Meet Our Talent Leadership

Nine years ago, I arrived in Ireland with two suitcases, shaky English, and a dream to build a brighter future. Today, as Senior Operations Manager of Coupa’s Global Education Services & Enablement Team, I’ve learned that owning your path and lifting others leads to success. Future Coupa interns, this blog is for you - to show how resilience and teamwork can shape an incredible career. I’ll share my journey from Technical Support Engineer to leadership, the lessons that drive me, and why Coupa’s values make it a place where you can grow and belong. Chasing Dreams with Grit In Brazil, I dreamed of football, then banking, but financial hardships forced me to pivot. At 16, I worked as a messenger, studied nights, and walked 10km to afford college. In 2016, my wife and I moved to Ireland, where we knew no one and barely spoke English. Job rejections piled up due to my language skills and visa issues, but I owned my results, studying relentlessly and applying for roles. Seven months in, with savings gone, Coupa offered me a Technical Support Engineer role in 2017 - just as we prepared to leave. That moment showed me that when you keep pushing, you build tomorrow together with those who believe in you. My advice: Interns, your challenges are opportunities - own them boldly.

As a Senior Product Manager, I’m fortunate to be at the crossroads of technology, leadership, and strategy. My focus is on harnessing the power of AI-driven solutions to transform business spend management. This journey is about more than just implementing cutting-edge technology — it’s about creating meaningful solutions that make a real difference for businesses and their people. Throughout my career, I’ve discovered that the key to true innovation is a deep understanding of business needs and user experiences. AI is revolutionizing business spend management, and its potential is immense — not just in its technology but in how it’s strategically applied with leadership, collaboration, and real-world impact. AI: A Game Changer for Business Spend Management AI has the ability to revolutionize how businesses approach financial management. It goes beyond automating repetitive tasks — it empowers organizations to make smarter, more data-driven decisions that align with their strategic goals. By analyzing vast amounts of data in real-time, AI uncovers valuable spending patterns, predicts future trends, and provides actionable insights that can shape success. What excites me most is that AI doesn’t just help businesses save money — it enables them to strategically invest their resources for greater impact. AI creates opportunities for businesses to allocate spend with purpose, whether for innovation, optimization, or securing a brighter future. This transformation is what fuels my passion — helping organizations become more efficient and focused on long-term success. Bridging Engineering and Business Management In my role, I have the privilege of bridging the technical brilliance of engineering with the strategic vision of business management. I work closely with engineering teams to transform complex technical concepts into intuitive, user-friendly solutions that solve real-world business challenges. This collaboration requires a deep understanding of both technology and user needs, and I take pride in making that connection seamless. Equally important is working alongside business leaders to ensure our AI solutions are perfectly aligned with the organization’s overarching goals. The challenge is to blend technical excellence with business relevance, and I’m driven by the rewarding task of turning ideas into solutions that deliver measurable results. Leadership with Empathy: Fostering Innovation I truly believe that technology alone is only part of the equation — leadership is what drives true, sustainable innovation. I lead with empathy, fostering an environment where collaboration thrives, and every team member feels heard, valued, and empowered. Compassionate leadership isn’t just about managing — it’s about inspiring teams to bring their best ideas forward and trust in a shared vision. By creating a culture of open communication, I’m able to draw out the best in every team member. Encouraging collaboration and creativity allows us to innovate together and deliver solutions that exceed expectations. This approach doesn’t just lead to successful products — it creates a vibrant atmosphere where everyone feels motivated and empowered to contribute. Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Business Spend Management The future of AI in business spend management is filled with immense promise. As AI continues to evolve, so will its ability to predict trends, automate processes, and provide deeper, more insightful data. The real opportunity lies in applying AI in ways that support the broader objectives of the organization. Our mission is powerful: to develop AI solutions that are not just cutting-edge but deeply user-centric, driving transformative business outcomes and fueling long-term growth. The future of business spend management is about pushing the boundaries of technology while staying deeply connected to the human needs behind it. Conclusion AI is transforming the landscape of business spend management in exciting and positive ways, and I’m thrilled to be part of this transformation. Through purposeful product management, compassionate leadership, and a strong commitment to collaboration, I’m dedicated to developing AI-driven solutions that not only increase efficiency but also empower organizations to make smarter, more strategic decisions. Looking ahead, I’m filled with excitement and optimism, knowing that the work we’re doing today is setting the stage for lasting change tomorrow. It’s a mission that motivates me each and every day — to help organizations unlock the full potential of AI to drive success, innovation, and sustainable growth.