Introducing Our Team: Beatriz
Martins

Meet Beatriz Martins, part of Exaud’s Human Resources team, whose academic and professional journey is rooted in a deep understanding of language, culture, and inclusion. With a strong foundation in intercultural communication and a commitment to inclusion, she plays a key role in fostering a supportive and forward-thinking work environment. Curious about her journey, inspirations, and go-to reads? We’ve got you covered!
 

Tell us a bit about your academic background. What did you study, and what led you to choose that particular field?

Since I was a kid, I've always loved learning new languages: singing along to songs in foreign languages, trying to guess what characters were saying in TV shows or movies, and spending endless hours with my mom trying to pick up some French using Google Translate.
It was this passion that led me to study something related to languages, in this case, Administrative Assistance and Translation at ISCAP, where I could combine my love for languages and cultures with my interest in the business world.

As for my master’s degree, I’d say the “Intercultural Communication” class I took in my second year was what truly inspired me to go for the MA in Intercultural Studies for Business, also at ISCAP. Just like that class, the master’s purpose was honestly mind-blowing, it really opened my eyes in so many ways, across different aspects of culture, dialogue, meaning, and narrative. I was able to dive deeper into topics like cultural and creative industries, cultural businesses, and internationalization. Plus, I got to explore several topics I'm passionate about in my master’s thesis, such as literature, tourism, the democratization of culture, and feminism.

How do you apply your intercultural knowledge and academic background to your daily responsibilities in Human Resources?

Oh, that’s an easy one! My bachelor’s degree is super versatile, as you get to learn three languages, technical translation, and both consecutive and simultaneous interpretation, while also diving into the various fields of the business world with courses like digital communication, public relations, law, accounting, and psychology. It prepares us to support every department in a company and it really provided me with the tools to handle challenges in the job market with confidence and flexibility.

And, of course, my master’s degree has been incredibly relevant in today’s job landscape. We learn how to navigate intercultural business environments, working with people from different cultures, generations, and backgrounds, and, honestly, just becoming more empathetic and culturally aware overall. To me, empathy, intercultural communication, understanding, and adaptability are key to a successful HR department, especially in such an international and multidisciplinary team.

Are there any particular mentors or experiences that significantly influenced your professional path?

I wouldn’t say that a single experience has had a huge impact on my professional path, but I definitely believe that dozens of small decisions along the way have helped shape my career. From getting involved in various academic activities during college, like the Student Union, the academic newspaper, event planning, and even a junior enterprise, to gaining hands-on experience in a communications and PR office at a public institution, and later working in a fast-paced company with a fully international team.

All of these experiences, with their ups and downs, have definitely helped shape the professional I am today. I’ve become more resilient, resourceful, and better at communicating with people from all over the world.

As for mentors, I can’t say there’s one person I’d consider a traditional mentor. But one name that comes to mind is Bell Hooks. She’s one of my all-time favorite writers, and as a book lover myself, I think she’s influenced me deeply—maybe more as a person than directly as a professional. Still, that personal growth shows up in my work too. She’s helped sharpen my ethical perspective, my understanding of people, and my sense of equity in the workplace. Pretty valuable qualities for someone in HR, especially given the state of the world today.

What has been one of the most challenging situations you’ve faced professionally, and how did you overcome it?

One of the most challenging situations I’ve faced professionally was working in a fast-paced company that handled projects for several huge, well-known clients - some of whom had been partners for decades! From the outside, it might seem like a typical work environment (and in many ways, it is), but seeing it from a newbie’s perspective? Terrifying.

Just a few weeks in, I was already managing projects for major clients, which naturally led to a few rookie mistakes. But that experience taught me something important: you need to fail in order to learn and, more importantly, that no man is an island.

The best way to deal with fear of failure (and failure itself) is to know you have a supportive team, to trust your abilities, and to communicate clearly. That’s exactly how I got through those early doubts and setbacks.

In your view, how can companies better support inclusivity and social impact from an HR standpoint?

From an HR perspective, I believe companies can truly support inclusivity by making equity a core part of their policies, practices, and workplace culture, not just in the formalities, but especially in day-to-day actions. It starts with things like fair and inclusive recruitment and selection processes, and making sure there’s open and transparent communication between teams and leadership.
 

On a broader social level, I think one of the most powerful ways a company can drive cultural and systemic change is by leading initiatives that involve external action, like volunteering, for instance. It’s not just great for the community, but also a fantastic team-building opportunity, don’t you think?

What are some HR initiatives or ideas you’re excited to develop or implement at Exaud?

Well, I do have a few tricks up my sleeve, but at the end of the day, my main focus is on creating initiatives that foster connection, communication, and support within the team and the company. As I mentioned earlier, I’d love to implement an active volunteering activity, or even introduce a buddy system to make the onboarding process more welcoming and smooth. Another idea I’d like to develop is a tech learning “program” with talks, hands-on sessions, and courses. Basically, I’m all for initiatives that support continuous learning of both soft skills and hard skills and meaningful team engagement.

Do you have any creative or personal hobbies that you’re passionate about? What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I’m a person with too many hobbies, if I’m being honest, from embroidery or painting to playing tennis. But if I had to pick one true passion, it would be reading. I’m an introvert at heart, so for me, nothing beats spending an afternoon at the park or by the beach with a great book.

The genres I’m most drawn to are romance and feminist non-fiction. Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many books I’ve read on this topic. But my all-time favorite has to be Feminism for the 99% - it’s such a powerful read!

You mentioned that you are particularly fond of feminist literature. What impact has Feminism for the 99% had on your worldview?

Yes, absolutely! I’m genuinely obsessed with feminist literature, it’s something I dedicate a lot of time to. In fact, I even focused my master’s thesis on the topic. It might be a bit niche, but it completely fascinates me.

For me, Feminism for the 99% is like a Bible (if I can say that without sounding too dramatic!). This book (or manifesto, really) deeply reshaped the way I think. It made me question how feminism is often perceived and how, in many cases, it centers around the interests of a privileged elite rather than addressing systemic issues and representing all people.
 

It’s such a concise, powerful, and eye-opening read! I honestly think everyone should read it at least once in their life.

Lastly, which book would you recommend to your Exaud colleagues and why?

Aside from the book I just mentioned, I’d also highly recommend All About Love by Bell Hooks. I know the title might sound a bit cheesy at first, but trust me, it is not! It’s a powerful non-fiction book that challenges our entire understanding of what love really means in today’s society. The author explores how love, when truly understood and practiced, can be a transformative force for social change, all through an inclusive and feminist lens.
 

It’s such a thought-provoking read. If you get the chance to check it out, let me know what you think, I’d love to hear your thoughts!