Cláu­dia Alves: A Stra­tegic Ne­go­ti­at­or Driv­ing Google’s Ex­pan­sion - “Lead­er­ship is about in­flu­ence, not just hier­archy”

“I wanted to enhance my leadership abilities and develop my acumen to navigate the complexities of managing large-scale operations and strategic negotiations,” says Cláudia.

Flexible and customised learning - fit for a demanding role

While living in Denmark, she found an ideal fit with the Executive MBA programme at Copenhagen Business School, due to its flexibility and customisation.

“Initially, I considered pursuing the Executive MBA in one go, but I knew the demands of my high-level role at Google could make that challenging. The modular structure of the Executive Certificate programme allowed me to focus on areas relevant to my role, like Governance & Sustainability, without committing to the full-length EMBA journey.”

This decision allowed her to balance her responsibilities at Google with her personal well-being.

“In my role at Google, work could change rapidly, often involving managing critical infrastructure projects across multiple countries. Stepping back from the full EMBA journey was a hard decision, but ultimately the right one,” she reflects. “Having this flexible option was fantastic.”

Key learnings experiences with CBS

During her time at CBS, Cláudia completed Certificates in both General Management and Governance & Sustainability.

Cláudia found the Governance & Sustainability module particularly enriching, offering real-world insights from C-level executives who shared the challenges they face in leading organisations.

“For someone who has worked in both the tech and oil and gas sectors, understanding sustainability and governance is essential,” she says.

The power of a network

The structure of the CBS programme also allowed Cláudia to maintain a strong network with her cohort. She places great value on the relationships she built during her time at CBS and has made a conscious effort to maintain them. Despite her demanding role, she continues to stay connected with her peers from the programme, recognising the importance of a strong professional network.

"I’ve kept in touch with a close group from my CBS cohort. We still meet regularly to discuss leadership challenges, career progress, and even share advice on navigating complex business decisions," Cláudia    shares.

"These relationships have been incredibly valuable, not just as a support system but as a way to exchange ideas and gain new perspectives in both personal and professional endeavours."

For Cláudia, the network she built at CBS isn’t just about professional contacts; it’s about mutual support and continuous learning.

"The people I met were from diverse industries and backgrounds, and that mix of experiences has been a huge asset. Whether it’s bouncing ideas around or helping each other through tricky professional situations, we’ve created a space for ongoing growth."

Promoting inclusive leadership

At Google, Cláudia's role as a strategic negotiator centers on acquiring technical resources to support the company’s expansion and meet customer needs. While her technical expertise shapes her approach, she recognises the critical importance of building relationships.

"At the end of the day, we're speaking human to human, and leadership is about influence, not just hierarchy."

The courses included in the Executive Certificate in General Management also covered how leadership can inspire change at the highest levels.

“We learned how to motivate key decision-makers, especially those in finance, to move in a more sustainable direction,” Cláudia notes.

A challenging moment during her education was when she was asked to redo an assignment after realising her approach leaned more towards operational leadership than emotional intelligence.

“That experience reinforced my belief in flexible leadership. Leadership should always adapt to its organisational context.”

Cláudia has managed teams in high-pressure, mission-critical environments. For example, she recalls the first time she experienced a large compressor shutting down in real-time.

“The overwhelming sound and sight caused panic. It felt like watching an engine fail in real-time, with everyone running around. I realised how crucial it was to stay composed, absorb the situation, and think critically. When these things happen, you have to keep your emotions in check and act methodically."

Claudia's leadership style is grounded in the belief that empowering others is key to success.

"We elevate ourselves by elevating others," she says.

Mentoring and empowering the team is central to her role. She prioritises guiding team members, often at the expense of her workload, because, as she puts it,

“Leadership isn't just about managing people; it's about building a team that supports and advocates for each other when needed.”

As an advocate for women in tech,  Claudia is passionate about breaking down barriers in male-dominated industries. Early in her career, she often felt the need to over prepare just to be heard. Now, as a leader, she fosters an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of gender or background, feels empowered to contribute.

“It takes resilience,” she admits, “but I encourage women and minorities to believe in themselves and persist. Things are slowly changing, and leaders and the business world are becoming more aware of these dynamics.”