Roberta Avelino

Choosing a single book as the most impactful is challenging, but the Bible stands out due to its ancient origins and enduring relevance. It offers deep reflections on human nature, society, and the world at large, making it a foundational text for many. Its teachings and stories provide insights and answers to a wide range of questions, highlighting its significance across generations.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

I possess a strong artistic side, which I express by engaging in hands-on creative activities. My passion lies in painting and ceramics, where I find joy in the tactile experience of shaping and coloring the world through my artistry. These pursuits allow me to channel my creativity into tangible forms, offering a sense of fulfillment and a unique way to communicate my perspective.

I love dancing!

Serving as an Ambassador for UN Women.

Travel the world and remind people about the importance of being true to themselves.

I’m proud of the positive impact I create. As a woman in technology, I recognize the significant influence I wield in devising better solutions that enrich people's work and life. My guiding principle is to "use your head to live with heart." While it might seem idealistic or unusual to some, I deeply believe in leveraging my expertise to develop solutions that genuinely improve people's lives.

They have always supported me, even sponsoring my education throughout my life by funding schools, trips, and courses to help me achieve my goals. They also encouraged me to pursue an international career and inspired me to dream big.

Working in the automotive industry, I find myself in a factory where only 6.8% of the workforce is female, a figure that shockingly diminishes further within engineering departments. As the inaugural woman in my department, my presence is noteworthy not just for breaking gender norms but also due to my age—I am 28, whereas the average age of my colleagues is around 50. This milestone marks me as the first woman in the history of my department. Additionally, being a Brazilian in Belgium and working for a deeply traditional German company adds layers to my challenges, from the stark lack of representation to facing harassment from colleagues, dealing with unconscious biases, and more.

Accepting me as I am. I've realized after much effort and time spent trying to conform to my environment that the true cost worth paying is to be myself. This authenticity is what will distinguish me as a professional and enable me to achieve my ambitious goals. Being true to myself places me in my strength zone, where I can truly excel.

People may hate you for the same reasons that others may love you, so just be yourself and nothing more. Stay true to yourself; obstacles will inevitably arise, but with a clear vision, you can overcome them all. Be patient!

Mentoring!

How can a woman excel in a production environment or a male-dominated field?

Regarding nationality, are you exclusively Brazilian, or do you hold dual citizenship? (I am solely Brazilian, hence requiring a work visa.)

Why is this issue important to you? (This is in reference to inquiries about my interest in female-focused initiatives within the company, despite not being pregnant or over 45 years old.)

Emphasizing the creation of solutions and the refinement of processes to achieve superior efficiency and effectiveness in operations.

My mother is my greatest role model! Her hard work and generosity have deeply influenced me. From a young age, we engaged in volunteer work, instilling in me the importance of thinking collectively—a value I continue to uphold. Her dedication to education taught me the significance of diligence, and she instilled in me the ethos of hard work. She always encouraged me to dream big, providing me with opportunities she never had.

Be yourself! The world needs you just as you are, with all your unique skills and competencies. Don't hesitate to share your ideas, tools, and vision. Inclusion is vital, and smart companies highly value diversity. Seek out a great company that appreciates what you bring to the table and dive in! Your contribution can make a real difference.

Initially, I treated people the way I wanted to be treated, not how they preferred. Now, I've learned to identify their behavior and adapt mine, along with my communication, to better engage with my clients.

In all my interactions, whether in meetings or exchanges with colleagues, I maintain a positive and professional attitude. I make a point of listening to others and involving them in the discussion. By following up and making individuals feel valued and appreciated, I foster a sense of inclusion and respect.

I am deeply engaged in exploring a variety of subjects, including artificial intelligence, leadership development, managing emotions effectively, practicing mindfulness, among others. These areas not only fascinate me but also contribute significantly to my personal and professional growth, enabling me to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world.

Everything and everywhere!

AI, autonomous cars, cybersecurity, coding, additive manufacturing, robotics and holograms will be big in the future!

It's hard to pick just one, but computers stand out for their versatility. With them, we can accomplish virtually anything.

It's undoubtedly beneficial, but regulation is essential. I don't believe people should fear technology as many do, but rather leverage available tools to their advantage, saving time, money, and energy. The time saved from tasks that robots can handle could be spent on activities like spending quality time with family, for example.

I read extensively.

For me, using online tools feels so natural that I assume everyone does the same, though I recognize that's not the case worldwide. From the Microsoft suite to internal systems at Audi, as well as everyday apps like WhatsApp and Google Maps, I leverage a wide range of tools such as ChatGPT, CapCut, Trello, Canva, and more. These tools streamline tasks and make life easier – a resource worth utilizing!

Some of my favorite websites include LinkedIn, which I use for networking and reading insightful articles. Instagram is another favorite for networking and building influence. Spotify hosts a plethora of engaging podcasts, while Forbes and Harvard Business Review offer valuable articles. I also enjoy keeping up with ESG trends to stay informed about the latest developments in technology. Lastly, the internal Audi channel helps me stay updated on happenings within the automotive industry. As for least favorite products, to be honest, I don't have any specific dislikes. Each product serves its purpose, and while some may not resonate with me personally, I appreciate their value to others.

Among my favorite technology products, the smartphone tops the list, seamlessly integrating various functionalities into a single device, from communication to organization. Alongside it, the iPad stands out for its convenience in media consumption and productivity on the move. In the realm of household chores, the vacuum robot earns praise for its ability to autonomously clean floors, offering a welcome respite from manual labor. Similarly, the Molinex, a dependable kitchen appliance, streamlines food preparation, making cooking a more efficient and enjoyable experience. For short-distance travel, the e-step emerges as a favorite, providing a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation. Lastly, the Kindle earns its spot for granting access to an extensive library of books in a compact and portable format, catering to the needs of avid readers. As for least favorite technology products, I don't have any specific dislikes. Each product serves its purpose, and while some may not resonate with me personally, I acknowledge their value and utility to others.

Balancing my priorities with those of stakeholders is indeed challenging, especially as I advance in my career and face decisions that significantly impact the business. I find that employing the Pareto principle helps me focus on what truly matters: identifying tasks and initiatives that will yield the greatest impact. This strategic approach allows me to allocate my time and resources effectively, ensuring alignment with both my personal objectives and the needs of stakeholders.

Their experiences.

Success may bring temporary satisfaction, but ultimately, it is value and morality that provide enduring fulfillment and a sense of purpose.

It's all connected!