Brazil (is not) for Beginners is a podcast about the opportunities and challenges of doing business in Brazil. Host Isaac Matzner is the co-founder of Teddy and...
Missed any episodes of Season 1 of "Brazil is Not for Beginners"? This episode is your essential guide!
While we are hard at work on a new season, this episode brings together the key takeaways from our expert interviews, offering invaluable insights and actionable advice for doing business in Brazil. Learn how to navigate cultural nuances, build strong relationships, overcome bureaucratic challenges, and identify the biggest opportunities in this dynamic market. This is must-listen for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone considering entering the Brazilian market.
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28:16
Building and Letting Go: Lessons from a Startup Shutdown
In this season’s final episode of "Brazil (is not) for Beginners," host Isaac Matzner is joined by his co-founders, Daniel Pizarro and Eduardo Nuzzi, to discuss their startup Teddy and their challenging decision to wind down. The co-founders reflect on
their three and a half-year journey, sharing insights on:
· The challenges of launching a startup, especially in Brazil;
· The hurdles of doing B2B sales and working in a regulated industry;
· The dynamics of building a team and work culture;
· Their personal learnings from enduring the entrepreneurial process;
· The importance of having a solid support network;
· And lots more…
In this insightful episode of “Brazil (is not) for beginners,” host Isaac Matzner welcomes Sergio Suchodolski, Partner and Executive VP at VR Investments, to discuss the intricate landscape of employee benefits in Brazil. Sergio shares his extensive background in development finance and his journey at VR Investments.
They explore the origins of the program as a solution for food insecurity, and the evolution of the CLT system in Brazil over the years. The conversation covers:
· The current state and trends in the employee benefits space in Brazil.
· The impact of local regulations and economic conditions on employee benefits.
· Innovations and technological advancements in the industry.
· The role of employee benefits in talent acquisition and retention.
· Future outlook and predictions for the employee benefits sector in Brazil.
· And lots more…
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46:04
Philanthropy and Giving in Brazil
Giving Tuesday inspires generosity and highlights the
importance of philanthropy around the world, including in Brazil. In this episode of "Brazil (is not) for beginners," host Isaac Matzner interviews Leonardo Letelier, Founder & CEO of Sitawi Finance for Good. They discuss Brazil’s philanthropic landscape, its history and trends.
Leo talks about his background in engineering and consulting, leading to his creation of Sitawi, an impact investing and philanthropic organization. The conversation covers:
· Sitawi's innovative grants-to-loans model and its evolution into a crowd-lending platform for social entrepreneurs.
· The culture of charitable giving in Brazil, contrasting it with other countries like the US and England.
· The unique challenges and opportunities within Brazil's philanthropic landscape regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR), the importance of environmental and educational initiatives.
· Practical advices for foreigners interested in giving in Brazil.
· And lots more…
If you’d like to make a donation to Sitawi this giving Tuesday, please visit: https://sitawi.net
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37:35
Exploring the Unique Business Culture of Brazil’s Northeast
In the latest episode of “Brazil (is not) for beginners,” host Isaac Matzner dives into the dynamic nature of Brazil's Northeastern business culture with Saulo Castro, a Corporate Lawyer and Partner at Valença & Associados.
Saulo shares his background as a lawyer, bass player, and cook, and his experiences living in both the Southeast of Brazil and the US, in addition to the Northeast. They also discuss:
· The unique culture and history of Brazil’s Northeast, highlighted by its 'backwards colonization' and significant Afro-Brazilian influences.
· Insights into the region’s economy, including its transition from agriculture to renewable energy sectors, and the predominance of family-run businesses.
· How the work culture of the Northeast differs from other Brazilian regions, with its emphases on strong family values and centralized decision-making of local businesses.
· The region's investments in sustainability and renewable energy, highlighting the role of foreign companies and the local push for environmentally friendly practices.
· And lots more…
Brazil (is not) for Beginners is a podcast about the opportunities and challenges of doing business in Brazil. Host Isaac Matzner is the co-founder of Teddy and has been living and working in Brazil for the better part of a decade. He is based in São Paulo.