“INSEAD flipped my world upside down,” he says. “I came in thinking I had a roadmap. I left realising that the world is much bigger - and much more interesting - than I had imagined.”
Alex’s time at INSEAD was made possible by a scholarship. “Without it, I simply couldn’t have come,” he says. “It changed the trajectory of my life, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”
After graduation, Alex joined InBev in Brussels, then moved through roles in M&A in New York and corporate strategy in Shanghai. Back in Brazil, he helped lead growth strategy, M&As and post-merger integrations across multiple continents.
But over time, the traditional definition of success started to lose its shine.
“I realised I was spending 80% of my time doing things that didn’t bring me joy,” he reflects. “I had to ask myself - what’s the point of success if it doesn’t feel meaningful?”
Taking time out to travel solo, Alex began to rethink what kind of impact he wanted to make. Since then, he has shifted focus to investing in private companies in growth stage and mentoring founders. His latest project? Building squash courts in underserved areas of Brazil.
"I've played squash since back in the INSEAD day, but recently I committed to real training - it's given me focus, friends and community," he says. "This is a way to provide that same opportunity to young people who might not otherwise have the chance."
The project aims to combine grassroots access with long-term sustainability by building courts in both favelas and private schools. His goal: reach 40,000 children over the next five years, using sport as a gateway to mentoring, education and opportunity.
Today, Alex gives back to INSEAD by funding scholarships, helping open doors for students from all backgrounds. “The scholarship I received opened a door that changed everything. Supporting future students - especially those who wouldn’t otherwise have access - is the least I can do.” His advice? “Don’t cling too tightly to your plan. Leave space for the unexpected - and make room for joy.”
