Head of Marketing and Sales at the Sotecnisol Group, Mariana Castro shares, in an interview with Executiva, her career path, the challenges of joining the family business and her vision of leadership and continuous learning.
She grew up immersed in the world of the family business that her grandfather founded and her father built up over more than five decades, but her career path was never defined by her last name. At least, that’s how she tried to keep it.
Before joining Sotecnisol Group, Mariana Castro sought out international experiences, studied Hotel Management in Spain, and worked in various countries, learning to deal with a variety of challenges, cultures, and people.
It was in the luxury hospitality industry that she developed her attention to detail and focus on people—values she continues to apply in her current roles. She is responsible for the Marketing and Sales divisions of a group with approximately 900 employees, comprising more than 20 companies operating in the construction, renewable energy, and human resources sectors. With a presence in five countries—Portugal, Spain, France, Angola, and Mozambique—the group offers an integrated range of services covering virtually all specialties in the construction and engineering sectors, from waterproofing, ventilated facades, electrical work, HVAC, and window and door systems, to photovoltaic energy projects and, among other services, the sale of materials.
Mariana Castro speaks proudly of the Group’s expansion into Angola, Mozambique, Spain, and France, as well as its involvement in major projects such as the expansion of the Paris and Lisbon metro systems, the Alentejo irrigation canal, and the restoration of the waterproofing at the Belém Tower. She therefore holds a position of great responsibility at one of Portugal’s largest construction groups, at an age when many are still taking their first steps in their careers. She is used to people being surprised during site visits and meetings with suppliers and clients by the fact that she is such a young woman in a leadership position, but that no longer intimidates her.
Also known for her presence on social media, Mariana Castro shares in this interview the challenges of proving her worth in a family business, the continuous learning that keeps her going, the mistakes that helped her grow, and her experience leading sales teams without having gone through the conventional steps.
Learn about Mariana Castro’s journey, vision, and challenges in the interview she gave to Executive. Read the full text here.
