Strategic management and branding professional with a Master’s in Management (Nova SBE), experienced in leading operations, building brands from scratch, and driving business growth across sports, lifestyle, and creative projects.
I support companies and entrepreneurs by structuring ideas, organizing processes, and developing strong brand and marketing strategies that turn vision into execution.
Key strengths:
Hands-on experience in operations, partnerships, event execution, and business development
Brand identity and creative direction, from concept to communication and content
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and results-driven, with strong communication and project follow-through
Let’s work together to elevate your brand and execute your projects with clarity, strategy, and excellence.
Management Consulting
HR & Business Services
Analytical Presentation
Content Creation
Marketing Strategy
Brand Management
Project Management
Business Strategy
Event Management
Canva
Presentation Design
Translation
Stephen M.
Lamego, Portugal
$150/hr
5.0
28 jobs
If your strategy is clear but execution keeps falling short — or your organisation is growing faster than your operating model can support — that gap is what I close.
✅ Upwork Top 1% Talent ✅ Expert Vetted
With more than 20 years of senior consulting experience, I design and build operating models that turn strategic intent into operational reality. My work spans operating model design, target operating model (TOM) development, business architecture, capability-based planning, and the organisational restructuring required to make it all stick.
My primary specialisations are:
⭐ Target Operating Model Design — from current-state diagnosis through to future-state blueprint, transition roadmap, and capability build
⭐ Business Architecture — linking strategy, capabilities, value streams, and processes into a coherent, executable structure
⭐ Capability-Based Planning — identifying the capabilities your operating model needs, prioritising investment, and sequencing delivery
⭐ Organisational Design — structures, roles, governance, and operating rhythms aligned to strategic intent
⭐ Strategy Execution — translating high-level plans into programmes, milestones, and measurable outcomes
The results I have delivered have moved the needle in ways that matter. One engagement compressed a 4.5-year insurance claims backlog to 9 months. Another supported a 13,000+ interview programme that redesigned enterprise operating models across 52 countries.
I hold a Master Certified Architect (Open CA®) designation — the highest independent certification in business architecture — and I am the author of published whitepapers and implementation guides covering the strategic alignment of business, operations, and IT.
Take a look at what recent clients have said:
"Stephen once again went above and beyond in terms of delivering a top quality report to exacting standards, remaining calm and professional in the face of constantly shifting client requirements." - Nov 2024
"Stephen was a lifesaver! He helped me rescue a project that was at risk of failure by being able to see the bigger picture before identifying the structural changes that quickly needed implementing. He showed great attention to detail and I could always depend on him to complete the jobs to a very high standard and with a fast turnaround time." - Jan 2024
"Stephen was a pleasure to work with. He took the time to make sure he understood our vision so he could create the right deliverable. He was great at communicating and was always available if we had questions. Working with him was a good experience all around." - Aug 2023
"Stephen has an uncanny ability to dissect issues and uncover insights that elude other freelancers. His suggestions and recommendations worked like magic. I highly recommend." - Feb 2023
Business Consulting
Business Analysis
Business Plan
Management Consulting
Business Operations
Organizational Design & Effectiveness
Strategic Plan
Strategy
Business Modeling
Business Strategy
Research & Strategy
Project Management
Business Process Modeling
Operational Planning
Change Management
Ana R.
Evora, Portugal
$55/hr
5.0
3 jobs
Ana Rosado - Strategic Business Consultant | Business Plans, Pitch Decks & Growth Strategy
I transform complex business ideas into clear, compelling Business Plans and Strategic Roadmaps that win investors, partners, and markets. And I help growing businesses turn complex data into clear, actionable growth strategies and efficient operational systems.
If your business is scaling but struggling with messy workflows, unclear growth pathways, or underutilized market data, you don’t just need more advice, you need a strategy backed by data and operational rigor.
With a background spanning executive management, data analytics, and operational leadership, I bridge the gap between high-level vision and execution. I help startups, SMEs, and founders streamline operations, optimize key performance metrics, and enter new markets with confidence.
How I Can Help Your Business:
- Comprehensive Business Plans: Complete documents detailing executive summaries, market entry, operational frameworks, and growth roadmaps for investors or banks.
- Pitch Decks & Investment Material: Crafting the narrative, structure, and slide flow that clearly communicates your value proposition and business model.
- Strategic Roadmaps & Operational Guides: Turning high-level business goals into step-by-step action plans, internal workflows, and execution guides.
- Market Entry & Go-To-Market (GTM) Plans: Deep research and written strategy on how to position, launch, and scale your brand in new markets.
- Proposals & Executive Summaries: High-stakes business documentation designed to convince stakeholders, boards, or key clients.
- Strategic Business Planning & Execution: Turning ambitious goals into structured, milestone-driven roadmaps.
- Data & Performance Analytics: Translating raw metrics into clear insights to drive profitability, retention, and smarter decision-making.
- Operations & Process Optimization: Auditing internal workflows, reducing bottlenecks, and building systems designed to scale smoothly.
- Market Entry & Positioning: Conducting competitive research, positioning analysis, and pitch/go-to-market strategies.
My Approach
Discovery & Alignment: I dive deep into your goals, audience, and market context to ensure the document accurately reflects your vision.
Structured Planning: I build logical, step-by-step frameworks so the narrative flows naturally and makes a strong impact.
Executive Polish: I write with clarity, precision, and a professional tone that inspires confidence in investors and partners.
Core Competencies
Business Plan Writing | Strategic Planning | Pitch Deck Narrative | Market Research & Positioning | Operational Roadmaps | Go-To-Market Strategy | Executive Documentation
Ready to turn your business idea into a professional, actionable plan? Send me a message with a brief overview of your project, and let’s discuss how we can bring it to life.
Business Consulting
Strategy
Proofreading
Business
Marketing Plan
Executive Support
Pitch Deck
Market Planning
Operational Plan
Writing
Elmo C.
Lisbon, Portugal
$55/hr
4.7
38 jobs
I am a seasoned business consultant and software developer with a deep understanding of business processes, having worked in analytical areas for over 25 years. I have a PhD in Economics and can build any solution your business needs. I have an impeccable history with clients and can give you references.
Pharmaceutical Industry
API Integration
Business Logic Layer
Web Application
Database Development
API
André D.
Oliveira do Hospital, Portugal
$50/hr
5.0
24 jobs
Full-time freelancer based in Portugal.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝘆?
«Andrew is very professional. The work was finished ahead of time. He even goes the extra mile. It's very pleasant to work with him. I highly recommend André»
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝗜 𝗱𝗼?
- Project Management
- Digital Marketing
- Sourcing (pt market)
- Business Development
- Portugal Localization
Feel free to reach out,
𝘼𝙣𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙬 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙞𝙧𝙖
Digital Marketing
Sourcing
Customer Relationship Management
Business Development
Klaviyo
Customer Service
Marketing
Copywriting
B2B Marketing
Email Marketing
Portuguese
Diogo C.
Cascais, Portugal
$100/hr
5.0
12 jobs
With over 15 years dedicated to innovation and business expansion across a variety of industries and company sizes, I developed a versatile profile across marketing and commercial roles, from global to local operations.
This diverse background, coupled with a curious mindset, gives me a unique insight into how the different pieces of a business come together. My greatest strength lies in the ability to zoom in and out: thinking both long and short term, balancing strategy with execution, and bridging marketing--sales--operations.
My Consultancy Services
𝟏. 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
Do you have a business idea and don’t know where to start, or an existing business and wonder how to plan your next move?
--> Drawing from a variety of sectors experiences, I provide customized guidance and blueprints to steer your venture's direction, optimize operations, and boost ROI.
𝟐. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:
Are you looking to build or refine your brand's strategy? Does your marketing team need strategic guidance and cohesion to execute your business’s vision? Struggling to excite retailers with your current assets?
--> I offer a comprehensive approach to brand development and management, my tailored brand & marketing strategies are grounded in real-world successes.
𝟑. 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲
Feeling the need to rejuvenate your product offerings? Too many ideas (or none)? Not sure what is the best supplier setup to bring those to life?
--> With over 8 years’ experience in product innovation, and distinguished by multiple international awards, I can guide you through all the milestones of a bullet-proof innovation funnel, tailored to your business, and balancing consumer appeal, customer viability, and sound financials.
𝟒. 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
Thinking of venturing into new territories? Determined to grow but uncertain about resource prioritization? Full of ambition but lacking a cohesive roadmap?
--> With hands-on experience across 4 continents and expertise managing both major players and emerging clients, I will guide through the route-to-market process for seamless international expansion.
𝟓. 𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐤 & 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧
Preparing to engage stakeholders or investors? Feel you have a good story in your head but cannot translate it in a deck?
--> Crafting a coherent narrative is essential. I assist in molding your vision and strategy into compelling presentations, grounded in clarity, as well as robust business plans to attract investors, partners, and stakeholders.
Ready to embark on a transformative journey for your business? Let's work together!
Business Consulting
Business Plan
Management Consulting
Business Operations
Business Strategy
Marketing Strategy
Sales Management
Pitch Deck
New Product Innovation
Business Planning & Strategy
Financial Projection
Marketing Plan
Brand Management
Innovation Strategy
Strategic Planning
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