Meet Gisele Gofman

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gisele Gofman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Gisele , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

Confidence Comes from the Process

How I found purpose, resilience, and self-confidence through action, mentorship, and teaching.

There’s a special kind of confidence that doesn’t come from having all the answers — it comes from trusting the process. From showing up, learning, growing, and believing that every step, even the uncertain ones, has meaning.

Confidence and self-esteem weren’t things I was born with. They were built, little by little, throughout my career in marketing and communications — a journey that eventually led me to become a Marketing Professor and Executive Director of the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce of the Southeast (BACC-SE).

Along the way, I was fortunate to work with mentors who led by example — people who inspired me more through their actions than their words. Watching them taught me one of the most powerful lessons of my life: leadership is not about hierarchy, it’s about presence, empathy, and integrity.

Shifting from Titles to Impact

As I grew professionally, I learned to focus less on titles and more on results. That shift changed everything for me. When I stopped measuring my worth by the position I held and started valuing the quality of what I delivered, the process itself became the most meaningful part of the journey.

I began to appreciate the learning, the growth, the doubts, and the resilience it takes to deliver excellence. Promotions, recognition, and titles became natural consequences — not the goal.

Starting Over in a New Country

Then, life invited me to start over. Moving to the United States opened a brand-new chapter — a new country, a new culture, and new opportunities to reinvent myself both personally and professionally.

Six years ago, I received an unexpected invitation: to step in for a marketing professor at a university.

I had never taught before. But as a leader, I had always mentored people, trained teams, and encouraged others to grow. That experience helped me realize something insighu — teaching is also an act of leadership. It requires the same empathy, strategy, and purpose.

In the classroom, my team became my students. My results were no longer measured in sales or reports, but in how much my students learned, grew, and discovered their own potential.

When Learning Meets Doing

Over time, I developed my own teaching methodology — one that combines theory and practice, just like in the business world. Because I believe learning without applying is like planning without executing; real growth happens when we do both.

After six years in academia, I found deep purpose in sharing knowledge. To me, teaching is the only act of giving that multiplies — the more you share, the more you grow.

A New Chapter of Leadership

In 2024, I accepted a new challenge as Executive Director of the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce of the Southeast (BACC-SE). I continue to live by the same philosophy that has guided my entire journey: believe in the process, do your best, and let the results speak for themselves.

At the Chamber, I’ve learned that connecting businesses and entrepreneurs requires trust — not just in yourself, but in your purpose. People recognize authenticity. When they feel the genuine mission behind what you represent, they trust you. And through those authentic connections, credibility and visibility grow naturally, opening doors to long-term relationships and sustainable opportunities.

The Beauty of the Process

Today, I’ve learned that confidence and self-esteem truly flourish when we understand what drives us — not recognition or status, but the desire to make an impact and leave a legacy wherever we go.

That, to me, is the most rewarding part of this journey. Every challenge, every lesson, every connection — they all reinforce the same truth: confidence is not something you find; it’s something you build, one step at a time.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m currently the Executive Director of the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce of the Southeast (BACC-SE) and also a Marketing Professor, two roles that allow me to live out my purpose every day — connecting people, inspiring growth, and helping others turn ideas into impact.

At BACC-SE, my focus is on building bridges between entrepreneurs, businesses, and cultures. I work closely with Brazilian professionals who want to expand into the U.S. market, helping them navigate challenges, build credibility, and grow sustainably. What excites me most is seeing how a single authentic connection can transform a business — or an entire life.

Teaching remains one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey. In the classroom, I bring my marketing and leadership experience to life through a hands-on approach that blends theory and practice. For me, education isn’t just about knowledge — it’s about empowerment. Watching my students grow into confident, capable professionals reminds me that leadership and teaching share the same foundation: empathy, strategy, and purpose.

Right now, I’m especially proud of BACC Academy, our educational initiative at the Chamber. It’s designed to support small and medium-sized entrepreneurs through workshops, mentorship, and practical training that can immediately be applied to real-world business challenges. It’s a project that combines everything I believe in — community, collaboration, and continuous learning.

What I’d love people to take away from my work is that confidence doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from progress. Every step, every connection, every lesson contributes to who we become. That’s the philosophy I live by — trust the process, act with purpose, and let the results speak for themselves.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I would say the three qualities that had the greatest impact on my journey are resilience, curiosity, and empathy.

Resilience taught me to stay grounded through change. Moving to another country, starting over professionally, and embracing new challenges all required me to rebuild — not just my career, but my confidence. Resilience is not about being fearless; it’s about showing up despite the fear. My advice for anyone early in their journey is to embrace discomfort as part of growth. Every obstacle you face is preparing you for something bigger.

Curiosity has been my lifelong fuel. It kept me learning, exploring, and saying “yes” to opportunities I didn’t feel fully ready for — like teaching for the first time. Curiosity is what turns uncertainty into discovery. To strengthen it, ask questions, seek mentors, and never assume you know it all. The moment you stop learning is the moment you stop evolving.

And finally, empathy has shaped how I lead, teach, and connect with people. Understanding others’ perspectives helps you communicate better, build trust, and create environments where everyone can thrive. My advice here is to listen more than you speak, and to remember that leadership isn’t about being in charge — it’s about caring for the people in your charge.

If I could summarize it all in one thought, it would be this: resilience keeps you moving, curiosity keeps you growing, and empathy keeps you connected. Together, they form the foundation for both confidence and success.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

When I think about who has helped me the most on my journey, I see a combination of faith, family, and amazing people who crossed my path at just the right time.

Over the years, I’ve learned to believe and trust that God is in control — even when things don’t go exactly as I planned. That belief brings me peace and helps me stay strong during challenging times. It reminds me that everything happens for a reason, and sometimes the unexpected paths teach us the most.

My family has been my safe place — the people who remind me of my strength when I forget it myself. Their support, love, and honesty have been my anchor through every stage of change and reinvention.
And then there are the friends, mentors, and professional partners who have guided me, believed in me, and opened doors when I needed direction. Some offered advice, others offered opportunities — and all played an important part in my journey.

I’ve learned that no one succeeds alone. Every connection, every act of kindness, and every bit of faith — even the quiet kind — shapes who we become. For me, that mix of trust, love, and community has made all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Gigofman
• Linkedin: Gisele Gofman