Beyond the comfort zone: A story about personal growth and courage

From assistant to leader: Finding purpose in compliance

Maritsa’s career wasn’t handed to her – it was built step by step. She earned a degree in business administration and later pursued postgraduate studies in data science, machine learning and compliance. But in Brazil in the early 2000s, higher education didn’t necessarily mean a career in management – especially for women.

“At that time, most women didn’t start in leadership positions, regardless of their education. Many started as assistants or secretaries – not because they lacked qualifications, but because that was often the only entry point. The real difference was what you did from there.”

And Maritsa did a lot.

She joined RIP Serviços Industriais in 2000 as Assistant to the Board of Directors, supporting senior management with strategic planning, events and corporate development. Her responsibilities soon expanded beyond the typical administrative tasks: she organised international trade fairs, coordinated major events and assisted in business meetings that shaped the company’s future.

From there, she set her sights on the emerging field of compliance – a natural fit for her analytical skills and deep-rooted sense of integrity.

“My goal has always been to make people understand that doing the right thing isn’t about being monitored. It’s about values.”

Her approach transformed compliance from a box-ticking exercise into a company-wide mindset. Through training, internal campaigns and open dialogue, she encouraged teams to see integrity as an essential part of the culture. Her commitment was noticed, and when the opportunity arose to lead compliance at RIP, she took it – no matter how challenging it felt.

The decision to move: weighing up the risks

When Maritsa received the offer to become Regional Compliance Manager for KAEFER Middle East – based in Abu Dhabi – she didn’t just say yes. She sought advice from mentors, family and friends. She weighed the demands of the role against the personal sacrifices. Most importantly, she knew it would mean time away from her daughter.

But she also saw an opportunity to set an example – for her child, for her colleagues and for herself:

“Regardless of gender, cultural background or where we come from, we can take on new challenges, step into the unknown and succeed.”

Adapting to a new world

Within days of arriving in Abu Dhabi, Maritsa faced her first test: the sweltering 52°C heat. The climate was different, the food was unfamiliar, and even daily errands – like renewing her driver’s licence –  became mini-challenges. Most importantly, the work culture had nuances that required patience and understanding.

“What worked in Brazil didn’t always work here. I had to listen, learn and respect the differences.”

She started by observing and asking questions, making it clear to her new team that she was there to learn as much as to lead. By adapting her style rather than imposing it, Maritsa built trust and found common ground – ensuring that the principles of compliance remained a shared priority.

Confronting doubt and digging deep

Of course, fear doesn’t disappear the moment you get on a plane. Two weeks before the move, Maritsa was questioning everything. Would she be able to cope with the distance? Would she thrive in a different environment?

But she had been training for mental endurance all her life – both in her career and as a dedicated marathon runner:

“Marathons teach me that with discipline, planning and determination, I can overcome any obstacle, one step at a time.”

She relied on that discipline, developing new routines and staying in touch with her family through phone calls and messages. Little by little, what had felt foreign began to feel like home.

Reflections at six months

Now, more than six months into her experience in the Middle East, Maritsa can see how much she has grown – both professionally and personally. She’s still learning every day, still building relationships and still finding ways to maintain her family ties from afar.

Her advice to anyone facing a daunting change?

– Prepare thoroughly: Do your research, talk to people who’ve been there and make a realistic plan.–
– Embrace the unknown: Growth rarely comes without discomfort. Lean into it instead of running away.
– Stay true to your values: Whether in compliance or everyday life, integrity is non-negotiable.
– Don’t overthink your actions: Waiting until you feel “ready” may mean never starting. Sometimes you just have to go.

A note for anyone in doubt

Maritsa’s story is a testament to what happens when preparation meets passion and courage. By staying true to your values and keeping an open mind, every unknown can become an opportunity. It starts with saying “yes” – even when your comfort zone whispers, “maybe not”.

We hope Maritsa’s story inspires you to make your own bold moves. Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences of taking the plunge – wherever that plunge may lead.