Leo Rudi, Founder, Leo Rudi Media
Leo Rudi speaks to The Industry Leaders about his work and what he's learned on his entrepreneurial journey.
What's Your Story?
My name is Leo Rudi, and I'm the founder of Leo Rudi Media.
Usually, my bio goes something like this: a proudly LGBTQIAP+ Brazilian expert in marketing with proven results. In my eight-year career, I have worked in multinational companies, startups, agencies, and social, cultural, and academic projects.
I have developed the strategy of more than 12 brands, including B2B, beauty, health, food tech brands, and marketplaces, reaching more than 20 million people with successful actions. I graduated in public relations at the end of 2017 from the most prominent university in Brazil, USP.
But of course, that doesn't tell my whole story. Some other facts also form me as a human being.
First, I'm a digital nomad and dream of visiting every LGBTQIAP+-friendly country worldwide.
Second, I'm building a digital marketing mentorship business with social impact. If my idea thrives, I purposely set my pricing policy to let me work with other LGBTQIAP+ people who can't afford it. Yes, I am quite an activist and believe in direct political participation to achieve civil rights and opportunities for all.
Professionally, the areas where I feel most comfortable are: Agile work, paid and organic social media marketing, UX research, strategic communication planning, branding and content marketing.
You can travel back in time to Day 1 of your business or career - what advice would you give to younger-you, knowing what you know now?
You know a lot less than you think you do. Ask questions and listen carefully to those who want to teach you something with good intentions. It is valid until today; I see that it will be eternal, and we can always learn more.
What one book or podcast changed your life?
"Gays don't know how to get laid." - A Brazilian podcast about how LGBTQIAP+ sexuality is often built from shame in youth and what it causes to us in adulthood.