Alumni Stories: João Franco on Culture, Challenge, and Career Growth

In our ongoing journey to celebrate what makes Focus BC such a unique place to grow, we’re turning the spotlight on the people who have helped shape our culture: the alumni. These are individuals who took part in our evolution and carried forward the values and lessons they learned here.

First up in this series is João Franco. He joined Focus BC in November 2018 as the most Senior Engineer on the team. In this candid conversation, João shares his reflections on the experience, how it helped shape his leadership style, and what continues to make Focus BC a standout part of his professional story.

---

1. João, tell us about your journey at Focus BC. What role did you play and how did it shape your career?

I joined Focus BC as a Tech Lead and, at the time, I was the most senior engineer in the company. I had about two years of experience in a similar role, though previously I had always worked with more senior teams.

At Focus BC, I had to grow up quickly, both technically and personally. This was a defining moment in my career. I learned how to deal with frustration, how to be more empathetic, and how to truly understand the people around me. I matured in the way I worked with others and, importantly, learned to delegate.

Before Focus BC, I was the type to do everything myself. That changed. 

2. What led you to join Focus BC?

 My journey to Focus BC began through my connection with Mário Sobral. We first met during a job interview where he was the interviewer. We immediately hit it off and built a great connection, but at the time, I accepted a better-paying offer from another company and went in a different direction. Coincidentally, just two months later, when I joined that company, I found out that Mário had also been hired there.

From that point on, we worked closely together, building both a strong professional collaboration and a great personal relationship. Over time, our conversations naturally began to revolve around Focus BC. We had been discussing the company for nearly a year before I finally decided to take the leap. It felt like the right challenge at the right time, and it definitely was.

3. Was there a project or challenge at Focus BC that particularly stood out to you?

For me, the most impactful challenge was building the engineering team. We were introducing new software development practices and aligning engineering with the sales and consulting side of the business. That process of alignment was transformative. It showed me the power of collaboration across departments and how much stronger the outcomes can be when everyone’s pulling in the same direction.

As for projects, the UEFA and Carris engagements stand out. They were technically and strategically interesting. Even the projects that didn’t go as planned offered valuable lessons, especially in understanding the client’s business and adapting along the way

4. What’s the biggest lesson you took from Focus BC?

The importance of honesty and empathy in the workplace. These two qualities are fundamental to creating relationships of trust within the team and ensuring that everyone feels valued and listened to.

I always felt I could speak openly with the team, and that openness was reciprocated. But I also learned that being honest isn’t just about saying what’s on your mind. It’s about knowing how and when to say it. That’s where empathy comes in.

5. Now that you're a Team Lead, how has your leadership style changed since your time at Focus BC?

My leadership approach has evolved a lot. I now lead teams that are often less experienced, which has pushed me to become more patient and empathetic. I’ve learned that letting people make mistakes can be more powerful than stepping in too early. In the past, I would quickly try to correct something if it wasn’t done the way I would do it.

Now, I see the value in giving others the space to try, learn, and grow. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, and a good leader’s role is to support the team through those moments. That shift in mindset has helped me build a stronger, more confident, and self-reliant team.

"The importance of honesty and empathy in the workplace. These two qualities are fundamental to creating relationships of trust within the team and ensuring that everyone feels valued and listened to." João Franco, Focus BC Alumni

6. If you could work with Focus BC again on a project, what would it be and why?

For me, the specific project doesn’t matter nearly as much as the people involved. Working with Focus BC has always been a very positive experience, and I know that any challenge in the area of software development would be, above all, rewarding. I’ve seen Focus BC take on some really interesting projects, like the Mapify and UEFA initiatives, and they all reflect a high level of ambition and care.

I still keep in touch with Sandro Batista and we often exchange ideas. If the opportunity to collaborate again came up, I’d be excited to jump in, regardless of the project’s scope.

"Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, and a good leader’s role is to support the team through those moments." João Franco, Focus BC Alumni

7. Lastly, do you have a message for your former colleagues at Focus BC?

Just a big thank you to everyone. My time at Focus BC had a profound impact on both my professional and personal development. There were moments of growth that I truly believe wouldn’t have happened anywhere else.

Thank you for maintaining such a strong culture of transparency, mutual support, and continuous challenge. That’s what makes Focus BC such a unique place to work. I’ve been part of many teams since, and I can say with confidence that Focus BC is different, in the best way possible.

Bonus Question: A Memory to Remember

One of my favorite memories is the Friday wine tradition at the office. At the end of the week, we’d all gather, open a bottle of wine, and just connect. It was a simple ritual, but one that really brought the team together and created space for genuine moments of friendship.

João is one of many who helped shape the Focus BC story  and continues to carry a piece of it with him.

We’re always looking for curious, driven people to grow with us. Take a look at our open roles and see where your story could start.

👉 Check out our Careers Page here: https://www.focus-bc.com/careers