
Why We Teach: Stories from Within
Some people are born to teach. Others stumble into it by accident.
At Mercedes-Benz.io, we’re lucky to have a team of professionals who not only excel at their craft — they share it. Some teach fellow MB.ioneers, others lead workshops externally. And all of them started somewhere.
In this mini-series, we’re spotlighting some of the trainers among us — not just what they teach, but why they do it. Because when someone chooses to pass their knowledge on, there’s often a story, a spark, and a purpose behind it.
This is where it all began.

Patrícia Fernandes - Social Media Specialist
Patricia’s teaching journey began humbly, helping her brother with basic arithmetic. Years later, a professor invited her to speak to university students about her career in social media. “She liked it and kept inviting me back,” she recalls. “That’s when I thought… why not?”
Today, she teaches everything from content marketing to unconscious bias. Her mission? To empower others.
Helping people feel empowered is, without a doubt, my favourite part of it all.

Pedro Fragateiro - Release Train Engineer
Pedro's teaching roots go back to Siemens, where he led Agile and Scrum sessions using LEGO to simulate teamwork. As he transitioned into SAFe and grew into an RTE role, his mission expanded: not just to teach the framework, but to change mindsets.
What inspires me is the opportunity to simplify complex topics through practical examples and challenge perspectives. That’s where real learning happens.

Filipa Anjos - Release Train Engineer
Filipa first stepped into teaching through baptism preparation courses, guiding young couples on values and parenting. This personal experience lit a professional spark.
As a senior professional, I realised I should share what I’ve learned. Teaching helped me grow in confidence and communication.
Now she delivers SAFe trainings within Mercedes-Benz.io, drawing on her day-to-day experiences to bring the material to life.

Francesco Macri - Engineering Manager
Coming from a family of educators, Francesco always felt connected to teaching. But it was his first experience as a training participant that changed everything.
I saw how a skilled trainer could spark mindset shifts in a safe, supportive space. That inspired me to do the same for others.
He now teaches Scrum, Product Ownership, and facilitation, blending interactivity with insight.

Ajith Jacob - Talent Development & Growth
Ajith didn’t plan to become a trainer. But looking back, the signs were all there: supporting fellow students, giving client demos, and a deep love for learning.
When we find our interests and align them with our profession, work becomes truly satisfying.
Today, he delivers SAFe trainings full-time, blending passion with purpose.

João Miguel Silva - Product Owner
João discovered his love for teaching while onboarding interns and running freelance digital literacy sessions. It came naturally.
I realised I enjoyed empowering others with knowledge on topics I love. That spark just kept growing.
From Agile leadership to Scrum fundamentals, his sessions now inspire both colleagues and external students.

Hugo Melim - Release Train Engineer
For Hugo, teaching was a continuation of learning. After going through the Agile Leadership Training himself, he felt compelled to give back.
I resonated so deeply with the content and values that I wanted to be part of helping others grow too.
Still early in his teaching journey, Hugo already sees the ripple effect of shared learning.

Paulo Canas - Senior Partner, Talent Development & Growth
For Paulo, it all began with a simple belief: when you share what you know, you grow. From product trainings to Surf.Art Therapy to facilitating the 7 Habits program, his teaching story is rooted in purpose.
You never walk into a room with all the answers. You tap into the collective intelligence that’s already there.

Frederico Brito - Product Owner
As the oldest of six, Frederico was always helping others learn. But it was when he began delivering Agile Leadership Trainings at MB.io that everything clicked.
I was no longer impacting one person, but a large group who could influence an entire organisation. That changed everything.
But... what happens next?
These journeys into teaching weren’t always planned — but they all began with a desire to connect, share, and empower.
In our next article, we’ll dive into what happens after that first class: how teaching others can transform your own growth, confidence, and career. Spoiler: the students aren’t the only ones learning.
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