Mauro Portela
Mauro Portela is a global business leader and independent thinker working at the seam between Global Business Services, Data, and AI, and an architect of Generative Business Services (GBS 3.0). By day he leads Danone Business Services as Managing Director, where over 20 years he has transformed, among others, Master Data services into a strategic GBS function, scaled Asana to 30x more output in Project Management, and built the ABSL Diamond Award–winning V.A.U.L.T. fraud-prevention model. Independently he writes Connecting.The.Dots, an SSON Network column for GBS leaders navigating AI transformation, and originated frameworks including the Intelligence Triad and Master Data as Cipher Key. Winner of Asana's 2025 Most Transformational Leader award.
More content by Mauro Portela
Next Generation GBS: The Missing Who
May 27 by Mauro Portela
Why the future of business services depends on accountability, ownership, and stewardship (not technology alone) to drive real transformation.
The Human and Organizational Side of AI Transformation
May 12 by Mauro Portela
Exploring the human side of AI and the operating model shift required to successfully benefit from generative AI.
The Shadow Effect: How Assumptions Are Shaping Our AI Reality
April 28 by Mauro Portela
AI adoption is stalling as data readiness gaps persist. Discover why assumptions vs facts are holding GBS back– and how to build stronger data foundations.
The Control Tower: Making the Uncomfortable Dots Visible
April 09 by Mauro Portela
Why control towers, process mining, and AI are essential to close the gap between process design and reality.
There Are Always Dots to Connect. But Do We See Them?
February 27 by Mauro Portela
Discover how a shift in mindset and trust transformed work culture at Danone, earning Asana’s 2025 Most Transformational Leader Award.
Master Data Management as a Foundation for AI Success
February 19 by Mauro Portela
Master Data Management is the essential foundation for AI success. Learn why poor data quality undermines AI and how strong MDM drives real ROI.
From Theory to Reality: The Vault Story
February 16 by Mauro Portela
Case study of VAULT at Danone: how strong data foundations enabled AI-powered fraud prevention and rapid capability deployment in GBS.
Cracking the Code: Data Readiness for AI
February 06 by Mauro Portela
Why cracking AI use cases isn’t enough. Uncover how data flows and master data act as the cipher key; shifting from isolated AI to integrated intelligence.
The White Canvas Moment - When Generative AI Meets GBS x.0
January 23 by Mauro Portela
Why every industry is racing to “5.0.” Explore how Generative AI creates a white‑canvas moment; shifting from optimization to designing new operating models.
Special New Year's Edition | Reflecting on 2025
January 15 by Mauro Portela
A personal reflection on AI acceleration, trust, and what 20 years of cross-functional leadership taught Mauro Portela about the future of work.
The Missing Element: Making the Invisible Visible
December 05 by Mauro Portela
Why AI fails isn’t about tech, it’s about unseen data hedges. Learn how to make the invisible visible and unlock true transformation.
The Generative AI Revolution in Global Business Services Part 3: The Race to GBS 3.0
November 26 by Mauro Portela
Explore how Generative AI and GBS 3.0 reshape business, drive transformation, and define the future of global services.
