From Brazil to the Netherlands, Caetano reflects on his time at WAES

For Caetano, joining WAES was a dream realized. "Since day one, I felt welcomed," he shares. Moving from Brazil to the Netherlands had always been a goal, and the support from WAES made the transition smooth. The Relocation Team provided everything he needed, from housing to cultural integration, ensuring he felt at home from the start. “It was like a dream come true. Everyone at the office came up to me and asked how I was doing, how my flight was. It felt like a warm welcome,” Caetano recalls.

The challenges of adapting to a new country and work environment weren’t easy, but WAES made sure he had the support he needed. Whether it was housing or helping him adjust to the Dutch way of working, WAES stood by him every step of the way.

Embracing the flat hierarchy in the Netherlands

One of the biggest cultural differences Caetano experienced was the flat hierarchy in the Netherlands, something vastly different from the strict hierarchy he was used to in Brazil. In Brazil, there is a clear chain of command, and speaking directly to a higher-level manager could be seen as disrespectful or inappropriate. “In Brazil, you simply don’t go and talk to the boss of your boss. Otherwise, they will be really mad at you,” he explains.

The flat hierarchy in the Netherlands gave Caetano the freedom to approach anyone, whether at WAES or the clients he worked with, to discuss ideas, concerns, or even engage in casual conversations. This openness was a revelation for him. “I love the flat hierarchy here. It encourages you to speak up, share your thoughts, and actively participate in decision-making without the fear of overstepping boundaries.”

This shift in culture also led to significant personal development for Caetano. Initially, he had expected the technical environment in the Netherlands to be far more advanced than in Brazil, but soon realized that the tech stack was quite similar. Instead, the real growth came in the form of soft skills. "When I arrived, I had to learn to speak up more, ask for help, and give my opinion. That was a big change for me, especially coming from a hierarchical culture where you might get in trouble for speaking up."

The Dutch work environment not only encouraged him to share his thoughts but also taught him the importance of saying no when necessary. “Here, it’s the complete opposite of Brazil. Offering your opinion and being honest about your workload is appreciated, and it makes work so much easier when you’re direct.”

Caetano believes this experience was transformative. “Learning to be assertive and honest without fearing consequences was liberating. It wasn’t just about becoming a better professional; it was about becoming a better version of myself.”

Memories that last a lifetime

Caetano’s time at WAES is filled with memories that range from professional milestones to personal experiences. One standout moment was working on the WAES brand movie during the pandemic, where Caetano and his wife, Mayra, played a starring role. “It wasn’t something I ever expected to do, but I definitely liked it. I still watch it sometimes,” he admits with a smile.

Beyond work, the community at WAES played a vital role in making his time in the Netherlands special. From barbecues to festivals like Tomorrowland, he forged lasting friendships with colleagues and their families. “WAES is a good hub for people to get to know each other. My wife even became friends with the wives of other WAES consultants. We were all going through the same experience, and that really helped us feel at home,” he explains.

One of the most impactful memories for Caetano was the personal attention he received when he wasn't satisfied at a client. “WAES listened to me and found a new client. They were always there to listen; you just needed to speak up,” he says. This personal touch is something Caetano believes sets WAES apart from other consultancy companies.

Growth, challenges, and gratitude

Caetano reflects on his growth during his time at WAES with pride. He admits that working in the Netherlands has changed him for the better, particularly in learning to be more direct and assertive. “In the beginning, the directness of people here was a shock, but I’ve learned how liberating it is to say no when necessary,” he shares.

Professionally, Caetano believes WAES played a critical role in shaping his future. “I’ve faced so many challenges here. Working with clients, doing interviews, even dealing with things like renovating my house. All these experiences forced me to grow into a better version of myself,” he says, with gratitude in his voice.

Looking ahead to his new role at Rabobank as a Tech Lead, Caetano feels prepared, thanks to the mentorship and opportunities he received at WAES. He’s excited to take on new responsibilities, including mentoring and strategic decision-making, roles he feels ready for after his extensive experience.

Much more than a workplace

As Caetano moves on to this new chapter, he takes with him not only professional skills but also friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. When asked to describe his time at WAES in three words, he answers confidently: "Challenging, fun, and self-development."

For Caetano, WAES was much more than a workplace, it was a place that nurtured his growth, supported his dreams, and provided a sense of community. As he looks ahead to new challenges at Rabobank, he carries with him the lessons and experiences that made his time at WAES truly unforgettable.

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