The Power of Spaces and the Value of People: Marcos Saade Shares His Journey

While studying at PUC-SP, Saade landed his first job during his freshman year. 

“I got a job in the finance department of an engineering firm. A college friend was a director there, and they needed a financial assistant. It was a simple job, working in the treasury area. Honestly, it was a tough start — my first job, I was young and immature. Time would drag. I had to stay eight hours at work, and it felt like an eternity! But little by little, I learned and adapted,” he recalls. 

His boss at the time taught him the fundamentals of finance and sparked his passion for numbers and the logic behind them. Saade stayed there for four years before moving on to an internship. 

“I was very lucky in my career — I crossed paths with extremely capable people, good-hearted people, and also with difficult ones. I learned from them all. I absorbed what was good, learned from what wasn’t, and shaped my character and professional personality along the way,” he says. 

After his first job, Saade started an internship at Autolatina — a joint venture between Ford and Volkswagen that operated across South America. Even earning half his previous salary, he accepted the challenge. 

“I began in the pricing department, then moved to the plant’s finance department in São Bernardo. In 1995, I was promoted and took on my first executive position in finance, within the marketing and parts and services division,” he explains. 

His role involved analyzing profit margins and validating campaigns between the finance and marketing teams. Over time, he discovered a real calling for sales and brand management. 

This led him to pursue additional courses and complete an MBA in marketing, which opened the door for him to lead national sales — overseeing clients in government, fleet operations, and rental companies. At that time, he managed a team of 10 to 12 people across eight regional offices. 

“Later, I received an offer to join Volvo, where I became sales and marketing director and, eventually, president of the operation in Brazil. After that, I joined Jaguar Land Rover Group, where I was responsible for the Jaguar brand, still imported at the time. My mission was to transform it into a local operation — building the dealer network and establishing a national structure,” he says. 

From there, Saade’s career took off. He took charge of the marketing department, managing an annual budget of R$100 million. His work drew attention and recognition — eventually leading to an invitation from Space. 

Saade’s entry into the world of corporate architecture might seem like a sharp turn from the automotive industry, but for him, it was simply a natural evolution of a career driven by curiosity and purpose. 

“When you have a foundation in finance and marketing, the only thing that changes is the product. The reasoning is the same — understanding the client, the business, and the experience you want to deliver,” he explains. 

Since joining Space, Saade has focused on strengthening the company’s culture and brand positioning, with a mission to transform the way people work — a purpose that, according to him, goes far beyond office design. 

“The physical space influences behavior, collaboration, and well-being. Corporate architecture is about people — about how they connect, create, and live better,” he says. 

Although he came from the automotive world, Saade sees striking similarities between cars and architecture — and he speaks about them with genuine enthusiasm. 

“In both worlds, technology is key. It’s what ensures efficiency, performance, and quality. And, in the end, both a car and an office represent achievements — they’re spaces of belonging and pride.” 

His passion for design and its emotional impact on people is what drives him. He describes the joy of delighting clients and creating memorable experiences with the same spark as someone describing a brand-new car leaving the dealership. 

“Impressing a client with a project is like handing over a new car — it’s emotion, identity, and that gleam in their eyes when they recognize themselves in that space.” 

Throughout the conversation, one theme stands out: leadership. Saade speaks about it with the calm conviction of someone who learned it not only through titles, but through relationships. 

“I spent almost 20 years as an executive without being a leader. Today, I understand that leadership isn’t a position — it’s a trait, an attitude. It’s the example that inspires,” he reflects. 

He believes leadership should be taught early on, as a core subject in any university program. This philosophy shapes his day-to-day work at Space, where he strives to encourage autonomy, empathy, and purpose across teams. 

“Taking care of people is what drives me. Success comes as a consequence,” he summarizes. 

Outside the corporate environment, Marcos Saade is far from the stereotype of a stern CEO. Energetic and good-humored, he finds his balance in sports and family. 

He practiced CrossFit for eight years until an injury forced him to slow down. Today, he focuses on weight training, swimming, and soccer — the latter in weekly games with his son. 

“I run more than a lot of younger guys!” he jokes. 

Above all, he values time with his family. 

“Quality time is what matters most — whether it’s at home watching TV, walking the dog, or going out to eat. That’s what recharges me.” 

When asked what he still wants to achieve, Saade is straightforward: he wants to keep learning, transforming, and inspiring. 

More than numbers and goals, what truly motivates him is human impact — on people, companies, and the spaces that help shape the future of work. 

“Transforming the way we work is our mission. But, deep down, what I really want is to transform the way we live — with more balance, purpose, and meaning.” 

With his calm voice and easy smile, Marcos Saade shows that the secret to leadership lies in blending strategy with sensitivity. After all, those who understand people understand business.