Through the ethical exercise of her profession and the education she transmits to her little Allegra, every day Andrea Machado fights for a better, more egalitarian land. With Angolan roots and Aquarius as her star sign, she sees herself as the result of the education she received, valuing discipline and work, without ever forgetting what really matters: family. Andrea gained a degree in Business Economics from the University of Salford and is currently working in the automotive business at COSAL, as managing director. Her innermost, guiding desire is to create a better place for her daughter and future generations. Is such a thing possible? Only Andrea Machado can tell us, but it has always been said that what has to be, has great power behind it.
Describe Andrea Machado.
Other people would be able to do that for you; it shouldn’t really be me talking about myself, not least because it’s difficult. But, as you wish. I’m from Huambo, Angolan and my star sign is Aquarius. The first-born daughter of my parents, I have two sisters from two wonderful women and I am Allegra’s mother. As an Angolan, I have followed a life dynamic in line with its adversities. Like many, I do my part. Increasingly I do my best to make my land a more equal place for everyone.
What do you most like to do in your free time?
First of all, I try to figure out what my obligations and duties are. And, when doing this, my family comes first, contrary to what might be understood. Family is the bedrock of our interests, and that is where I give back all my personal interests and bring out the best in me, especially from my daughter Allegra, who is my delight.
Share with V&G a bit of your life story.
I have a lot of respect for you and it is an honour to be able to share a little bit of myself with you, given that, of course, many illustrious people have been with you before, of greater stature than me. The story of my life is a little of who I am, starting from my parents, who were extremely exacting. I am that way too because I grew up in that environment. But there is no blame, on the contrary, I am grateful for the extremes and for choosing to be that product of balance, to which I always set myself. I am trying to pass on this intention to Allegra. As for my academic side, I went to primary school in Huambo and secondary school in Portugal. I graduated in Business Economics at the University of Salford, in Manchester, and have done several executive courses at the London Business School. I am a founding member and the first Chapter Chair of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) in Angola, which has also contributed to my education.
«The story of my life is a little of who I am»
You have been dedicated to the world of COSAL for some years now. Tell us a little about your work.
First of all, you need to know what COSAL is. I think it’s necessary and entirely justified to say that COSAL came about from my father’s desire to expand the business since the 60s, and was later re-founded and boosted by my mother and her partners. I do not consider myself, nor am I, a phenomenon of generational transition. I wasn’t my choice; I was chosen to be part of a family-sized project. However, due to my academic background and other circumstantial factors, I ended up incorporating the «Executive Task Force»of the group. And, in this capacity, I always try to add value to the overall growth of the company.
What do you need to be a good managing director?
Spirit of enterprise, values, appropriate eclecticism and humanism.
Do you think that 15 years ago there was a predominance of men working in the automotive business?
15 years ago, and nowadays. I think that it has to do with in the dynamics and realities of the universe of human evolution. As we become more developed, we will get closer to becoming equal.
«I live in a country where women also hold positions in important sectors»
And today, do you feel that professional gender equality is already ensured in Angola?
There is no equality. In fact, the history of humanity has narratives that coincide with the history of inequality, which I do not disagree with. However, I am and I live in a country where women also hold positions in important sectors. I believe that positions should be held by the most competent, on the basis of meritocracy. I don’t see myself in the recognition derived from framework policies.
Complete. To be a woman is to be...
Allegra’s mother and Allegra’s father’s partner.
In the near future, what do you wish for your country?
For my country I wish the best and the happiest outcome for Allegra and her generation. I can only envision a generational transition knowing that I give my best and leave a safer country. I do my part.
We are celebrating the 13th anniversary of Villas&Golfe, in Angola. What have these last few years represented for you in your life and in the country?
Just as I have been in a phase of growth, learning and maturing, which corresponded simultaneously to the birth of my daughter, the country has also entered a phase of rebirth and reconstruction. I am very proud of the contribution of our family group during this particularly intense period in Angola’s history. They were 13 years of great resilience.
Describe Andrea Machado.
Other people would be able to do that for you; it shouldn’t really be me talking about myself, not least because it’s difficult. But, as you wish. I’m from Huambo, Angolan and my star sign is Aquarius. The first-born daughter of my parents, I have two sisters from two wonderful women and I am Allegra’s mother. As an Angolan, I have followed a life dynamic in line with its adversities. Like many, I do my part. Increasingly I do my best to make my land a more equal place for everyone.
What do you most like to do in your free time?
First of all, I try to figure out what my obligations and duties are. And, when doing this, my family comes first, contrary to what might be understood. Family is the bedrock of our interests, and that is where I give back all my personal interests and bring out the best in me, especially from my daughter Allegra, who is my delight.
Share with V&G a bit of your life story.
I have a lot of respect for you and it is an honour to be able to share a little bit of myself with you, given that, of course, many illustrious people have been with you before, of greater stature than me. The story of my life is a little of who I am, starting from my parents, who were extremely exacting. I am that way too because I grew up in that environment. But there is no blame, on the contrary, I am grateful for the extremes and for choosing to be that product of balance, to which I always set myself. I am trying to pass on this intention to Allegra. As for my academic side, I went to primary school in Huambo and secondary school in Portugal. I graduated in Business Economics at the University of Salford, in Manchester, and have done several executive courses at the London Business School. I am a founding member and the first Chapter Chair of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) in Angola, which has also contributed to my education.
«The story of my life is a little of who I am»
You have been dedicated to the world of COSAL for some years now. Tell us a little about your work.
First of all, you need to know what COSAL is. I think it’s necessary and entirely justified to say that COSAL came about from my father’s desire to expand the business since the 60s, and was later re-founded and boosted by my mother and her partners. I do not consider myself, nor am I, a phenomenon of generational transition. I wasn’t my choice; I was chosen to be part of a family-sized project. However, due to my academic background and other circumstantial factors, I ended up incorporating the «Executive Task Force»of the group. And, in this capacity, I always try to add value to the overall growth of the company.
What do you need to be a good managing director?
Spirit of enterprise, values, appropriate eclecticism and humanism.
Do you think that 15 years ago there was a predominance of men working in the automotive business?
15 years ago, and nowadays. I think that it has to do with in the dynamics and realities of the universe of human evolution. As we become more developed, we will get closer to becoming equal.
«I live in a country where women also hold positions in important sectors»
And today, do you feel that professional gender equality is already ensured in Angola?
There is no equality. In fact, the history of humanity has narratives that coincide with the history of inequality, which I do not disagree with. However, I am and I live in a country where women also hold positions in important sectors. I believe that positions should be held by the most competent, on the basis of meritocracy. I don’t see myself in the recognition derived from framework policies.
Complete. To be a woman is to be...
Allegra’s mother and Allegra’s father’s partner.
In the near future, what do you wish for your country?
For my country I wish the best and the happiest outcome for Allegra and her generation. I can only envision a generational transition knowing that I give my best and leave a safer country. I do my part.
We are celebrating the 13th anniversary of Villas&Golfe, in Angola. What have these last few years represented for you in your life and in the country?
Just as I have been in a phase of growth, learning and maturing, which corresponded simultaneously to the birth of my daughter, the country has also entered a phase of rebirth and reconstruction. I am very proud of the contribution of our family group during this particularly intense period in Angola’s history. They were 13 years of great resilience.