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of diverse experience, particularly in industry and services. Their 35 years of career experience—spanning industries such as pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and services—helped shape their leadership skills, particularly in navigating competitive environments and managing operations in various markets.

What did the speaker learn from their time working in Russia and Venezuela?

In Russia, the speaker learned to understand the country’s feudal mindset and adapt to its unique leadership style. In Venezuela, they developed resilience and leadership skills in a volatile environment, marked by political unrest and economic instability. These experiences were pivotal in shaping their leadership approach.

How did the speaker approach cultural differences when working internationally?

The speaker stressed the importance of understanding the local culture and context before engaging with people. They would learn about the history and customs of the country, like reading about Russian history before working there, which helped them build rapport and effectively manage teams.

What challenges does the digitalization of business pose according to the speaker?

Digitalization is seen as a major global challenge, impacting all sectors. The speaker mentions how it has affected industries such as retail and media, with examples like the decline of small grocery stores and the shift to streaming services. Companies need to find new ways to generate revenue and adapt to digital transformations.

What is the speaker’s approach to business challenges and leadership?

The speaker focuses on adaptability, understanding the business’s core strategy, and being proactive in finding growth opportunities. They believe in the importance of forming strong teams and combining technical expertise with communication skills to drive success.

What does the speaker believe is the key to being successful in managerial roles?

The key to success is building effective teams, having a deep understanding of the business, and being able to communicate strategy clearly. The speaker believes that leadership is not just about technical expertise, but also about understanding the broader business strategy and fostering a collaborative environment.

How does the speaker view the concept of success in their career?

The speaker defines success not by reaching a specific position or title, but by enjoying the journey of learning and growth. They value the experiences gained in each country they worked in and emphasize the importance of being open to learning from different cultures and business environments.

What advice does the speaker give regarding moving to a new country for work?

The speaker advises approaching international assignments with an open mind and heart. They stress the importance of understanding the culture, adapting to local customs, and viewing the opportunity as a chance to learn and contribute, rather than just focusing on personal gain.