Why We Teach: The Secret Sauce - How our Trainers Make It Work

Welcome to the final chapter of our teaching trilogy. If you haven't read the first two articles, make sure to start here and here.

We’ve explored what inspires our trainers, and how the act of teaching transforms them in return. But there’s still one big question left: how do they make it all work? How do they manage to teach, lead, build, coach, and still deliver on their everyday roles?

In this article, we peel back the curtain on what it takes — the behind-the-scenes magic, the practical routines, and the deeply personal philosophies that keep our Mercedes-Benz.io trainers thriving.

Balancing Acts

Balancing a full-time role with teaching isn’t always smooth sailing. As Frederico Brito admits, “Sometimes it’s hard to balance it honestly… Usually, on training days I am sad and frustrated because it will consume a lot of my time and I have no contact with the team. But then, after the training is done… it brings me a lot of joy and fulfillment.”

João Miguel Silva also highlights the challenge of context-switching, especially when teaching externally: “It involves a different audience and language, which demands careful calendar alignment and dedicated preparation time separate from work hours.”

For Pedro Fragateiro, knowing when to say "no" is part of the strategy. “You need to be realistic in regards to the capacity you have. That’s your first priority. I don’t plan trainings close to the end of the PI because I know those weeks will be more intense.”

Meanwhile, Francesco Macri finds synergy in the dual roles: “Teaching and my role as an Engineering Manager actually fuel each other. I treat learning and teaching as core management skills — not as extras.”

Ajith Jacob also points to the power of purposeful listening: “Beyond the formal preparation time, you’ll capture a lot of real-life examples and experiences just by being a careful observer in meetings and conversations.”

What Makes It Possible

So what’s the secret sauce? Part of it is structure. “Good calendar organisation makes all the difference,” says Patricia Fernandes. “I really need to organise things down to the minute. That structure helps me make sure nothing is left behind, including my own wellbeing.”

For Filipa Anjos, it’s about alignment: “In the company, I train SAFe courses that are very close to what I do in my everyday life — so the preparation is not so time consuming.”

And for Hugo Melim, it’s purpose that keeps the rhythm going: “I’m currently involved in a training program that directly complements my responsibilities. When purpose and practice align, balance becomes easier.”

Support also plays a big role. Filipa credits her team: “The secret sauce is to belong to a team that we can rely on. If there is an impediment or something goes wrong, others can step in.”

Paulo Canas brings a more fluid perspective: “Some weeks I’m more in teaching mode, some weeks I’m building or thinking. It all kind of feeds each other in the end.”

Words to teach by

We asked our trainers what advice they would give to someone considering teaching or mentoring. Their answers were heartfelt and honest.

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Believe in what you're sharing… and stay humble. If you’re paying attention, there’s always something to learn from your students.

Patrícia Fernandes

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Don’t forget that everything that takes you out of your comfort zone will only add to you.

Pedro Fragateiro

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Be yourself, be truthful, be there for others.

Filipa Anjos

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Start small, stay curious, and don’t wait to be an expert. Teaching isn’t about having all the answers.

Francesco Macri

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Be patient with yourself. You’re learning something new — just like a child learning to walk.

Ajith Jacob

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Observe other trainers, develop your style, and keep asking for feedback. That’s how you refine your craft.

João Miguel Silva

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Choose a topic you’re particularly interested in and dive in. Just do it!

Hugo Melim

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Start before you feel ready. You don't need to know everything to make a difference.

Paulo Canas

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The world needs more teachers. But it comes with responsibility and shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Frederico Brito

Being a trainer is more than a title — it’s a commitment, a practice, and often, a calling. And while there may not be a universal recipe for balancing it all, one thing is clear:

At Mercedes-Benz.io, teaching is a shared value. And those who do it are helping all of us grow.

We are deeply grateful to our incredible community of trainers for sharing their time, their stories, and most of all — their knowledge.

Here’s to the ones who teach. And the ones they inspire.