An Economics graduate (2007) from Católica Porto Business School, Ricardo Monteiro is a born entrepreneur, founder of several brands such as Mercadão. As part of the "Alumni Spotlight" series, which highlights our former students, we share an inspiring interview about Ricardo’s journey.
After several years dedicated to entrepreneurship, your life looks a little different today. What are you currently doing and what are your professional projects? In recent years, I have taken the opportunity to travel and to dedicate some time to my family. I am currently an investor in micro and small companies and in a few real estate projects. I also completed an aquatic survival course from Infant Swimming Resource and spend some time teaching babies and children how to be in the water.
Two years ago you told us that “When you want to take risks, you cannot be afraid of failure.” Do you still stand by this motto? And why? It is not exactly a motto, but rather one of those aspirational slogans, though very true. Failure is part of the process, but often we do not learn that at home or at school.
You began your career in banking. What led you to leave that sector and become an entrepreneur? It was a somewhat controversial decision. I loved working in banking, both commercial and investment, and I met incredible people and professionals, whom I still hold in great regard. But at a certain point, I no longer identified with the type of work or ambition and started looking for alternatives. Being an entrepreneur is not a profession, it is more a state of mind.
You founded several digital businesses, some of them with great visibility such as Mercadão. What lessons have you drawn from this journey? In short, for me the main pillars are: i) partners and business associates, ii) passion and enjoyment for what you do; iii) good family balance; iv) people – they are always our most important asset (another slogan :) )
How did Católica Porto Business School support your professional path? At first, it was essential in my development as a person and decisive for the opportunities I had in the job market. Later on, it became an excellent source for spotting and recruiting talent for the projects we were developing.
What motivates you to continue being involved with Católica Porto Business School, either as a jury member or by participating in classes? A sense of gratitude towards Católica, but also my passion for education and training, enabling me to help other young people to guide and define their future in the best way possible.
Favourite book or podcast: Governo Sombra (or The programme which we are legally prevented from naming), for its critical perspective on politics and society.
Most remarkable figure at our School: Prof. Alberto Castro, for his charisma, experience and vision.
Personal curiosity: I played handball from the age of 12, stopped during university, and resumed six years ago with Porto Masters, now renamed F.C. Porto Vintage.
