Soraia Silva Santos brings nearly two decades of experience in people and culture programming, spanning employee engagement and internal communications.
Her journey began in the higher education and public relations sectors, where she discovered her love for storytelling and building meaningful connections with people. Since joining Capco in February 2024, Soraia has helped to lead its global Inclusion and Belonging programs, guided by a clear mission: to create a workplace where everyone feels seen, valued, and truly connected.
Whether she’s building strategies or championing equity, Soraia believes that human connection is central to how we thrive at work. Off the clock, she’s either dancing at live gigs or cheering proudly as a full-time football mum.
Inspired by the book In the Company of Women by Grace Bonney, this campaign highlights stories like Soraia’s that embody the empathy, confidence, and authenticity of female leadership at Capco.
Her path, her words
What three words would colleagues use to describe you?
Creative, driven, adaptable. I love turning challenges into opportunities. Once I commit, I go all in, and I’m always ready to adapt and keep moving forward.
Which of your traits are you most proud of?
Balancing quiet reflection with genuine human connection.
Whether it’s a one-on-one chat or a room full of voices, I make it count – not by talking the most, but by listening, understanding, and leaving people feeling seen.
That kind of connection is a quiet strength, and one that’s shaped my growth as a female leader and resonates with how we support each other at Capco.
What’s your greatest career success?
My 20s were all about career exploration and I fell into roles rather than following a clear passion. By 32, I was a new mum on the cusp of promotion, but something felt off. If I was going to be away from my son, it would have to be for work that truly mattered.
I had no formal HR background, just transferable skills, instinct, and determination. So, I moved into employee engagement, starting with a temp role. Within six months, I was promoted to Group Manager. That leap wasn’t just a career shift; it was proof that reinvention is always possible when you believe in yourself.
It’s that belief in purposeful work and self-trust that continues to guide me at Capco, where Inclusion and Belonging aren’t just programs, they’re living commitments.
Is there a childhood experience that shaped your career or outlook?
When I was 10, my mum left our home with just me and a suitcase. She walked away from everything she had worked for and never looked back. I remember her saying, “It doesn’t matter. I’m not afraid of hard work.”
That moment showed me the power of a woman choosing herself, even when it’s hard.
Now, whenever I face a challenge, I remind myself: if something needs to get done, I’ll get it done.
How do you celebrate your achievements?
Big or small, every achievement deserves to be savored. For me, it’s about intentional self-appreciation – whether it’s a Selfridges treat or finally booking that long-overdue spa day. It’s my way of saying, you’ve earned this.
How do you start your mornings on the right foot?
My mornings usually go one of two ways: either I hit snooze endlessly and feel more tired, or I jump out of bed, throw open a window, and blast a song to set the tone. Lately, it’s been the latter – iced coffee in hand, dancing around the house with my signature two-step.
Fresh air, music, and movement are my ultimate energy resets.
If you magically had three extra hours in a day, how would you spend them?
Writing. Whether it’s reflections or fleeting thoughts, it’s where I find joy and creativity. It’s also where I make sense of the layers – being a mother, a woman, a leader – and find clarity in the in-between.
What’s your favorite thing to come home to after a long day?
For me, home isn’t just a place, it’s a feeling. The moment I step inside, I’m surrounded by the essence of us – my partner, my son Zion, and me. Our space reflects everything we love: fashion books, cool gadgets, unique collectibles.
No matter how tough the day has been, walking through that door instantly grounds me. And that kind of space is what I also hope we continue to build in workplaces like Capco: safe, strong, and human.