Two hours' difference is enough for a new way of living. If all goes well, it will not be for ever, but it will certainly be a life enjoyed with a ‘maningue’ positive attitude. From Dubai to Maputo, Roxanne Santos, International Trade Marketing Manager at IFFCO Group – an international group that produces and markets a range of food products, their derivatives and services – writes to us about herself and her experience in the United Arab Emirates.
One can sense the smile on the other side of the screen as we talk to the manager by email. Without scientific rigour, we may assume that her curiosity to explore the world was passed on to her by her parents, themselves emigrants. Living in that country, in Dubai, Roxanne began by exploring geographies beyond her native country when she left Maputo and entered higher education in Portugal.
“I inherited a spirit of adventure from my parents,” she says proudly. “After studying abroad, I began my career in Mozambique; it was 4 years of work, and, although I loved the country and the life I had, I felt I needed a more global scale, where I could have multicultural exposure, broaden my horizons, have different experiences, travel, etc.,” she adds. This step has had a truly catalytic effect, as Roxanne believes that leaving Mozambique to explore other markets was the most fitting decision for the stage she is at. However, the heart speaks louder, and there will always be the possibility of returning to Mozambique one day.
“After studying abroad, I began my career in Mozambique, 4 years of work, and, although I loved the country and the life I had, I felt I needed a more global scale, where I could have multicultural exposure, broaden my horizons, have different experiences, travel, etc.”
Her degree in Business Management, taken in Lisbon, Portugal, led her to explore various areas, from sales departments to marketing. Although her career is split between these two strands, she honestly confesses that she cannot choose a favourite area. “It's a question to which I still don't have an answer; I think I'm still developing skills in both, and for the time being I like this balance,” she admits, with, we believe, self-confidence in the work she has been doing.
The truth is that Roxanne Santos's work is challenging and fun. The words are her own: “Being constantly in the middle of two departments, a lot of coordination and people management is needed, but when you enjoy it and are in a good team, it becomes easier. I think it is very important that we like what we do and the people we do it with.”
She values dynamism and cultural diversity and believes, above all, that she has a role to play in building a more equal society, a desire that knows no borders or latitudes. As well as valuing her family greatly, her relaxed way of being may be one of her greatest legacies from Mozambique. Let us hope that, besides musical notes, the desert dunes will allow her to ease her longing for the sandy shores of Bazaruto.
