Talents Y - Get to know the other side of Eduardo Silva

Tell us a little bit about your journey, where you come from, what your background is, where you studied, and how long you have been with Yunit?

I am a native of Fraião, in the municipality of Braga, and I grew up on a street where everyone knew each other and front doors stayed open until nightfall. From those times, I carry memories of lingering days and endless summers, a childhood spent amidst nature, playing street football, and many adventures in a world yet to be discovered. 
When I reached the twelfth grade, still not knowing exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up, I chose Industrial Electronics and Computers, followed by an Integrated Master's in Renewable Energies at the University of Minho. 

In 2009, I started my professional life as an R&D consultant, a profession I didn't know existed, but fell in love with immediately. I joined Yunit in late 2014, when the company decided to start working on financial and tax incentives for R&D.

Tell us about a project or moment that particularly motivated you or challenged you in an unexpected way.

Over these 10 years, I have been involved in hundreds of projects, some of which left a mark on me, either due to the innovation the project aimed for, what they forced me to learn, or the project's impact on the company and even society. It is impossible to highlight just one. Fortunately, since being at Yunit, I have had the opportunity to work with dozens and dozens of companies that surprised me with their innovative capacity, the boldness to want to go further, and the courage to innovate—some in sectors dominated by multinationals with almost unlimited resources. And one of the things that fascinates me most about consulting, and also motivates me, is getting to know these different realities and being able to be part of the story of companies that, for me, are an inspiration, supporting them in the materialisation of their strategy.

How would you describe Yunit's culture?

I would describe it as a culture of high standards and commitment, but at the same time informal and close-knit. A culture where individuality is fostered, but characterised by a strong team spirit, where there is a clear perception that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

What advice would you give to someone who has just landed at Yunit? 

What I always say in the first conversation. To be a good consultant, critical thinking is necessary. And, at Yunit, each of us is in a unique position, so we have a perspective that no one else has. Therefore, you should question and not be afraid to express your vision, because that is how we grow, individually and together.

If you hadn't gone into working at a Consultancy, is there any other sector of activity you would have chosen?

I believe I would be working in Renewable Energies, as that was the area I specialised in.

Tell us about a hobby you have or an activity you really want to do one day!

I really enjoy hiking, especially in the mountains, and for as long as I can remember I have loved reading and writing. I would say that, currently, these are my main hobbies – although I have been neglecting the latter.

What book, trip, or other activity recommendation was memorable for you and would you like to share with us?

Given my hobbies, I'll probably go with books. I don't have one favourite book; I have several, each for different reasons. Here are the first three options that came to mind and why: “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky, for transporting me inside the character's mind; “O filho de mil homens” [The Son of a Thousand Men] by Valter Hugo Mãe, for the beautiful images it evoked in me; and "Siddhartha” by Herman Hesse, for the inner discovery.

SIDE B

What is your idea of happiness? Starting the day hiking on a mountain with landscapes as far as the eye can see, and ending it dining at a plentiful table, surrounded by family and friends.

What is your most striking feature? Empathy. That, and the ability to memorize trivia with no interest whatsoever.

Which trait do you like most in yourself? The capacity to (still) be amazed.

Which trait do you like most in others? Simplicity and humour.

If you could choose a superhero power, what would it be? Telepathy.

What can't you live without? Words (Poetry).

Tell us a song you love and that has accompanied you in recent months?  Every Time the Sun Comes Up, Sharon Van Etten