Datahouse Diaries: André Lopes

At Datahouse, great teams are built on shared experiences, mutual respect, and a passion for innovation.

Our latest interview in the Datahouse Diaries series features André, a leader whose journey spans multiple countries, industries, and even mountain summits.

From launching Datahouse Portugal to tackling historic renovations, his approach to leadership and teamwork reflects a deep commitment to growth, collaboration, and resilience.

A Leadership Philosophy Shaped by Experience

Having lived and worked in different countries, André has seen leadership evolve dramatically over the last 15 years.

Gone are the days of rigid hierarchies and corner offices. Today, leadership is about fostering collaboration and empowering others.

Bringing together Portuguese flexibility and Swiss process-driven precision, the Datahouse Portugal team thrives on a balance of adaptability and structured efficiency – a winning combination in the world of tech and consulting.

From Mountain Summits to Business Challenges

Adventure and challenge are not just part of work for André, they’re part of life. His annual multi-day mountain climbs test his endurance and patience, offering a contrast to daily desk work while reinforcing resilience.

One of his most memorable hikes? A grueling 14-hour, 4,200-calorie-burning ascent on the second day of Morocco’s Mount Toubkal trek.

“It was a tortuous zigzag under intense heat, with endless false summits. Time seemed to stand still, and the goal felt impossibly far. But looking back, it’s the most rewarding and toughest experience I’ve had,” he recalls.

Much like in business, reaching the peak isn’t just about the summit: it’s about perseverance, strategic pacing, and embracing the journey.

Balancing Passion Projects with Leadership

Outside of work, André channels his creativity into historic real estate renovations, most notably his Paul 1648 manor house project.

Watching spaces transform day by day gives him a sense of achievement similar to building a successful team.

“It’s addictive,” he admits. “Seeing things come together, having room to maneuver on details – it’s a thrilling process, just like growing Datahouse Portugal.”

And he’s not alone in his passion projects. The Datahouse team is filled with musicians, runners, and game developers, all bringing their own unique perspectives and creativity to the workplace.

From Ground Zero to a Thriving Datahouse Portugal Team

Starting Datahouse Portugal from scratch in 2019 was no small feat, but what stands out most isn’t the logistics – it’s the people.

“I often hear, ‘We’re lucky to have these colleagues,’ and that says everything about the culture we’ve built,” André says.

“The camaraderie and lightheartedness of our interactions make this an incredible place to work.”

His experience co-founding Altar.io gave him valuable insights into building strong teams, especially when it comes to hiring.

“Hiring mistakes are costly, so we take our time, involve different team members, and ensure we’re making the right choices.”

That dedication has paid off: Datahouse Portugal has grown from 11 team members in January 2024 to an expected 36 by the end of 2025.

A New Office, A Bigger Vision

With the team rapidly expanding, Datahouse Portugal is moving into a new, centrally located office designed to foster collaboration and comfort.

Over 50% of the space will be dedicated to social areas, ensuring a workplace that people genuinely enjoy coming to every day.

“It will be filled with natural light, close to three metro lines, and right next to the beautiful Gulbenkian Park. More than just an office, it’s a space where people will want to be.”

The Drive to Keep Going

With so many personal and professional commitments, how does André stay motivated?

“Achievement is like a muscle: the more you do, the more you’re capable of doing. And I’m surrounded by achievers, which makes it feel natural.”

And the most surprising, rewarding part of the journey so far?

“The camaraderie is real. People are at the center of everything, and this has been the best work experience I’ve had.”

Join the Journey

At Datahouse Portugal, we’re not just building a company – we’re building a culture. A place where leadership means empowerment, where challenges fuel growth, and where every team member brings something unique to the table.

Ready to join us? Explore our opportunities and become part of a team that values growth, culture, and community.