Rodrigo Silva '13 MBA '15
Rodrigo Silva ’13 MBA ’15 is president of the International Markets and Relations for Nui/Symatri. Nui/Symatri creates a way for clients and businesses to have a balanced approach to their interactions using blockchain and other technologies. Here, Rodrigo tells us why he thinks UVU is such an important part of the community and what the true purpose of any business is.
What was one of your favorite memories at UVU?
Utah Valley University has been part of the community for a long time. But just being part of the community does not exactly express the value of the university. In my words and memories, I see that UVU has been an important way to add value to so many key points in people’s lives, not just those in the valley, but across the world. The values that I learned and the memories of how I was treated as a student are amazing. I believe that “recognition” and “equality” best define the appreciation that I have for the school and our community. Everyone here is treated equally!
What was your path to your current career and why did you make these choices?
I love business. I love to create new businesses and ideas and to implement and manage teams. I am a people person, and what I like most is to see how my business or the businesses that I work for will improve the lives of others. The purpose behind all business is not money — it is the people! Money comes and goes, but the most important thing is how we could, as a business, impact lives around the world.
My career in the network marketing industry started 20 years ago. I joined a local company in supporting them with marketing materials, and I fell in love with the business model. Since then, I have improved many areas and enjoy bring the traditional product industry segment to the service industry segment under the crypto world as well. Exciting things are coming in the next few years!
What are some of the key responsibilities of your role? What does a “day in the life” look like for you?
I have the opportunity to work with an amazing team that supports our 114 markets and more than 384,000 members around the world. My key daily responsibilities are to oversee all the sales channels and the international market’s performance and needs, as well as partner with cross-functional department leaders to ensure that our model and brand is delivered to all affiliates with no mistakes in communication. I also develop and manage all the public relations and partners that we have business with locally and internationally and support my local market managers with all the information needed to complete their roles.
What is your favorite part of your job or what are you most proud of and why?
I love to work with people, and my job provides me that opportunity. The best part is growing in knowledge about the new blockchain market and helping people have a better life using our products.
What is one of the key issues your industry is facing and your thoughts on addressing this challenge?
Great question. I believe one issue is the fear of new things! Why? We are talking about the cryptocurrency market, new legislation, new rules — everything is different from the traditional market that we know. Digital is the future, and education about this new movement is the key factor to solve it.
What advice do you have for someone interested in your industry?
Be ready to discover a new world. Be ready to learn and question. Be open-minded because the new digital world is here.
What are three transferrable skills that you think contribute to professional success?
- Trust
- Confidence
- Transparency
What’s something about you that might surprise people?
I am not as organized as people think I am.
Why does UVU matter to you?
UVU is part of my life. It is part of who I am, and I am grateful for every single minute that I had on campus. I hope that one day I could be invited to share and teach classes at UVU on campus. I hope the knowledge that I learned as part of the international business world could be shared with new students and, if possible, support students in becoming successful in their career choices.
Utah Valley University is proud of the impact our more than 100,000 alumni make in diverse industries. Visit uvualumni.org for more Wolverine Stories, alumni and student networking programs, and opportunities to give back to UVU.