For me, Itamonte, a small town in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil, is one of those places.
After many years living and working in different countries, experiencing different cultures, markets and business environments, I found something here that I may have been looking for a long time: peace, quality of life and an environment where I can think, create and work with a stronger sense of purpose.
Surrounded by Mountains, Nature and Simplicity
Located in the beautiful Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range, Itamonte is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
Mountains, valleys, waterfalls, rivers, winding roads and traditional rural properties are part of everyday life here.
The region offers wonderful opportunities for ecotourism, hiking, cycling, mountain activities and simply enjoying nature. Its proximity to Itatiaia National Park makes it an attractive destination for anyone looking to escape the fast pace of large cities.
But there is something beyond the scenery.
It is the silence. The time to observe. The opportunity to start the day without traffic, endless meetings or the constant pressure of metropolitan life.
Here, simplicity does not mean a lack of ambition.
A Borderless Office
My professional journey has taken me across different markets and countries.
I lived in Portugal for 16 years and gained professional and personal experience in several countries. I have worked in technology, international business development, major projects and global events, including two FIFA World Cups.
Today, I continue working internationally, but with a different lifestyle.
From Itamonte, I work with founders and startups across different markets, connecting opportunities, knowledge and people.
My current projects and professional relationships extend across countries such as:
- Portugal: business development, international expansion and connections with the European startup ecosystem.
- United States: relationships with founders, investors and business expansion opportunities.
- Nigeria: connections with entrepreneurs and emerging African markets.
- South Korea: relationships with the international innovation and technology ecosystem.
- Brazil: startup support, business development and connections with investors and partners.
My work involves helping entrepreneurs structure their businesses, explore new markets, identify funding opportunities, develop partnerships and turn promising ideas into viable businesses.
All of this can happen through a reliable internet connection, online meetings and an international network built over many years.
The business world has changed. We no longer need to be physically located in São Paulo, Lisbon, New York or London to participate in important conversations and contribute to companies across different continents.
The Value of Choosing Where to Live and Work
For a long time, professional success seemed directly connected to living in major business centres.
Being close to investors, companies, events and opportunities.
Today, I believe we can separate two things: where opportunities are and where we actually want to live.
Technology allows us to make these two choices independently.
I can follow a startup in the United States in the morning, speak with a founder in Portugal in the afternoon and work on a business development strategy for a Brazilian company without leaving my home.
And when the working day is over, I have the mountains, fresh air and peaceful surroundings of Minas Gerais waiting for me.
That has enormous value.
It does not mean giving up on business or lowering my ambitions. Quite the opposite. It means finding an environment that allows me to keep producing, learning, building relationships and helping other entrepreneurs without sacrificing quality of life.
Itamonte Also Has Opportunities for the Future
I believe towns like Itamonte and other small communities in southern Minas Gerais have interesting potential for the future.
Remote work, digital entrepreneurship and the creative economy create opportunities to attract professionals, consultants, entrepreneurs and small businesses that no longer depend on having a physical office in a major city.
Tourism, gastronomy, hospitality, nature-based experiences and sustainable businesses are just some of the areas with potential in this region.
There is room to connect local opportunities with international knowledge, technology and experience.
And that connection could be very valuable.
The World Is Still My Office. Itamonte Is My Place.
I don't know if I have found my final destination, but I know I have found a place where I can work, think and live in a way that makes sense for this stage of my journey.
I remain connected to founders, investors, startups and business opportunities in different countries. I continue following new trends, participating in projects and helping companies cross borders.
The difference is that I now do it surrounded by the mountains of Minas Gerais.
Perhaps this is one of the greatest advantages of the world we live in today: the ability to build an international career without having to live permanently in a major metropolitan city.
After all, the business world has no borders. And our office can be anywhere.
Itamonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. A place to slow down without slowing down your ambitions.