Returning to BSV: A Journey of Growth, Connection, and Building with Purpose (By Barbara Machado)

The first time I participated in BSV was in 2019, during its inaugural edition. Seven years later, I had the privilege of attending again and, once more, being amazed by the quality of both the speakers and the audience. Just like the first time, BSV was one of those experiences that expands not only what you know, but, more importantly, what you believe is possible. Being immersed in an environment filled with people who are building the future connected me directly with the latest in technology and also gave me an even clearer perspective on the strength and potential of Brazil’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Today, I am building a business in the pet industry, and participating in BSV at this stage of my journey had an even deeper impact. Being surrounded by people who are also building, testing, and thinking big brought not only inspiration but also very practical insights on how to evolve what I am creating.

Returning to the Bay Area also held a special meaning. It felt like revisiting a place that had once sparked big dreams in me during my time at Minerva University—but now with a new role and a new responsibility: building something of my own. I felt a beautiful mix of nostalgia and ambition, as if a cycle were closing while, at the same time, a new one was beginning.

One of the biggest lessons I am taking with me is the importance of knowing how to tell your own story. In a space filled with so many incredible people and ideas happening at the same time, being able to clearly communicate who you are, what you are building, and what you are looking for makes all the difference. More than just a pitch, it is about creating genuine connection in just a few minutes.

I also learned something that may sound simple but made a huge difference in practice: not being afraid to say how people can help you. There is a strong willingness to help in these environments—almost magical and contagious. People genuinely want to support, get involved, and see others grow. At the same time, real connections only happen when there is true exchange: active listening, genuine curiosity, and a willingness to contribute as well.

One moment that really stood out to me was a conversation with someone who loves dogs. As I shared what I am building and, more importantly, listened to this person’s affection for their pets, we were able to create a real connection. From that, they offered to connect me with veterinarians and others in the pet industry. It was a powerful reminder that meaningful connections don’t come only from “networking,” but from presence and authenticity.

I leave BSV with a lot of energy and also with concrete results: I returned with the contact information of 32 people who offered to help—whether through valuable connections for my business, feedback, potential future investment interest, or simply exchanging ideas about technology.

And all of this was only possible thanks to LALA. I have been part of LALA since 2017, and I continue to be impressed by the quality and intentionality of its leadership development programs across Latin America. It was through LALA, back in 2017, that I discovered it was possible to study abroad—and that changed my life. Now, seven years later, once again through LALA, I had the opportunity to experience one of the most impactful weeks of my entrepreneurial journey by participating in BSV alongside four incredible Lalíderes, who taught me so much.

Beyond the conference itself, LALA organized a series of parallel activities that further enriched the experience: we visited Google X, Stanford, Minerva, and Bloomberg, in addition to participating in several lunches and dinners where we were able to share more about LALA’s impactful work, our own projects, and strengthen connections. These moments were just as transformative as the conference itself.

More than anything, I leave with the feeling that I am exactly where I am meant to be: building something I truly believe in—something that has the potential to bring positive impact to the world—while learning and being surrounded by a community that believes in the power of dreaming big and building together.

Article by Barbara Machado (LALíder).