Joana Mendes
@joanamendes
I turn complex transformation visions into sustainable systems, operations, and real human change.
PortugalWhat I'm looking for
I make strategic change real, translating vision into systems, processes, and practices that teams can sustain. As an independent consultant, I lead implementation and transition work through founder succession, strategic repositioning, and operational transformation.
At Rocket Factory Augsburg, I managed multi-million-euro structural development projects for the RFA One orbital rocket, connecting engineering teams, suppliers, and technicians across countries while protecting quality, safety, and delivery. At Molinum, I transformed a family property into a mindfulness-centered rural hotel, achieved Airbnb Plus and Superhost recognition, raised its energy rating from E to B-, and created year-round revenue through mindfulness experiences.
I’ve also led market research and strategy work at Universidade do Algarve, entrepreneurship initiatives at Audax-ISCTE, and smart-grid implementation support at EDP. I do my best work where purpose and practice align, especially when an organization is ready to turn an ambitious vision into what people actually do differently on Monday morning.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Hands-on implementation and transition management for organizations going through meaningful change — founder succession, strategic repositioning, and operational transformation. My work goes beyond strategy and recommendations: I build the systems, document the processes, and transfer the knowledge so teams can sustain what we create together.
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Sci
Led critical structural development projects for RFA One orbital rocket, implementing complex technical solutions while maintaining rigorous aerospace standards.
Key achievements:
- Successfully managed multi-million euro funded projects for orbital stage structures, ensuring alignment with technical requirements and project timelines
- Orchestrated collaboration across international engineering t
Transformed a traditional family property into an innovative mindfulness-centered rural hotel, creating a unique market position in a saturated hospitality landscape (2000+ similar offerings in the region).
Key achievements:
- Elevated property's energy efficiency rating from E to B- while maintaining full operations and guest satisfaction
- Achieved Airbnb Plus status, Superhost recognition, and
Led market research and strategy development for AquaVALOR project, investigating commercial potential for innovative aquaculture as functional food.
Key achievements:
- Published research paper on marketing strategy integrating consumer insights with emerging food technology
- Conducted comprehensive market analysis through stakeholder interviews and literature review
- Successfully bridged commu
Managed entrepreneurship initiatives at ISCTE University Institute of Lisbon's innovation center.
Key achievements:
- Co-authored comprehensive internationalization guide for SMEs
- Implemented multiple entrepreneurship programs (Mouraria Empreende, BGI ISCTE-IUL)
- Provided strategic mentoring to emerging entrepreneurs
Contributed to Portugal's pioneering smart grid implementation program - Évora Inovcity.
Key achievements:
- Supported coordination of country's first smart grid program implementation
- Developed market analysis for energy efficiency initiatives
- Contributed to department's marketing plan development
- Assisted in managing energy efficiency website content
- Created campaigns promoting sustainab
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
International Space University
Southern Hemisphere Space Studies Program, Space Studies
2023 - 2023
Courses: Space Applications, Space Engineering, Human Performance in Space, Space Humanities, Space Management & Business, Space Sciences, and Space Policy, Economics & Law.
Team Project - I was elected Deputy Manager of a 19 people team and together we created the "Journey to the Moon - Technological and Legal perspectives for Sustainable Human Presence". An exploratory study of the next decades
Udacity
Artificial Intelligence for Business Leaders, Artificial Intelligence
2021 - 2022
Biomimicry for Creative Innovation
Online course, Biomimicry Basics: How to innovate using nature's strategies
2021 - 2022
Iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa
Master of Science - MS, Business Administration and Management
2009 - 2012
Master thesis in Energy Management in 4 and 5 star hotels in Algarve - grade: 17
Iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa
Master of Science, Business Administration and Management
2009 - 2012
Grade: 17
Master of Science in Business Administration and Management. Thesis on energy management in 4 and 5 star hotels in Algarve, achieving a grade of 17.
Florida Atlantic University
Undergraduate, Management
2008 - 2009
Participation in an exchange program from ISCTE-IUL with Florida Atlantic University (United States of America). Attend the first semester of 2008/2009.
Iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa
Undergraduate, Management
2005 - 2009
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
PortugalAuthorized to work in
Job categories
Skills
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