Global Entrepreneurship Week

Young Brazilians Encouraged to Innovate

"From November 16 to 22 the Global Entrepreneurship Week takes place worldwide. It is a movement of people, with millions around the world unleashing their enterprising talents and turning their ideas into reality. " according to Global Entrepreneurship Week's website , one of the many regional websites linked to the movement.

Here in Brazil thousands of young people are been encouraged to think of innovations too. Many activities have been planed throughout the week to motivate many to entrepreneurial action and thinking. A very motivational meeting was held supported by the local government, entrepreneur associations, Campinas Chamber of Commerce and Amcham Brazil among others.

Guest Speakers Shine at Global Entrepreneurship Week

After the introductions three guest entrepreneurs gave their testimonial sharing from their own experience to a select audience of more the 260 people in one of the city´s theater houses. Cesar Federmann is from a very successful construction group, Claudia Porteiro from a well structured food and events company and Andre Justo is a Software developer from Campinas were all able to really touch the people present.

Mr. Federmann and Ms. Porteiro showed the way an entrepreneur can achieve success, saying never to lose or let go of an opportunity. Both have been very successful in their respective fields. Andre Justo was a show apart, he does not own a company of any kind, but actually works for a software company. That was exactly why he was chosen to give his testimonial. Mr. Justo is a living example that entrepreneurial action is much more then opening a business.

Mr. Justo was born with severe hearing problems, so much so it took him many year of special therapeutic treatment to learn how to speak. He is the entrepreneur of his own life. Facing a variety of difficulties and prejudices he was able to be successful in sport (soccer - as a gool keeper) as well as academically.

He does not use sign language. He learned how to speak and how to read the lips. With the support of his family he has conquered many difficult battles and went as far as getting an university degree and later a MBA in one of the most prestigious universities in Brazil. His new project is to write a book, which he is is already doing. It will focus on his life and entrepreneurship.

In Mr. Justos final presentation slide he shared his personal philosophy mottos:

• Be Creative
• Do not be afraid of failure
• Always seek knowledge
• Be self confident
• Be optimistic
• Be ambitious
• Say no to prejudice
• Quality of life comes first

Indeed the event was a great success. It is easy to foresee a great entrepreneurship Week in Brazil this year.