From White To Brown: Daniela's Story

Identity

"Mom, Dad, what is my colour? I have to fill out this form to the school."

This has been my question mark for the biggest part of my life.

I was born in Brazil in the 1980s in a mixed heritage family: my mother is Brazilian and Indigenous, and my father was Italian.


My birth certificate labelled me as "white," but the mirror reflected a different truth – one painted in hues of brown, a testament to my heritage and identity. This contradiction fueled a lifelong struggle, exacerbated by the relentless bullying I endured for resembling indigenous people. It was a painful reminder of society's narrow perceptions and the emotional toll of being judged by skin colour rather than the richness of one's character.

Growing up, I found myself concealing my indigenous heritage and shunning the sunlight, convinced that the darker my skin, the less beauty and acceptance I would find in society's eyes. It was a belief deeply ingrained within me, a narrative that whispered its damaging message with every passing day.

As an adult, delving into history became essential for me to grasp the root cause: the insidious whitening project.

Realizing that the Brazilian government actively recruited Europeans intending to dilute the nation's skin tones rather than genuinely liberating slaves shed light on how deeply ingrained stereotypes about BIPOC people have shaped not only my own birth certificate but countless other narratives.

In my professional journey, I draw inspiration from behavioural science to empower individuals to cultivate their authentic worldviews. It's crucial that we confront the mistakes of our ancestors if we aspire to rectify the present and evolve into better versions of ourselves.

I'm deeply passionate about ongoing education and developing innovative methodologies to enable leaders and organizations to forge genuine connections with their people, ensuring longevity and relevance in this transformative era.

The days of antiquated leadership practices are numbered, and those clinging to outdated ideologies will struggle to navigate the complexities of the modern world, perpetuating harm both consciously and unconsciously. It's time for a paradigm shift, and I'm committed to being a catalyst for positive change.

My journey serves as a vital thread in unravelling the tapestry of who I am and why I'm committed to this work. Yet, my approach transcends mere storytelling. I weave together a rich tapestry of methodologies and profound insights, empowering individuals to bridge the gap between good intentions and tangible action.

I aim to ignite a spark that fuels genuine transformation within companies, fostering a culture where people are valued above profit—a legacy of lasting impact.

I believe in the transformative power of collective intelligence.

From a young age, I've been drawn to connecting with diverse individuals and cultures, sparking my fascination with languages and leading me to reside in five different countries.

Along this journey, I've encountered remarkable people from various backgrounds—diverse in social class, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability...

Each interaction has enriched my understanding of humanity's tapestry, demonstrating the beauty of our differences and the strength found in our shared experiences.
Over time, I've realized the profound value of these connections for both myself and others. While social justice has always been central to my identity, fully integrating this value into my actions demanded self-reflection and personal growth.

For years, I've committed to building inclusive communities, locally and internationally, where underrepresented groups can flourish. These local and international communities are now central to my life, serving as pillars of integrity and reminding me of what truly matters.

My core values

1. Inclusion | Beyond its philosophical and ethical stance, I pride myself on the human-centred approach and being aware of my own unconscious bias, acting as a more diverse and inclusive leadership approach.

2. Trust | Every decision made must be with transparency, humility and active listening. Creating an environment which earns and maintains trust is essential for me.

3. Ethical behaviour | This value brings me a sense of justice, honesty, empathy, compassion, respect and responsibility to each of my services.

4. Excellence | Committed to nurturing our relationship through creativity and the best use of my skills to bring excellence in both the ordinary and the extraordinary.