On behalf of the Calgary BR Tech (CBRT) team, we are thrilled to reflect on our latest meetup held on May 25, 2026, at the Platform Innovation Centre. It was an evening filled with high energy, insightful discussions, and, as always, the best networking in the city. We were honored to host Emily Christiny, an experienced Graphic Designer and eLearning Developer, who brought a refreshing—and at times challenging—perspective on a topic that affects every professional: Personal Branding. Emily shared her journey from being a “multimedia designer” in Brazil to navigating the Canadian market, emphasizing that in today’s competitive landscape, technical expertise is only half the equation; the other half is how you communicate your value to the world.
Emily kicked off her presentation by addressing the “crisis” facing many IT professionals: the tendency to hide behind a computer screen. She pointed out that while tech experts are often shy about self-promotion, the rise of Artificial Intelligence has changed the rules of the game. With AI now capable of generating “perfect” resumes and cover letters, recruiters are becoming overwhelmed by candidates who look identical on paper. To stand out, Emily argued that professionals must showcase what AI cannot replicate—consistency, emotional intelligence, personality, and real human connection. She reminded us that if we don’t occupy our space by showing our competence, we leave room for others who may be less prepared but are more visible.
One of the most impactful takeaways from the talk was Emily’s concept of being “amostradinha“—or being visible and proactive about one’s work. She challenged the audience to rethink their relationship with social media, viewing it not just as a place for personal life, but as a professional tool to build authority. Whether it is through a GitHub repository, a LinkedIn post about a recent project, or even a “silent” content style that documents your process, being seen is essential. As Emily noted, “He who is not seen is not remembered,” and in the professional world, being invisible often means being ignored by recruiters who are looking for evidence of leadership and critical thinking beyond a PDF.
The presentation also touched upon the cultural shifts necessary for success in Canada. Emily highlighted that many Brazilian professionals have a habit of “settling” once they find a job, whereas the Canadian market rewards continuous volunteering and community involvement. She introduced the 80/20 rule for personal growth: spending 80% of your time on your main tasks but dedicating 20% to networking, learning what is happening in the world, and participating in projects where you might not gain immediate financial reward but gain immense visibility. This proactive stance transforms a professional from someone who is “chosen” by employers into someone who has the power to “choose” their own opportunities.
During the Q&A session, Emily offered practical advice on content creation, debunking the myth that the market is “saturated”. She explained that even if you repeat a topic, your unique perspective and voice can reach someone in a way others haven’t. She also emphasized the importance of participating in established communities rather than trying to build a blog in isolation, as platforms like LinkedIn or GitHub already have the “audience” gathered for you. Her personal stories—from building a house in Edmonton through connections made online to finding clients through casual Instagram stories—served as powerful evidence that a well-managed personal brand creates real-world opportunities.
At Calgary BR Tech, we believe that our community is stronger when we move together. As our team mentioned during the closing remarks, we are like a “bundle of sticks”—individually we might be fragile, but together we are unbreakable. Events like these provide the “social snack” and professional insights that help Brazilians thrive in Calgary’s tech ecosystem. By attending, our members gain more than just knowledge; they gain a platform to be seen, a chance to hold the microphone, and a network that can lead to their next big career move. We are proud to play this role in connecting talent with opportunity, supported by our partners at Platform Calgary and Neo Omni, and we look forward to seeing everyone at our next meetup on June 22nd.
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