About
IT WAS NEVER ABOUT TECHNOLOGY. IT WAS ALWAYS ABOUT PEOPLE.
I belong to the last generation to consciously experience the shift from analog to digital. I spent almost three decades at the heart of that transformation. The most important lesson? Technology never decides on its own. We do.
The journey
I spent 25 years in tech: 7 at HP and 18 at Microsoft, between Brazil and Canada, where I lived for 10 years. I led launches, brought Microsoft’s portfolio to the cloud in Canada and joined the company’s early Responsible AI team. In 2023 and 2024, I was on the core launch team for Microsoft 365 Copilot, responsible for use and adoption across every country in the Americas.
1999–2006
HP
2006–2011
Microsoft Brazil — Windows and Dynamics (world’s top Dynamics CRM Online launch)
2011–2019
Microsoft Canada — cloud product marketing
2019–2021
Accessibility Lead, Toronto
2021–2023
Director of Modern Work and Security, Brazil
2023–2024
Director of Microsoft 365 Copilot, Americas
Since 2024
A Oficina da Mente, StartSe and the book
What changed me
Leading accessibility at Microsoft in Toronto changed how I see technology. I worked on employment, inclusive education and health programs for people with disabilities in Brazil, Canada and the United States. I helped create an AI solution to reduce the impact of epileptic seizures on children’s lives. It won the grand prize at the Microsoft Global Hackathon and was publicly celebrated by Satya Nadella. Through MySkills4Afrika, I brought technology and training to seven African countries. I have travelled to 47 countries, looking for the stories that show when technology includes — and when it excludes.
What I do today
Speaking
500+ talks in 12 countries, including the UN, and two TEDx appearances.
Consulting and training
A partner at A Oficina da Mente alongside Felipe Chaya and Felipe Novaes, bringing strategy, AI adoption and leadership development into organizations.
Executive education and the book
StartSe faculty member, leader of the IBM-sponsored IA para Todos program, advisory board member of ESPM’s AI and Innovation hub, and author of Nunca Foi Sobre Tecnologia (Alta Books, 2026).
“I believe technology can improve education, work and life for billions of people — especially those with disabilities. And that a leader’s role is to remove barriers.”
— Ricardo Wagner
Education
Economics (Mackenzie) · MBA in Marketing (ESPM) · MBA in Management (FGV) · Portuguese, English and Spanish.
Recognition
Microsoft Global Hackathon grand prize · Microsoft Platinum Club (2018 and 2020) · Outstanding Achiever · Marketing Excellence Award.