Newton Queiroz, Chief Executive Officer currently of the Brazilian subsidiary of the largest assistance company in the globe, Europ Assistance, which has been increasing since he took the position & is currently believed to be between number one and two (there are no official studies in the market). Queiroz is a seasoned executive with an impressive career spanning more than twenty-five years. His professional journey has encompassed both national and multinational companies, where he has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to craft strategies that optimize various facets of business operations, which earned him the respect of an executive with a positive track record that delivers the results in different environments and cultures.
As a CEO, Newton has lead teams of different sizes, as he has worked in green field operations, turn around operations and transformational operations. Currently, he directly leads a team of eight hundred employees (directly hired by the company), but also needs to deal with nonexclusive providers that that such numbers to more than ten thousand people. In the current project, he has been hired to transform the company by what he says, “to take it from an Oil Tanker to a Sailboat – being as light as possible, fast, adaptable and where teamwork makes the difference.”
Newton’s leadership involves initiatives focused on digital transformation, innovation, the continuous development of professionals, the creation/testing/deployment of new products, research & development in all fields that can touch the industry, staying abreast of market trends & being a hands-on present leader. As such, Newton is focusing on actions aimed at repositioning the company’s culture, climate, and people, thereby enhancing the overall organizational environment, which is crucial for sustainable growth.
Beyond the executive role, Newton also works as board member, both administrative and consultive, different segments of the economy, where he can leverage his expertise and insights to contribute to different industries. He also works with some executives and youngsters as a Coach and Mentor, always with the aim to support their professional and personal journeys. Newton is also the Vice-President of the National Association of Microinsurance (ANM) and is constantly requested to share his expertise via articles he writes for the specialized insurance media.
Throughout his career, Newton has exhibited a keen aptitude for enhancing human development, refining brand positioning, and driving tangible & stable results. His strategic prowess extends on fostering innovation in service delivery, orchestrating successful product launches, work in continuous improving management (including himself) & delivering the basic right and with excellence or in his words “In any industries, a company sells a product or service, which is expected to deliver a basic goal/need, as such delivering the basic right is key and many companies miss that. When we go to o the basic right and with excellence, the number of companies decrease even more. That is the reason of the importance and focus on DOING THE BASIC RIGHT.” the cause of quality management. All these efforts are underpinned by an unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience.
Newton possesses a holistic perspective on the critical drivers of large-scale business success. He is instrumental in shaping and executing short-, medium, and long-term strategic plans that chart the course for organizational sustainable financial and work force growth. Moreover, he collaborates closely with his whole team (horizontal leading style) to define models that align with the company’s objectives and market dynamics, ensuring a harmonious convergence of positive deliverables.
The happiest part of Newton’s daily routine is spending time with his family. He enjoys having dinner with his wife and talking about her job as an integrative therapist and playing with his son, cherishing these moments to the maximum. Also, he put a lot of focus on his health, working out daily and maintaining a healthy diet, as without a mind and body in good conditions, one has a harder time delivering.
Leading with Integrity
As a strong and human business leader, Newton strives to be a beacon of integrity, inspiration, and empathy both in and out of the workplace. Within the professional realm, Newton endeavors to always be a visionary with a clear foresight of the future, always understanding and elucidating the ‘why’ behind every decision; and looking at the past to understand past trends, present to see current one and putting then together and analytics to imagine future scenarios.
Newton is deeply empathetic, treating every team member as a unique individual and fostering an environment of genuine support. In terms of decision-making, Newton looks to be rooted in a combination of knowledge, experience, and intuition, which is decisive for all types of situations. Moreover, Newton knows that at the end he is (and should be) the one accountable for his team decision, as well as personal actions.
It’s important to note that Newton believes strongly in continuous learning, embracing change, and valuing continuous growth. Newton also practices inclusivity to ensure a platform for diverse voices, recognizing that varied perspectives breed innovation.
Outside of work, Newton looks to separate his professional, from his personal live, and aims to be unwaveringly grounded in their core values, basing all their relationships on trust. Being committed to the community is key for Newton, as he believe that everyone must recognize the larger world outside, and the importance of every positive action one takes. Newton has learned to be a genuine believer in work-life balance, cherishing moments with their family and friends.
Personally, curiosity is a strong trait that Newton possesses, which takes them to travel, read, or explore new hobbies, continually broadening their horizons. Newton also enjoys being a mentor, as it comes naturally to them, and they love to share knowledge as others did with them (and still do).
Those close to Newton are quick to say that one of his main traits are consistent and focus, together with being altruist. This can be seemed in a boardroom, a family gathering, or a casual meetup, which he is truthful to his view and defending his teams and family members.
Commitment to Lifelong Learning
Newton understands the importance of continuous growth and development in their industry and maintains a mindset of lifelong learning and adaptability. He actively seek out opportunities for professional development, whether through advanced coursework, attendance at industry conferences, or engagement in peer networking. Mentorship also holds significant value for Newton, as they both seek guidance from more experienced professionals and mentor those who are newer to the field. Queiroz also stay well-informed by reading extensively to keep up with industry/economic/politics/environment trends, technological advancements, and shifts in market dynamics. Additionally, he participates in webinars and is an active member of different important, national, and global organizations.
In the current period, Newton recognizes certain gaps that emerging leaders may have. While these leaders often possess technical expertise and enthusiasm, they may lack qualities such as patience, deep listening, and genuine empathy. The rapid pace of the digital age has led to a diminished focus on building authentic human connections, which can result in challenges in team dynamics and morale. Moreover, many leaders struggle with managing diverse teams, having trouble to fully appreciate and leverage the wide array of perspectives that a heterogeneous group can offer. Lastly, there’s a growing trend of prioritizing short-term results over long-term sustainability and vision, which can jeopardize the enduring success and adaptability of both the leader and their teams.
Recognizing these challenges, Newton is committed to addressing them and fostering effective leadership that combines technical expertise with essential human qualities, in summary, taking the best from the former and new management styles.
Advancing Education and Healthcare Access
Newton places a high priority on bolstering education. Their focus is on ensuring that education is not only accessible to all but also of high quality. Newton believes that a robust educational system empowers individuals and serves as a catalyst for societal innovation.
Additionally, healthcare is of utmost importance to Newton. These are consistently important for the growth of his country. As such, initiatives that aim to improve medical infrastructure and increase accessibility to healthcare services are focus to Queiro. This reflects his commitment to promoting the well-being and increase of social protection network within the community.
Challenges in the Insurance Industry
Newton faces significant challenges in the industry:
- Regulatory Changes: The insurance industry is heavily regulated. Newton must navigate changing regulations and compliance requirements across different regions, aware that non-compliance could lead to penalties or loss of market access.
- Technological Disruption: The rise of insurtech startups poses a challenge to traditional insurance models. Newton, like other industry players, needs to adapt to digital transformations, leverage big data analytics for risk assessment, and address cybersecurity threats.
- Climate Change and Catastrophic Events: The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters due to climate change result in a rising number of claims that Newton must contend with.
- Consumer Expectations: Today’s consumers demand personalized experiences, transparency, and instant service. Newton faces the delicate task of meeting these expectations while ensuring the profitability of insurance products.
- Product Complexity: Newton grapples with the challenge of designing competitive yet easily understandable insurance products. This involves avoiding potential mis-selling issues and offering competitive pricing.
The insurance industry, including Newton, grapples with challenges such as regulatory changes, technological disruption, climate-related issues, evolving consumer expectations, and product complexity while providing essential services.
Newton’s Vision
Throughout his professional journey, Newton has come to value not just the destinations but also the routes he takes and the valuable lessons they bring. As he looks towards the future, his vision for his career centers on creating lasting and meaningful impacts that extend beyond profit margins. Newton’s goal is to foster innovation and collaboration, positioning himself at the forefront of emerging industries and technological advancements.
In five years, Newton envisions himself leading a multifaceted organization or initiative that champions sustainability, inclusivity, and digital transformation. He sees this enterprise as one that doesn’t merely adapt to changing times but anticipates and actively shapes them. In addition to his career aspirations, Newton aims to mentor and nurture the next generation of professionals, sharing the wealth of experience he has accumulated.
The future holds both promise and challenges, and Newton is invigorated by the prospect of further growth, both as a leader and a lifelong learner.
The Impact of Technological Advancements on Business
Over the past few decades, Newton has observed profound changes, many of which were driven by advancements in technology. Firstly, the digital revolution has created a globalized business environment. Traditional geographic barriers have dissolved, allowing companies to operate, communicate, and transact globally at unprecedented speeds.
Secondly, the widespread availability of data and advanced analytical tools has empowered decision-making processes. Big data and analytics have revolutionized corporate strategies by providing previously unimaginable insights.
Thirdly, the evolution of remote working technologies, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has transformed the conventional workplace. Flexible work arrangements have become the norm, challenging leaders to manage diversified and dispersed teams.
Finally, the rapid pace of technological innovation has heightened the need for continuous learning and adaptability.
Transforming a Company’s Operational Model for Future Success
Throughout his career, Newton has faced numerous challenges, but the most significant risk he undertook was leading a complete overhaul of a company’s operational model during a critical financial juncture. While conventional wisdom may have suggested a conservative approach, Newton believed that achieving a paradigm shift required bold and transformative action.
The stakes were enormous. The company faced potential revenue losses, stakeholder dissent, and the daunting task of retraining the entire workforce for a new paradigm. However, Newton maintained an unwavering belief that the future depended on innovation and agility, and the existing model would render them obsolete.
The journey was filled with hurdles, sleepless nights, and moments of doubt. Nevertheless, as they persevered, the changes began to yield positive results. Today, while recognizing the gamble of that decision, Newton also views it as a testament to the power of visionary leadership, trust in one’s team, and the courage to venture into unfamiliar territories in pursuit of long-term success.
Pearls of Wisdom
Having weathered numerous storms and celebrated countless triumphs in the corporate world, Newton offers this advice to the next generation of business leaders:
- Embrace Change and learn how to adapt: Recognize that change is the only constant in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape. Adaptability isn’t just a trait; it’s a survival tool.
- Cultivate Genuine Relationships: Build meaningful relationships within and outside your organization. People, with their creativity and commitment, are the lifeblood of any business. They will be your greatest asset and your guiding light during turbulent times.
- Never Stop Learning: Continual learning is essential. Complacency sets in when you believe you know it all, leading to decline. Stay curious and open to new knowledge and experiences.
- Lead with Integrity: Your decisions will have a lasting impact on lives and cultures. Make choices aligned with your values, even in the face of the toughest challenges. Integrity is the foundation of strong leadership.
- Champion Values: Leadership is both rewarding and demanding. Your legacy will be defined by your successes and the values you champion and instill in those who follow in your footsteps.
Newton also adds that incorporating these principles into your leadership journey will lead to personal success and contribute to the betterment of your organization and the broader business community.
Written by Steve Sanchez.
