No episode 104 do AmplificaCast, Eric Klein receives Elizangela Kioko, former CEO of Onofre CVS Health and now Commercial Strategy Advisor, to share one of the most inspiring stories ever featured on the podcast. Her journey from cleaning lady to CEO, demonstrating that success isn't a matter of chance, but of choice, discipline, and the ability to transform pain into learning.
A journey marked by overcoming from an early age
At 18, Elizangela decided to leave Brazil in search of a better life in Japan. Coming from a humble family with few opportunities, her work as a cleaner and factory worker was the first step on a journey that would become historic.
The adjustment wasn't easy: a new language, culture shock, missing her family, and even situations of exploitation at work marked her first years in the country. Still, it was there that her resilience was born. She learned to live one day at a time, to find motivation in seemingly distant dreams, and to build discipline—traits that would guide her throughout her journey from cleaning lady to CEO.
The return to Brazil and the new beginning
After six years in Japan, Elizangela returned to Brazil without completing her basic education. Determined to make up for lost time, she juggled her high school diploma, college, work, and personal life. She worked in a lottery shop, a printing shop, and a call center, always demonstrating a natural ability to engage people and take on responsibilities.
It was during this period that she realized that lead It's not just a technique or a position, but the ability to genuinely care about others. This human perspective would fuel her climb, step by step, from cleaning lady to CEO.
Leadership is seeing those who are invisible
One of the episode's most striking reflections is Elizangela's perspective on leadership. For her, being a leader means lifting people out of invisibility. This means providing honest feedback, even the most difficult, and also recognizing achievements that often go unnoticed.
She asserts that true leadership isn't limited to financial results. The real impact lies in transforming lives, expanding perspectives, and showing each employee that they are an essential part of the whole. This is the guiding thread of the transition from janitor to CEO: the ability to see and value people.
From Cleaner to CEO: The Challenge of Leading Onofre CVS Health
One of the most important moments in her career was her leadership of Drogaria Onofre, following its acquisition by CVS Health. There, Elizangela was responsible for restructuring and integration processes, as well as the sale of the operation to RD Saúde.
Leading more than 1.500 people through a complex transition required not only strategic vision but also emotional balance. She had to convey confidence amid uncertainty, ensuring the team felt secure even in times of change. This milestone was the culmination of her journey from cleaning lady to CEO, proving that sustainable results only exist when people are a priority.
Self-knowledge as a leadership tool
Another central theme of the episode is self-awareness. Elizangela shares how she learned to filter criticism and difficult situations without letting them paralyze her. She discovered that each person has the power to decide what they carry in their heart and what they push aside.
This skill was crucial in preventing her from being limited by gender, cultural, or prejudice barriers. Instead, she transformed obstacles into learning experiences. Self-awareness was the emotional foundation that sustained her journey from cleaning lady to CEO, allowing her to lead with confidence and authenticity.
The impact of mergers and acquisitions on your trajectory
During the conversation, Elizangela also details her experience in mergers and acquisitions, challenging moments that have marked her career. Leading the way in uncertain situations taught her that leaders must decide between swimming against the tide or taking on the responsibility of driving transformation.
She chose to lead. And in the process, she demonstrated that ethics, transparency, and a focus on people are the differentiators that underpin any successful integration. Once again, her journey from cleaning lady to CEO demonstrated that the greatest achievements come from firm decisions aligned with non-negotiable values.
Reinvention after the executive career
After years in senior leadership positions, Elizangela decided to pursue her own business. Today, she works as a Commercial Strategy Advisor, executive mentor, and co-founder of immersion and leadership development initiatives.
Her goal is to share lessons learned and help companies build strong cultures, solid business strategies, and leaders prepared for the new market challenges. Her transition from cleaning lady to CEO has gone beyond being just her personal story to become a source of inspiration and knowledge for organizations and professionals throughout Brazil.
Practical lessons from the journey from cleaner to CEO
Throughout the episode, Elizangela shares lessons that can be applied by any professional:
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Persistence in the face of uncertainty, even when everything seems unfavorable.
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clear purpose, which guides difficult decisions and gives meaning to daily efforts.
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Constant discipline, learned since the times in Japan.
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Selfless love by people, transforming leadership into something human and inspiring.
These principles formed the basis of her rise from cleaning lady to CEO and continue to be her hallmark in the corporate world and entrepreneurship.
Want to be inspired by this story of overcoming adversity?
Watch episode 104 of AmplificaCast now, with Elizangela Kioko, and immerse yourself in a transformative conversation about her journey from housekeeper to CEO. Discover how discipline, empathy, and clarity can change destinies and inspire people to take on leadership roles in any industry.
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