When a Suit, a Smile, and a Library Ignited My Path to Leadership

In the first days of 2005, Lisbon’s winter was painting the city with its usual palette of gray skies and intermittent rain, creating a backdrop that felt both familiar and anticipatory. I was standing at the cusp of a significant transition, clad in the professional armor of a suit and tie. This was no ordinary attire but a symbol of my evolution from a dedicated student to a professional ready to make his mark in the industry.

That morning, with the city cloaked in a gentle drizzle, I approached the building that symbolized the beginning of my professional journey. It was 8:45 AM, a moment frozen in time, marking the intersection of years of academic rigor and the dawn of a new chapter in my life. The building in front of me was more than just a physical structure; it represented a world of possibilities, challenges, and the potential for transformative impact.

As I stepped through its doors, I carried with me not just the aspirations of my own career but also a deep-seated commitment to the principles of innovation, sustainability, and leadership that I was determined to uphold. The suit and tie were not just a dress code but a declaration of my readiness to embrace the responsibilities of my new role, to contribute meaningfully to my field, and to navigate the complexities of an industry on the brink of transformative change.

This moment was more than a personal milestone; it was an embodiment of the transition from the realm of theory to the tangible reality of professional practice, from learning to leading, from following paths to forging them. It was here, at this threshold, that I stood ready to blend the rich knowledge acquired through years of education with a fervent ambition to drive forward, innovate, and lead with integrity, vision, and a profound sense of purpose.

The Encounter with Mr. Mário

Arriving on the third floor, I was greeted by Mr. Mário, whose presence immediately infused the space with a sense of warmth and welcoming familiarity. His bright smile and the respectful address of “senhor engenheiro” (difficult to translate to English, it is a respectful way of addressing an engineering professional) resonated deeply, symbolizing the acknowledgment of my new professional status.

Mr. Mário, with his ever-present warmth and genuine kindness, was more than just a colleague; he represented the welcoming human element of my new professional environment. His gesture of offering a coffee and welcoming me into the library, which would serve as my office, was a simple yet profound act of hospitality that marked the beginning of my journey in this new role. It was here, in this space filled with knowledge and the promise of future accomplishments, that I felt the full weight and excitement of my responsibilities.

The library was symbolic of the continuous growth that would define my career. Mr. Mário, in his unassuming way, played a crucial role in this transition. His acknowledgment of my title, while I preferred to be called “just Nuno,” highlighted a mutual respect and the importance of humility and approachability in my new professional identity. This encounter wasn’t merely an introduction to a new workspace but a meaningful initiation into a community of seasoned professionals, where respect, camaraderie, and support were paramount.

Choosing to be called “just Nuno” wasn’t simply a preference for informality; it symbolized my belief in leadership as a role not of personal aggrandizement but of service and support to others, facilitating their growth, innovation, and success.

The interactions with Mr. Mário would come to symbolize the essence of my professional journey: a blend of respect for the technical rigor of our field, the importance of personal connections, and the unwavering support among colleagues. His welcoming demeanor and the inclusive atmosphere of the office space were my first insights into the culture of my new workplace, setting the tone for what would become years of rewarding experiences, challenges met with collaborative spirit, and continuous personal and professional development.

Reflections on Early Professional Life

As the days unfolded into weeks and months, my early interactions, especially those warm mornings (there was even the amazing habit that everyone was taking breakfast together), began to paint a clearer picture of my professional landscape. These moments were not just routine exchanges but were foundational to my understanding of what it means to be a leader in a real-world context. They reminded me that our job, even if deeply rooted in science and technology, is mostly about human connections, understanding, and mutual respect.

The title “senhor engenheiro” that Mr. Mário bestowed upon me was a constant reminder of the responsibilities and expectations that came with my role. However, choosing to be called “just Nuno” was my way of honoring the core values I brought into this profession: approachability, humility, and a relentless pursuit of collaborative innovation. This balance between professional respect and personal humility became a guiding principle for me, shaping how I interacted with colleagues, approached challenges, and contributed to our collective goals.

Reflecting on this significant period of transition, I recognize how these early experiences were instrumental in defining my professional ethos. They taught me that leadership is not (just) about expertise and decision-making but mainly about fostering an environment where respect, collaboration, and continuous learning thrive. My commitment to these values was not just about personal integrity but about inspiring those around me to strive for excellence, innovate responsibly, and pursue sustainable solutions that benefit our community and the wider world.

The library, which was my office, became a symbol of continuous growth and curiosity, embodying my journey from a recent graduate to a confident professional. It was a place where knowledge met ambition, where every book and every assignment added a layer to my understanding and expertise. This environment, enriched by the support and camaraderie of my colleagues and my mentors, was crucial in transforming the theoretical knowledge of my student days into the practical wisdom required to navigate the complexities of our industry.

Conclusion: Foundations of a Servant Leader

Today, as I stand recognized in the industry as a respected leader, I reflect on those defining early days of my career. The journey from the fresh-faced engineer, greeted by Mr. Mário’s welcoming smile, to the position I hold now, is a testament to the foundational experiences that shaped my professional ethos. That initial period, marked by the blend of humility, respect, and eagerness to learn, set the tone for the leader I have become.

My team describes me as kind, appreciative, and approachable, echoing the qualities I admired and embraced from my earliest days in the professional world. The ethos of servant leadership, which I hold dear, is deeply rooted in those formative encounters and the inclusive, supportive culture I was fortunate to be part of. It was there, in the interactions and the shared moments of insight and encouragement, that the cornerstone of my leadership style was laid.

The title “senhor engenheiro” was more than an acknowledgment of my professional status; it was a call to embody the qualities of a true leader: integrity, empathy, and a commitment to empowering others. Choosing to be called “just Nuno” wasn’t just a preference for informality; it symbolized my belief in leadership as a role not of personal aggrandizement but of service and support to others, facilitating their growth, innovation, and success.

This episode, seemingly simple yet profoundly impactful, marked the beginning of my journey as a servant leader. It instilled in me a deep-seated appreciation for the power of kindness, the value of acknowledgment, and the importance of being genuinely present and approachable. These principles have guided my interactions, influenced my decisions, and shaped the way I lead my team and drive innovation in our industry.

As I continue to progress in the ever-evolving landscape of my industry, the lessons from those early days remain a guiding light. They remind me that our professional accomplishments are not just measured by the projects we complete or the innovations we introduce but by the positive influence we have on those around us, the supportive environments we cultivate, and the collaborative successes we achieve.