MY CAREER IN SIX SPOTLIGHT
GABRIELLA ALMEIDA
Director
PWC
Sharing her career journey by answering the six questions below.
Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration throughout your career?
My biggest source of inspiration has been the leaders and mentors I’ve been fortunate to work with who pair deep expertise with strong, people-centered leadership. Our world is constantly evolving, and the leaders who stand out are those who can navigate complexity, tackle difficult topics head-on, and still remain human while investing in their teams. Watching that balance of excellence and empathy shaped the kind of leader I strive to be.
Would you say your success is primarily due to luck or hard work?
I would say my success is a combination. Hard work, curiosity, adaptability, and resilience are essential to succeed in business, especially as a woman. At the same time, embracing opportunities when they arise is equally important. Luck may open the door, but preparation is what allows you to walk through it with confidence and truly succeed.
What is the driving force behind your career aspirations?
The driving force behind my career aspirations has been finding the places where I can create meaningful impact, both for my clients and my teams. Payments touches everyone’s daily lives, so helping institutions modernize and innovate feels purposeful.
Equally important to me is developing talent, especially women in the payments industry and business world. As a leader, I see my role as creating space for others to grow, build confidence, and step into bigger roles, sometimes before they fully see that potential in themselves.
If given the chance to do one thing differently in your career, what would it be and why?
I would have taken more bold, intentional risks and been a louder voice in the room earlier in my career. My default is to listen and understand different perspectives, which is a strength, but it has also meant that at times I did not share my own point of view as much as I could have. I would tell my younger self to speak up more and trust that no matter how junior or new you are, your perspective is valuable and worth sharing.
What was your most favourite job/role and why?
My favourite role is the one I have now, not because it is easier, but because it challenges me in the best ways. I have the opportunity each day to work with clients to solve complex challenges in the fast-moving and innovative world of payments. Just as meaningful is the privilege of leading teams and seeing their growth, both collectively and individually, as we deliver impact for our clients and our firm.
Do you have a favourite motto or quote that guides your professional life?
One of my favourite quotes is from Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” In our fast-paced business world, results matter and accountability is critical, but we cannot forget that everyone is human. How you make people feel along the way matters just as much. You can be both empathetic and authentic while holding high standards. I strive to lead in a way that makes people feel supported, challenged, and valued, because that is what lasts.