Name: Cristine Sousa
CEMS home school: Nova School of Business and Economics
CEMS host school: Rotterdam, Erasmus University
First NGC project: Life Projects 4 Youth
Current job title & company: Customer Success Manager at Hearsay Systems
Can you tell us a little bit about you?
I am a dual citizen, Portuguese/ Canadian, and grew up in Toronto, Canada, yet spent many summers with my grandparents in Nazare, Portugal (home of the biggest wave ever surfed). I have a crush on the world, in that I love exploring new places mostly to meet new people and open my mind to new experiences. Always taking with me something new and leaving a little part of me behind. I have a passion for the arts (music, dancing, singing, acting, you name it - I even won the drama award in high school) but I followed the safer path and took the business route. Today, I like to combine my passions through teaching dance classes, working full-time, volunteering, coming up with new social projects, and most recently building my very own "getaway road trip vehicle" - a camper van! I believe that in order to find yourself, you may have to let yourself get lost ;)
Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?
On my 30th birthday, my sister thought it would be a good idea to jump out of a plane, so I did! It was amazing!
How did you first get involved with NGC?
I was looking for a job as I was finishing up my CEMS MIM and I saw the opportunity to be a Project Manager for New Generation Consulting. I didn't know where I was going to end up living or what paid positions I would end up taking, but I did know that I wanted to join this group of international CEMSies, using their business skills to support socially good organizations and NGOs. Clearly, it was a good fit, as I remained with NGC for 4 years, from PM to Vice President and 2 years as the Managing Director. I wish NGC could be my full-time job!
What does your role at NGC entail? And how is it working together with a team of volunteers?
I am completing my last year as the Managing Director of NGC. It has truly been an incredible experience working with life-changing NGOs, volunteers, mentors from McKinsey, Bain, and BCG, and our wonderful network of CEMS students and alumni. The dedication of those involved is tremendous especially considering that it is all pro-bono! I remember one of my student consultants saying to me "I have a huge exam tomorrow but I really want to work on my NGC project instead". I would often have to remind the students that this is volunteer work and school has to come first. It is inspiring to see such bright global minds wanting to put their skills into real-life practice and our clients really appreciated all their hard work.
What do you do for your full-time job?
My full-time job currently is working for a great company, Hearsay Systems, as a Customer Success Manager. I help financial organizations provide digital marketing solutions to their advisors in order to deepen customer relationships. I very much enjoy supporting my clients, strategizing, and finding unique and innovative ways to grow their business.
Is it easy to manage your role at NGC at the same time? Do you have any tips on how to juggle these responsibilities?
I try to ensure that when I am working on NGC items, I am fully dedicating my time to it. Whether it is doing a board call during my lunch break, following up with board members during my morning coffee, or following up on items in the evening or on the weekend, I can always find time for NGC. It doesn't feel like work when you are having such a positive and big impact. It also helps that the NGC team is filled with very talented individuals from around the world who are always willing to pitch in, have wonderful ideas, and always support one another. At the end of the day, they keep the NGC engine running!
What have been some of the best moments at NGC?
This is a tough one. I very much enjoy our board meetings, as the team always comes with incredible updates around projects being completed, prospect clients interested in working with us, new recruits, webinar ideas, articles to share, and the list goes on.
One of my biggest moments at NGC was when I was invited by a client to come on the field and put my consulting project into practice. I spent a month in the slums of the Philippines with Life Projects For Youth (LP4Y) and I wish I could have stayed longer. Seeing NGC’s work come to life was extremely rewarding, it gave me the opportunity to see the large impact our work has on our clients.
Has your role at NGC helped you in your professional career? And if so, how?
Yes, very much! NGC has provided me with consulting skills, leadership skills, teamwork skills, and management skills to name a few. It has allowed me to meet incredible individuals from around the world and work with revolutionizing NGOs. It has also allowed me to realize my passion for social enterprises, and desire to help others.
Do you have any tips for students thinking about applying to NCG?
DO IT! Whether you join for a semester, a year or four, you will not regret this experience. If you are someone who truly wants to make an impact with a global team of incredibly talented individuals, then what are you waiting for? Apply to join NGC today! Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn if you have any questions or want to learn more: www.linkedin.com/in/cristinesousa