A Bit About Me

Hi, I’m Helder.

My career has taken me across countries, industries and cultures, from aviation in Brazil to international business transformation and the technology sector in the Netherlands. Along the way, I’ve learned how much it matters to understand different perspectives, build relationships and communicate what you bring to a team.

​

I bring more than 14 years of experience in portfolio and programme management, with a background that includes ASML, TUI and LATAM Airlines. I hold an International MBA from TIAS Business School and a Project Management Professional certification. Throughout my career, I’ve led multicultural teams, coached project leaders and helped organisations turn ambitious plans into practical action.

​

I’m also an entrepreneur, having founded two companies. Building businesses has given me a personal understanding of what it takes to turn an idea into action, navigate uncertainty and create opportunities. Through Reis Axis Consulting, I’ve supported businesses and entrepreneurs in clarifying their priorities and making better use of their resources. My approach starts with understanding where someone is today and identifying realistic steps towards where they want to go.

My Journey at a Glance

​

• Growing Up in Brazil: From an early age, I had an international mindset and a curiosity about other cultures. That was one of the main reasons I chose a career in aviation, starting as a pilot before moving into management. It opened doors to different countries, people and experiences, shaping how I approach both work and life.

• The Big Leap to the Netherlands: After completing two technical degrees in aviation and gaining industry experience, I wanted to deepen my business knowledge. I had also been nurturing an ambition to become an entrepreneur. That combination led me to move to the Netherlands to pursue an MBA specialising in entrepreneurship and prepare for the next chapter of my career.

• Becoming an Entrepreneur: Over the period of 8 years after finishing my MBA, I founded two companies. Entrepreneurship gave me independence and taught me some demanding lessons about building something from the ground up. I learned to develop a network and build relationships with private businesses and government organisations. It also pushed me beyond my comfort zone, bringing challenges and responsibilities I had never encountered as an employee.

• Stepping into Project and Programme Management: Moving into project, programme and portfolio management was a natural way to bring these experiences together and help companies deliver ambitious transformation plans. I could combine the pace and adaptability of a startup with the disciplined approach to budgets and resources I had developed during my years in aviation.

• Building My Network from Scratch: Starting a network in a new country was one of my biggest challenges. I had to learn which events to attend, how to start conversations, how to follow up and how to ask for support with confidence. Over the last decade, I’ve built a core network spanning entrepreneurs, recruiters and business executives. That experience taught me the value of taking the initiative, staying in touch and offering support as well as asking for it.

Why TechExpat

I’m joining TechExpat as an advisor to support its mission of helping international professionals find their way in the Dutch job market. I bring both an entrepreneur’s perspective and practical experience of how international organisations operate, collaborate and deliver results.

​

Working alongside Pompina, I want to contribute that experience to TechExpat’s development and help it provide relevant, practical support to its community. For me, this is an opportunity to put what I’ve learned through an international career and building businesses to work in support of other people’s next chapter.

Want to have a free chat?