Octávio Figueiredo‘s story with Ramacrisna began many years before he was born. And it continues today.
In this edition of “Inside Ramacrisna”, we’ll tell you how this relationship arose and how, today, Octávio is an important part of the Institute’s actions.
From father to son
“I can’t say when I joined Ramacrisna, I’ve always been here”, jokes Octávio. The Institute was the home of Gilberto Mendes, his father, from childhood to adulthood.
As a child, Gilberto had an accident and was unable to return to his home, which was in the countryside. Therefore, Professor Arlindo, founder of the Institute, welcomed him to Ramacrisna. And he became one of the inmates, until adulthood, moving only when he married.
But no, the story didn’t end there. After getting married, he moved to a house near Ramacrisna, continuing to be present and active at the Institute as a counselor. As the eldest son, Octávio accompanied him to meetings, graduations and sporting events.
It was also at Ramacrisna that little Octávio came to play on weekends, taking advantage of the leisure areas and green spaces. But it was only as an adult that he officially joined the Institute.
Professional Journey
Octávio’s first visit to Ramacrisna was as a financial assistant, a position he held between 2011 and 2013. In 2015, he returned to the Institute and went through some sectors, such as purchasing, human resources, and in 2018 he joined the Fabric Ramacrisna Factory team, working in the commercial sector as a seller.
It was then that he understood the commercial part and became increasingly interested in all the processes linked to the activities of the sector. Over time, the responsibilities within the factory increased and, seeking to learn about new tools that could help with routines, he took an MBA in Strategic Business Management, with the support of the Institute. This knowledge was the basis for him to become the Plant manager, a position he has held for 2 and a half years.
“I’m in love with Ramacrisna, but even more with the Factory”, he jokes. He explains that he is proud of the position and recognizes the responsibility it requires. In addition, he emphasizes that the goal is always to generate more resources for Ramacrisna’s social actions and contribute to making the Institute self-sustainable.
Love for Ramacrisna
But it is not just a professional achievement: Octávio reports that he had numerous opportunities for growth and improvement in his personal life as well..
“This is reflected in my care for the family, in my delivery to others, in interpersonal relationships. It’s also a growth as a person, in my relationships outside the Institute”, he explains.
In addition, Ramacrisna provides constant challenges and a constant exchange with other dedicated and passionate professionals. Finally, Octávio mentions the realization of seeing the result of his work.
“My job is not just to benefit a person who owns something. It’s to benefit multiple lives. So, it’s a greater satisfaction than any other place could give me. I see in theory and in practice the result of my efforts.”, he says.
Life motto
The feeling of gratitude is present in Octávio’s relationship with Ramacrisna. For him, being an employee of the Institute is a way of trying to contribute to an institution that has helped his family so much and that, today, benefits so many other people.
“The Ramacrisna belongs to all of us. Therefore, we have to responsibly take care, watch over and manage all this work that Professor Arlindo founded and which became the power that it is”, he believes, quoting his father.
Now, a new generation of the Figueiredo family begins to love the Institute: 7-year-old Otto. He is Octávio’s son and says that when he grows up, he also wants to work at Ramacrisna.
“He’s still so little and already has gratitude. He already knows the importance of Ramacrisna to our family. This is the effect of the Institute on our lives”, he concludes.
To continue transforming the lives of several families, Ramacrisna develops projects in the area of education and community support. You too can make a difference in people’s lives. Be part of this change.
See the other editions of our series:
1 – Inside Ramacrisna: know the story of Clediane Duarte
2 – Inside Ramacrisna:know the story of Geisibel Castro
3 – Inside Ramacrisna: know the story of família de Efigênia Preciliana
4 – Inside Ramacrisna: know the story of João Victor Rodrigues
5 – Inside Ramacrisna: know the story of Thiago Euzébio
