The day I had Lunch with the guy that had lunch with Steve Jobs

I was in Rio de Janeiro for the Web Summit. This well-known massive event (usually hosted in Lisbon, and Dublin, prior to that) came to South America for the first time and brought together the brightest minds and some of the most innovative ideas in the digital world. Curiosity led me to join my friend Sunil Sharma for lunch in the exclusive Forum Lounge, where industry influencers, speakers and VIPs gathered. Little did I know that this seemingly ordinary lunch would soon become an extraordinary experience, forever etched in my memory.

As I entered the lounge, I spotted Brian Collins, a design legend whose work had inspired me from the early days of my career. His incredible portfolio included creating iconic experiences for brands like Coca-Cola and Levi's, and he had even shared a lunch with the legendary Steve Jobs, an event that was so remarkable, he constantly mentions during his talks.

Our paths had crossed briefly the day before, but this was an opportunity to reconnect and learn from his wealth of knowledge. Approaching Brian, I reminded him of our previous (and extremely quick) encounter. With a warm smile, he invited me to join him, and we walked in the direction of the food station at the other end of the lounge.

As he headed towards the buffet, I quietly "invited" myself to serve a plate and have lunch with him. Excitement welled up within me as we settled at a table, anticipation filling the air. Here I was, about to have lunch with one of the most influential designers in the world — a moment I could scarcely believe.

It was during our casual conversation that I mentioned being from Brasilia, which instantly sparked his interest. Brian's admiration for the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer, the mastermind behind the design of Brasilia, set the stage for a deeper connection to unfold.

As Brian regaled me with captivating stories from his illustrious career, I was transported into a world where design held the power to shape experiences and drive positive change. His passion and vision resonated deeply with me, inspiring a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. In that moment, it became clear that this lunch was more than just a casual meal — it was a gateway to a realm where imagination and innovation knew no bounds.

To my surprise, our lunch took an even more extraordinary turn when Felipe Memoria, the co-founder of Work & Co, joined our table. Felipe's reputation as a brilliant Brazilian designer preceded him, and his presence added an extra layer of excitement to our gathering. The connection between Brian and Felipe was immediate, their shared love for architecture paving the way for animated discussions and a meeting of minds.

As the three of us (well... mostly the two of them) delved into a multitude of topics — from architecture and design to innovation and personal experiences — a symphony of ideas filled the air. Laughter and friendly banter became the backdrop for a conversation that flowed effortlessly, creating an atmosphere of genuine camaraderie and mutual respect. In the presence of these design luminaries, I felt both humbled and invigorated.

This lunchtime dialogue took on a life of its own, weaving a tapestry of inspiration and shared wisdom. Brian's relentless curiosity and Felipe's innovative insights created a dynamic that was both invigorating and enlightening. I listened much more than talked, trying to absorb every little inch of the life experiences they shared.

As we bid farewell and left the table, a profound sense of gratitude filled my heart. The unexpected lunch had become an imaginary feast—an enchanting experience that would forever shape my creative journey. The echoes of our conversations resonated within me, fueling a renewed passion for design and innovation.

In the days that followed, the memory of that lunch continued to guide me, emboldening my creative spirit and encouraging me to explore uncharted territories. Inspired by Brian and Felipe's geniality, I set forth with a renewed commitment to pushing boundaries, challenging conventions, and creating experiences that make a lasting impact.

In the tapestry of my professional journey, this 60-minute experience stands as a testament to the power of serendipity and the transformative potential of connection. It serves as a constant reminder that the most remarkable experiences often emerge from the unlikeliest of encounters.

As I ventured forth, armed with the wisdom gained from this event, I began to infuse my work with a newfound sense of purpose and creativity. Those conversations echoed within me, fueling my desire to innovate, to break free from the constraints of convention, and to forge new paths in the world of design and venture building.

Drawing inspiration from Brian's iconic designs and Felipe's innovative approaches, I set out to create experiences that would not only captivate but also leave a lasting impact.

In my pursuit of innovation excellence, I strived to create spaces where unspoken conversations could thrive — a place where ideas could flow freely and imaginations could run wild. I encouraged my team to embrace the unexpected, to find inspiration in the unlikeliest of places, and to embrace the power of connection in shaping our creative endeavors.