Interview Spotlight with Susana Peixoto
Wrapping up the year, Susana Peixoto joins us for ELIA’s Roots: Stories from Our Past Board Members.
In this series, we celebrate the people who have helped shape our association’s journey and take a look back at their memories, achievements, challenges, milestones, and more!
Let’s take a look at Susana’s perspective and experiences on serving on the ELIA Board between 2016 and 2021.
- What inspired you to join ELIA?
What inspired me most to contribute to ELIA was the opportunity to learn and grow through collaboration. Working alongside like-minded individuals and companies allowed me to exchange ideas and gain new perspectives, both professionally and personally. This collective exchange of knowledge and experiences was incredibly valuable, helping all of us develop in meaningful ways.
- What do you remember most about the early days of ELIA?
What stands out most to me from the early days of ELIA is the incredible effort and dedication from everyone involved. We were all working hard to launch new initiatives and conferences, and it really felt like a team effort. One of the highlights for me was taking on the responsibility for ELIA Focus PM. It was such a rewarding experience to be part of a team that brought an impactful event to life.
- What key milestones did you witness or contribute to during your time with ELIA?
During my time with ELIA, one of the key milestones I witnessed was navigating the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was a tough period, especially when we had to cancel a major conference in Milan scheduled for February 2021. Although we had to cancel the conference, we quickly pivoted to organising online events, which turned out to be a huge success. We used special platforms with dedicated rooms for networking, and the events exceeded expectations. In the end, we managed to keep ELIA alive and continue supporting our Members—an achievement I’m truly proud of.
- How has ELIA contributed to your personal or professional growth?
ELIA has played a huge role in my growth, both personally and professionally. It’s not something that can be easily measured, but the journey has been full of deep moments of learning and joy. I’ve gained knowledge in so many areas—from marketing and technology to soft skills, management, strategy, and M&A. What really stood out to me, though, was the cultural exchange. I had the chance to connect with professionals at all levels—both senior and junior—and even turned relationships with competitors into successful partnerships. Above all, the conversations and idea-sharing with peers have had the most lasting impact, helping me grow in ways I never expected, and creating friendships that continue to influence my life today.
- What impact has ELIA had on your company’s development?
ELIA has had a huge impact on my company’s development. Every conference gave me more food for thought and boosted my motivation to do more and better. Through ELIA, we’ve gained many new clients and providers and successfully implemented a TMS, helping to streamline our processes.
- In your opinion, what has been ELIA’s greatest achievement?
The continuous creation of high-quality events, which have become key platforms for learning, collaboration, and sharing insights.
- How do you see ELIA’s role evolving in the future?
Looking ahead, I see ELIA’s role becoming even more vital as the need for continuous learning and staying up-to-date grows. ELIA can play an important part by offering high-quality training and delivering the latest industry news. Additionally, I believe there’s an opportunity to further expand mentorship and leadership development programs, helping Members navigate their careers and grow.
- What advice would you give to current and future ELIA members and leaders?
Don’t just attend the events—engage with the content, share your insights, and actively contribute to the community. This will maximize your growth and help the network thrive.
- What is your fondest memory of your time with ELIA?
There are so many fond memories, it’s hard to choose just one. However, being chosen as Director by the Members truly touched my heart. It meant a lot to me and stands out as a special moment in my time with ELIA.
- Is there anything else you would like to share?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned through my involvement with ELIA is the value of adaptability and persistence. There were times when things didn’t go as planned, but the ability to adapt and push forward, with the support of the ELIA community, made all the difference.
What are your thoughts on this Board Stories article? Check out the LinkedIn post and let us know what you think!
Click here to read our previous articles of the series and take a look at our Member Stories series too.
