Meeting

Henrique Alves Pinto redefining Brazilian business

Brazil is doing well by any standards. In recent decades, the improvements in the education, health and living standards of millions have outpaced those of most nations around the world. Henrique Alves Pinto is contributing significantly to this progress. With an entrepreneurial vision that would have been dismissed out of hand just a generation ago in Brazil, Henrique is a breath of fresh air in one of the worlds most exciting entrepreneurial environments. And the great thing is its all by the book. In fact, you could say hes writing a new chapter in Brazilian business, with all the flair we have come to expect from the country that brought us the Samba, Carnival and Bossa Nova! Henrique has been running businesses for more than half his life, and hes only 36. More importantly, however, he is changing the lives of many with his passion for equality and sustainability, and the belief that you can achieve anything, as long as you put your heart, soul and effort into it. We spoke to Henrique in buzzing downtown So Paulo. He seems to know everyone, and vice versa. As we talk, however, it becomes clear that hes modest, likable, and as mentally sharp as a tack. A good recipe for success it would seem. Power of the people Henrique: Did you know that you are currently in the best country in the world? Just take a look around you. Incredible nature, sunshine almost all year round, beaches that are incomparable. We have no wars, no dictatorship and we enjoy freedom of religion. But do you know the best thing about this country? Its people. Twenty years ago, we were not in a great place. There was a great deal of corruption, we exported mainly raw materials and around 15% of our children werent attending th school. But the people have turned it all around. Were now the 8 largest economy in the world, almost all our kids are in education, and our exports, which now include large proportions of high- tech goods, are increasing by an average of 20% per year. Thats pretty good progress in two decades. I started in business about the time our country started turning itself around, at the age of 18. I fully appreciate the great hand I was dealt, but without wanting to be immodest, I have achieved what I have because I believe in myself, and because I work damn hard. And since you have to think anyway, why not think big? I would like to add something here though, and that is that if youre doing things big, I believe you also have the responsibility to do them right.

2011 CoolBrands House

By definition, only sustainability works As humans, we have put ourselves in a pretty poor position. The environment is struggling, there are massive inequalities, not to mention the obvious global economy problems. I believe we can do better than that as people, but it all starts by taking a close look at oneself. There is a new generation of entrepreneurs in Brazil. The old ways of corruption are no longer acceptable. As a nation weve embraced capitalism and democracy, and that means youve got to pay your taxes. It also means thinking about the longer-term effect of ones actions. Is what I am doing today contributing to a better future for me, my staff, and for my country? At the risk of sounding twee, I really am trying to leave the planet in a better condition than it was in when I arrived. I want to contribute my part to a better world. But like said, that means starting with the little things. I run a fair few companies these days. Its still important to me, however, that I get to talk to my staff as often as possible. To show them that a normal guy like me can be successful because I work hard and believe in myself. Its all about the choices we make along the way, and smelling the proverbial flowers too. Enjoyment is an important aspect of being successful. If you dont take the time out to do the things you like, theres no point to it all in my eyes. I try therefore to make my companies as pleasant as possible to work for. My goal is not to make money. I want to show people that they can achieve what they want as long as they believe in themselves. I am fortunate enough to be able to give people that opportunity, to give them the freedom to make choices as long as they put in the effort. The power of the mind The power of the mind is extraordinary, and if people manage to use just that little bit more of their innate energy, passion and instinct, the world is their oyster. Nowadays I spend some of my time giving motivational speeches. Of course there are in-company talks, but I want to give to the outside world too. Together we can make things better. Thats why I go to colleges and poor communities to explain about the strength everyone has to achieve their goals. Henry Ford said: Whether you think you can or you think you cant, youre right. I want people to believe they can. And if I can help them, open a window of opportunity for them, I will. The revolutionary and evolutionary aspect of Henriques ideas comes from the setting in which they were born. Thanks to entrepreneurs like him, Brazil isnt going to have to go through the learning curve the West experienced to arrive at the conclusion that we have to look at matters from a holistic perspective, take all angles into account and not focus on profit and exploitation. Its not just a breath of fresh air hes bringing to his beloved nation, its a whirlwind.

2011 CoolBrands House