The Swiss Army Knife That Keeps the House Running
Aminaize Andrade on paper, Amy to those who know her. Originally from São Tomé and Príncipe, an island nation in the Atlantic Ocean that few people have even heard of, she made her way through Portugal, the Sorbonne, and business school before landing at Kalstein. Three years later, she has become the company’s coordinator and institutional memory.
A Journey Between Two Continents
After attending school in Portugal through middle school, Amy continued her studies in France and enrolled at the Sorbonne, pursuing a degree in Applied Foreign Languages (Spanish/Portuguese). But theory alone was never really her thing. She eventually shifted toward a bachelor’s degree in international business development, a path far more aligned with who she truly is.
“I was looking for an experience where I could grow and gain skills. I was lucky enough to come across an opportunity that perfectly matched my profile.”
That was two years ago. She never left.
Coordinator: One Title, a Thousand Roles
Amy describes herself as a Swiss Army knife — and it is probably the most accurate description possible.
HR, internal and external scheduling, coordinating client meetings for the sales team, strategy development, executive support, payroll, interviews… she organizes, anticipates, and coordinates it all. In just two years, she moved from sales assistant to executive assistant, and eventually to coordinating the entire team.
“No two days are ever the same, and I like being able to break the routine.”
One thing she never expected to enjoy so much? Writing emails. An art she has clearly mastered.
Cool Head, Strong Mindset
Her biggest daily challenge is handling multiple priorities at once without letting any of them fall through the cracks — a skill that does not come naturally to everyone.
“I keep a cool head.”
Simple, direct, effective — just like her.
The Moment That Matters
Her proudest achievement was coordinating, from A to Z, the signing of a major contract with a Brazilian distributor. Logistics, timing, team coordination — the kind of project that makes you want to throw confetti alone in your office.
She also made a discovery that changed her life — and probably the whole team’s as well: a bakery just steps away from the office with pastries absolutely worth the detour. Some information is simply too valuable to keep secret.
A Company That Runs Smoothly
For Amy, Kalstein can be summed up in two words: the team. A fast-growing company where you can clearly see both how far it has come and where it is headed.
“It’s a company that evolves quickly. You have a clear vision of where it’s going.”
On difficult days, it is the team’s energy that keeps everyone going. And the paycheck. Amy is honest.
As for the future, her ambition is clear and unapologetic: take on more responsibility, develop her leadership skills, and secure a position as a department director — and, naturally, “the paycheck that comes with it.”
Her Advice to Newcomers
“Live up to the responsibilities you’re given. Here, you grow fast — so you’d better be ready.”
Outside the office, Amy lives life to the fullest: great food, gym sessions, nights out, and quality time with family. A mindset that shines through in everything she does.