In a constantly evolving technology market, true innovation still comes down to people. Meet the story of resilience, closeness, and growth of Adriana de Castro Silva, North Leader Talent Manager at KCS IT.

From recruitment to team leadership: A journey of growth

Adriana de Castro Silva recently celebrated more than five years at KCS IT. Over this period, which she describes with pride, she had the opportunity to grow alongside the organization, overcoming the challenges of a demanding market, post-pandemic adjustments, and constant global headwinds.

Her start at KCS IT came in a mixed role that combined recruitment with people management - a model shared by the whole team at the time. However, her naturally close approach and her seniority pointed to the next step in her career.

"Our director at the time invited me to be her right hand in People Management. I took on the challenge because of my natural closeness with our consultants and because, although I really enjoyed recruitment, human follow-up is where I feel most fulfilled" - Adriana recalls.

Today, as North Leader Talent Manager, Adriana is responsible for leading and supporting the consultant through their entire lifecycle at KCS IT: from the check-in moment to the exit meeting. "In the middle of all this, my focus is understanding whether each person is happy, whether they like their current project, and helping to speed up any matter with the group's other departments."

Organization, sharing, and good spirits: The secret to the team's success

Managing people and teams requires constant learning. For Adriana, one of the most memorable and challenging moments of the year is the internal audits.

"Audits are always moments when I ask my team: 'Why do we get so nervous if, in the end, they always say everything is perfect?' Through this process, I've learned to be more organized, to listen more, and, above all, to accept help in areas where I might not be as skilled."

Day to day, Adriana's impact on the team is visible in the department's energy. Those who work with her say her good mood is contagious - something Adriana always tries to convey, even on the most demanding days. Beyond direct management, Adriana leaves her mark on organizing internal events, choosing gifts for employees, and actively gathering feedback to improve everyone's experience.

Human Intelligence vs. Artificial Intelligence: The best outcome

When asked about the biggest achievements over these five years, Adriana's answer is simple, yet telling: "Fewer and fewer exit meetings."

In an era dominated by Artificial Intelligence and automation, Adriana firmly defends the value of real human contact.

"I like to believe we're still winning on 'human intelligence' - through closeness, listening, and genuinely following people and their careers. However much technology evolves, managing people has no formula and no possible automation. We can have excellent tools, but at the end of the day, what makes the difference is being present, understanding the other side, and building real connections."

Curiosity: A passion that crosses paths

Outside the office, Adriana has a side activity she loves: decorating and managing tourist apartments in the city of Porto. And, in a happy coincidence showing how her professional and personal worlds cross paths, several KCS IT consultants have ended up staying at her properties. Proof that, for Adriana, welcoming people well is a calling that goes well beyond office hours.