We speak with the Executive Director at Circo de Ideias and Porto Design Biennale for our Inspirational Female Entrepreneurs series…
In recognition of International Women’s Day we’ve been speaking with the women who have used their time at business school to become trailblazers – unleashing their entrepreneurial superpowers to make a change in their industries and the world around them.
Magda Seifert used her BA in Architecture and a wealth of experience take on the role of Executive Director of Circo de Ideias and Porto Design Biennale, both businesses set up and run, with the aim of better embedding architecture into the wider world. Now as an MBA candidate at Porto Business School, she’s furthering her skills in order to grow both businesses beyond their current reach into a bigger, brighter future.
Can you tell us a bit about Circo de Ideias, and what it does?
Circo de Ideias is an architecture publisher, bookshop and gallery which has been based in Porto, at Bairro da Bouça since 2014. Founded in 2008, as a nonprofit cultural organisation, Circo de Ideias is committed to promote the dissemination and study of architecture. At its core, it serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and discussion within those fields.
One of the key aspects that defines Circo de Ideias is our strong team. Pedro BaÃa, a close friend and partner, plays an important role, contributing his insights and expertise as an editor, professor and researcher. Additionally, the team includes people with backgrounds in architecture, design, and cultural production.
In terms of our activities, Circo de Ideias publishes a variety of books that cover a range of topics within architecture. Our publications encompass everything from scholarly research and theoretical discourse to practical guides and monographs, covering both academic and general audiences. Circo de Ideias actively engages in partnerships with research centres, companies, municipalities, museums, and other cultural institutions.
Overall, it’s more than just a cultural organisation- it’s a publisher, but also an open place where you can come to discuss ideas, see an exhibition or find the latest books and magazines on store. We will be celebrating, this October, our first 10 years.
What inspired you to start your own business?
My journey began as I started my professional career in Porto, as an architect, and felt the desire to expand and cross borders of the architecture practice. With a group of colleagues from Coimbra we embraced programming architectural events and started publishing our first books. This led us to establish Circo de Ideias in 2014, aiming to have a role in creating other architectural discourses and contribute to the cultural landscape of Porto.
Today I find inspiration also in Porto Design Biennale, a large-scale event that I have the executive responsibility of coordinating. The event is promoted by two municipalities, Porto an Matosinhos, and organised by Esad idea, the research centre from ESAD – College of Art and Design, where I integrate the board.
How has your business school experience been helping you in your life as an entrepreneur?
As an MBA student at Porto Business School, I am gaining a comprehensive understanding of business principles and practices, which complements my hands-on experience in project coordination, event organisation, and cultural management. The knowledge and skills I am acquiring through the MBA program enhance my ability to make informed decisions, develop business strategies, and effectively lead and manage my projects, such as Circo de Ideias and the Porto Design Biennale.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early stages of building your business, and how did you overcome them?
In the early stages of building Circo de Ideias, we encountered challenges such as securing funding for our editorial projects, forging partnerships as young players in a competitive field, and quickly establishing a solid reputation, despite our age. I have learned by experience how to interpret the challenges of each project in such specialised field as publishing; and my ongoing studies at Porto Business School have provided me with valuable insights and tools for addressing some of these challenges, specially in terms of strategic decision making, calculating growth and measuring results.
As a female entrepreneur, have you encountered any unique obstacles or biases in your entrepreneurial journey? How did you navigate them?
As a woman working in the entrepreneurial landscape, I have encountered obstacles related with systemic prejudices, of course. This includes the challenge of limited access to leadership opportunities and resources. In many industries, including architecture and design, women are often underrepresented in leadership roles and face barriers to advancement.
“The knowledge and skills I am acquiring through the MBA program enhance my ability to make informed decisions, develop business strategies, and effectively lead and manage my projects.”
Magda Seifert – Executive director at Circo de Ideias and Porto Design Biennale
Adapting to this environment has demanded resilience above all. And full commitment. Never losing focus. Additionally, I’ve worked to cultivate a strong support network of the people I work with and who understand and advocate for gender equity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What advice would you give to other women who are considering starting their own businesses?
Based on my experiences as both an MBA student and a female entrepreneur, I would encourage other women to consider starting their own businesses, and to pursue their interests with confidence and determination, taking advantage of a good understanding of the surrounding economic, cultural and political context. Leverage the resources and support networks available to you, including business schools like Porto Business School, which can provide valuable education, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
And, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, never underestimating the power of your own voice and vision in driving positive and sustainable changes in your organisations and communities.
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