Meet three young emerging geotechnical leaders from Brazil

We’re proud of the dedicated young talent here at GroundProbe!

Introducing Izabely Souza, Ana Carolina dos Santos and Maria Clara Sodré, three inspiring, forward-thinking GroundProbe Radar Operators based out of our Belo Horizonte office in Brazil.

Learn about their experiences relating to leadership, mentorship, and career inspirations.

How long have you been working for GroundProbe?

3 years and 9 months – Izabely

3 years – Ana Carolina

1 year and 7 months – Maria Clara

What’s the most significant factor that has helped you succeed in your career?

The most significant factor that has helped me succeed in my career is a combination of continuous learning and building good professional relationships. – Izabely

Safety comes first, followed by teamwork and proactivity. – Ana Carolina

I believe a set of factors, such as efficient communication, emotional intelligence, resilience, ethics, attitude, and continuous development. However, a love for the development process makes a lot of difference in the results. – Maria Clara

What motivates you?

I am motivated by a challenging job and how it positively impacts people’s lives. Knowing that my work can save lives is what motivates me the most. – Izabely

Company growth and generating new jobs are two factors that motivate me. – Ana Carolina

The desire to make a difference and give my best in each of the activities delegated to me motivates me and consequently influences my results and strengthens my image. – Maria Clara

How has GroundProbe supported you as a young woman in technology?

I had the full support of GroundProbe for being a company that prioritizes diversity and the professional development of its employees. The company offers training and qualifications, such as the leadership program for women, encouraging my growth and keeping me always motivated in my work. – Izabely

Yes, I have been very well-received by GroundProbe and I have observed equality in all sectors of the company. – Ana Carolina

Throughout my career at GroundProbe, I have been offered periodic corporate training and courses to develop new skills. This has made me feel valued and motivated to seek more learning outside the corporate environment. My direct leaders have given me the autonomy to carry out my activities and encouraged teamwork to develop my ability to listen, discuss ideas, and think of solutions together. In addition, I have been allowed to integrate with different sectors, stimulating my interaction with each team member and understanding better the importance and value of what they bring to the final result. Finally, GroundProbe has consistently demonstrated how much it believes in my ability and has given me the resources to develop. – Maria Clara 

How important is having a mentor to grow as a leader?

Mentoring is very important because it directs you to think strategically and explore your full potential to feel empowered and encouraged to achieve your goals and develop leadership skills. – Izabely

Having a mentor is very important, as it inspires you to be more creative. – Ana Carolina

Having a mentor is essential to help us look at the things we can’t see, and thus prepares us and leads us to find shortcuts to achieve what we want. – Maria Clara

Who inspired you in your career, and what did you learn?

My mother is my greatest professional inspiration; she is my example of determination and resilience. From her, I learned I could overcome obstacles and succeed in my career with dedication and perseverance. – Izabely

All members of the GroundProbe Brazil Management team have inspired me. I am constantly learning from them. – Ana Carolina

First of all, my parents. They have always worked hard and did what they could to offer me the best in life. In addition, they always encouraged and trusted me in all situations. They are also my examples of grit, strength and honesty. Secondly, I have met people extremely skilled at managing teams and problem-solving. Intelligence fascinates me. – Maria Clara

How do you actively inspire other women around you?

The best way to inspire other women is by example, working with dedication and professionalism, sharing my knowledge and exchanging experiences, and always maintaining the interaction between women to promote a supportive environment that keeps everyone motivated and empowered. – Izabely

Pursue your dreams and goals, and never let go of the preconceptions that hold you back. – Ana Carolina 

By believing that I can accomplish everything I desire and by encouraging other women to believe in their strength, courage, and ability as well. I inspire when I help others in some way, whether with words or attitudes. Also, my attitude follows what my heart says is right. I don’t stand by and watch life happen. If I have a dream, I cling to it and think ways to realize it. I remain firm in my purpose and believe that determination and attitude are great characteristics of my personality. – Maria Clara

What advice would you give the next generation of young women wishing to become a Radar Operator?

Invest in yourself, in your professional and personal development, and always be open to new experiences and challenges. – Izabely

That as a woman you should not be afraid to join the team, as it is very important for professional growth and there is no difference between men and women. – Ana Carolina

“Believe in yourself, trust in your potential, seek continuous knowledge, seize every opportunity that comes your way, avoid comparisons, learn from others, and love the process.” Those would be my sincerest words. – Maria Clara

Final question, anything you would like to add?

Having women in leadership positions is very important to promote diversity, equality and drive positive transformations in the workplace and society as a whole. – Izabely

Thank you, GroundProbe, for the opportunity to have participated in the Women in Leadership Program. It has enriched my knowledge and inspired me to pursue my career goals. – Ana Carolina

 To all women, I say: Be courageous, take a stand, have boldness and a lot of courage to try, learn from your mistakes, and face the adverse situations of life. Be resilient. No one is you, and that is your power. It makes you unique.  – Maria Clara 

When: June 2023
Where: Belo Horizonte Brazil
Who: Maria Clara, Ana Carolina & Izabely