Every first Monday of the month we post an interview with a TopFem member or TopFem alumna.
Roberta Lima is the City Manager of TopFem Dublin.
Can you tell us who you are?
I am from Brazil and I am currently living in Dublin. I enjoy watching movies and tv shows, reading, cooking (trying new restaurants and cuisines), travelling and going to the gym. I would say my main characteristic is being determined, which drives me to keep going in order to achieve my goals.
Can you tell us which study you have completed and what career you were planning to pursue after this?
I have BA Honors in Social Communication – Advertising (Brazil) and I am specialized in Business Studies (Dublin) and Fashion Business (Paris). I believe that advertising is an interesting field, but I feel that I have a special passion for marketing and business related to development of brands, finance and new opportunities. That’s the reason I chose to be on the “suits” side when working at advertising agencies. It challenges me and I enjoy working on strategy development as well as seeing the positive results it is possible to achieve.
What were you like as a student ?
I was a good student, and got good grades. However, I could not be more involved in associations and the other activities the university provided because I was already working while finishing my course.
How did you discover TopFem?
My good friend Maaike introduced TopFem to me and invited me to be part of it. I think it’s a great project and I’m proud to be developing the expansion in Dublin.
How do you experience TopFem?
I am currently the City Manager of TopFem in Dublin and I have been working in events organization as well as the brand awareness of the group. Being part of TopFem definitely gives me the opportunity to be in action as an entrepreneur. Our first event in Dublin was huge success and the feeling of having achieved our first goal was absolutely amazing. It is hard sometimes because you have to find time to do your part and deliver good results to the board, but it is totally worth it.
Do you have a role model? How and why do they impact your life or inspire you?
My sister, Melissa Martins, is my female role model because she is a terrific entrepreneur. She is focused, determined and she has a strong planning skill. Things work for her because she makes the right moves and she is always prepared if something doesn’t go her way.
How did you end up at your present job?
In 2011 I visited TBWA London for a quick tour because I was curious to know how things work in ad agencies in Europe. From that day I decided I wanted to work in TBWA internationally. I never thought I actually would though. So I planned to come to Dublin and study business. Meanwhile an internship opportunity came up in the company and I applied for it. I got the job and was made part of the finance department where I’m continually learning and developing my skills with the aid of a great team and the healthy environment that the company provides.
How was the transition from your student years to your working life?
Since I started university I have been working in my sector. I started doing internships in different departments such as creative and video editing. I lived in London for a year to learn English and while I was there I discovered I was interested in the business sector. So I went back to Brazil and got an internship in client service and then things started happening while I was finishing my studies.
What are you doing daily to ensure your continued development as a successful woman?
I love reading inspiring biographies of entrepreneurs and people that have good stories. You can learn a lot through other’s experience. I also keep studying and developing projects that might be interesting for my career. I have a non-stop way of thinking when it comes to improving my skills and progressing in my career.
What is one characteristic that you believe every female leader should possess?
A strong opinion.
What are your plans for the future?
To take a postgraduate course in Business in 2016.
What is your final advice to young female students and professionals?
Things are not easy, but keep going and you will get there. If you get there but it is not what you wanted, don’t be afraid to change. But do it reasonably and consider the risks.
