Female leadership at Atolls takes many forms, and Maria Fernanda Antunes Junqueira’s story is one of bold growth, empathy, and balance. As one of the first employees in Latin America, Fernanda helped build Atolls Brazil from the ground up. Today, she leads with intention, trust, and the belief that leadership and motherhood can thrive together.
Building Atolls Brazil from the Ground Up
When Fernanda joined Atolls, her challenge was to create something from scratch. She wasn’t just launching a new market, she was laying the foundation for a company culture that would grow across borders.
What inspired her most wasn’t just the business opportunity. It was the chance to build teams, nurture careers, and see others succeed. She describes watching her team grow and thrive as one of the most fulfilling parts of her journey.
Leading with Balance: Motherhood and Leadership
For Fernanda, female leadership means more than strategy and execution, it includes raising a family while managing ambitious goals. Motherhood became a defining part of her story. Balancing two full-time roles, as a leader and a parent, has brought both challenges and deep rewards.
She emphasizes that success requires more than just multitasking. “It’s about being emotionally and mentally present with my children, not just physically there,” she says. Delegating wisely, creating structure, and embracing support systems, including her partner, have helped her lead with intention.
Letting Go of Perfectionism to Lead Better
Fernanda’s career taught her that perfectionism is not a badge of honor. It’s a barrier. Over time, she learned to let go of the need to do everything flawlessly.
Instead, she embraced what matters most: progress, learning, and adaptability. In the fast-moving world of tech and product leadership, those qualities matter far more than perfection. “Sometimes, good enough is enough,” she reflects. “That mindset has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally.”
The Power of Delegation in Female Leadership
One of the most valuable lessons in her leadership journey has been to delegate and trust her team. Empowering others doesn’t just help lighten her workload, it strengthens the entire organization.
By fostering autonomy and growth within her team, Fernanda has built a culture where ownership, innovation, and collaboration thrive.
Mentorship and Support Networks Matter
Fernanda actively seeks out and offers mentorship. She surrounds herself with women who inspire her and is passionate about giving that support back.
She believes that female leadership at Atolls is strengthened by community, not competition. Letting go of the illusion of doing it all alone, and embracing support from mentors, friends, or family, has been key to her success.
Leading by Example at Atolls
Today, Fernanda leads Atolls Brazil with resilience, clarity, and purpose. She empowers others to grow, sets boundaries to protect what matters, and keeps learning as she goes.
Her story proves that women don’t need to choose between career and family, they need the right environment to do both. And when they do, everyone benefits.
Want to Work Where Female Leaders Thrive?
At Atolls, we believe in growing leaders, not just filling roles. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to lead with impact like Fernanda, you’ll find a place here that values support, flexibility, and your whole journey.
