Leaving Portugal was never an option to Frederico Lobato de Melo, even if he studied in an international school during his youth and invested in an MBA. Family, the quality of life and career progression at his company were the reasons behind the decision. Now, he’s focused on mobility, a hot topic where Portugal can work as an “incubator” of innovative solutions. Time will tell.

The Magazine-Review interviews Frederico Lobato de Melo, an alumnus of The Lisbon MBA (2014-2016) and Deputy Head of Business Development at Brisa

Let’s go back to the 90s. At Lycée Français Charles Lepierre, in Lisbon, Frederico Lobato de Melo was exposed to a bilingual educational experience. Portuguese and French were part of his daily routine, inside and outside the classes. Those were the days back when he dreamt about his future as an architect or economist.

Eventually, Frederico Lobato de Melo decided to take a BSc in engineering, following the footsteps of his great-grandfather. First, he applied to Electrical and Computer Engineering. However, the degree was “too specific”, leading him to a change: Civil Engineering.

“In the last two years of college, we were more focused on transportation, planning and management. It anticipated my professional career. I’m working at Brisa since 2004. For 14 years, I had the opportunity to be challenged and work in different fields not only related to my academic background”, he shares.

Brisa is the largest private road operator in Portugal and stands out at both national and international levels. Frederico Lobato de Melo has a vast curriculum in the company, such as planning and budgeting tenders, in Portugal, Europe or US. From 2008 to 2016, he was directly involved in the construction of three highways, in Oporto area, as well as in the management of two bridges and the main Portuguese highway (A1). He was also responsible for leading teams, some of them with almost 100 people.

In 2017, Frederico Lobato de Melo started to serve as Brisa’s Deputy Head of Business Development. “We are exploring new business opportunities in the current context of mobility. This is something challenging and stimulating because there is a need to anticipate the future. At this moment, we see the biggest revolution since car. Therefore, I want to stay involved in relevant projects that can make a difference. The speed and abundance of new offers (electric vehicles, car-sharing or self-driving car) collide with established actors (private and public transportation) and industries (automotive, construction or passenger transportation services)”, he highlights.

Decarbonisation is now a major challenge, leading governments to new policies, measures and tax schemes. Frederico Lobato de Melo argues that Portugal “has an opportunity to stand out as an incubator of innovative solutions” because of “its scale, infrastructures and culture of innovation”.

With a solid professional background, Frederico Lobato de Melo could think about moving abroad.

“However, I always took into consideration family and the quality of life here. Portugal also has competitive advantages, due to location, security, infrastructure and human capital, which is highly valued from our international counterparts. The current context is challenging, increasingly complex and interconnected. That must challenge us to go beyond ourselves and affirm Portugal as a success story”.

Evolution and achievements

Fourteen years at the same company does not mean stagnation. “There have been new challenges. The responsibility assigned, and the confidence culminate in the opportunity to attend The Lisbon MBA with the support of Brisa. My career got a new direction, linked to Business Development. At this point, my civil engineering degree is complemented by financial tools that allow me to have a broader view of the business”, Frederico Lobato de Melo says.

The lessons took at The Lisbon MBA are uncountable. “Besides hard skills, I’d like to highlight the importance of pragmatism and leadership skills. The MBA was central to my professional and personal evolution. I became a more well-prepared, efficient and goal-oriented manager, who can take the lead and influence. In a personal level, the MBA made me more resilient and focused on what really matters”, he concludes.

Music: Alternative/Indie

Book: The Picture of Dorian Gray (Oscar Wilde)

Movie: Quentin Tarantino filmography

Motto: “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”