Meet Diogo: From Humble Beginnings in Portugal to Leading Change at Firm C

At Firm C, we believe that our strength lies in the people behind the projects. That’s why we sat down with Diogo—one of our consultants—to learn more about the person beyond the title. What we discovered is a story of quiet leadership, relentless curiosity, and a genuine love for growth, both personal and professional.

From Portugal to the World

Originally from a small town in southern Portugal with fewer than a thousand residents, Diogo grew up surrounded by nature and community. "Mértola was were I learned to dream beyond borders while staying grounded in who I am—and that perspective continues to guide me in everything I do” he said.

After studying Management at ISEG in Lisbon—and spending time in Vienna through an exchange program—Diogo entered the job market early, combining studies with running his own company focused on sports and events. That entrepreneurial mindset remains a key part of who he is today.

A Passion for Sports and Leadership

Diogo’s energy and calm confidence are rooted in years of competitive sports, with swimming and football being the foundations of his discipline, teamwork, and drive - qualities that now inform his consulting work. “Sports taught me discipline, commitment, leadership, and how to work for the team,” he shared.

From a young age, he was not only participating but also leading. Whether it was captaining his football team or representing his class in high school, taking initiative came naturally.

International Moves and Mastery

Diogo’s professional journey has taken him from Capgemini Portugal to Deloitte Luxembourg, and eventually to the Netherlands, where he completed a Master’s in Finance at Tilburg University, writing a thesis on ESG returns. “I always wanted to live abroad,” he said, noting that the move wasn’t just a career decision but also a personal commitment to independence and growth.

At Deloitte, he focused on investment fund auditing and change management—valuable experience, but ultimately not the right long-term fit. “The work-life balance wasn’t there,” he said. “I realized I wanted to work somewhere I could make a tangible impact.”

Why Firm C?

That impact is exactly what he’s found at Firm C. “Here, your voice matters. You’re encouraged to bring your ideas, and you actually get to see them implemented,” Diogo said. He highlights the flat structure, supportive team culture, and the variety of roles—ranging from client work to internal initiatives like recruitment and marketing—as key reasons why Firm C stands out.

Since joining, Diogo has coached colleagues, helped shape project delivery, and contributed to improving processes for clients and internally. “It’s the most rewarding project work I’ve done,” he shared.

Looking Ahead

When asked about the future, Diogo is both grounded and ambitious. In the short term, he’s working on developing project management and ESG expertise while sharpening his language skills. Longer term, he envisions stepping into a managerial role and contributing to Firm C’s growth—perhaps even helping the company expand to Portugal.

A Calm Force of Nature

Colleagues describe Diogo as calm and collected—qualities he attributes to his upbringing, his swimming background, and a deep appreciation for balance. “Swimming teaches you to control your breathing, to stay calm under pressure,” he said. It’s a mindset that clearly carries through into his work.

Whether he’s implementing process improvements, mentoring others, or planning the next steps for Firm C, Diogo brings both heart and hustle to everything he does.