Meet Nuno Andrade

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nuno Andrade a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nuno, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Honestly, I’m still working through it sometimes. I’ve had moments where I walked into rooms, internships, or creative spaces and thought, “How did I get here?” I started leading organizations, building things, getting published, and getting invited into spaces that I once only admired from the outside — all at an age where I still feel like I’m figuring myself out.

But I realized that imposter syndrome thrives in silence. So I stopped keeping it to myself. I talked to other people—people I looked up to—and found out they felt it too. That helped me understand it wasn’t proof I didn’t belong, it was proof I was growing.

Over time, I started keeping small records of the things I was proud of—whether it was launching a successful campaign, seeing people show up to something I built, or getting invited to contribute to spaces like this. I reminded myself that none of it was luck. It was preparation, intention, and heart.

I also had to redefine what “belonging” meant. I used to think I had to become someone else to fit in. Now, I realize that the spaces I’m meant to be in are the ones that don’t ask me to shrink. And the ones I want to help shape are the ones where more people like me can show up fully.

Imposter syndrome still shows up—but now, I recognize it. I give it a nod, and then I get back to work.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m currently a rising junior at the University of Michigan, majoring in Computer Science with a focus on UX/UI and entrepreneurship. Professionally, I’ve been exploring the intersection of technology, creativity, and storytelling — and what excites me most is building things that have both impact and personality.

This past summer, I worked as a Software Engineering Intern at Amazon in the bay area, contributing to a new and innovative feature for Amazon Web Services. The project will ultimately reach thousands of cloud customers worldwide, and being part of that process gave me a front-row seat to how large-scale tech solutions are built from the ground up. It also showed me that engineering isn’t just about code — it’s about solving real problems for real people.

Alongside my work in tech, I’m deeply involved in content creation. I run both a YouTube channel and TikTok account where I share my journey, insights, and creative projects. For me, content is another form of building — just in a different medium. It’s a way to connect, inspire, and document not only my professional milestones but also the lessons I’m learning along the way.

I’ve also had the privilege of representing brands I believe in. As a brand ambassador for Auntie Della’s, a Black-owned business, I’ve been able to share their story and products with the UMich community, creating both digital and in-person engagement. It’s work that combines my love for marketing, community building, and cultural storytelling.

Looking ahead, I’m focused on blending these worlds even more — finding ways to merge technology, design, and media into work that’s as innovative as it is human-centered. Whether that’s through product development, creative campaigns, or my own entrepreneurial ventures, I’m excited to keep building spaces where creativity and impact meet.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I think the three qualities that have shaped my journey the most are initiative, courage, and resilience.

Initiative has been the driving force behind so many of the opportunities I’ve had. Whether it was applying for internships before I felt “ready,” launching creative projects like my YouTube channel, or reaching out to people I admired, taking the first step has consistently opened doors.

Courage has been just as important — not in the absence of fear, but in moving forward despite it. From presenting my work in front of people with far more experience, to walking into unfamiliar spaces where I didn’t know anyone, I’ve learned that growth often happens on the other side of discomfort.

Resilience is what’s kept me going when things didn’t work out the way I hoped. There have been times when I didn’t get the opportunity I wanted, or when a project didn’t land the way I imagined. Resilience has meant taking the lesson, adjusting, and trying again — sometimes with an even clearer sense of direction than before.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice would be: don’t underestimate small steps. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start — but you do need to start. Be curious, say yes to things that scare you a little, and invest in relationships just as much as skills. Over time, those small actions build into a foundation you can stand on with confidence.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always open to collaborating — but I’m also intentional about partnering with people and brands whose values and vision align with mine. On the creative side, I love working with brands and businesses for content creation, ambassadorships, and campaigns that feel authentic and community-driven. I’m equally excited about collaborating with other creators on videos, whether that’s for YouTube, TikTok, or other platforms — especially when the project inspires, educates, or entertains.

In the tech space, I welcome opportunities to collaborate on projects or simply connect for coffee chats. Some of my best professional moments have come from conversations that started casually and turned into mentorship, idea exchanges, or even tangible opportunities. I’m inspired by collaboration because I’ve seen firsthand how it can amplify ideas and open doors. For example, during my time as a brand ambassador for Auntie Della’s on the University of Michigan campus, I partnered with other student creatives to co-promote events and campaigns. That not only helped the brand reach more people, but it also built lasting connections between all of us involved.

I believe the best collaborations are ones where everyone walks away better than they arrived — whether that’s through new skills, expanded audiences, or fresh inspiration, so I’m always open to it!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

SinYu Deng

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