In the second episode of the podcast Voices That Inspire, Vera Pinto Pereira, Executive Board Member at EDP, shared a career path shaped by innovation, resilience and the courage to step outside her comfort zone.

Speaking with Maria João Simões, she reflected on some of the most defining moments of her career, including the launch of MEO — a project she described as “creating a television service from a blank sheet of paper”. Vera Pinto Pereira also highlighted the various challenges she embraced across different sectors, arguing that professional growth happens precisely during periods of greater change and uncertainty.

Discussing her appointment to EDP in the context of quota legislation, she admitted that it was not initially a comfortable process, but stressed that her career ultimately proved itself through merit and the results she achieved. For the executive, acknowledging this reality openly also helped pave the way for other women in leadership positions.

Throughout the conversation, Vera Pinto Pereira also spoke about the importance of teams, innovation and corporate social responsibility, advocating for a more human, inclusive and people-centred style of leadership.

She also addressed the personal impact of being diagnosed with cancer, an experience she described as a “before and after” moment in her life, making her more focused on the present and on finding balance.

In closing, she left a message aimed particularly at women: “Put your hand up and say yes”, encouraging them to embrace challenges, pursue ambition and believe in their own leadership abilities.

Listen to the episode here.