CASE-STUDY

Let’s talk about where Milene was before we started working together.

When Milene got in touch, she had only been in Germany for two years, and was navigating a new market with fresh eyes.

With several years of experience in business growth, innovation and digital product strategy, she was looking for someone who had in-depth knowledge of this sector, especially on the German and European scene, and an affinity with her area of expertise, to help her better translate her skills and knowledge into meaningful opportunities.

“As an expat living in Germany, I knew I brought valuable experience to the table — but I also knew the context here was different.

So, one day I saw someone in the product industry had reposted a video of Ricardo's on career transitions. I needed a mentor who had a strong grasp of the tech and product space, and who could help me bring structure to the descussion on how to best apply my strengths, so I reached out.

I didn't know what to expect but we connected from the very first call.”

Milene wasn’t necessarily thinking about entrepreneurship at the start — her focus was on aligning her career with what she does best. She was looking for clarity, direction, and a partner who could help her explore new possibilities in a grounded and strategic way.

How it began

One of the first steps I take with clients who feel stuck is mapping out their career and business paths. By analyzing the kinds of problems they naturally solve, we uncover their true strengths.

“In the process of mapping it out, I realized that finding a role where I could be myself, use my strengths, and show everything I had to offer would be tricky.

When I brought the suggestion of creating my own consultancy to Ricardo, that’s when we started to put the plan on paper.

Instantly, it was like I’d found my sweet spot. It felt like I’d finally found something I’d love to do.”

My Approach

Once we defined the direction of Milene’s consulting business, I designed tailored workshops to build the foundations of her practice. Within a few weeks, we:

• Clarified her vision, mission, and values

• Mapped out potential markets and identified her ideal clients

• Defined and packaged her core offer

• Developed her positioning and niche strategy

• Equipped her with storytelling techniques to market herself with confidence

By month three, Milene had her website up and running.

“His expertise in career coaching goes beyond just advice — he provides practical tools, frameworks, and mindset shifts that lead to real transformation. Whether it was navigating career decisions or taking the first steps in entrepreneurship, Ricardo ensured that I had both the strategy and the confidence to move forward.”

Why It Worked

Working with me isn’t about following a cookie-cutter plan. 

Making a decision is about knowing which step to take next. The process involves adjusting to the clients’ needs and wants as they learn new things about what they want in their business. 

“Ricardo has a rare ability to listen deeply and ask the right questions at the right time.

The way he adjusts the session to what I need, using different tools and frameworks is so dynamic.

Once, we were in the middle of a session and talking about all the different possibilities of what I could do. He immediately created a board out of the blue and said, ‘Perhaps, you should start to map this,’ and began asking me a ton of questions that brought clarity and structure.”

The important thing is to figure out what the right choices look like.

“Through his structured yet flexible approach, he created a space for meaningful reflection, helping me connect the dots between my experiences, skills, and ambitions. More importantly, he empowered me to take action.”

Transformative Results in Just 4 Months

With structured guidance, Milene successfully launched her strategy consulting business—something she never imagined she could do.

Across an intensive four month period from August to December 2024, we were able to use a mix of workshops and coaching sessions to cover everything she needed to launch her consulting business. 

She now has a solid foundation and a clear strategy to take it to the next level – a massive jump from where she was.

“When you’re starting up something of your own, you start to question if it’s the right decision, if there’s anything you’re missing. And then you’d take 2-3 times longer than you should to just figure out the basis.

It’s important to have someone who knows what to say and what moves to make.”

What stood out to me about Milene was how she faced it all head-on. Even in moments of doubt, she didn’t let herself spiral into self-doubt or talk herself down. Instead, she stayed constructive, always asking, how do I move forward? That kind of grit, the ability to acknowledge fear, make peace with it, and keep going— embodying the required spirit of solopreneurship in its entirety.

That’s what makes the difference.

This is more than just coaching.
It’s hands-on mentorship and support.

Anyone can start a business. I did in 2022 with my first business, a process i’ve taken a lot of my clients through with the Zero to One coaching program. 

But the goal here is to fast-track that progress, build a business you will love, while also providing support for the emotional toll everyone gets unprepared for.

Thanks to a structured coaching approach, Milene now has the confidence and strategy to grow her consulting practice.

“I am incredibly grateful to have had Ricardo Brito as my career coach and mentor. His guidance was instrumental in helping me uncover my strengths, build confidence, and realize my potential for entrepreneurship.

If you’re looking for a coach who is not only knowledgeable but also empathetic, supportive, and deeply committed to your success, I cannot recommend Ricardo highly enough. He is a true mentor, and I am incredibly fortunate to have worked with him!”

Having now gone through the process of registering her business and after launching her brand, she is focused on growing her online presence.