Meet Luis Cerqueira
Luis began his journey with Satisloh in 2017 on the assembly line. Today, he works as a Project Manager for Satisloh India, a role that reflects his dynamic career path and passion for international collaboration.
What has your journey been like at Satisloh? How did you start, and where are you now?
I began my career with EssilorLuxottica in 2004 as an IT intern in Brazil, where Iworked on implementing Oracle ERP for Essilor Brazil. This role was thefoundation for my understanding of the company’s operations and introduced meto the dynamic world of innovation in optics.
In 2007, I transitioned to Essilor of America in Dallas, joining the financedepartment. Over six exciting years, I became responsible for managing thefinances of 55 Partner Labs, sharpening my skills in strategic financial planningand collaboration.
My journey then took me to New York, where I oversaw the operations of 13laboratories and drove business development initiatives. This role allowed me togain valuable insights into operational excellence and market expansion.
Later, I returned to Dallas as Senior Director of Sales Operations. In this position, Iworked closely with the sales organization to foster growth and enhance customerexperiences.
In mid-2019, I returned to Brazil to lead Satisloh Latin America and the Caribbean.Today, as Head of Region, I take pride in driving our mission forward, supportingour team, and delivering exceptional value to our customers.
What is the biggest challenge you'veencountered at Satisloh so far?
On my first day I understood that we were in the wrong place to deliver theresults that I had in mind when I accepted the role. We were based in a smallvacation town in Brazil, far away from customers, in a very old building, withterrible logistics and that did not transpire the technology values we wanted tobe known for.
One of my first major projects, and biggest challenges at Satisloh was relocatingour office to a modern space in São Paulo’s business hub, a six-hour drive fromour former location. This project began in April 2020, during the earlyuncertainty of the pandemic, making it a daunting endeavor.
We faced two significant hurdles: the pandemic’s unpredictable impact on theworkplace and cultural considerations, as relocation for work is not as commonin Brazil as it is in the U.S. or Europe. My leadership team and I worked tirelesslyto craft a clear five-year vision for our organization, ensuring the move waspurposeful and beneficial for everyone involved.
The support from the team was incredibly humbling and underscored my responsibility to ensure the success of this transition. Since the move, we’ve achieved four consecutive years of record-breaking results, a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and dedication of our team.
What is one story that you will never forget?
In my first year leading Satisloh LatinAmerica, I was determined to meet as manycustomers as possible. One trip involved visiting remote areas in northern Brazil, but the pandemic threw a wrench in our plans when one of our flights was canceled.
With no other option, we embarked on a 10-hour car journey through unpaved dirtroads, crossing rivers by boat, driving throughthe Amazon rainforest, and even entering Bolivia, all without phone signal, gas stations, or cities in sight. It was an intense and sometimes nerve-wracking experience, but we made it!
That trip will forever remain a story ofresilience and determination.
What advice would you give to young peoplethinking about a career in your specific area?
To those starting out, here are three guiding principles that have shaped my career:
- Prioritize Your Team: A strong team is the backbone of success. Invest in their development, listen to their ideas, and celebrate their achievements.
- Be Adaptable: Change is constant. Embrace it with an open mind, and don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone to grow.
- Give Your All: Whether tackling small tasks or big challenges, approach everything with dedication and integrity. Consistency builds a foundation for long-term success.
What are the most important skills for your job?
- Problem-solving
- Quick decision making
- Empathy