Leadership & Life Coach (PCC)
Maria Paiva is a leadership coach specialized in neuroscience and behavior, with a passion for helping people navigate complexity and unlock their full potential. Her career began with 15 years in Corporate & Investment Banking, where she led high-performance teams and executed complex transactions. This foundation shaped her strategic mindset and deep appreciation for high-stakes leadership challenges.
Today, Maria brings a warm yet assertive coaching presence to individuals, groups, and organizations. Her approach blends neuroscience, behavior science, and practical tools to help clients strengthen confidence, expand perspectives, and achieve lasting transformation—especially in fast-paced and uncertain environments.
With over 600 hours of coaching leaders across industries and geographies—including Google, National Grid, Accenture, Itaú, GFT, and Santander—Maria is known for her ability to create space for honest reflection and real change. Her personal journey through motherhood, career reinvention, and international relocation continues to shape her identity and the empathetic lens she brings to her work.
EDUCATION:
B.A., FAAP (Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado), Business Administration
M.Sc., IE Business School, Finance
Postgraduate Certificate, PUC-Rio, Neuroscience and Behavior
Professional Certified Coach (PCC), ICF
In college, Maria nearly chose to study psychology instead of business. Years later, she came full circle—embracing her deep interest in human behavior and dedicating her career to helping people grow with clarity, purpose, and courage.
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