Brandt Portugal's journey through Fuqua's Global Executive MBA program (GEMBA) was nothing short of transformative. As a student, he found himself among a diverse cohort of 50 peers hailing from all corners of the globe. The program's structure, which included meeting in person every two and a half months at various international locations, provided him with an immersive and culturally enriching experience. These residencies were more than just academic—they offered Brandt the chance to forge strong bonds with his classmates and to translate classroom learning into real-world applications seamlessly. The blend of virtual classes and in-person sessions allowed him to grow both intellectually and personally, making the academic content come alive in the context of global business and cultural exchanges.

This global perspective and the foundational leadership skills he acquired, particularly through Professor Allan Lind’s leadership course, had a profound influence on Brandt's career trajectory. He discovered a passion for leadership and a desire to manage and influence teams across different businesses and geographies. The international residencies, in particular, equipped him with the flexibility to lead effectively in various cultural contexts, a skill that has been invaluable in his career.

As an alumnus, Brandt's commitment to Fuqua is reflected in his dedication to giving to the Fuqua Annual Fund. His inspiration for giving back is rooted in the golden rule—treat others as you would like to be treated. This philosophy guides his approach to philanthropy, as he believes in consistently supporting organizations and experiences that have had a significant impact on his life. For Brandt, giving back is not just about financial contributions; it’s about maintaining a connection to the community and recalling the positive experiences and support he received along the way. He encourages other alumni to give back in whatever capacity they can, whether it’s time, talent, or treasure, and to do so consistently as a way of renewing their commitment to the school and its mission.

In his professional life, Brandt has built an impressive career in global banking, currently serving as the head of corporate foreign exchange (FX) for Citi in the UK, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. His journey began at Goldman Sachs in banking before transitioning to Citi, where he has worked in various locations, including New York, Tokyo, and London. In his current role, Brandt is responsible for managing a regional sales team spread across over 30 countries. His duties include establishing business strategies to achieve commercial objectives, recruiting top talent, and setting the team’s culture. For Brandt, success in his role is defined by how well his team serves their clients, aiming to become trusted advisors in navigating and mitigating currency risk. He views this relationship as a virtuous cycle—providing valuable guidance leads to stronger client relationships and more business opportunities.

One of the most significant challenges Brandt faced in his career was managing the impact of COVID-19. The pandemic brought about unprecedented changes to the way people work, blurred the lines between professional and personal life, and disrupted the global economy. In navigating this uncertainty, Brandt relied on building trust through authenticity. He believes that it’s okay to be uncertain and to develop strategies in real time, as long as trust is maintained with both the team and clients. This approach was critical in successfully steering his team through the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Throughout his career, Brandt has observed several key trends in the foreign exchange industry. He notes that while managing FX was once an afterthought for many companies, the past decade has underscored the importance of sound technology, robust risk management, and clear communication with the c-suite, board, and investors. Quantifying risk is now a fundamental step for clients looking to evolve their risk management strategies. AI is also playing an increasingly important role in global banking, making business processes more efficient and helping financial institutions better serve their clients. Although still in the early stages of AI adoption, Brandt recognizes that embracing AI is essential for the industry’s evolution.

Looking to the future, Brandt acknowledges the role of banks in financial services is constantly evolving. He notes that fintech companies have found niche roles in finance, creating either symbiotic partnerships with banks or emerging as better providers in specific areas. He also believes that blockchain and digital assets will play a crucial role in making global banking more efficient and secure over the next decade.

For current Fuqua students and recent graduates, Brandt offers valuable advice: network extensively to learn about prospective careers and employers. He emphasizes the strength of the Fuqua alumni network and encourages students to use it, but advises them to be prepared and genuine in their networking efforts. He also stresses the importance of finding one’s passion and focusing on what makes them happiest and most effective, rather than chasing trends in industries or professions.

Brandt lives by a set of guiding principles in his professional life, including the golden rule, working hard, avoiding workplace politics, and prioritizing team success over individual success. He believes in constantly investing in oneself, challenging oneself to do better, and always being honest. These values have not only guided his career but have also shaped the way he leads and interacts with others in both his personal and professional life.