I am...
My name is Tomás Varela Pinto (32yo) and I’m from Lisbon. I graduated from CATÓLICA-LISBON with a degree in Business Management and Administration (2010–2013) and a Master’s in International Marketing (2014–2016). I began my professional career in marketing, working with companies in the hotel and FMCG industries, always striving for a personal connection with each one. When I felt that connection was missing, I embraced a new path, becoming an entrepreneur—a journey I've been pursuing passionately since 2018. I'm deeply passionate about all forms of art, history, and storytelling. I spend much of my free time writing for personal enjoyment, playing tennis, and nurturing my faith as a faithful Catholic (university and religiously speaking :).
How did Tomás VP Storyteller come about?
In 2016, after finishing my Master's at Católica, my life seemed perfect. I had landed a job in the sector and area I had always wanted, close to home and the gym. I was even invited to be an assistant professor in Marketing I, and I had my closest people nearby. Yet, something was missing... that sense of purpose, that mission that truly fills the heart.
As time passed and I found myself stuck in the daily routine, I began to feel an overwhelming emptiness—a frustration with being confined to an office, doing Excel reports from 9 to 6, while knowing there was so much more out there to explore. That’s when I started questioning myself...
On May 5th, 2017, the lion broke free from his cage. I decided to quit my job and embark on an adventure with no destination—an adventure focused on one simple act: going out into the streets of Lisbon to talk to people, connect with them, discover their stories, and create special bonds out of the blue.
As strange as it may sound, it was both frightening and appealing at the same time. And so, I did it. With my backpack on my shoulders, I wandered through the city’s historic neighbourhoods every day, ‘hunting’ for stories. It was a tremendous challenge for numerous reasons, mainly my natural shyness.
In short: after a long process of trial and error approaching people, I finally managed to earn the trust of a few kind souls who were willing to share their stories. These open, deep, and enriching conversations created such a powerful human impact, such contagious magic, that I thought to myself: "I've discovered a superpower. I want to do this for the rest of my life."
And so, in 2018, the ‘Tomás VP Storyteller’ brand was born. Initially, I worked as a personal content creator and collaborated with creative agencies. Today, I am fully dedicated to being a communication trainer, specialising in two key areas: Personal Branding (Tomás VP) and Storytelling (Storyteller).
What is Tomás VP Storyteller?
Tomás VP Storyteller provides communication and personal development training services, both in person and online, tailored to organisations and individuals.
Vision: To deliver unforgettable training experiences that empower each person to recognise and embrace their role in the world—first by discovering it, and then by communicating it.
Purpose: To amplify each person’s unique superpowers, equipping them with charismatic and effective communication skills that highlight their personal brand across diverse contexts.
Value Proposition: Customised individual session plans designed to meet the specific objectives and needs of each trainee. These sessions focus on creative communication techniques to:
i) build and enhance their personal brand;
ii) craft compelling stories that reinforce key messages;
iii) foster human and harmonious relationships with diverse audiences, including teams, managers, peers, and clients.
- Confidentiality: What happens in the session stays in the session.
- Excellence: Delivering value through a tailor-made service for each participant, with a practical, pedagogical, and qualified approach.
- Humility: I don’t know everything—I learn as much from the participants as they learn from me (if not more).
- Authenticity: An ‘organic’ product, born from my own experiences, that genuinely works.
- Fun: Stories are the adult version of playdough—let’s experiment, innovate, and learn while having fun with purpose.
Target Audience:
B2B: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the training sector seeking to:
- Diversify their portfolio with new and engaging topics;
- Integrate a qualified, experienced trainer who speaks multiple languages into specific projects.
- B2C: Professionals looking for a ‘buddy/mentor’ to provide practical, accessible tools to:
- Enhance their communication skills;
- Stand out within their organisations or in the job market.
Channels: LinkedIn: For initial contact and engagement. Website: For session bookings and additional information.
Any curiosity?
Coincidence or not, CATÓLICA-LISBON became my first major client! That’s right. In 2018, as I was taking my first steps on this entrepreneurial journey, CATÓLICA-LISBON accepted my proposal to teach a workshop as part of the Career Accelerator Lab (Leadership Lab at the time). Thankfully, this partnership continues to this day.
In this workshop, students are challenged to craft personal stories for job interviews or applications to start-up incubators. Interestingly, Carla Rocha Comunicação, now one of my key clients, started her business after I invited Carla to attend that same workshop!
What’s most impressive about this craft is its diversity: a variety of styles, professions, themes, and challenges, each with very specific needs. The most interesting cases are often those who are sceptical - people who resist stories and colourful communication because they feel it might compromise their credibility or assertiveness. In these situations, I must find creative ways to "evangelise" them. :)
Nearly over seven years, this rich tapestry of experiences has allowed me to refine my process, ensuring that I can help transform people while achieving a true sense of mission accomplished.
About the Alumni Business Hub, its importance and why you decided to take part?
For me, being part of any CATÓLICA-LISBON initiative is a true source of joy. As you can tell from my story, the University has played a key role in both my personal and professional growth, and I feel deeply honoured to be part of this community. Furthermore, this program allows me to reconnect with former colleagues, meet people with incredible stories, and, above all, give back to the community by transforming it in the light of good.
One of the conditions for participating in the Alumni Business Hub is the creation of a special offer for Alumni. What is your offer to the community?
I’m delighted to offer the Alumni community a 25% discount on any session (booked with me).
Exclusive Offer
Tomás VP Storyteller has created an offer for the entire Alumni community:
25% discount on any session (booked with me).
To take advantage of this offer, check the Tomás VP Storyteller page on Alumni Connect, here.
Contact Tomás VP Storyteller now: Website
Get to know this entrepreneur
Dreams:
Maximising my talents and gifts to serve others.
What moves your heart:
Doing good selflessly and growing in humility, simplicity, and wisdom.
Greatest Achievement:
Trusting in God, in my journey, fighting for it, and inspiring others to do the same.
Biggest Challenge:
Balancing strategic, operational, and creative work, reinventing myself every day while keeping my sanity.
The most difficult question:
What's next?
A book that struck you and why:
The Bible because it continues to inspire me.
A quote that inspires you:
Do not put a full stop where God placed a semicolon.