The 2022 Women Leaders In Technology: Elia Ferreira

Elia leads Deloitte's Technology and Cyber M&A practice in France, leads Innovation and Transformation for Financial Advisory, and is a valued member of Deloitte's Innovation Committee. She is a trusted advisor for Corporate and Private Equity clients through the complete M&A lifecycle, from pre-deal to carve-out and Post Merger Integration.

She started the M&A and Technology practice in France in 2008, driving an impressive growth plan and advising clients on more than 250 M&A projects. She has led iconic cross-border projects, including a $15B transaction at AXA XL and a $11B transaction at Pfizer Baby Nutrition.

With more than 20 years of experience, she has experience across many industries and cultures. Prior to Deloitte, Elia worked for PwC and Capgemini Consulting, and before that, she spent five years as the CIO of a Pharmaceutical company. Elia is fluent in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.

She graduated in Financial Maths from the University of Lisbon and University Pierre & Marie Curie (UPMC) – Paris VI (very high honors) and holds a Business Administration degree from IAE d'Aix-en-Provence (Dean's list). She studied Arts for four years at the Academy of Fine Arts of Lisbon.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

My proudest achievement is leading a global project for Deloitte related to Central Europe (and including my home country, Portugal). I am leading the establishment of a Global Technology Center and a 5G Lab in Central Europe that will support our clients globally. It will deliver the newest and most innovative services for our clients, and we're bringing our amazing Technology services in our Portuguese firm to be front and center in this Global Center. Ultimately, this center will employ several thousand people, and this represents a tremendous opportunity for the broader Portuguese economy. The visibility is extremely high, and we were fortunate to have Portugal's Prime Minister, Antonio Costa, join the inauguration celebration for our Global Center.

What advice would you give a professional just beginning a career in consulting?

Believe in yourself! Believe in your abilities and encourage yourself every day. Dream big and never give up.

What have you loved most about your consulting career?

Working in Technology and M&A Consulting has been the perfect place for me, as I'm passionate about leading the way to successful projects and outcomes for my clients.

With my teams, I'm keen to lead the way, envision new ways of working, and pass on values to the next generation. Growing while supporting other people is something that gives me a sense of purpose and contributes to a better world.

As a consultant, your clients' success is your own success! Being a trusted advisor for my clients and colleagues always inspires me to go the extra mile, find that last drop of energy, and celebrate victories.

What's the best advice—personal or professional—you've ever received?

Throughout my life, I have had hundreds of inspiring conversations with family, friends, mentors, coaches, and colleagues. One piece of advice which is unforgettable to me is, "When you're ready to receive something, life offers it to you". I have found this to be true so many times, and I work on being ready to receive what I wish for.

What does being honored as a Woman Leader in Technology mean to you?

This award is very valuable to me, as I believe it recognizes:

• My professional achievements: Thriving for 20 years in male-dominated world of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and Technology and being a pioneer in this field.
• My promise to pave the way for the next generation of leaders: Promoting diversity and mentoring people in demanding careers has been a lifetime purpose of mine. I joined an exclusively male team and quickly brought it gto gender parity, and I currently lead a team of 10 nationalities.
• My personal path: Born in Portugal, I'm was a first-generation higher education graduate. I taught myself French, immigrated to France alone at the age of 25, and became the first Portuguese female partner outside of Portugal. I hope to inspire other women to live a healthy lifestyle and balance professional success with a happy private life.