Hi, I’m Margarida Pereira, but most people call me Guida (pronounced “gee-duh”).
I grew up in a small village in Portugal, called Negrelos, where I lived with my parents and older brother until I moved to Porto to pursue my Master’s in Software Engineering.
Growing up, music was a big part of my life. I studied violin and flute, played in an orchestra and took to learning other instruments on my own. Music is still a big part of my life, but these days it often is more about singing while playing the piano or guitar - often with my dog, Lyra, chiming in for a duet!
In 2013, I moved to the UK to finish my studies. I then had a very brief stint in Berlin, and returned to the UK in 2015. I currently live in South East London with my partner Jonny and our dog Lyra. We love spending time outdoors on walks, cycling, playing fetch on the beach, playing tennis, or simply sitting in the garden drinking a big cup of coffee and reading a good book.
I’m also an enthusiastic baker—I love making bread and creating cakes for special occasions. Cooking with Jonny, paying the obligatory cheese tax to Lyra, and cozying up on the sofa after a long day are my simple pleasures, but I also love exercising and the opportunity sports bring me to test the boundaries of what my body and mind can accomplish.
As for my career, I started out as a Software Engineer, transitioned to leading a team of engineers, product managers and designers, and now I’m living the dream as a Solutions Architect.
I’ve got a passion for developing people (in and outside of work) and I take any chance I have to advocate for women and girls pursuing interests in traditionally male-dominated fields, tech and cycling being two of them.
Credits
Special mention to Jonny, who has kindly provided me with the tech recommendations and support to get this blog up and running in just a couple of hours, and who’s been patiently proof-reading all my ramblings :) And, of course, to Lyra for letting me give her endless pets while I write.
