INTERVIEW
Fleeing a civil war in Angola as a child and migrating to Portugal before moving to the United Kingdom without knowing the language for a better life are circumstances that most people would find quite daunting.
Fleeing a civil war in Angola as a child and migrating to Portugal before moving to the United Kingdom without knowing the language for a better life are circumstances that most people would find quite daunting. Yet, this was the reality for Ana Vilhete, who did not let those life-changing experiences deter her from her dreams. Instead, the London-based serial entrepreneur, speaker, and philanthropist faced those challenges head-on to fuel her ambition and ultimate success. Now, after sharing her insights and knowledge as a contributing expert on BBC Radio, Good Morning Britain, London Live, and other media appearances, she is ready to expand her reach and inspire others at home and across the pond in America.
Through an ability to quickly adapt, Vilhete demonstrates remarkable resilience over and over again. After overcoming poverty, dyslexia, and other difficulties, she strongly persevered, launching several budding enterprises, including an event management business and cleaning company while still a student in university, and would go on to graduate from law school. Today, Ana Vilhete is the Founder and CEO of international consulting company Alium and co-founder of the law firm Themis Crown Advocates.
Along with being in demand for expertise in business and family matters, Vilhete is a sought-after speaker and mentor. As for the message she would like to get across, she shares, “If I was able to do it, anyone can do it. Essentially, it is about inspiring younger individuals to continue to pursue their education, pursue their dreams, and do whatever they think they can do, and they will become better. They will become great at what they do.”
When it comes to philanthropy, Vilhete supports several organizations around the world through her nonprofit, Alium Foundation. From providing financial assistance to the Casa do Pequeninos orphanage in her parents’ native country of São Tomé and Príncipe to sponsoring a football club in East London and volunteering at local schools, Vilhete is making a big difference in the lives of others around the world.
However, entrepreneurship is a passion close to her heart and Vilhete mentors and advises individuals from diverse backgrounds, sharing her expertise through speaking engagements and panels to help them succeed in their pursuits. “I also share the tough reality of entrepreneurship, which is challenging. Every entrepreneur can relate to this experience, but what I tell everyone is that to truly persevere, you need the tenacity to keep chasing your dreams,” says Vilhete. “I want to inspire those around me, especially young people in universities and across the globe, by sharing my story and where I am today.”
As for professional endeavors, Vilhete is also transforming organizations from the inside out. Through her company Alium, an international consulting company focused on technology, healthcare, and data, with offices in Delaware, London, Amsterdam, and Cape Town, and soon Philadelphia and Austin, Texas, she also advises leading consultancies, banks, and other organizations, again touching on the importance of adaptability.
“The challenge is adapting to constant changes in the world. There’s always something happening, like new competition or unforeseen obstacles,” Vilhete says. “The world is constantly evolving and it is about learning to keep up and adapting to this progress.”
At the moment, Vilhete hopes to share more of her story and is currently writing a book that will touch on her life from a young age, the struggles she faced, entrepreneurship, and the mentality and discipline necessary to navigate changing times.
Learn more about Ana Vilhete and her future endeavors by visiting her website.