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Odebrecht #166 VOL. XL MAY/JUNE 2013 English Edition

PEOPLE Each individual’s contribution makes everyone grow odebrecht informa

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www.odebrechtonline.co Online edition

> During construction of the Corinthians Arena, interactions between workers and the community benefit the project and boost social outreach programs

Online archive

Odebrecht #166 VOL. XL MAY/JUNE 2013 English Edition

> Odebrecht Agroindustrial’s Young Partner Program provides a broader perspective on the company’s business and propels professional careers > Organized by the Rota das Bandeiras concession company, the Hit the Net program brings digital inclusion to rural youth in São Paulo State > In Angola, an internship program for Civil Engineering students offers opportunities for professional growth and jobs with the organization > The community council improves communication between Braskem and the communities in the vicinity of the Triunfo Petrochemical Complex > Read the story of Nércio Hex, a Braskem leader in Rio Grande do Sul who is admired for his quiet, down-to-earth leadership style

PEOPLE Each individual’s contribution makes everyone grow odebrecht informa

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> Online edition of Odebrecht Informa . > Reports, features, videos and photos.

Video Reports

> The Savvy Project interviews Wilmer Castro, the officer responsible for Production on construction projects in the Dominican Republic > Students produce designs for plastic furniture for the Odebrecht Building in São Paulo and win awards through the Odebrecht Braskem Design Challenge > “Mestre Pará,” a supervisor who has been with the Group for nearly 40 years, leaves the Corinthians Arena project to work on Line 5 of the São Paulo Metro

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> The wives of Odebrecht Argentina expat members join forces to help the needy in Buenos Aires

> NEW CONCEPT OF URBAN LIVING Benchmarks in the road and rail sectors, Rota dos Coqueiros and Reserva do Paiva introduce modern, innovative ideas

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Odebrecht Cover: Cremildo Massona, an Odebrecht member working on the Moatize Expansion Project in Mozambique.

Photo by Guilherme Afonso

#166

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An essential investment in grooming leaders at Odebrecht Agroindustrial

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Mozambique: young people get growth opportunities through strategic projects for their country

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Community: programs that are changing lives in the vicinity of two major projects in Mozambique

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Braskem: establishing a way of thinking and acting that calls for close harmony with the client’s teams

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A corporate initiative gives design students an opportunity to show their creativity

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Interview: Fábio Januário and the mission of expanding the Group’s presence in three countries on different continents

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The story of Alcinéia, who believed in herself, acquired skills, earned respect and became a leader

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High-quality community relations are a highlight of the Rio Metro construction project

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A wind power project in Rio Grande do Sul generates synergy among generations

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In Salvador, Bahia, homeless people and ex-convicts get a chance at a new life

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“Mestre Pará”: a seasoned construction supervisor puts his experience on major projects at the service of education

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An “out of the office” conversation with Ricardo Weyll, Danilo Abdanur, Félix Augusto Martins and Carlos Brenner

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Expat members’ wives join forces to help the needy in Buenos Aires

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In Argentina, Verónica Spirito always takes pleasure in encouraging people to grow and develop

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Angolan professionals hone their skills and play a leading role in their country’s development

people

The map shows the countries and Brazilian states (in beige) where the projects showcased in this issue of Odebrecht Informa are underway, and where the people featured in these reports live and work

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A team that came together, sought knowledge and faced unusual situations, including a major incident

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Erlon Arfelli and the experience of a family that is far from their home country

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The feelings and tactics of expats who live far away from their families

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In the debut of the Ideas section, read about polyethylene insulation used to soundproof buildings, and other technological innovations

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Gregory, Mark and James: American members who have found good reasons to make their careers at Odebrecht

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Savvy: check out some of the highlights of the statement by Wilmer Castro, who is on the Odebrecht team in the Dominican Republic

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Geraldo Villin and Carla Barretto are contributing their experience to build team unity at Odebrecht Properties

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Ant么nio Cardilli receives an award from Engineering News-Record magazine in the United States

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While participating in an Odebrecht Foundation project, Umberto Matteoni finds out that you can go home again

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Final chat: Institutional Relations and PR consultant Rosi Gomes discusses what motivates her most about her work

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EDITORIAL

“This issue of Odebrecht Informa is about people’s daily lives in the context of their relationships with their coworkers, clients, partners and communities, as well as the sphere that could be considered the most important factor for all kinds of teamwork: the family”

M

People who like people

ichael Jordan, one of the greatest basketball stars of all time, once said that talent wins games, but teamwork wins championships. He knew what he was talking about, not only because he was a genius in a major team sport but because, over the course of his career and his life, he has always valued the quality of interpersonal relationships. This issue of Odebrecht Informa is about all of that: people’s daily lives in the context of their relationships with their co-workers, clients, partners and communities, as well as the sphere that could be considered the most important factor for all kinds of teamwork: the family.

You will find many stories in the following pages. Like how the team of a drilling ship used their know-how and, above all, team spirit, to prevent an unthinkable tragedy. You will discover how a highly determined female company member managed to overcome personal and professional challenges and achieve a leadership position in a historically male environment. You will see how people from different generations interact in mutually enriching ways, which enables everyone to develop and overcome the physical, business and philosophical limitations of the project on which they are working.

You will attest that sincere, respectful and responsible dialogue between companies and communities can get results that are not only surprising but often invaluable for everyone involved. You will also meet families that have become more mature and united after living in several different countries.

All this and much more is at your disposal in the features and sections of this issue of Odebrecht Informa, the last one to be published with the current editorial approach and format. Get ready for something new. Just as it reaches its 40th anniversary (in October 2013) our magazine will be rejuvenated and transformed. The aim of this makeover is to keep pace with the changes underway within the Odebrecht Group, which, since its inception, has been made up of people who love a challenge and are endowed with an inspiring capacity to reinvent and improve themselves, constantly changing on an unchanging basis.

the unity

8 Rodrigo Silva (left) and Hugo de Almeida: making the most of growth opportunities

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Nearly 70% of Odebrecht Industrial’s members are under 35 years of age written by Eléa Almeida photo by Ricardo Teles

J

uraci Bastos, the officer Responsible for People and Administration at Odebrecht Agroindustrial’s São Paulo Hub, is a good example of how the company’s investments in grooming young people are

contributing to local development. Juraci, 32, joined Odebrecht in 2007, when the Alcídia Unit, where he worked, was acquired by the company then called ETH Bioenergy. Since then, he has worked on four action programs that have involved taking on and overcoming increasing challenges to achieve a leadership position of ever greater complexity.

“Odebrecht Agroindustrial’s investment in the next generation is a plus. It encourages young people to re-

main in their home regions and generates much higher local growth,” says Juraci, who was born in Teodoro Sampaio, São Paulo. Today, as the leader of the People and Organization program, he is one of the company members chiefly responsible for organizing programs that focus on the new generations and present them with fresh opportunities. “When young people develop in our organizational culture, our more experienced members and the company itself will grow along with them,” adds Juraci. “Grooming leaders is essential to the perpetuity of Odebrecht Agroindustrial and the entire organization.”

Odebrecht Agroindustrial is one of the youngest companies in the Brazilian bioenergy sector, and almost 70% of its members are under 35 years of age.

The company and its members are very similar in terms of their youth and growth potential. Many people join the company fresh out of college, attracted by the development opportunities it offers through several educational programs.

One of those initiatives is the Young Partner program, which selects about 40 young people per year to undergo the process of acculturation within the Group.

In the second year, some Young Partners participate in the Young Agroindustrialist program, which has already groomed about 170 members. A partnership with the National Industrial Apprenticeship Service (SENAI) also prepares Young Apprentices between the ages of 18 and 22 for their first job opportunity.

Rounding out the list, the company’s Internship and Developing Entrepreneurs (PDE) programs focus, respectively, on college students and professionals with leadership potential. All of these programs are tools

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Juraci Bastos: leadership in an environment where investing in the next generations is a top priority

for supporting individual development, but the foun-

“The potential for people’s development and recog-

dations for grooming company members lie in Educa-

nition here is amazing. It would have been impossible

tion through Work.

for me to complete my studies and achieve a lot of things, like owning my own home, without the com-

Optimism, openness and drive

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pany’s backing,” explains Rodrigo.

Outside the company, members are encouraged

According to Antônio Ailton Andrade, the officer Re-

to supplement Education for Work with courses

sponsible for People and Administration at the Mato

specifically related to their fields. This was the case

Grosso do Sul Hub, young people contribute a great deal

with Rodrigo Silva, the administrative supervisor for

to Odebrecht Agroindustrial, thanks to their optimism

Procurement at the Mato Grosso do Sul Hub. He had

about the future, innovation and openness to change, de-

been working at the Eldorado Unit for five years when

sire for growth, and penchant for swift action.

Odebrecht Agroindustrial acquired it in 2008. Rodri-

Based on 36 years’ experience in the organization,

go was a 21-year-old administrative assistant at the

the leader argues that the advantage of the strong

time. The company encouraged him to invest in his

presence of members under the age of 35 is ensur-

education, and he finished his Business degree that

ing that the business keeps going thanks to people

same year.

who are both acculturated and imbued with the spirit

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Horácio Enokihara

of change. “Young people see the bioenergy sector as

well. Young people are innovative: they might make

an environment that is conducive to their growth and

mistakes, but they have a strong desire to do things

consistent with their way of being, and working with

differently,” says Hugo.

more experienced people is very rewarding. It’s a winwin relationship,” he observes.

The energy of those younger members is contagious, and affects the seasoned professionals who

One of Antônio Ailton’s former direct team mem-

recently joined the company. This was the case with

bers, Hugo de Almeida, 27, planned to leave his

Maria Zélia de Sena, a farm machine operator at the

home state of Mato Grosso do Sul before joining Ode-

Conquista do Pontal Unit, whose son, work front lead-

brecht Agroindustrial. However, the growth opportu-

er Marcelo Barbosa de Sena, encouraged her to keep

nity the company offered him made him rethink that

going with her professional education. Marcelo coun-

decision. In five years, Hugo has gone from sanitation

sels young people to devote themselves to work and

worker and janitor to administrative supervisor at

self-development, “and never forget to help their co-

the Eldorado Unit. He says that his personal experi-

workers.” He adds: “Within the company’s philosophy,

ence has made him strive to set an example for other

the ethos of service, planned delegation and decentral-

promising young people. “I’ve made lots of mistakes.

ization make the relationship go smoothly: the older

People can question what I do, and I take criticism

members believe in their younger co-workers.”

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A NATION

renewed written by Edilson Lima photos by Guilherme Afonso

Young Mozambicans get work opportunities and are groomed for leadership positions

Jorge Maltezinho (left) and Francisco Tembew: relationship of trust

W

hen he traveled by plane for the first time at the age of 6, Francisco Tembe was so enchanted that, from then on, he dreamed of being a pilot. However, the years

went by, he grew up, and Electrical Engineering spoke louder when it came time to choose a profession. But as luck would have it, both of his dreams eventually came together. When he was interning with the company in 2011, Francisco worked on the Nacala International Airport project, which Odebrecht built in Mozambique.

Today, at the age of 26, he has an Engineering degree, and is helping build electrical, electronic and air navigation facilities in his country. He proudly declares: “I have learned a great deal about airports and aircraft, because everything has to be connected.”

Francisco was born in Maputo, the nation’s capital.

When he was 6, he and his family moved to the city of Beira, in Sofala Province, where he went to primary and secondary school. A dedicated student, he was always at the top of his class. In high school, he took art class and discovered a passion for drawing, which, together with his curiosity about electricity, led him to study Electrical Engineering.

After interning on the airport project, Francisco graduated from college in late 2011. He was hired the following year, and joined the first group to take part in Odebrecht’s Young Partner program in Mozambique.

that area, but he is so dedicated to his work that it wasn’t

“He is a talented young man who is committed to ev-

necessary. When he has an issue he comes straight to

erything he does,” says Engineering Manager Jorge

me, and we find the solutions together.”

Maltezinho, who follows Francisco’s work closely.

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On the basis of this relationship of trust between

Maltezinho was born in Mozambique when it was

the leader and team member, Francisco recently over-

still a Portuguese colony. In 1976, a year after his coun-

came a major challenge for himself and the project:

try gained its independence, he moved to Brazil, where

traveling to São Paulo to meet with the manufacturer

he majored in Civil Engineering. He lived there for 13

of the electric generators and decide which model to

years before returning home, where he worked on sev-

use. “At first, I was nervous about dealing with such

eral engineering projects before joining Odebrecht in

experienced people, but everything went well and we

2009. His first project for the company was the coal pro-

closed the deal,” he recalls. Maltezinho recommended

cessing plant for the Moatize Coal Mine, a Vale venture

Francisco for the 2013 edition of Odebrecht’s year-long

based in Tete Province. By the time he joined the airport

Young Builder Program. “I’m eager to learn more,” says

project in 2011, he had acquired a tremendous amount

Francisco.

of experience, which he shares with his team members

According to Nuno Teixeira, the Project Director for

on a daily basis. “Our relationship is based on trust,” he

the airport, bringing young Mozambicans into the com-

argues.

pany is critical for its growth. “In addition to creating

Speaking of Francisco, his leader, Maltezinho, says

opportunities for people who are from here, with all the

the young man was a pleasant surprise: “We were going

positive impacts that entails, it also makes the company

to hire an experienced professional to lead the team in

increasingly national and identified with this country.”

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Cremildo Massona with co-workers at the jobsite: determined to achieve his goals

Numbers for Nacala and Moatize projects Nacala International Airport Begun: 2011 Valued at: People (peak): Earthmoving: Asphalt: Drainage system: Metal structures: Floorings and coatings:

Delivery: 2014 USD 202 million

1,050 2,100,000 m3 85, 000 t 9,700 m3 1,700 t 34,000 m2

Moatize Project Phase 1 Begun: 2008 Valued at: People (peak): Concrete: Reclaimed land: Earthmoving equipment: Expansion Begun: 2012 Valued at: People (peak): Earthmoving: Concrete: Earthmoving equipment (units): Civil construction equipment (units):

Delivered: 2012 USD 1.1 billion

7,000 127,365.43 m3 4,255,529.64 m3 208

Delivery: 2014 USD 490 million

3,500 4,500,000 m3 70,000 m3 130 70

A necessary stimulus for growth

promoted to General Foreman, taking responsibility for

Cremildo Massona, 29, was just as eager as Fran-

several teams at once. “I realized that this was a chance

cisco to take part in the Young Builder program. He

to grow, so I pursued my goals,” he says.

joined Odebrecht in 2008 as a Hydraulics Technician on

Ângelo recalls that he made a point of urging his team

the Moatize Coal Project. Recognizing his hard work,

member to go to college and get a degree in Civil Engi-

talent for leadership and commitment, his leader, Ân-

neering: “As his leader, my role is to encourage him to

gelo Souza, the officer Responsible for Civil Construc-

increase his knowledge and leadership ability.” So it was

tion Management, recommended him to take part in

that Cremildo enrolled in a private university in 2010. Half-

the program. “Cremildo is a very charismatic leader.

way through his studies, he bravely tackled his demanding

The way to keep growing is to offer ever greater chal-

work load at school when construction of the first phase

lenges,” he says.

of the Moatize Coal Project reached its peak in 2011. The

Cremildo was born in Quelimane, in Zambezia Prov-

following year, during the second phase, the Moatize Ex-

ince. In 2003 he moved to Maputo, where he took a tech-

pansion, Cremildo was promoted to Infrastructure Super-

nical course in hydraulics and worked until 2008. When

visor, heading a team of over 90 workers.

he arrived in Moatize, all he saw was savannah stretching

“We encouraged Cremildo to take on this new chal-

for miles around. “I took part in virtually all the hydraulic

lenge, which he did with humility and courage. To give

installation projects, from the jobsite to the accommoda-

you an idea, some of the people on his team used to be

tions,” he says. Cremildo began his career with the Proj-

his leaders,” says General Construction Manager Mar-

ect Engineering team and, subsequently, became the

cos Camargo. Everything went smoothly, and still does.

Team Supervisor for the production area. In 2009, he was

To say the least.

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COMMUNITY

The power of good vibrations In Mozambique, educational and vocational initiatives are helping the nation develop written by Edilson Lima photo by Guilherme Afonso

I

n the shade of a mango tree,

With a view to providing job

a group of 30 women from the

skills, Odebrecht is also running

Mathapué community who are

the Acreditar Professional Educa-

participating in the Acreditar (Be-

tion Program at Nacala and the

lieve) Literacy Program meets ev-

Moatize Expansion Project, which

ery day to learn to read and write.

the company is carrying out in Tete

Organized by Odebrecht in the vi-

Province. All told, 2,284 people

cinity of the Nacala International

have graduated from the program.

Airport construction site in Mo-

A partnership with the National

zambique, the program focuses on

Institute of Employment and Voca-

training literacy teachers to work

tional Training (INEFP) is enabling

with adults, particularly women,

Acreditar to share knowledge and

for whom the illiteracy rate is as

ensure its sustainability. “This

high as 81% in that country. Forty-

partnership is key to making Mo-

five literacy teachers graduated

zambican workers more competi-

from the program in 2012, and

tive,” says Eduardo Chimela, the

they are already at work in local

Institute’s General Director.

students

Father Lucas Romão, from the

are progressing on a daily basis,

Dom Bosco School’s Acreditar Ed-

because the teaching method is

ucational Center, observes: “In ad-

based on everyday experience,”

dition to technical training, these

says educator Zinha Aquitial.

courses teach values.” Margarida

neighborhoods.

“The

The company also offers the

Manica, 22, is a program gradu-

Acreditar Apprentice Program for

ate who now works as a bricklayer

on health (Health+), providing

teenagers (aged 13 to 18), who are

on the Moatize Expansion Project.

basic civil documents (Citizen-

taking on more and more of a lead-

She says she feels fulfilled: “I be-

ship Counter) and closing the

ership role in Nacala. “Here I’ve

lieved in this opportunity, and I’m

digital divide through computer

learned what it means to be a good

proud of who I am.”

education (Hit the Net). In the past two years, these initiatives

citizen, and to respect and value our culture,” says Fula Pucudade, 18. Fifty-six teens are currently benefiting from the program.

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The path to sustainability

have

Odebrecht also offers pro-

people. To ensure the sustain-

benefited

some

14,000

grams in Mozambique that focus

ability of these social outreach

Acreditar Literacy Program participants: mobilizing people in Nacala

programs, the company’s teams

nesses and institutions in order

for 2013 is to carry out programs

are implementing partnerships

to guide investments in social

that will create work and income

aimed at transferring knowl-

projects,” emphasizes Reinaldo

opportunities through a business

edge to the Government and lo-

Souza, the officer Responsible

model for agriculture. To achieve

cal organizations. “We are cre-

for Odebrecht’s Social Outreach

this, Odebrecht will act as a cata-

ating a forum for the Integrated

Programs in Nacala.

lyst for local initiatives that are

and Sustainable Development of

To make the most of the op-

already in place, linking together

Nacala, with the participation of

portunities that Odebrecht’s con-

programs run by the Government,

the Government and local busi-

struction projects create, the goal

NGOs and donor agencies.

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quality in relationships

A key factor that makes Braskem teams and their work stand out is close harmony with clients written by Luiz Carlos Ramos photos by Celso Doni

18

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From left, Émerson Madaleno, Elaine Almeida, Marco ValÊrio Antunes, Hagop Guerekmezian and Hagop Guerekmezian Filho: an informal and productive relationship

A

t one end of the supply chain, there’s

Going from small polyethylene bags to PVC com-

Braskem, which produces raw mate-

pounds was a major leap for the manufacturer. Karina’s

rials with multiple uses. At the other

sophisticated machines make the compounds from

end, there’s the client who buys the raw

Braskem’s PVC resin, obtained by processing salt and

materials and converts them into fin-

ethylene with electricity at the industrial complexes in

ished products. But there are people behind the logos

Bahia and Alagoas. Karina’s production of 25,000 metric

– trained and sensitive people who do more than take

tons of PVC compounds/month is used to make shoes,

care of business: they create relationships of respect

packaging, electrical conductors and other products in

and friendship. And if the respect between credible

Brazil and over 20 other countries.

companies is spontaneous, the strength of the friend-

“I am an entrepreneur who thinks outside the box.

ships established between their professionals helps

It takes hard work, but I thank God and my father for

both sides join forces, consolidating partnerships and

all this,” says Hagop, standing alongside Valério and

ensuring mutual growth.

two other Braskem team members – sales assistant

The results of these harmonious relationships can

Elaine Almeida and engineer Emerson Madaleno. His

be seen in the four stories on the following pages. Ode-

son, Hagop Guerekmezian Filho, joins the conversa-

brecht Informa talked to the protagonists, four com-

tion. At the age of 26, Hagopinho, as he is known, is a

mercial account managers from different sectors of

mechanical engineer who does not regret trading kart

Braskem whose daily routines are based on relation-

racing for a role in the company’s management. “I have

ships with clients that are true partners. These are

a competent successor in him,” says Hagop, who also

just a few examples of similar cases that can be found

has two daughters.

throughout Brazil.

One thousand professionals work at the factory, which now has a polyethylene and polypropylene unit

Valério, Hagop and growth

that uses Braskem’s raw materials. Karina’s Supply

It’s a rare day when Marco Valério de Moura An-

Manager, Galeno Farias, monitors the loaded trucks

tunes, Braskem’s PVC Accounts Manager, does not get

that arrive from northeastern Brazil. “It has been won-

in touch with Hagop Guerekmezian of Karina. “Some-

derful to see the work at the complex progress these

times I call Valério to discuss supply, but we also talk

past eight years,” says Valério. “Hagop’s enthusiasm is

about the economy, politics, family. We’re friends,” says

contagious. I feel like a member of the team.” Hagop

Hagop. He is the CEO of Karina, South America’s leader

smiles and confirms: “The admiration is mutual. I am

in the PVC compounds market.

grateful to Braskem, which supplies me with PVC, and

The two men’s business relationship began two years ago, but the companies’ partnership dates back to 1979, the year Karina was created in Guarulhos, São

brings me luck and friends like Valério.”

Jorge, Jair and solutions

Paulo – at the time when Odebrecht began investing in

In São Paulo, Braskem Polyethylene Market Man-

the Chemicals & Petrochemicals industry in Camaçari,

ager Development Jorge Alexandre Silva picks up the

Bahia, through CPC, one of the companies later con-

phone and dials the cell phone number of Jair da Rosa,

solidated under Braskem.

who is in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul:

“It’s been 34 years, and we have been Karina’s

“Where are you? Do you need anything?” Jorge has

most important supplier for all that time,” explains

worked at Braskem for 10 years. Jair joined Multinova

Valério. “We grew up together,” adds Hagop, as he

Indústria de Embalagens Plásticas two years ago. The

and Valério visit the company’s modern plant, located

company is a plastic packaging manufacturer estab-

in a 160,000-m² area near Guarulhos International

lished in 1988 in Farrukhabad, RS, now with branches

Airport. “When I was 21, my father, Antranig, gave me

in São Bento do Sul, SC, Simões Filho, BA, and Jaguar-

a plastic extrusion machine and rented a warehouse

iúna, SP.

next to this big lot, which I later bought to grow the

Multinova’s recent entry into the construction mate-

plant,” recalls the businessman, who is of Armenian

rials market has everything to do with Braskem. Jorge

descent.

Alexandre explains: “It’s a new application. After test-

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19

From left, Fabiano Munhoz, Éder Campos Filho and Paulo Freire: shared reflections and joint action to find solutions

ing at the IPT [Technological Research Institute] in São

client and friend,” says Jorge, smiling, as he puts the

Paulo, we found that we can manufacture polyethylene

phone down.

foam used for soundproofing, thermal insulation and protection for floors and walls. It is a cost-effective so-

20

Paulo, Éder, Fabiano and innovation

lution, as well as environmentally friendly, unlike wool

One April morning, Paulo Freire leaves the

glass and asbestos.” The company makes five types of

Braskem office in Salvador, in his home state of Ba-

foam insulation, all in accordance with ABNT [Brazilian

hia, and gets on a plane to Belo Horizonte, where Éder

Technical Standards Association] standard no. 15.575,

Ferreira Campos Filho and Fabiano Munhoz are wait-

which comes into effect in July. Construction compa-

ing for him. Braskem’s PVC Account Manager, Paulo

nies use Multinova’s insulation products, which are

has been with the company for 11 years. Éder is a

made from raw materials supplied by Braskem.

director of Precon in Pedro Leopoldo, Minas Gerais.

Jair da Rosa, Multinova’s Corporate Sales Manager,

Fabiano is an engineer, “born in São Paulo, a Bahian

says: “This partnership has enabled important achieve-

by choice and a Corinthians fan by passion,” and the

ments, such as publicizing Multinova products and

Odebrecht Project Director responsible for building 37

exhibiting them at the International Construction Exhi-

schools for the City of Belo Horizonte, through a PPP

bition in São Paulo in March. There was no room left

(Public Private Partnership). The client is Inova BH, an

for a booth at Anhembi, but Jorge Alexandre got us the

affiliate of Odebrecht Properties.

space.” Odebrecht construction companies have taken

When the three men get together, orange PVC roof

an interest in Multinova’s foam insulation and are now

tile samples appear – this is a new product Precon has

using it on their projects. “This is what we can do for a

made from Braskem raw materials, which will be used

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in the schools. Éder explains: “Three years ago, Precon, which has a 50-year track record in the roofing market, went out in search of alternative materials and found Braskem’s PVC.” The new roof tiles are economical, lightweight, sturdy and fire retardant.

Precon started production at its new plant in Marechal Deodoro, Alagoas, in the second half of 2013, near the new Braskem complex. Paulo Freire observes: “This cross-cutting is going to be replicated on other Odebrecht projects, which will make these PVC roof tiles well known in the Brazilian market.” Fabiano Munhoz says that the tiles will be used in all of the 11 schools that are already under construction. Braskem’s presence in these projects will go even further, Paulo predicts: “We are in negotiations to ensure that the PVC pipes and fittings and vinyl flooring we use in this project are also supplied by Braskem partners.”

Carlos Alvim and a brotherly bond Thirty-five years ago, Carlos Soares Freire joined the newly created Salgema, a manufacturer of chlorine and caustic soda based in the city of Maceió, Alagoas, which Trikem acquired in 1996 and was consolidated under Braskem in 2002. Carlos lives in Rio de Janeiro. He is an Account Manager, and one of his

From left, Cenibra staff members Lázaro Borges, Arnaldo Nick Junior, Efigênio Alvim and Cirino Silva, with Braskem’s processing plant in the background: alignment and partnership

odebrecht informa

21

Jorge Alexandre Silva talking to Jair da Rosa, from Multinova: when personal contact isn’t possible, technology helps out

clients is Cenibra – Celulose Nipo-Brasileira, a pulp

its output by train to Portocel in the Vitória metropolitan

manufacturer based in Belo Oriente, Minas Gerais,

region in the state of Espírito Santo, as well as export-

in that state’s Steel Valley. Efigênio Alvim has worked

ing it to manufacturers of paper and other items.

for Cenibra for 37 years. Today it is 100% Japanese owned, with over 8,000 employees.

22

Alvim explains: “Carlos is like a brother to me. He’s an outstanding professional, and he also tells great sto-

To produce about one million metric tons/year of

ries.” Carlos Freire says: “We are their exclusive suppli-

pulp, Cenibra processes wood from large tracts of

ers. We’ve created a very strong and positive relation-

eucalyptus forests, using caustic soda supplied by

ship with Cenibra, which goes beyond the professional

Braskem to whiten their product. Cenibra ships 95% of

and commercial spheres.”

odebrecht informa

Alessandro Camara, from Mais Packing: debunking myths with creativity

movement I

creative

written by Alice Galeffi photos by Murilo Mattos

The Braskem Design Challenge helps expand the plastic furniture market in Brazil

“

t only succeeded because people were caught up by the idea,” explains Carla Bar-

retto, speaking of the Odebrecht Braskem

Design Challenge. In addition to making

room for Brazilian design, teaching young

apprentices and enabling the creation of innovative

23

products that will be used in the outer area of the new Odebrecht Building in São Paulo, the project

also helped explode the notion that plastic furnish-

ings are synonymous with stackable chairs and pool furniture.

Carla is the Managing Director for Private Proper-

ties at Odebrecht Properties (OP), the company that has

Group portrait (from left): Jessica Leite, Filipe Tucunduva, Renata Fernandes, Alessandro Camara, Mônica Evangelista, Rafael Conforto, Carlos Zardo Jr., Cesar Moraes and Cecília Siqueira: business and academia join forces to change paradigms

invested in and will manage the Group’s new building.

While developing the design of furniture that will be used in the living spaces of the building, Carla saw an opportunity to work with plastic items. Corporate furnishings developed by Brazilian designers with this material are in short supply, and it was found that the end price of imports was more competitive than the domestic alternative. Soon, the opportunity materialized. With the help of the Braskem team, they came up with an initiative that would contribute to the development of this market in Brazil.

Mônica Evangelista, Braskem’s PP (Polypropylene) Market Development Director for Construction and Buildings, coordinated the development of a new project: a challenge involving design students, encouraging them to develop a family of furniture (a chair or stool, table and chaise longue) using plastic as the raw material. The winner’s designs would be produced nationwide.

Partnerships with universities The Challenge was made possible by partnerships with other institutions. Participating universities (the

24

odebrecht informa

that they could somehow reflect it in the furniture they created. After that, the competitors heard presentations on issues such as sustainability, the life cycle analysis of plastic and the product’s benefits. The third phase was devoted to the creation and conceptualization of their designs. “The entire process was amazing because the atmosphere wasn’t at all competitive.

Mais Packing conducted it very well,” says Renata Fernandes, a member of the FAAP team.

The winning design “ELO” (“LINK”) was the name that the Challenge winner, the IED team, gave to its line of furniture.

The theme was a reference to the Odebrecht Entrepreneurial Technology (TEO). According to the team, TEO is the link that holds the organization together.

“What impressed us most about TEO was the fact that it is the organization’s ‘brain,’ so we designed a line inspired by the science of bionics, with neurons and their branches, which all start from the same point,” says Cecília Siqueira.

Istituto Europeo di Design - IED, Armando Alvares Penteado Foundation - FAAP, Centro Universitário Belas Artes and Mauá Institute) recommended their best students and coordinated their teams. The Mais Packing design company stepped in to advise the students, who interned with the agency for three months during the project development phase. Tramontina, a Braskem client and the largest producer of plastic furniture in Brazil, was responsible for manufacturing the items.

The first step of the Challenge was the briefing. The participants learned about the company’s culture so

But the FDI team was not the only winner. Everyone involved in this project won too: OP will get the exact type of furniture the company wanted; Braskem had a chance to work with young talent and demonstrate new uses of plastic; Tramontina will mass produce the winning team’s furniture, as well as the other teams’ designs; and, of course, all the participants have had an opportunity to delve into the job market, learn about design and client relations, and be mentored by experienced and qualified professionals.

odebrecht informa

25

Interview

Fábio Januário at the Tower of Belém in Lisbon: “We need to bring Brazil to Portugal”

26

26

odebrecht informa

nations link between

written by JosĂŠ Enrique Barreiro photos by Lia Lubango/Lusco

odebrecht informa

27

F

ábio Januário keeps an intense in-

OI – How would you complete this sentence:

ternational schedule. As Odebrecht’s

“The Angolan people taught me that...”

CEO for Portugal, Libya and the

FÁBIO - .... resilience and perseverance are very

United Arab Emirates, he seeks to

important. I learned that a people should never

closely monitor the business agenda

give up; they must always believe in their country

in these countries. But whenever he’s in Lisbon,

with immense potential.

he always makes sure to do two things: spend time with his wife, Priscilla, and sons Hugo, 10,

OI – You’ve spent time with young Ango-

and Rafael, 5, and run 10 km five times a week.

lans, and now you are working with young

“I try to balance work and dedication to my family

Portuguese people. What about each of them

and health.” An engineer with a degree from the

caught your attention?

University of São Paulo (USP), he found his first

FábiO – The stages are different. The Portuguese live

job opportunity at Odebrecht, which he joined as a

in a mature country with a different business context.

trainee in 1994. In 1998, he went to Angola, where

The young Angolans impressed me with their motiva-

he worked for 14 years and became a Project

tion, their will to rebuild their country, to play their part

Director. Since September 2012, he has led the

in a young nation. In historical terms, we can say that

Odebrecht Group’s businesses in the three coun-

Angola was born yesterday, since it became indepen-

tries for which he is CEO. Neither the recession

dent in 1975, less than 40 years ago. Naturally, drive

in Portugal nor the period of transition in Libya

and commitment must be supplemented with experi-

nor the highly competitive market in the Emirates

ence and training, and that was precisely our role.

seem to faze him. That is understandable: at the age of 27, newly married, he left São Paulo to live

OI – And what impresses you most about Por-

in Luanda and help the Angolan people rebuild

tuguese youth?

their country. “For me, challenges are synony-

FábiO – They are people with excellent academic

mous with motivation,” he says. “Few organiza-

backgrounds who speak several languages and

tions in the world would be able to offer growth

are easily mobilized and adaptable, because they

opportunities as rich and diverse as the ones I

are carrying on with the Portuguese tradition of

have had at Odebrecht.” In this interview, Fábio

setting out into the world in search of opportuni-

Januário talks about people, his experience in

ties that dates back to the times of the great navi-

Angola and how he intends to overcome this new

gations. The Group needs to make the best use of

challenge.

this capacity to increase the number of non-Brazilian expatriates in our international operations.

Odebrecht Informa – What is the most im-

28

portant thing you saw during the 14 years

OI – What is the formula for Odebrecht’s suc-

you spent in Angola?

cess in Angola?

Fábio Januário – I found a people that is very

FábiO – Our strategic agenda is very simple. It

receptive to Odebrecht and Brazil; a people that

consists of drive, courage, and creating opportuni-

needed support, appreciation and organizations

ties with Angolan characteristics. This is one of our

like ours that believe in them. We sought to in-

main features, our way of being, our philosophical

clude an increasing number of Angolans in our

values, our clear intention to establish a perma-

organization. While they are integrated into the

nent presence in the countries where we are pres-

company and assimilate our culture, they also

ent. The essence of our success is working with

teach us a great deal. They were committed and

local content in our business’s supply chain. But

took on the challenge, and together we have

it is important to say that if we have achieved a

helped each other in the task of rebuilding the

great deal, we still have a significant way to go in

country.

that country.

odebrecht informa

OI – What gratified you most in Angola?

and Brazilian and Portuguese businesses in general.

FábiO – My biggest thrill was seeing our projects

Portugal invests much more in Brazil than the other

completed. At the inauguration of the first stand-

way around. We have to handle that balance better.

pipe in a musseque (slum) in Luanda, people who

We must bring Brazil to Portugal. As for Libya, it is

had never had access to treated water before were

essential to leverage Brazil’s agenda in that country

celebrating it as a major achievement in their lives

through the support of the government and Brazil-

- and that was very moving. That was in the be-

ian institutions, as well as the performance of our

ginning. Luanda has made tremendous progress

large companies. Together, these actors could make

since then, and today the challenges involve a

a significant contribution to the reconstruction of the

new, rapidly developing Angola.

New Libya.

OI – Now you’re in Portugal. What was it like to move from an independent nation that was, as you said, “born yesterday,” to a country that was born 900 years ago?

FábiO – Angola has been experiencing tremendous economic growth for over a decade. Portugal and Libya are at different stages. Portugal is going through a recession, with limited opportunities. That means we need to be very creative, rethink our operations and develop new businesses. Libya is in transition, and our future in that country will depend on the development of its political and economic landscape. Odebrecht and Brazil are ready to help Libya follow the path of success in building the New and Free Libya. In the UAE, the challenge is altogether different. There we have a wealthy nation, a different culture and a highly com-

“For us, at Odebrecht, talking about people is not rhetorical. We are focused on people, not processes”

Fábio Januário

petitive economy. We’ll need creative projects and attractive costs, while ensuring that the people who are hired locally and regionally assimilate our entrepre-

OI – As a leader, how do you establish rela-

neurial culture as quickly as possible. Our number one

tionships with people? Is there any particular

priority is the focus on the performance of the Pump-

way to go about it?

Station infrastructure works and sanitation project in

FábiO – For us, at Odebrecht, talking about peo-

Abu Dhabi, to ensure the creation, sharing and rein-

ple is not rhetorical. We always put our trust in

vestment of the wealth created and thereby establish

people. We are not focused on processes, but on

a sustainable basis for our growth in that country.

people - even in the industrial businesses. Our ability to educate them and promote their growth

OI – What are the plans for Portugal and

is our biggest differentiator. My main strategy is

Libya?

to offer my time, applying the Pedagogy of Pres-

FábiO – We need an agenda that is closer to the one

ence. This is the key role of success, of healthy

we have in Brazil, which has experience in export-

complicity between Leader and Team Member. I

ing services to countries in Latin America and Africa,

like to hear people’s opinions, let myself be influ-

but has not been adequately instigated to think about

enced and take joint decisions. A leader is some-

the situation in Portugal. Investing in Portugal will be

one who convinces and rallies people, and has fol-

a major milestone for both Brazil and Odebrecht. It

lowers because they believe in the direction he is

will benefit everyone: the two countries, our Group,

proposing.

informa

29

Alcinéia: “Hey, isn’t it called ‘Believe’ for a reason?”

A DIRECT WAY OF LOOKING

I

at life

t was Alcinéia Nunes Silva who handed Brazil-

in the concrete finishing area, along with 20 other team

ian President Dilma Rousseff a bouquet of flow-

members. She is the only woman on the team. With her

ers on March 1 during the official opening of the

calm demeanor and perspicacity, she has captivated her

Steel Structures Fabrication Unit (UFEM), part of

co-workers, asserted herself and earned everyone’s re-

the Submarine Development Program - Shipyard

spect. “At first, nobody believed that I could work as a

and Naval Base (Prosub-EBN) underway in Itaguaí,

30

30

bricklayer. But I kept going,” she says.

Rio de Janeiro. The assistant bricklayer was chosen to

A resident of Itaguaí, Alcinéia, 42, used to work as a

represent the members working on that project at the

bus conductor, and was on disability from the National

ceremony because, like President Rousseff, she sets

Social Security Institute (INSS) due to a stress-related

an example of leadership. Alcinéia joined Odebrecht In-

illness when she heard there were openings in Ode-

fraestrutura (Infrastructure) two years ago: she works

brecht’s Acreditar (Believe) professional education pro-

odebrecht informa

A graduate of the Acreditar Program, Alcinéia Silva, a member of the Prosub-EBN Project team, is the protagonist of a story of self-confidence and achievement written by Luciana Lana photos by André Valentim

gram. She signed up, was selected, and completed the

She was the one who taught me almost everything I

course. When her family said all her efforts would come

know and helped me become a painter,” he acknowl-

to nothing, she kept quiet and focused on her goal: Hey,

edges gratefully. Luiz reports that, out of prejudice, many

isn’t it called “Believe” for a reason? she wondered in her

men do not want to work as a woman’s assistant. “I took

inner dialogues.

a chance and did great.”

The answer to the disbelievers came in January 2011,

If there ever was any, today that prejudice is a

when she got a job as an apprentice bricklayer. In less

thing of the past. “Everyone likes her,” says Rafael

than six months, Alcinéia was promoted to assistant

Ferreira, also an assistant bricklayer. “She’s easygo-

bricklayer. “She’s great at her job and gets along with

ing, but tough at the same time. She always wants to

everybody,” says the general supervisor, José Benedito

get everything done just right,” adds another team-

Cosmo, who observes: “People don’t do their work right

mate, Aldemir da Silva.

when they have trouble relating with their co-workers.”

Alcinéia smiles discreetly at the high praise she receives, and describes herself as a very observant and

“The truth is the key to harmony”

down-to-earth person. “I like to understand each indi-

Generally considered a quiet person, Alcinéia is also

vidual’s behavior. I keep my mouth shut and take in how

supportive and generous. Painter Luiz Carlos Lima

people act and react. But when something bothers me,

Valério, who worked as her assistant, can attest to that.

I speak out directly, no matter who it is I’m talking to, a

“She really wants to learn and share what she knows.

leader or a team member, it doesn’t matter. The truth

She’s a partner. She shows you the tricks of the trade.

is the key to harmony.”

odebrecht informa

31

LET’S

talk ABOUT IT

T 32

he secret to good relations is following

When he discusses recruiting, Project Director Mar-

some basic rules. The main one is being

cos Vidigal is emphatic: “For me, having a good resume

able to put yourself in someone else’s

isn’t the only requirement. Before bringing someone onto

shoes. Luiz Antônio dos Santos, better

the team, I make a point of talking to people I know who

known as Luizinho, is the officer Respon-

have worked with that person before.” Vidigal sets the

sible for Community Relations for Linha 4 Sul, the joint

guidelines for his team’s interaction with the project’s

venture building Line 4 of the Rio de Janeiro Metro on the

neighbors: “I’ve always tried to make respect and hon-

stretch between the Ipanema and Gávea districts. One

esty my mottoes in life. Leadership isn’t achieved through

Saturday afternoon, he had a noisy machine shut down

rank. It depends on the example you set. And you also

because it was disturbing a wedding anniversary party

have to know how to listen.”

32

nearby. “You have to feel empathy. I explain to the people

Marcela Villas Bôas, a member of the Communications

that work with me that it isn’t the people who complain

Advisory team, agrees: “He gives direction and is always

who’re the pain in the neck; it’s us,” he says.

open to suggestions.” Listening is another basic rule for a

odebrecht informa

Marcela Villas Bôas, Luiz Antônio dos Santos and Paulo Camizão: respect and empathy

Open and productive dialogue with the community is a highlight of the Rio de Janeiro Metro Line 4 Project written by Eduardo Souza Lima photos by Carlos Júnior

healthy relationship with the neighbors. “Our approach is

10,000 names on the list

this: we are neighbors, we understand the hassle [of the

It is also important to plan ahead. The construc-

construction project] and want you to bring us your com-

tion project began in November last year, but the

plaints so we can minimize its impact,” she adds.

joint venture’s team reached out to residents before

Marcela welcomes suggestions and complaints re-

breaking ground. “We put together a list of 10,000

ceived through the joint venture’s various channels of

names. Those are the people we talk to almost every

communication, ranging from service centers to Twitter.

day,” says Marcela. “They told me: ‘We are here to

Then field agents get to work. “Some things require pres-

try to solve your problems.’ And they’ve always been

ence, personal contact, dialogue. For example, telling a

more than willing to help us out,” confirms Paulo

merchant that we will put up a fence in front of his store,”

Marcelo Camizão, the manager of two apartment

says Luizinho. And it’s also important to be frank: “I tell

buildings on Ataulfo de Paiva Avenue.

them it’s going to be a major headache. That’s how you establish trust.”

At his suggestion, the joint venture acquired two shopping carts and two wheelchairs for the tenants’

odebrecht informa

33

34

use. Because one building’s garage was blocked

small talk,” he says, with his usual down-to-earth

off, the company hired a valet parking service and

sense of humor. “You can’t just talk shop all day.”

a private parking facility. Also at the local resi-

Human warmth is key: recently, two women

dents’ request, the company has installed security

walked by an area where cement was being mixed,

cameras and special lighting along the fences near

and their clothes were slightly splattered. They

their buildings.

were asked to step into the jobsite to get a closer

Another means of communication is a bimonthly

look at the work being done there, and Odebrecht

newsletter with a print run of 40,000 copies, and the

paid to have their clothes laundered. When Marcela

PR team distributes pamphlets in the streets when-

found out that one of the women had a birthday

ever roads are closed or traffic is diverted. But, in

coming up, she gave her a bunch of yellow roses.

the end, the “Vidigal style” prevails: “I can sense

“They told me we had made friends with them,”

when a team member needs at least 15 minutes of

says Luizinho.

odebrecht informa

Odebrecht Archives

Metro jobsite in Ipanema: urban construction involves its own unique challenges

energy THE BEST

written by Bárbara Rezendes photos by Mathias Cramer

Victor Marques (third from left) with Gabriel Senarezi, Giuliana Di Credico, Christianne Cunha, Thiago Menezes, Albert Santos and Rodrigo Garcia: mutually enriching input

The exchange of experience among professionals from different generations is a hallmark of the Senandes Corridor wind complex project

“

W

e are all in this together, learning to make things happen in a different way.” This statement by Victor Marques, who is responsible for deploying Odebrecht Energia’s first wind power venture, the Senandes Corridor Complex, reflects the feelings of the entire

team that is working on this pioneering project.

Located in the southern Brazilian city of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul,

35

the complex is innovative in several ways. For example, it involves build-

ing high-tech wind turbines, the first made in Brazil. The complex’s large

installed capacity makes it possible to reduce the number of generating units and minimize the environmental impact, especially when it comes to the bird life in the region.

This project marks Odebrecht Energia’s debut in the wind power in-

dustry. For the team building it, mostly young people from Odebrecht

Numbers for the Senandes Corridor Wind Power Complex BRL

400 million

108 MW

invested

total installed capacity

2014

projected delivery date

4 parks

comprise the complex: Vento Aragano I and Senandes Corridor II, III & IV

SP PR

PARAGUAY

SC ARGENTINA

Porto Alegre

RS

Atlantic Ocean

Rio Grande URUGUAY

Building the wind complex in Rio Grande: pioneering project

36

odebrecht informa

1,000

work opportunities will be created directly and indirectly during deployment

48 km

is the length of the transmission line that will connect the complex’s four parks with the Companhia Estadual de Energia Elétrica’s (CEEE)

Engineering & Construction, Senandes represents the challenge of changing their approach from being responsible for a construction

12 2m

project to enabling the venture’s implementation and future operations.

Victor has been with the Group for six years. In addition to being responsible for implementing Senandes, he leads other alternative energy projects for the company. He took charge of the wind power 150 m

venture underway in Rio Grande in June 2012, and heads a team of 88,5 m

people with an average age of 27. He says that the challenge of working in a new business is enhanced by leading such a youthful group. As a result, the project also involves the challenge of practicing empathy on a permanent basis, as well as the opportunity for exchanging knowledge, and through that exchange, sharing new knowledge with those team members. “For us, as veteran Odebrecht members, working with younger people gives us an energy boost. At the same time, it gives them more maturity,” says Victor.

Odebrecht seeks to provide opportunities for young people in its projects and support programs, and Victor underscores that the organization renews itself through these new members. “In this situation, planned delegation and the pedagogy of presence are clearly key,” says Victor, who understands that his role as an educational leader of new professionals is a priority. Their learning is enhanced by the small number of team members, which allows Victor to be more actively present from day to day. He says that he makes a point of involving them in various matters, encouraging them to express their opinions and come up with solutions together.

Synergy between generations The age difference between Victor and his five direct team members is as much as 29 years, and it has only brought benefits to their careers and the outcome of the project. The characteristics of each generation are complementary. Their dialogue flows easily and the exchange of ideas becomes a natural process.

Thiago Menezes, one of Victor’s team members, emphasizes that the synergy in the group boosts their productivity. He notes that unity also facilitates decision making. “Victor is very accessible. When we need his advice, we don’t hesitate to ask. He listens to us, supports us, and is a very good educator. That way, we are more likely to succeed,” he argues. At those times, the characteristics of each generation become clearly evident. “They push me to go faster and I try to calm them down and get them to think about the situation before acting,” says Victor.

Hits and misses are the result of the initiative of trying to do what is right. When the result turns out to be the wrong one, the learning experience can be much richer if it is driven by an educational leader.

Albert Santos, the officer Responsible for Planning at the Senandes Complex, agrees: “Whether it’s in a meeting room or in the hallway, we’re always exchanging ideas and opinions. Victor says he is a ‘young veteran’ who is learning along with us, and gives us room to make our own contributions,” says Albert.

odebrecht informa

37

OUT FROM THE

sinkhole Brother Henrique: “Healing comes from reconciliation with life”

38

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38

The personal revolutions that are made possible by including homeless people in the job market and opening up opportunities for convicts and ex-cons written by Carlos Pereira photos by Márcio Lima

I

“‘

lost everything because I am worthless.’ That’s

Brother Henrique Peregrino da Trindade, a Catholic

what they keep saying. For years on end. Turning

monk, learned about the homeless by living in the streets

that around is a long and difficult process, but the

for 13 years. The community he heads in Salvador’s Água

beautiful thing is that it’s possible,” says Brother

de Meninos neighborhood shelters 50 people of all ages

Henrique, the leader of the Trinity Church com-

and social classes who share one thing in common: deep-

munity and one of Odebrecht Infraestrutura’s (Infrastruc-

ly wounded souls. They are accepted there and re-learn

ture) main partners in implementing the program to in-

to live with other people, rebuilding bonds of trust. “But

clude the homeless in the job market.

healing involves a reconciliation with their own lives,” says

Brother Henrique and the Street People’s Movement

the monk.

recommended 88 former homeless people to take train-

He observes that the workers come back to the shel-

ing courses to become carpenters, scaffolders, bricklay-

ter tired but happy. “There is a visible change in their

ers and hairdressers. Twelve got jobs at the Itaipava Fonte

behavior, for example, in relation to dental care. They

Nova Arena and another 20 have found work in other con-

are smiling more. There is a kind of magic attached to

struction projects in the city of Salvador, Bahia. The State

the name of a large company. They take tremendous

Department of Labor, Employment and Income (SETRE)

pride in saying, ‘I work at Odebrecht,’” the monk ob-

is also taking part in this program.

serves.

Edevaldo Santana: “I stopped drinking.

I couldn’t let that opportunity pass me by”

odebrecht informa

39

Edvaldo

Social worker Carolinna Tosta and the new arena: the supervisors have praised the convicts’ productivity

“It was a sinkhole” After working as a vendor on the beach in Itapoã, the neighborhood where he lived with his wife and daughter, Edevaldo Santana saw his life fall apart, destroyed by alcoholism. “The less I sold, the more I drank, and the more I drank, the less I sold. It was a sinkhole,” says Edevaldo. A PET bottle of cachaça, which he nicknamed “firecracker,” was all he had left when he lost the Styrofoam container he used to sell his wares. His wife left him, taking their daughter with her, and he finally lost his house. That phase of his life dragged on for four years. “I was too embarrassed to be around my friends.

When they saw me, they’d give me advice, and think back on who I used to be.”

During Easter Week in 2011, Edevaldo met people with similar backgrounds at Trinity Church, heard their stories and decided to join the community. Their daily collaborative activities were therapeutic. “I stopped drinking. I couldn’t let that opportunity pass me by,” he says.

A year later, his determination was rewarded when he got a job as a dispatcher at the Itaipava Fonte Nova Arena warehouse. He worked there until the arena was built, and as a reward for good service, he has been transferred to the BA-093 highway construction project. Looking back on his life, sitting in his new apartment, he sees the arena he helped build as

40

odebrecht informa

a separate chapter. “I’ll never forget it. I’m a privileged

knew that this was the opportunity I’d been hoping for,”

man.”

recalls M. Another 20 inmates were also hired.

Wearing his uniform with dignity, the bricklayer’s as-

Fresh Start

sistant says that a real man acknowledges his mistakes

“It was a 157,” says M., lowering his voice and avert-

and accepts the consequences. “I know it’s hard to under-

ing his gaze. That is the code for the robbery homicide he

stand our situation, but prejudice needs to be confronted.

committed, the crime for which he was sentenced to 25

One of my dreams came true when I helped build this sta-

years in prison. It resulted from the bad decision he made

dium. There’s a beautiful part of me right here.”

Social worker Carolinna Tosta keeps track of the new workers’ individual performance. She explains that the process of reintegration begins with reintroducing the beneficiary to society. “The steps include getting ID cards and work papers, vocational training and personal growth by working with others and being motivated to work and get financial advice, because the novelty of a fixed income and increased opportunities for consumption make it hard for them to get realistic sense of the value of money,” says Carolinna. She adds that the supervisors have praised the convicts’ productivity. “I saw the old Fonte Nova implode and rise again as one of the most modern arenas in the world. That is the aim of the programs we carry out here: helping these people get back on their feet and rebuild their lives.”

to rob a bank when he was 18. He had a job, and enjoyed life like other young people his age, but confessed that he wanted easy money. Six months later, he was in jail.

“Dodging problems all day long.” That is how he sums up his prison routine. His high school sweetheart stuck with him and, two years later, their daughter was born. It took 13 years to qualify for work-release so he could take part in the Fresh Start Program, sponsored by the National Justice Council (CNJ), another social responsibility initiative embraced by Odebrecht Infraestrutura.

The program encourages the formation of partnerships between governments, businesses and NGOs to empower and give job opportunities to prison inmates and ex-convicts. “Odebrecht came around and I immediately

odebrecht informa

41

“Mestre Pará” (right) with Samuel Pereira: solid bonds

maestro THE FINE ART OF THE

I 42

written by Júlio César Soares photos by Ed Araújo t was a common scene at the Corinthians Are-

maestros here at the jobsite, and his contribution goes

na: at 7 am, the team gathered in the stands to

beyond engineering,” says Frederico Barbosa, the Oper-

listen to their supervisor, known to one and all

ational Manager for the Arena. In São Paulo, the supervi-

as “Mestre Pará,” who sat in the front rows and

sor would come across old friends and a familiar path.

spoke mainly about safety but also about the im-

Francisco das Chagas Lopes, as he is less well

portance of immigrants to the city of São Paulo or any

known, arrived in São Paulo from Sousa, Paraíba,

other topic that he deemed relevant to his teammates,

in the early 1960s. He worked as a conductor on the

especially the younger ones. In closing, the “Our Fa-

tram that ran between Vila Mariana and Largo 13 de

ther” prayer echoed through the jobsite.

Maio, the same route as the new São Paulo Metro

42

For two years, this was the routine of the Daily Safety

line. Then he went to live with an uncle in São Ber-

Dialogues (DDS) held before each workday. On March 25,

nardo do Campo, where he began his career in the

the leader thanked his fellow workers and announced his

building trade. “My first job was the construction of

next challenge: working on the Line 5 construction proj-

the Volkswagen plant,” he recalls. His experience

ect for the São Paulo Metro, built by Odebrecht, OAS and

came from his family: his father had worked in con-

Queiroz Galvão as a joint venture. “Pará was one of the

struction in his home state of Paraíba.

odebrecht informa

“Mestre Pará” takes his experience and passion as an educator to Line 5 of the São Paulo Metro

Supervisor Pará’s Projects 1974

Capivara Dam, Porecatu, PR, and Taciba, SP

1976

Sibagague Factory, Taboão da Serra, SP

1977

Locomotive Factory, Araraquara, SP Cosipa Factory, Cubatão, SP)

1978

Itaipu Dam, Foz do Iguaçu (PR/Brazil) and Hernandarias (Paraguay)

1980

Headrace for Pehuenche Dam, Talca, Chile

1987

Jacuí Thermal Power Plant, Charqueadas, RS

1991

Northern Rio de Janeiro State University and Integrated Public Education Centers (Cieps), Rio de Janeiro

1993

Lisbon Metro and Central Span of Ponte Vasco da Gama Bridge, Portugal

2000

Lilac Line 5 of the São Paulo Metro (João Dias Station and section 4 Capão Redondo – Largo 13 de Maio) Lisbon Metro, Portugal

2005

Line 4 – Yellow, of the São Paulo Metro

2010

Aquapolo Project, Mauá, SP

2011

Construction of Corinthians Arena, SP

2013

Line 5 of the São Paulo Metro, Lot 7

While he was working on the Volkswagen plant, he

Pará’s experience on the Portuguese Metro met our

went to college and studied Engineering until the third

requirements for tunnel construction in the São Pau-

year. “That helped me understand what construction

lo stretch,” he notes.

was all about,” he says. His spirit of leadership, however, came from other teachers.

Respect and professionalism

Samuel Cardoso Pereira, 26, joined the Line 4 project to work as an assistant supervisor and replace Pará during his yearly vacations. “He was my greatest teacher. He taught me most of what I

José Ricardo Cunha, the Production Manager for

know,” he says. On Line 5, Samuel is working with

Line 5 and his current leader, is an old acquaintance

his mentor once again. “It’s fantastic to work with

of Pará: the two men worked on the construction of

Pará again. He’s a born educator.”

Line 4 of the São Paulo Metro. “We have established

After Line 5 is delivered, “Mestre Pará” plans to

an impressive bond of respect and professionalism,”

retire. “I’ll be 65 by then, and it will be time for me to

he emphasizes. That bond made itself felt later on,

devote more of my time to the family,” he explains.

when José Ricardo was transferred to the construc-

According to Pará, choosing his replacement won’t

tion of Oscar Freire and Paulista stations, on the

be a problem. “He’s right here, and he’s ready,” he

same line. “Besides working on Vila Sônia [station],

says, patting Samuel on the back.

odebrecht informa

43

Folks written by Eliana Simonetti

Geraldo Pestalozzi

Harmonizing plans

R

icardo Weyll is a lawyer who joined Odebrecht in 2005 in Angola, where he met Raíssa Braga, an electrical engineer who was working in real estate. Their courtship began in Luanda. In late 2010, Ricardo found out that he was going to be mobilized to Lima, Peru. The couple quickly found a work opportunity for Raíssa in

that city, and got married in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Since 2011, Ricardo has been Responsible for Legal Affairs at Odebrecht Energia Peru, and Raíssa has been a member of the commercial team for the Lima Metro project. “The Group offers us various opportunities that have allowed us to harmonize our life and career plans,” he says.

SOCCER BUFF In early April, Félix Augusto Martins had just taken the helm of Odebrecht’s businesses in the provinces of Benguela, Kwanza Sul and Namibe in Angola, and was about to leave for Salvador, Bahia, to witness the birth of his third child. A soccer buff, he kicked a ball around in his spare time to ease the stress of so many before going to see his wife, Mariana, in the maternity ward, he couldn’t resist... and practiced juggling a soccer ball. “I like team sports that combine entertainment, team spirit and exercise,” says Félix.

44

odebrecht informa

Bruno Ricardo Miguel

life events. When he arrived in Salvador,

A DUTY AND A PLEASURE During his 30 years at Odebrecht, Danilo Abdanur has lived in Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, South Africa, Angola, and the United States. He is currently experiencing his second stint in Venezuela, as the officer Responsible for Production on the Los Teques Metro Line 2 project. Travel is an occupational duty and a personal preference. He has lost count of the places he has visited. Asked to pick one in particular, he opts for South Africa, where he lived shortly after the end of apartheid in 1994. “It was a privilege to be there when that nation was seeking harmony,” he says. Suggested outings: the sea and the mountains of Cape Town, and parks that offer photo safaris day

Holanda Cavalcanti

Personal Archive

and night, when the animals go out to hunt.

Above, Danilo with daughters Juliana (left) and Flávia, and below, with his wife, Maria Tereza

AVID READER Carlos Brenner, Odebrecht Oil & Gas’s Investment and Strategy Director, is marking his 20th anniversary with the Group in 2013. He is an eclectic consumer of cultural products, especially music, film, theater and literature. And he is also an avid reader. The book he recommends: Over the

Personal Archive

Edge of the World, in which Laurence Bergreen recounts Magellan’s epic circumnavigation of the globe. “He was an intrepid man, but so out of touch with what was going on around him that he never saw the outcome of the feat he made possible,” says Brenner.

odebrecht informa

45

46 HOME IS WHERE

46

the heart is odebrecht informa

The wives of expat Odebrecht members join forces to help the needy in Buenos Aires, Argentina written by Joรฃo Marcondes photos by Almir Bindilatti

From left, seated, Fรกtima Praxedes, Celina Raguzzani, Adriana Faria and Maria Maller; from left, standing, Zabelita Iop, Solange de Oliveira, Cristina Boglionne (on ladder), Claudia Assad, Nani Facadio, Ana Paula Sรก and Margot Nascimento: part of the group of expat wives is organizing a costume party to help needy communities in Buenos Aires

odebrecht informa

47

A

“

t my school they had an avocado tree with a huge canopy. One day I sat down underneath it and cried my eyes out. I knew that from that moment on, my life would only move forward. There was no

turning back,” says Zabelita Iop, recalling her adolescence, which she spent at a boarding school run by nuns in Pato Branco, Paraná, Brazil - far from home, childhood, friends and family.

Zabe, as she is known, was born and raised in a world that seemed very restricted: a small Italian community in the interior of Santa Catarina, called Faxinal dos Guedes. Then, at age 7, she read a copy of Peter

Pan that was sent for recycling at a paper mill near her home. “From then on I started dreaming that I could fly.”

Before long, she took flight.

At age 10, she was living in a neighboring community, Varjeão, looking after a newborn niece. She was already far from her parents’ home. Then she went to the boarding school in Pato Branco, graduated from college in Palmas, the state capital, and worked at bank in Cuiabá.

Around that time, she seized the opportunity to work at Odebrecht, in the same city. And her life goes on.

She started traveling throughout Brazil as a member of Construtora Norberto Odebrecht, working in the Administrative area because she had previous experience in banking. Then she got a chance to work in Angola. That was where she met the love of her life: Rodney Carvalho, now the Director for Infrastructure at Odebrecht Argentina.

With Rodney at her side, Zabelita continued traveling, but at one point, she left the company to accompany her husband on his travels and focused her attention on another passion: doing social work and helping female expats.

She lived in Peru for 15 years and established a strong bond with the country and its people. She spent 10 of those years working at Peruvian cuñas (daycare centers). Zabelita remembers those days well: every friend who was leaving was gifted with a small table made by local artisans. “The day I got mine, I couldn’t believe it. There was no way around it. I had to cry all over again,” she says, all smiles.

Zabelita, 50, has lived in Argentina for almost two years now. She has joined forces with 30 other women who are experiencing the routine of expat and re-expat wives. One of the major difficulties of this life is to know

48

odebrecht informa

Zabelita (above) and Celina: a passion for social work

“The difference between Odebrecht wives and those of employees from other companies is that they want to create a link with social work and play an active role,” says Paula Lemos, the director of Mensajeros de La Paz, an institution that arrived in Argentina 10 years ago and assists 1,300 at-risk children living in several different shelters.

Leaving their jobs in their home countries is one of the greatest difficulties these expat wives face.

However, using their expertise to give a boost to uplifting causes can be even more rewarding. This is the case with the Venezuelan sociologist Griselda Marcano, 49, the wife of Jairo Anzola, the Engineering Manager for the pipeline expansion project underway in Argentina.

“It is important to accompany our husbands and keep the family together. At the same time, we are proud to make a contribution in every country we live in,” says Griselda, who arrived in Argentina two years ago. She says she is very happy with the warm welcome she received from the Brazilian women. “They take good care of you. They are very welcoming,” she says. “One thing that unites us in this endeavor is the that everything could change (again) at any time. And

similarity of the social problems we find throughout

even so, they can’t think about that all the time.

Latin America,” she observes.

Independence is key. When she arrived in Mexico,

For architect Adriana Faria, 54, a native of Rio and

her first experience of living and working outside Brazil,

the wife of Odebrecht Argentina’s Managing Direc-

Celina Raguzzani’s husband, Elias Raguzzani, now the

tor Flávio Faria, one of the biggest challenges is the

Production and Equipment Manager in Argentina, gave

“empty nest syndrome,” because once their children

her the key to an automatic car (a kind that she had nev-

are grown, they usually choose a country to settle

er driven) and said: “Here. I won’t teach you to walk in

down in, and their parents keep moving.

Mexico. Get going.” She did, of course. And she has done

“I raised my children in several countries. The

the same in several other countries, such as Angola and

cultural differences always keep us on our toes. In

Peru, with three children by her side. “There is a feeling

Portugal, for example, a school still used corporal

of loss, because I no longer practice my profession, but

punishment,” recalls Adriana. A different school, a

that has been replaced by social work”, says Celina, 57,

new experience. “It’s all very rewarding. We awaken

who used to teach in Brazil, 32 years ago.

to a new world every day. You adapt to each culture.

Needy communities of Buenos Aires

You replace cheese buns with empanadas, and so on,” she argues, while hanging decorations in the

Celina, Zabe and other Odebrecht members’ wives

events room of her friend Zabe’s apartment build-

got together last year to help the Spanish NGO Mensa-

ing, in the Puerto Madero district. Later that eve-

jeros de La Paz (Messengers of Peace) to increase its

ning, they will hold a costume party where Brazilian

work with the needy communities of Buenos Aires. Last

delicacies will be served alongside Argentine, Mexi-

year they organized a party to raise funds that would be

can and Venezuelan treats. They represent differ-

used to purchase 25 beds for an institution for under-

ent nationalities harmoniously coming together in

privileged youth. In 2013, they held a costume ball. The

pursuit of a common goal: leaving a social legacy

money raised will also be invested in a homeless shelter.

behind in that country.

odebrecht informa

49

people

Focusing on

A

6-year-old girl is getting ready for the first

come in to shop. She is especially fond of two places: the

big adventure of her life: traveling without

delivery area, where she learns to wrap her first pack-

her parents. Verónica was born in Bue-

ages with colorful ribbons, and the cash register, which

nos Aires, but she and her Aunt Perla are

rings non-stop.

heading for a small town 1,200 km from

“To this day, I love wrapping packages,” says Veróni-

the capital of Argentina, and close to Patagonia: General

ca Spirito, 34, the Odebrecht officer Responsible for

Roca, in Rio Negro Province.

People in Argentina. At her aunt and uncle’s shop, she

It is a pleasant town, with lots of green, where farmers

learned her first lessons about numbers and relation-

grow apples and grapes. There is a large department store

ships with people. Something she would carry with her

on the main street, called Kaspin, where families buy every-

all her life.

thing from fabric for dance clothes to the latest gadgets, like coffee makers and vacuum cleaners, in short, everything

50

50

Dealing with the unpredictable

they need for their homes. Ah, yes: we’re back in the 1980s.

After earning a degree in Accounting and Business

The store belongs to her aunt and uncle, and Verónica

and acquiring experience in Human Resources and pay-

spends her days there. She watches all the people who

rolls, she took a major leap in her career six years ago,

odebrecht informa

when she joined Odebrecht, coming from a consult-

Verónica (foreground) with Hernán Lopez Sosa, Aldana Hereñú and Maria Luz Zazzarini: the sensitivity to identify and encourage future leaders

ing firm. Suddenly, numbers on paper became people with life stories. And, of course, challenges. “At that moment, I saw that I needed to deal with the unpredictable.” Since 2007, when she joined the company, the number of contractors working directly with Odebrecht in that country has jumped from 112 to 2,039.

This means that Verónica has participated actively and directly in a crucial step for the growth of Odebrecht in Argentina. And she is continuing to do so.

At first, it was just a matter of recruiting people for the expansion of nearly 2,000 km of pipelines in the country. After that, she played a key role in the implementation of the Odebrecht Culture, which included deploying programs such as Young Partner, DAAR+ (for healthy living), Young Technician, Alternate Internship, support for expats and their families, and performance evaluation, among several others. One such initiative has special sig-

Verónica Spirito and the challenge of helping people come together and grow

nificance for Verónica: L.E.A.D.E.R.S. “This educational program helps people identify their potential replacements,” she explains. “Being a leader entails responsibilities. Not everyone wants to be a leader, and that’s fine,” says Verónica, who leads 17 team members.

Hernán Lopez Sosa is one of Verónica’s former team members. She encouraged him to organize the Odebrecht Sustainable Development Award in Argentina in just three months. “If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have succeeded. She taught me to handle pressure,” says

written by João Marcondes photo by Diego Blasco

Hernán, who is now the officer Responsible for Communication and Image. “To choose the best people, we must be good people ourselves,” says Hernán, referring to Verónica.

Numbers for Odebrecht Argentina - People

10,060

YP hired per year

9

2009

19

2010

35

2011 2012

39

6,053

3,526 Total Workforce

2,586 1,139

1,300

Year

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Sub-contractors Odebrecht

2.474 112

947 192

1,071 229

2,912 614

4,479 1,574

8,021 2,039

odebrecht odebrecht informa informa

51

cause

WORKING FOR A GREAT

In Angola, company members are acquiring skills, growing and using their know-how to develop their country written by Fabiana Cabral photos by Holanda Cavalcanti

52

odebrecht informa

52

Helton Larry de Boa Esperanรงa and his father, Alvaro: understanding that education is the greatest treasure

odebrecht informa

53

A

ngolans Abílio Ramos, Edivaldo Lopes and Helton Larry Soares de Boa Esperança had never worked on a major engineering and construction project before joining Odebrecht. Today, they

know the importance of the role each of them plays in the development of their country, without forgetting their roots and how they got their start: their families.

Helton, 26, has always lived in Luanda, and witnessed the beginning of change in his country after the end of the armed conflict. Observant and realistic, he knew there was much to be done. “Fortunately, in my household, I was always encouraged to study,” says Helton, the eldest of five children. His father works in Customs at Luanda airport, and his mother is a housewife. “My father always said that my greatest treasures would be education and training,” says the civil engineer, who graduated from the Independent University of Luanda.

Helton first heard about Odebrecht when he was in high school, and ever since, he nurtured the desire to work at the organization: “One of my teachers was an Odebrecht member, so I knew about the construction of Capanda, and that the company was our partner.”

When he went to college, he sought professional experience and started doing projects on Autocad (software used to produce technical drawings) for several companies. In his senior year, in 2010, he started an internship with a Portuguese company.

After he graduated in 2011, he signed up for Odebrecht’s Young Partner Program and, after testing, team building exercises and interviews, he finally joined the Group in early 2012. “I always wanted to leave the office and go into the field because I wanted to work in the production area,” he says. So Helton left Luanda for the first time to work on the Capanda-Dondo Project (a highway linking the provinces of Malanje and Kwanza Norte). In his first direct contact with engineer-

ter 10 months on a project that involved building 40 km

ing and construction, his Action Program (PA) focused

of roads, he took on another PA for the highway linking

on earthmoving and civil construction. He discovered a

Benguela and Baía Farta, his mother’s hometown. Af-

“new world”: “I plunged in head first, and learned the

ter Benguela, he went to Kwanza Sul Province.

meaning of responsibility, commitment and humility.”

54

Helton arrived in the provincial capital, Sumbe, in

Helton says that his leaders have taught him how to

February of this year to work on an infrastructure proj-

be the “owner of his own business,” regardless of his

ect. “I came here equipped with the experience I gained

PA. “I’ve learned to get things done, and done well, and

in Capanda, and I can share it with other members, along

I’ve realized that I can overcome my biggest challeng-

with my learnings about the Odebrecht Entrepreneurial

es,” adds the soft-spoken but assertive young man. Af-

Technology [TEO],” he says. He likes to write about his

odebrecht informa

Edivaldo with cousin Jairo and siblings Anderson and Josefa: “I’m very demanding”

life, and has already set new goals for his career. “By the

school, studying to become a technician in Construc-

end of 2013, I want to become an RP [officer responsible

tion, he started working at a diamond cutting factory to

for a program] for Production and in two years, a produc-

pay his tuition. In 2006, he got into the Independent Uni-

tion manager. I want to create the conditions for owning

versity of Luanda to study Management and Marketing,

my own home and raising my own family,” says Helton,

but he soon realized that “his thing was doing math.”

who will become a father for the first time in November.

Learning TEO at home

The Civil Engineering course was easier for him. Edivaldo juggled work and study until he graduated. “No job was beneath me. No matter how little I made, my

Edivaldo Lopes, 27, was also born, raised and edu-

mission was to finish college. I used whatever I earned

cated in the Angolan capital. When he was in high

to pay my tuition,” he explains. In the last year, however,

odebrecht informa

55

Abílio Ramos: experience of construction and reconstruction

he decided to look for a different kind of opportunity

what I am because of all the people who have worked

in the job market. His goal was to work for a con-

with me and guided my development. After just two

struction company.

A friend and Odebrecht member, Jacob, enrolled him in the Young Partner Program, and, in March 2011,

His new routine at Odebrecht is having an impact

he passed the course and was invited to join the Monte

on his relationship with his younger siblings. “I’m very

Belo project. “On my first day of work, I went straight

demanding, and I believe we have to experience our re-

into the field,” he says. After six months, he joined the

ality. I show my siblings that the most important thing

team working on the Population Resettlement Pro-

is education,” he says with a smile. Edvaldo has made

gram (PRP) - a Government initiative for the construc-

TEO a part of the Lopes family’s routine. “I’ve taught

tion of affordable housing in the Zango neighborhood

them the concepts of Education through Work and Ed-

in Viana, in the Luanda metropolitan area. He worked

ucation for Work, because household and professional

in earthmoving, paving and drainage, and now he is a

activities must all be done well.”

Young Partner in the Production area.

56

years with the organization, I feel that I am more experienced and mature,” he observes.

When the Odebrecht Informa team sat down with

Edivaldo is responsible for the second-largest team

Edivaldo for a chat at the PRP, his two younger siblings,

working on the project, leading 176 members. “I am

Josefa and Anderson, and cousin Jairo, were invited to

odebrecht informa

the Capanda Project. Over the course of a decade, he worked in several areas: Carpentry, Steelfixing and Precast Pieces; he has been the general supervisor for the power house construction project, as well as working on the Malanje and Cacuso substations and the construction of the NossoSuper supermarket in the vicinity of the Capanda project.

With a shy gaze and soft voice, Abílio explains that he had never set foot on a construction site before. According to him, working in several different areas was beneficial to his career at Odebrecht. “When I joined the organization, we had never heard of construction or reconstruction. Now they are the main businesses in this country.”

After Capanda, Abílio joined the team building the Gove Dam. Four years later, he was the general supervisor for civil construction works. He has also participated in the construction of Gove Airport and other major projects. Unlike his experience in Capanda, while he was working in Gove he was never far from his wife and children: “I took my family to the city of Huambo, which was a better place to live.”

The Laúca Dam construction project is Abílio’s new “home,” and his family lives nearby. “I see Laúca as a major new challenge. I want to deliver Angola’s largest dam on time, with the highest quality,” he says.

The paths ahead Helton Larry Soares de Boa Esperança glances upward when he thinks back on his experience with join them. “He is a role model for me. I’ve started study-

the organization, which began a little over a year

ing Environmental Engineering in college with his sup-

ago. “I’ve come across Brazilians, Angolans, Peru-

port,” says his sister Josefa, who is a bit shy. Anderson

vians, Dominicans, Ecuadorians, different ‘worlds’

wants to be a petroleum engineer and talks about his

and cultures, and developed relationships of re-

brother’s virtues: “He’s funny. The first thing he does

spect and trust. I believe I can make an even greater

when he gets home from work is take a look at my

contribution to my country’s development. We have

books and homework.” Jairo likes Edvaldo’s advice. “I

a lot to do here,” he adds.

look to him for ways to achieve my goals,” he says, his eyes shining with admiration.

When asked about his future, Abílio Ramos speaks of the past as the basis for the paths ahead: “I’ve had up to 300 team members, including Brazilians and

Never far from the family

Angolans, and, like I always do, I harness those mem-

Abílio Ramos, 39, was born in Malanje and moved

bers’ experience and knowledge to encourage them

to Luanda at age 14 to study to become a surveyor.

and groom them to become our future leaders.”

At 19, he joined the Army, and six years later he re-

Edivaldo Lopes wants to stay with the Group for

turned to his hometown to give drawing lessons. His

many years. As he puts it: “People are insatiable be-

career at Odebrecht began in 1998 as a technician on

ings. We always want more. For that very reason, I personally welcome a challenge.” odebrecht informa

57

In this photo, João Thiago dos Santos (left) and Tiago Pires; on the next page, the FPSO and Alexandre Padula: friendship and camaraderie were key to the success of a complex and challenging project

unity

team

The construction of the Cidade de Itajaí FPSO is an inspiring case that reaffirms the power of team spirit

B

efore she left Singapore for Brazil, the Cidade de Itajaí FPSO had plenty of unforgettable stories in her wake. However, a setback would temporarily hinder the plans of OOGTK FPSO, the joint venture formed by Odebrecht Oil & Gas and

Norway’s Teekay Petrojarl, one of the largest FPSO operators in the world.

58

A fire broke out in the FPSO’s engine room when it was con-

ducting sea trials at the Jurong shipyard, which the joint venture had subcontracted to convert the ship into a Floating, Produc-

tion, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit. The incident happened

just seven months before the unit extracted its first barrel of oil

written by Boécio Vidal Lannes photos by Diogo Pereira

58

odebrecht informa

from the Baúna field in block BMS-40, in the post-salt area of the southern sector of the Santos Basin on February 16, 2013.

“The fire opened a door, and we turned a crisis into an opportunity,” says Rodrigo Lemos, from Odebrecht Oil & Gas. The Director for Floating Production Unit Contracts and Offshore Logistics in Brazil, he vividly recalls the date: August 30, 2012, a Thursday.

According to Rodrigo, a united and motivated team set out that day, ready to take on the challenge of delivering the platform to Petrobras, the client, in the shortest possible time. In just over two months, the FPSO, with capacity to process 80,000 barrels/ day of light oil, was ready to set off for Brazil.

On the morning of December 29, 2012, the vessel arrived at her final location to form part of the Baúna field’s production system in the Santos Basin. Rodrigo Lemos points out that if it hadn’t been for the Odebrecht culture, whose basic tenets include decentralization, he would

Production Leader Alexandre Padula, 32, remem-

not have been able to make the rapid decisions

bers feeling devastated when he saw that part of the

the incident demanded.

conversion project had been damaged by the fire. “At

Normando Tamoyo de Medeiros, the Project

a time like that, organization and dedication helped

Manager for the Cidade de Itajaí FPSO, under-

us rebuild the ship,” he adds. According to the Op-

scores the fact that the dedication, unity, perse-

erations engineer João Thiago dos Santos, 28, the

verance and resilience of the entire team made

success of the operation was down to planning. “We

all the difference. “We were a family in Singa-

charted the entire project and came up with a de-

pore. Spending so much time together away far

tailed plan that covered all the disciplines involved,”

from home had brought us together and was a

he explains.

key factor that motivated us to deliver in the ves-

During the 28-day voyage from Singapore to Bra-

sel in record time, within the high quality stan-

zil aboard the City of Itajaí, João Thiago faced another

dards required by Petrobras. When the pressure

challenge: keeping track of the commissioning of spe-

was greatest, dedication spoke louder. Not only

cific systems during the start-up of the process plant

from the team in Singapore, but the entire man-

while producing an instruction manual on the main

agement, legal and corporate team that support-

clauses of the contract for key crew members.

ed us back in Brazil,” he adds.

Friendship and camaraderie Motivation, perseverance and gratitude permeate the memories of three other members who were also in Singapore during the incident. Today, two of them work on an offshore rig installed at a water depth of 275 m, 210 km from the coast of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil.

“It took nearly 10 months, 90 days in Singapore with a seven-day stopover in Brazil,” says Tiago Mendes Pires.

At 27, the Electrical Technician was homesick and missed his two daughters. “But friendship and camaraderie helped me overcome that,” he says.

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59

learning

together For Erlon Arfelli and his family, shared experiences in new settings have brought unity written by Zaccaria Junior photo by Geraldo Pestalozzi

60 “

T

wo weddings at the same time,” jokes

for us to carry out one project after another within a

Erlon Arfelli, Director of Odebrecht

growth, career and development plan that the company

Energia (Energy) in Peru, referring to

provided. And we got used to the organization’s dynamic,

his 30 years with Odebrecht and his

where there was always something new, always a chal-

30-year marriage to his wife, Soraya.

lenge and a new environment,” says Erlon.

“I joined Odebrecht on January 3, 1983, and got mar-

He recounts that their first opportunity to live out-

ried on January 8 of the same year, five days later,” he

side Brazil arose in 1996, when he was invited to work

says, under the attentive gaze of his wife and Eduardo,

in Monterrey, Mexico. His mission was to help conduct

their elder son (Lucas, their younger son didn’t take

feasibility studies for the implementation of hydroelec-

part in this conversation with the Odebrecht Informa

tric plants and take part in the construction of a num-

team because he lives in the United States). The chat

ber of transmission lines and substations, as well as

in the Arfelli family’s apartment in Lima took place on

the retrofitting of the power system in northern Mexico.

a sunny morning in April, unusual weather for this time of year in the Peruvian capital.

60

Adaptability

Erlon recalls times that have been especially signifi-

“I remember that when I was 9 years old, my father

cant for his family; moments that have been key to build-

said: ‘We’re moving to Mexico.’ And that was when I

ing their lives and strengthening the bonds between

started developing my adaptability,” says Eduardo. “But

them. “The fact that I joined Odebrecht made it possible

if you ask me if it’s a hardship, I’ll tell you that I don’t

odebrecht informa

Erlon with his wife, Soraya, and Eduardo, their elder son: “positive outlook”

know if it was more of a hardship or an opportunity, be-

feared that she would never live near her sons again.

cause the fact that I’ve had to adapt to so many differ-

“When the two boys were living in the States, I thought:

ent cultures, so many places and so many people has

‘Right... Now I just have to wait till I’m a mother-in-

made me the person I am today,” he adds. Now he is an

law, a grandmother. I thought my kids would only

engineer fresh out of college. He got his degree in the

come back to visit when they were married.”

United States, and is about to mark his first year with

Erlon emphasizes that his family’s experience has

the organization. He is currently working on the Port of

been different from the traditional Brazilian way of

Callao project in Lima.

life in which people are born, go to school with the

Although her younger son lives in the United States,

same people as children, attend a nearby university,

Soraya thinks it was almost a miracle that Eduardo re-

always have a close circle of people around them,

turned to Lima. “I cried when he told me he was going

including cousins, uncles, aunts and other relatives,

to study in the United States, and cried again when

and get together for Sunday lunches at their in-laws’

I heard that he would be coming to work in the city

house. “While continually learning how to relate to

where we were living. It was something that seemed

a new environment and making the most of enrich-

virtually impossible. For years it was just me and the

ing life experiences, we always maintain a positive

boys, because Erlon traveled a lot. But when we left

outlook focused on the best each place has to offer,

Brazil, family unity was important, and that was the

wherever we live.” Soraya adds: “When we left Brazil,

main pillar of our work to raise our boys and guide

I was told that it would be for two years, and those

them in life,” says Soraya, who admits that she had

two years have turned into so many more...”

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61

Ricardo, Viviane, Henrique and Eduardo in Venezuela; Fernando, Marta, Natalia and Raquel in the Netherlands: living a special time

Viviane, Ricardo, Eduardo and Henrique: the Padilhas are optimistic and cheerful about the experience of living abroad

62

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62

families without borders

M

written by Mayara Thomazini exico, Angola, Peru, Mozambique, Libya, the United States and Ecuador are just some of the countries that Ricardo Padilha, a member of Odebrecht Engenharia Industrial, has had the opportunity to call home in the course of his career. He and his wife are from the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, and their children were born in São Paulo. He didn’t think twice before

accepting the challenges of an Action Program (PA) in Venezuela, where he and his family have lived for the last three years. He is currently the officer Responsible for Information Technol-

ogy on the CADCAs (Sugarcane Byproducts Agroindustrial Complex) Project, which includes the deployment of four ethanol plants in the states of Barinas, Cojedes, Portuguesa and Trujillo to boost Venezuela’s bioenergy sector.

The Padilha family’s first move took place in 2001, when Ricardo and his wife, Viviane, left Porto Alegre for São Paulo. During the nine years they lived in the state capital, their family grew: their two sons, Henrique, 7, and Eduardo, 4, were born there.

Ricardo believes that the time he spent in São Paulo made him more adaptable when it comes to new places and lifestyles. “Except for the differences of distance and language, it isn’t much easier to go from Porto Alegre to São Paulo than it is to move to Venezuela,” he observes.

Whatever the destination for people who are willing to leave their native land, almost everything changes: language, customs, home, routines, friendships, studies, cultural life and leisure.

“International experience is a tremendous plus, both professionally and personally. Living in another country allows us to experience new cultures and habits, and inevitably makes us homesick for the family we left behind in Brazil,” muses Ricardo.

Speaking of family, Denise Marques, a member of the Braskem Institutional Relations team in Rio Grande do Sul, is Ricardo’s sister-in-law. She says that even though they are far apart, the two families use their creativity to stay in close touch. “We were sorry to be so far away from each other, but we are very happy for them, and their kids are going to a good school. Also, my sister posts photos and videos, so we can manage our homesickness that way,” says Denise.

This is not the only challenge: there was also a schedules, classmates who spoke Spanish or English... “The kids got sick all the time, and I didn’t speak Spanish, but we gradually adapted and made new friends,” recalls Viviane. “The good thing about

Mathias Cramer

new school with a different educational system and

Viviane’s sister Denise Marques, with her husband, André, and their daughter, Isabela: homesick but coping

Andrés Manner

the American School is that most people there are expats. So it’s easier to make friends because everyone is open to it,” she adds.

When asked about the biggest learning experience of living and working outside his home country, Ricardo stress-

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63

Personal Archives

Fernando, his wife, Marta, and their daughters Raquel and Natalia: adapting to a new lifestyle

es the aspect of respecting differences. “Although

leaving her job. “She is passionate about health

we are all Latinos and there are similarities, there

care, especially intensive care, but now she’s

are also major cultural differences that we have

had to shift her focus. She devotes herself to

learned to respect. But the biggest benefit is my

our family and to improving her foreign lan-

kids’ facility with languages. They already speak

guage skills,” says Fernando.

Spanish and English, as well as Portuguese.”

Fortunately, the flexibility to adapt to different situations, willingness to learn and openness to

A company without borders

socialize are some of the virtues that are not lack-

Internationalization is part of Braskem’s growth

ing in Fernando and Marta’s daughters, Natalia,

strategy, and thanks to its overseas acquisitions, a

18, and Rachel, 14. They have adapted quickly and

growing number of company members are taking

are actively involved in school activities.

on fresh challenges outside Brazil. One of them is

“The family is an important factor for success

Fernando Weber, the officer Responsible for the

and because of that, they need to be happy and

Rotterdam office and the Braskem Basic Petro-

motivated. Being far away from relatives and

chemicals Unit’s European business operations.

friends, and coping with the cold winter weath-

Fernando and his family have lived in the Nether-

er are the main challenges of living here,” says

lands since July 2010.

Fernando, who is convinced that he, Marta, and

For his wife, Marta, who has a nursing degree, the hardest thing about moving there was

64

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their daughters are living a unique and invaluable experience.

IDEAS written by Emanuella Sombra

Silent solution

T

hat noisy upstairs neighbor is a major headache. And it generally results from the lack of

soundproofing between floors. In part-

ADVANTAGES OF POLYETHYLENE INSULATION

nership with Multinova, Braskem is

1

Furnished in rolls;

by the Technological Research Institute (IPT)

bringing a solution to market: expand-

2

ed polyethylene insulation, a product made with Italian technology that is more cost effective than its main com-

5 or 10 mm thick, inserted between

screed. Adhesive tape is used to hold it in place in the initial stages

petitors.

Light, sturdy and pliable, the insulation is manufactured by Multinova from Braskem polyethylene resin and must

3

be installed during construction.

Safer to handle

the product does not release sharp microfragments

“Depending on the thickness, it complies with the intermediate and upper levels of the NBR15575 ABNT (Bra-

4

After a layer of cement has been applied, the

zilian Association of Technical Standards) standard that sets requirements for acoustic performance in buildings and

5

will come into effect in July,” explains Jorge Alexandre, the

Once leveled, any

be applied. The insulation also extends to skirting

Braskem officer responsible for Polyetheylene Market Development.

NOTHING IS WASTED

An EVA is born

By using waste concrete as paving materials,

Developed by Braskem, a new EVA resin (a copolymer of

the team responsible for building the Itaipava Fonte

ethylene and vinyl acetate) is eliminating the need for curing

Nova Arena has conclusively demonstrated that it is

with ultraviolet light in footwear manufacturing. Unparalleled

possible to be sustainable while slashing costs by

in the world market, it reduces the cost of gluing soles and

about 50%. Previously, the roadways in the arena

midsoles by 26% and reduces risks to workers’ health be-

construction site were coated with gravel, which

cause it eliminates ozone emissions during that stage of the

had to be replaced periodically. Devised by Frederico

process. The new EVA resin is used to make major brands of

Gonçalves, Renata Ribeiro and Marcos Etelvino, this

footwear, such as Penalty and Dass. It carries the Braskem

solution is the result of knowledge shared within the

Maxio seal, which identifies resins with outstanding perfor-

Odebrecht Group: it was one of six winners of the or-

mance, certifying that they are both more sustainable and

ganization’s in-house Highlight Awards in 2012.

cost-effective.

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65

66 Gregory Mears: a three-month contract turned into a 19-year relationship

belonging and

staying

Gregory, Mark and James: an environment that values people and enables them to build long careers with the company written by ThaĂ­s Reiss photos by Henrique Valle

66

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T

he baby boomer generation, composed of Americans born between 1946 and 1964, changed jobs 10.5 times, on average, between the ages of 18 and 40. A survey conducted by the US Department of Labor also shows that in 2006, 40%

of professionals in that country participated in the job market turnover.

In this volatile environment, Odebrecht United States, which established a presence there in the early 90s, now has over 100 members who have worked at the company for more than five years. They include 30 who have passed the 15-year mark at Odebrecht.

“I started working with Odebrecht on the company’s first project in this country, the Brickell Metromover Extension [Miami’s people mover], through a small subcontractor,” re-

calls Gregory Mears, who was born in Miami and is currently the general supervisor for expansion projects at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport. “I stayed with that company for 13 years, but during the construction of the Golden Glades Interchange, also in Miami, it had financial trouble.

Odebrecht agreed to hire my entire team for three months to finish the job. And despite being paid by the hour during that short period, the scope of my responsibilities increased, and I began to participate in bids and the execution of other projects. That’s how my three-month contract turned into a 19year relationship.”

Mark Poropat, the general supervisor for the Grand Parkway project (building 61 km of roads on the outskirts of Houston, Texas), has been with the company for 16 years. Born in Chicago, where he worked as a police officer, Mark moved to Miami in 1981. He

on

started working in the construction industry under the tutelage of his chief mentor - his father, John Poropat, who also worked in that business.

“I had the good luck to work on the most complex projects we have built so far. The challenges and opportunities are unique. For example, when I was working on the South Terminal at Miami International Airport, I thought nothing in my life could ever match that opportunity. But now that I’m here at the Grand Parkway, and I have the same feeling.”

James Storey, the Contract Management Director for the Grand Parkway project, agrees. “My career has been built from project to project, and each one was bigger and more complex than the last. And this is true even today. The Grand Parkway is currently one of the biggest projects in Texas, and that gives you a great feeling of challenge and motivation.”

Jim, as he is known, was born in Panama City, Florida, but spent many years in the state of Georgia, where he worked for a

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67

James Storey (left) and Mark Poropat: a collegial and friendly environment

mid-size construction firm. In 1992, he moved to Miami at

a point of knowing who we are as individuals,” observes Jim.

the invitation of his father, James Storey, Sr., who is also

Mark adds: “When I was diagnosed with cancer, we sat down

in construction. Together, they helped rebuild the city af-

to talk, and I knew he would be tough on me, because he’s

ter Hurricane Andrew. He soon joined Odebrecht as an

always encouraged me to look after my health. He didn’t do

engineer to work on the Cargo Building 2205 project at

it because of the company, but for my family. And that means

Miami International Airport. He has been with Odebrecht

a lot to me.”

for 18 years.

Greg proudly recalls the leaders who helped him develop his first Action Programs (PA), and how that expe-

68

Friendships

rience helps him give the same sort of support to his own

Greg, Mark and Jim attribute their long careers at Ode-

team members today. Jim says that relationships based

brecht to a common factor: people. Particularly the friend-

on trust provide the stability that company members’

ships that go beyond professional relationships between

families need to embrace the opportunities that arise.

leaders and team members. “People like Gilberto Neves are

And Mark is thrilled about his greatest legacy to the

what sets us apart,” says Greg, referring to the CEO of Ode-

Group. “Today, I am proud to see my son working at Ode-

brecht United States. “He knows my wife and kids, and makes

brecht.”

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saVVY

“You’ve got to love your job to succeed” Wilmer Castro is interviewed in the next video in the “Savvy” series, posted in the digital edition of Odebrecht Informa (www.odebrechtonline.com.br) written by Alice Galeffi photo by Ricardo Artner

“I

come from a place that’s poor, but rich in love,” says Wilmer Castro, the officer

Responsible for Production on the El Río-Jarabacoa highway and Miches projects in the Do-

minican Republic. He soon discovered the importance of education and, unlike his parents, both peasants, he managed to go to college. He majored in Civil Engineering. “One of my goals was to make a career at Odebrecht,” he says.

Wilmer joined the organization as a production assistant, even though he had an engineering degree. After six months of hard work, he got a job as an engineer. According to him, the secret to his success was humility. “The present

helping out a construction as-

During his 20 years with the

doesn’t matter; the present is

sistant, a truck driver thought

organization, Wilmer has learned

already happening. I’m focused

that he was the assistant and

that the most important thing on a

on the future,” he says.

gruffly told him to step aside.

project is the community around it.

Known for always helping his

When the driver found out that

He is convinced that he can achieve

team members with any task at

he was talking to the Project Di-

success as an expat, and that, with

hand, valuing them, teaching

rector, he apologized and said:

the right guidance, his team mem-

them and, above all, believing

“I couldn’t believe that you were

bers can become his greatest al-

in them, Wilmer experienced

the engineer, because I always

lies. Wilmer shares a lesson that

a highly symbolic situation on

see you doing manual labor and

his father taught him: “You’ve got to

his first project. When he was

helping out the assistants.”

love your job to succeed.”

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69

70

Input from leaders 70

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written by Thereza Martins photo by Ricardo Teles

C

arla Barretto and Geraldo Villin are longtime friends, and now, for the first time, they are not only coworkers but Managing Directors (DSs) of the same company. In 2012, they were invited to join the team that would create and lead the operations of Odebrecht Properties (OP), which focuses on

identifying and designing projects, raising capital, investing and managing real estate assets.

A 32-year member of Odebrecht, Villin is an engineer by training. He

Villin and Carla: putting their experience at the service of a new strategic initiative

worked in construction until the mid-1980s, when a change in area ended up changing the direction of his career, shifting the focus to planning, business development, entrepreneurship and management. “I joined the organization as an intern from the former Companhia Brasileira de Projetos e Obras (CBPO), just when the company was acquired by Odebrecht,” says Villin. “I had the privilege of participating in the organization’s growth, working with outstanding leaders and interacting with knowledgeable people who taught me a lot.”

Carla’s career followed a different path. She holds a Business degree and has been with the Group for 16 years. Previously, she had worked exclusively in Entrepreneurship Support (Finance, Comptrollership, Planning, and People & Organization) programs at Construtora Norberto Odebrecht, Braskem and Odebrecht S.A. Now, for the first time, she is taking on the challenge of being a leader in the Entrepreneurship Line. In fact, Carla is a pioneer: the first woman to become a DS at Odebrecht. “Our challenge is to establish OP’s identity and launch a new business in the Group,” she says.

Coming from different backgrounds, Villin and Carla are now working in the same environment with the mission of forming a new team. “Those two perspectives, which include working on the Line and in Support, complement each other and enrich our dialogue with the team we are forming, including people with different profiles and career paths,” says Villin.

Strengthening relationships Carla had a unique opportunity to participate actively in the work group that helped the President and CEO of Odebrecht S.A. consolidate the Group’s Vision for 2020 over the course of 2009. “By charting the strategic direction of the Vision for 2020, we realized that the diversity in an organization with over 120,000 members [at the time] was a major challenge,” she says. According

Two old friends take on a new mission: helping form the Odebrecht Properties team and integrate it into the Group

to Carla, the biggest challenge is to ensure the Group’s growth through the continuous development of people, which is always based on the principles of the Odebrecht Entrepreneurial Technology (TEO). “The organization strengthens and renews itself through diversity and the possibility of working synergistically,” adds Carla.

The same premise applies to the world of OP, where the newly formed team includes professionals with experience in the organization and others who came from outside; some are young, others, more mature, but they are all responsible for making the company happen – a company that was born to conquer its market space.

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71

the voice OF THOUSANDS

written by Luiza Vilela photo by Steve Hill

T

housands of Brazilian workers in the engineering and construction industry were present, albeit indirectly, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on April 18, during an award ceremony sponsored

by Engineering News-Record (ENR). They were repre-

sented by Antônio Aparecido Cardilli, from Odebrecht.

On that occasion, the magazine hailed Cardilli for his work on the Acreditar (Believe) Ongoing Professional Education Program, created while he was the Administrative and Financial Manager for the consortium that runs the Santo Antônio hydroelectric plant construction project in the Brazilian state of Rondônia.

ENR is one of the oldest and most respected publications in the industry worldwide. Since 1964, it has awarded 25 individuals who, from the viewpoint of the magazine’s editors, best served the interests of the industry and the public. The winners, called Newsmakers, are invited to receive their awards at a luncheon followed by a gala ball.

More than 70,000 people with job skills

72

Antônio Cardilli accepts ENR magazine award in New York

72

Born from the need to prioritize hiring local workers

in 2009, Odebrecht established a partnership with the

from Porto Velho, the Acreditar Program was created

Ministry of Social Development and Combating Hun-

at the Santo Antônio Dam project and has been repli-

ger (MDS) to use of the Federal Government’s Single

cated on several Odebrecht projects in Brazil and other

Registry and Family Grant programs as the basis for

countries. Over 70,000 people have acquired job skills

identifying workers who most needed and stood to

through that program since 2008.

benefit from this program.

Cardilli, who was a member of the San Antônio

According to Cardilli, although its participants have

team at the time, developed the program on the basis

preference in hiring for Odebrecht’s projects, Acreditar’s

of a survey conducted in Porto Velho, which confirmed

greatest contribution has been grooming professionals

that there would not be enough skilled workers to

who are qualified to work in the construction market. In

meet the huge demand that the construction of the

his speech at the ENR ceremony, he stressed the im-

dam would generate. Acreditar was so successful that,

portance of the award for recognizing workers and the

odebrecht informa

Cardilli: emphasis on sustainable practices

Graduates 74,238

Acreditar Program Participants – 2008/2013* field of engineering, as well as “encouraging sustainable practices throughout the world.”

Cardilli, who joined Odebrecht at the age only South American to receive the NewsHired 43,709

Applicants 164,344

of 17 as an Accounting Assistant, was the makers Award in 2013. His project was the only one that was directly related to social issues.

Watch the Savvy series video on Antônio Cardilli in the digital edition of Odebrecht *march/2013

Informa (www.odebrechtonline.com.br)

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73

roots BACK TO HIS

H

At the Odebrecht Foundation’s invitation, Umberto Matteoni has returned home to the Southern Bahia Lowlands

written by Gabriela Vasconcellos photos by Élcio Carriço

e is 54, and 34 of those years have been

been an education. “I’ve developed the spirit of service I

devoted to Odebrecht. His career began

carry with me to this day. It’s the mainstay that keeps me

in 1979, when he was invited to work on a

going. My challenge has always been to groom and educate

highway project in the Brazilian state of Ala-

people, and I’m here to collaborate by sharing knowledge.

goas as an accountant. Of Italian descent,

This is the most important part of my career,” he stresses.

he was born in Ituberá, Bahia, and has a degree in Accounting. When he joined the company, Umberto Matteoni lived

Broad perspective

in Salvador and never dreamed that one day his work with

Matteoni shares the lessons he has learned during

the Group would take him back to the town where he was

more than three decades with the Group with his team

born.

members. Together with an Information Technology (IT)

In 2012, at the invitation of the Odebrecht Foundation,

team, he has developed tools to support entrepreneurship,

he became the officer Responsible for the deployment of

including MyWebDay in the early 1990s. “I traveled to virtu-

a Shared Services Center (CSC) in Ituberá. The CSC serves

ally all the countries where Odebrecht was active to deploy

the institutions linked to the Program for the Development

it. That experience was key for giving me a broad perspec-

and Growth Integrated with Sustainability of the Mosaic

tive on the Group’s operations and made it easier to adapt

of Environmental Protection Areas of the Southern Bahia

to different cultures,” he says.

Lowlands (PDCIS), which is supported by the Foundation and public and private partners.

“At first, I wasn’t sure what it would be like to go back

IT support, this time helping deploy the O2 (Oracle) Sys-

to my roots. But I embraced the cause, because it is a very

tem. That challenge was a major milestone in his career.

noble one, and it motivated me to contribute to the cre-

“We had to be very attentive and innovative, interacting

ation of a center that includes everything I’ve learned in the

with different people and building new partnerships,” he

Group. It is the sum total of my education through work,”

recalls.

says Matteoni.

74

In 2008, when MyWebDay was no longer keeping up with Odebrecht’s growth, Matteoni went back to provide

Other highlights of his professional life include the

The CSC specializes in streamlining financial, tax, ac-

Balsas Mineiro project in Porto Nacional, Goiás. “Working

counting, people management and IT processes, ensuring

in a remote part of the country made me see that the only

business security and reducing operating costs. Previously,

way to achieve a goal is through teamwork,” he recalls.

Matteoni had been responsible for Odebrecht’s CSC in São

Now that he is back in his home region, Matteoni al-

Paulo. “I took the helm of a project that was already un-

lows that his generalist background has enabled him to

derway at the time to help the Group’s companies focus on

take on so many different challenges. “I’ve always been

their core activities.”

open to learning new things and acquiring all kinds of

74

After setting up the CSC-Southern Bahia Lowlands,

knowledge, combined with the entrepreneurial philoso-

Matteoni in 2013 went on to lead a team that is provid-

phy of a strong organization that sets its course with clear

ing entrepreneurship support for the PDCIS. “Working to

objectives and understands that the reason for its exis-

transform the region where I was born gives me all kinds

tence is the satisfaction of its clients and the motivation

of satisfaction,” he says. According to him, Odebrecht has

and commitment of its members,” he argues.

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Matteoni: “I embraced the cause�

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75

FINAL CHAT: ROSI GOMES

The thrill of always being among the first written by José Enrique Barreiro photo by Holanda Cavalcanti

R

Why do you call that experience

osi Gomes has a background in advertising and spent five

“contemporary and pioneer-

years working on the con-

ing”?

struction of the Santo Antônio Dam

Because it was the first time I saw

in Rondônia, Brazil, where she de-

what we call “contemporary citizen-

veloped a project that she consid-

ship” really happen. Odebrecht net-

ers a “contemporary and pioneer-

worked with individuals who had no

ing” experience in the field of social

real means of ensuring their rights,

outreach. Today, Rosi continues to

and fought for them. It was pioneer-

provide services to Odebrecht as a

ing because it was a new way of

consultant.

relating with national and international development agencies. No-

What are you doing now?

body had a formula, but we all knew

I am still working in the field of insti-

that we had to act differently. We

tutional and public relations for the

were building a hydroelectric dam

implementation of projects in the

in the Amazon under a democratic

areas of hydropower, wind power,

government with all the responsi-

transmission lines, and real estate

helping form a critical mass of col- bilities that entailed. The world was lege students regarding the Madeira watching us.

and infrastructure projects.

River Hydroelectric Complex. I didn’t What motivates you most in your work?

know anyone there. Everything was How does that experience contribute to your work on other new to me. projects?

Working with traditional communities is my biggest challenge and my

How did your carry out your

I’ve learned that, when we are

greatest pleasure. Helping bring

mission?

open, truthful and frank with

about dialogue between the parties

Working at Odebrecht is a wonder- the communities, we don’t creful experience. I had all the logisti- ate false expectations that could

involved and seeing the communities grow along with the venture is very exciting.

cal and technical support I needed. damage our future relationship There was nothing that shouldn’t or with our neighbors. couldn’t be said. My job was not to

What was your challenge on the Santo Antônio Dam project?

I arrived in the city of Porto Velho two years before ground was broken, to bring about dialogue between the developers and local academics,

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convince people or form an alliance Do you miss northern Brazil? of supporters of the project, but to I do miss it sometimes. I’m always inform them, answer questions and traveling to new places, meeting organize meetings so the technicians new people, facing new challenges. could talk about the plant and debunk You may leave a place, but you never leave the friends you made there. any myths.

The next issue of Odebrecht Informa will introduce a new layout and editorial approach. Wait for it.

RESPONSIBLE FOR CORPORATE COMMUNICATION AT ODEBRECHT S.A. Márcio Polidoro RESPONSIBLE FOR PUBLICATIONS PROGRAMS AT ODEBRECHT S.A. Karolina Gutiez

Founded in 1944, ODEBRECHT is an organization of Brazilian origin made up of diversified businesses with global operations and worldclass standards of quality.

Its 180,000 members are present in the Americas, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and Europe.

BUSINESS AREA COORDINATORS Nelson Letaif Chemicals & Petrochemicals | Andressa Saurin Agroindustry | Bárbara Nitto Oil & Gas | Kiko Brito Environment | Sergio Kertész Real Estate Developments | Antonio Carlos de Faria Infrastructure & Transport | Josiane Costa Energy | André Paraná Industrial Engineering | Renata Pinheiro Defense & Technology | Daelcio Freitas Properties | Herman Nass Shipbuilding Coordinator at Obebrecht Foundation Vivian Barbosa EDITORIAL COORDINATION Versal Editores Editor-in-Chief José Enrique Barreiro Executive Editor Cláudio Lovato Filho Photo Editor Holanda Cavalcanti Art and Graphic Production Rogério Nunes English Translation H. Sabrina Gledhill English Edition Coordinator & Electronic Publishing Maria Celia Olivieri Printing 630 copies | Pre-Press and Printing Pancrom EDITORIAL OFFICES Rio de Janeiro +55 21 2239-4023 | São Paulo +55 11 3641- 4743 email: versal@versal.com.br Originally published in Portuguese. Also available in Spanish.

Ricardo Teles

“People’s growth and development are the starting point and goal of our duty to serve” TEO (Odebrecht Entrepreneurial Technology)

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