Getting to the Core of YOU: Identity, Resilience, and Growth

When we launched the YOU series, the goal was simple: to showcase the diverse stories that shape who we are and to celebrate the individuality that strengthens our tribe. What we didn’t anticipate was how deeply these stories would resonate, creating a narrative that explores universal truths about identity, belonging, resilience, and growth.

If you’re curious about the inspiration behind YOU and how it all began, you can read more about the project’s ideation in David Afonso's own words.

Don’t want to miss out on more content? Subscribe to our YouTube channel! Now, grab a cup of tea and join us as we dive into the first season’s heartfelt moments and lessons learned.

The Power of Being Your True Self

I decided I would be my true self because it didn’t make sense for me anymore to be two different people.

Margarida Gato’s story starts with a truth many of us grapple with: the pressure to wear a mask to fit in. In her previous workplaces, assumptions about her personal life made it challenging to express her true self. But joining a more progressive, open-minded company, as she describes Mercedes-Benz.io, gave her the courage to drop the façade.

For Margarida, Pride is both a celebration and a tribute — a reminder of those who fought for the rights we enjoy today and an ongoing fight for equality where it’s still denied. Her story underscores the transformative power of authenticity, both in life and work, where aligning personal values with professional purpose creates a fulfilling harmony.

Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health

There is no linear way to describe mental health. It’s a constant of ups and downs, and some days you just have to fight for it.

Mental health is messy, nonlinear, and often stigmatised. Rosa Acri’s candid reflection reveals the constant balancing act of carrying emotional struggles into every facet of life. For her, the workplace became a crucial space of support.

I found people I can trust, people who feel safe enough to open up to me. It’s the nicest thing — to feel trusted and to trust others.

Despite working remotely from Germany while her team is based in Lisbon, Rosa found a network of colleagues she could trust. This trust fostered a safe environment where she could speak openly, helping her—and her team—connect on a deeper level. Her takeaway? Being yourself can be the best way to lead and inspire others.

Rising Above Adversity

Everybody has their own way of coping with adversity. In my case, I took one step at a time, focusing on smaller conquests first, then setting long-term goals.

João Peres' journey is one of resilience. After a life-changing car accident, he faced a long road of mental and physical recovery. His strategy? Tackling challenges one step at a time and focusing on meaningful goals, like running a marathon.

At Mercedes-Benz.io, João found a culture of acceptance and respect where differences are celebrated. His story reminds us that growth doesn’t require perfection — just perseverance. “I’m not perfect, but I try to grow every day with my condition. That’s what fulfilment looks like to me.” Whether it’s creating memory methods to stay organised or collaborating with his team, João’s approach inspires us to embrace our challenges and support one another.

Switching the Game

The big lesson is to focus on our strengths, be our true selves, and follow our values. Amazing things will happen.

Born in São Paulo with a love for problem-solving, Silvia Bechmann built a career in IT — a field largely dominated by men. Her path wasn’t without struggles. Early in her career, she often focused on her shortcomings, which sapped her confidence. But she made a conscious decision to shift her focus to her strengths and embrace challenges as opportunities.

Let’s switch this game. I’m here to learn, to lead, and to embrace challenges. That was the game-changer.

This mindset was transformative. At Mercedes-Benz.io, Silvia thrives in an environment that values individuality and inclusion, championing a culture where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work. Her story highlights the power of resilience, self-belief, and creating space for others to shine.

Ready to Watch?

At its heart, YOU is about connection. Each MB.ioneer featured offered us a piece of themselves — their struggles, triumphs, and perspectives. So, as you reflect on these episodes, think about your own story. What challenges have shaped you? How have you leaned into your strengths, embraced your differences, or found support in unexpected places

Catch the full series of YOU on YouTube now, and let these stories inspire you to embrace your own layers.