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September 25, 2024

Guilherme from Brazil: An electrifying story of balancing consulting and a thriving DJ career

Hi everyone, my name is Guilherme and I'm a senior project manager from the Roland Berger São Paulo office. During the week, I advise our clients on ESG, growth, and transformation. But on the weekend, I act as a DJ, spinning electronic beats behind the decks, blending tracks, and creating house music.

My journey into the world of DJing began during my school days in the late 1990s at a German school in São Paulo, where I met two friends who shared my passion for music. In the hope of earning some additional cash, we decided to buy DJ gear and start playing at small school parties. Coincidentally, this happened to be in the very same year that electronic music became mainstream in Brazil, so I guess I can say that I was in the right place at the right time.

As the years went by, we became known for a blend of house music with a Brazilian touch. Alongside my brother, who works as an advertising professional, we formed the duo "bro2bro" . Together, we play in gigs not only in Brazil but also in ten countries around the world, sharing our love for music with diverse audiences.

Balancing two demanding professions, my corporate career and my DJ career, was not always easy. I found myself at a crossroads, contemplating whether to pursue my DJ career full time and leave my studies in Business Administration behind. However, I thought, just like a vinyl record, life could have two sides. Instead of choosing between my "A side" (corporate career) and my "B side" (DJ career), I decided to embrace both and find ways to synergize them.

I soon discovered that my DJ experience brought valuable skills to my corporate career. Through music I learned how to serve people by crafting unique experiences. I also realized that sensitivity could be allied to rationality, allowing me to approach business challenges from a different perspective. Moreover, the creativity that music ignited within me proved to be a powerful tool in my career progression. During my MBA at INSEAD, I was awarded the innovation and creativity scholarship, thanks to my use of music during the process.

And even now that I am a consultant, DJing helps me think outside the box and develop innovative solutions for my clients. It has also taught me adaptability, so I can quickly adapt to different client needs and industries. However, balancing two careers requires focus and discipline. My brother and I carefully select the best gigs that also align with our professional commitments.

Fortunately, I have witnessed a healthy evolution in terms of work-life balance over the past decade, especially with Roland Berger's New Ways of Working initiative. Flexible structures have allowed me to ensure that both my consulting career and my DJing passion thrive simultaneously.

Throughout my DJ career, I've had the privilege of performing in various countries, each with its own unique audience. Europe, particularly France and the UK, stood out for the conceptual electronic events, where the crowds left lasting memories. Lebanon also holds a special place in my heart, with its receptive and innovative audience. However, nothing compares to the energy of Brazilian parties, especially the New Year's Eve celebrations on the beach, with the sun rising over the sea.

And so, my journey as a DJ and a consultant continues, with the two sides of me coexisting harmoniously, enriching each other along the way.

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