My journey in the world of technology and cybersecurity began long before I earned my Master’s Degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon. From an early age, I was captivated by the endless possibilities that computers and the internet offered, as well as the challenges they presented. This fascination led me to found and serve as the Editor-in-Chief of PC Guia, a highly successful computer magazine. Managing a team of journalists and graphic artists, I honed my skills in content creation, team leadership, and strategic planning, learning the importance of clear communication and the power of knowledge sharing in the tech community.
After graduating in 1999, I embarked on a professional journey that took me through various roles, each contributing to my expertise in information security, technical marketing, and strategic business analysis. My first position as a Consultant at Infosistema, a leading Portuguese IT consulting firm, allowed me to design, engineer, and deploy robust information security and networking solutions for a diverse clientele. This role solidified my technical foundation and ignited my passion for protecting digital assets against evolving threats.
Seeking to expand my horizons, I joined McKinsey & Company as a Business Analyst, where I worked alongside top-tier consultants on complex client engagements. This experience sharpened my analytical and problem-solving skills, enabling me to identify critical business issues and develop strategic recommendations that drove significant improvements for our clients. Collaborating with senior leaders, I learned the value of data-driven decision-making and the impact of effective communication in influencing organizational change.
Transitioning into the tech industry, I served as a Technical Support Engineer at Qualys, where I managed customer accounts and provided expertise in vulnerability detection and system hardening. My ability to troubleshoot complex security issues and collaborate with development teams to enhance product roadmaps was instrumental in improving client security postures and fostering long-term relationships.
As a Sales Engineer at Syncsort, I bridged the gap between technical capabilities and customer needs, conducting market research, competitive analysis, and designing tailored product demonstrations. This role emphasized the importance of strategic planning and customer-centric solutions, contributing to the company’s growth and success.
My tenure as a Senior Technical Marketing Engineer at McAfee was marked by significant achievements, including a 100% success rate in competitive deals and a substantial increase in sales through the development of innovative tools and the management of the Solutions Lab. These accomplishments underscored my ability to leverage technical expertise to drive business outcomes and enhance market positioning.
Advancing to leadership roles, I became the Manager of Technical Marketing and Competitive Intelligence at Websense, where I led a team that achieved remarkable sales growth and strengthened the company’s market stance. My strategic initiatives in competitive analysis and sales enablement played a crucial role in empowering sales teams and securing major deals.
As the Director of Technical Marketing at Juniper Networks, I further refined my leadership and strategic marketing skills, managing a team dedicated to security products and enhancing the company’s presence at major industry events. This role solidified my ability to align marketing efforts with business objectives and foster valuable industry partnerships.
Currently, as an Independent Technical Marketing and Sales Engineering Consultant, I continue to bridge the gap between complex technical solutions and business needs, providing tailored strategies and actionable insights that drive growth and innovation for my clients.
Throughout my career, I’ve remained committed to continuous learning and adapting to the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape. My experiences have equipped me with a unique blend of technical prowess, strategic thinking, and a passion for empowering businesses to navigate and secure their digital environments effectively.
This blog is an extension of that commitment—a platform where I share expert insights, practical strategies, and the latest trends in cybersecurity, aiming to empower you to protect and grow your digital assets in an increasingly connected world. Join me as we explore the dynamic and critical field of cybersecurity together.