It’s not a job,
it’s a mission

Civil engineer Viviane Marques‘s online profile on a professional platform caught GF‘s attention, thanks to her prior experience battling this type of water loss in Brazil. But as a scientist, Viviane was not used to customer-facing roles and had to overcome the challenge of opening up and her shyness to move from academia into a field with a commercial focus.

As a business developer, it is necessary to be able to communicate well with customers and have a good network of contacts, as well as to keep an eye on the market in which you operate. At her previous employer, a civil engineering company, Viviane did not have any contact with customers. Skills such as sales work and persuasive communication were new to her. However, she quickly discovered that she would have the opportunity to acquire these commercial skills at GF. Maurício Oliveira, her supervisor and Managing Director at GF Piping Systems, helped her from the very beginning. “He has a very encouraging manner and exudes confidence, which he transmitted to me. He can always guide you in new directions if something starts to go wrong. Even the way he communicates has been a helpful inspiration for me,” Viviane says.

Since water management involves many people and entities in the public administration, business, and political sectors, Viviane had to use her expertise and diplomatic skills.

Viviane also works in an environment that is male-driven, especially in Brazil. This is another thing she wants to change. She hopes that her career can be a role model for other women, too. “GF is looking for diversity. Of course, there is still a long way to go, but the first steps are fundamental for women to get more and more space.”

Thanks to Viviane‘s work in New Business Development and the resulting sales, the awareness of GF products in the Brazilian water supply sector is increasing. Viviane’s goal is to keep expanding her reach. “I feel I can now realize my professional goal. Working with cutting-edge technology is motivating. I never stop learning and I am constantly working to expand my know-how because I know I am only at the beginning of an amazing journey.”