Sometimes in the hustle of work, we forget the importance of slowing down, taking a step back, and seeing the people behind the numbers. One of the most powerful conversations I’ve had recently was with Ricardo Araújo, a leader who has made it his mission to create meaningful impact through kindness, context, and understanding. As we spoke, it became clear that his leadership style is all about seeing the whole person, respecting their journey, and lifting them up.

Ricardo’s story is one that resonated with me deeply, and I believe it’s one that anyone in leadership—or anyone looking to make a positive impact—can learn from. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation.

1. Leading with Kindness Is Key

One of the most important lessons I took from Ricardo’s story is the power of kindness in leadership. For Ricardo, leadership isn’t just about hitting numbers or meeting targets—it’s about how you treat the people around you, from your colleagues to the receptionist. He shared a story about how small acts of kindness, like bringing a newspaper to a security guard every day, can create meaningful connections that last beyond any job.

"It’s not just about what you accomplish. It’s about how you make others feel in the process."
— Ricardo Araújo

This perspective really struck me. We often overlook the small gestures that can have a lasting impact. It’s a reminder that how we treat people, no matter their role, is crucial to building strong, trusting relationships.

2. Context is Everything

Ricardo emphasized the importance of understanding context—whether it's in business, personal interactions, or cultural differences. He talked about how when you're leading a team, particularly a global or remote one, you need to be aware of where people are coming from, both literally and figuratively. Understanding the challenges they face, the environments they work in, and their personal situations allows you to lead with empathy.

"You need to know the context your team is working in—what’s happening in their world, their culture, their life. It changes how you interact with them."
— Ricardo Araújo

This idea of context resonated with me as someone who works with a diverse set of teams and clients. Being mindful of the different perspectives and experiences people bring to the table is key to building a supportive and productive environment.

3. Trust is the Foundation of Every Relationship

Ricardo shared how vital trust is when leading teams, especially when working remotely. Without face-to-face interactions, building trust requires extra effort. For Ricardo, creating a safe space for open communication and honest feedback is non-negotiable. When people feel they can trust their leaders, they’re more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive.

"Creating a safe space for your team to speak up and share what’s really going on is essential for building trust."
— Ricardo Araújo

This was a great reminder that trust isn’t built overnight—it’s earned through consistent actions and genuine care for your team’s well-being.

4. Building Teams That Thrive

Ricardo talked about investing in people, not just for what they can do now, but for what they can become. He shared how giving people the tools and support they need to grow can transform both their lives and the business. Whether it’s helping someone improve their skills or empowering them to take on more responsibility, investing in your team always pays off.

"When you invest in people and help them shine, they’ll not only stay loyal—they’ll help your company grow in ways you never imagined."
— Ricardo Araújo

It’s a philosophy that aligns perfectly with how I approach leadership. We’re only as good as the people around us, and helping them succeed means everyone wins.

5. Creating Opportunities to Change Lives

One of the most inspiring parts of Ricardo’s story was how he worked with the Portuguese government to create job opportunities for people during an economic downturn. By setting up training programs that taught non-technical people to code, Ricardo helped hundreds of people transition into the tech industry. His story of creating jobs and changing lives is a powerful example of how leadership can extend far beyond the walls of a company.

"Even if you can only change one life, it’s worth the effort. That’s where real impact happens."
— Ricardo Araújo

This was such a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to create change, no matter how big or small our roles might seem. It’s about looking for ways to make a difference and taking action when you can.

Key Takeaways:

1. Lead with Kindness – Small gestures of kindness can create lasting impacts in both personal and professional relationships.

2. Context is Crucial – Understanding the context behind every interaction allows you to lead with empathy and make more informed decisions.

3. Trust is the Foundation – Building trust is essential for strong teams and positive working relationships.

4. Invest in People – Supporting your team’s growth is key to long-term success for both individuals and the company.

5. Create Opportunities for Impact – Even small actions can lead to big changes. Look for ways to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Conclusion: My conversation with Ricardo left me feeling incredibly inspired about the power of kindness, context, and connection in leadership. He reminded me that leadership isn’t just about driving results—it’s about how we treat people, the trust we build, and the opportunities we create. Whether you’re leading a team, working with clients, or simply interacting with colleagues, these principles are crucial to making a lasting impact.

If you’re looking to lead with intention and build meaningful relationships, Ricardo’s approach is one to follow. It’s not just about business—it’s about changing lives, one small act of kindness at a time.