Duarte Pedreira

What do you love about your job?

What I love most about my job is the diversity. It is such an integral part of what makes it exciting. Meeting people from all walks of life, understanding how they operate, and learning about their cultures really broadens your perspective. For me, satisfaction in a job is all about connections. I often say, “First, you make a friend, and then you build a client.” That sense of building relationships is what keeps me motivated.

What do you dislike about your job?

Politics. I avoid it as much as I can. When organisations become too political, it stifles creativity and makes you second-guess everything you say or do. I have been fortunate to avoid much of this in my career, but there have been times when it has crept in, and that is when I have known it is time to move on. A work environment where I feel I can contribute freely is non-negotiable for me.

What advice would you give a junior coming into the industry now?

Leave your ego at the door. This was a tough lesson for me personally. Early in my career, I thought my qualifications and experiences entitled me to a certain level of recognition, but I quickly realised it does not work like that.

The people who succeed in this industry are those who are willing to learn. I have seen juniors who take detailed notes in every meeting and actively seek knowledge, no matter how small the task. One example I remember vividly: a colleague who spent his first year just absorbing everything he could. By the time he was 30, he was managing one of the largest client portfolios in the business.

It is all about humility, patience, and understanding that your contribution will come after you have invested in learning and growth.

What do you see as the biggest advance in technology in your field in the last 5 years?

Automation, without a doubt. Processes that were historically paper-based and manual are now streamlined and interconnected thanks to technology. This is a massive leap forward for the industry.

However, technology alone is not the solution. Even with cutting-edge systems, if we do not address the underlying issues or inefficiencies, we will still face the same problems. The key is to balance technological progress with real-world problem-solving.

What excites you about the future of your industry?

It is the way the industry comes together in times of need. There is a unique ability within this sector to unite and collaborate to solve big issues. That kind of resilience and camaraderie is something I find incredibly inspiring.

What is the biggest challenge you see in your role over the next 12 months?

Balancing priorities. Between my family, work commitments, and industry involvement, it can feel overwhelming at times. Family comes first, so I then allocate whatever time is left accordingly. In the end, it is all about finding a balance and making time for what matters most.

What is the biggest curveball question you have ever been asked in an interview?

“Do you have a best friend? What do you and your best friend disagree on?” It forces them to reflect not just on their differences but also on how to navigate through them, which is quite revealing in an interview setting.

What trait are you looking for from everybody you interview?

Integrity. It might sound like a cliche, but it is non-negotiable. For me, integrity is about doing what you say you will do, doing what you are expected to do (regardless of whether or not you know what that is), do it on time and reliably. That is the foundation of trust and teamwork.

One fact about you that nobody knows?

I went to Creamfields this year and absolutely loved it! It is not something people typically associate with me, but it was an incredible experience.

What do your days off look like?

It depends on whether I have the kids or not. If I do, it is all about spending quality time with them, talking, engaging, and just being present. When I am not with them, I invest a lot of time in two main things: health and fitness and quality time with my partner.

We would like to thank Duarte for his generous time and for the personal insight into his life and journey. If you would like to feature in this informal, fun series aimed at creating a community of senior people who meet and network then please reach out to us on hello@dnevo.com. We would love to hear from you!