Osmar Higashi, Co-Founder, Keeggo

In a world where shortcuts may seem enticing and moral compromises may promise short-term gains, there are those who remain anchored to their values. They don’t compromise their integrity for quick wins; instead, they stick to their moral code no matter what, guiding their every move with authenticity, honesty, humility, and unwavering dedication. Yet, what sets these leaders apart is not just their ethical fortitude but also their insatiable hunger for knowledge. They are perpetual learners, driven by an innate curiosity to uncover new insights, explore uncharted territories, and expand their understanding of the world around them. This combination of ethical integrity and relentless curiosity forms the backbone of exceptional leadership, paving the way for innovation, growth, and lasting impact. One such genuine leader who truly exemplifies this rare blend of persona is Osmar Higashi, the Co-Founder of Keeggo, a leading technology consultancy in Brazil. Osmar’s steadfast adherence to ethical principles, coupled with his insatiable thirst for knowledge, has not only guided his own journey but has also inspired others to follow suit.

A Journey Fueled by Curiosity and Determination

Osmar had always been a voracious learner. From a young age, he had an insatiable thirst for knowledge that drove him to read book after book, soaking up every bit of information he could get his hands on including several sets of encyclopedias. As his hunger for learning grew, Osmar discovered the vast resources of the public library, where he could dive even deeper into subjects that piqued his interest, from electronics to science fiction. At the time, large mainframe systems were the cutting-edge technology, and Osmar was determined to wrap his head around them, resolving to master them like no one else.

Born in one of the smallest towns in southern Brazil, Osmar never let his humble origins hold him back. Rather, he set his sights on bigger academic and professional horizons, ultimately securing a coveted spot at the top Computer Science University in the country. However, he soon found out that his fellow students were growing frustrated with the strong theoretical focus of their studies, craving the practical, real-world knowledge needed to excel in their professional pursuits. Undeterred, he proactively sought out alternative avenues to gain the skills he needed, securing an internship at Lloyds Bank PLC, where he could put his burgeoning tech expertise to the test. By the time he graduated, Osmar had already landed a job as a junior analyst at ABN Amro Bank, his early experiences giving him a leg up on the competition. Osmar’s drive to think outside the box and his willingness to tackle innovative projects soon became apparent. Whether it was developing proprietary software change tools, disaster recovery systems, or credit card encryption technologies, he consistently brought a fresh perspective and an innovative mindset to the table. His insatiable thirst for learning became the driving force behind his success, transforming him from a young man hailing from a small Brazilian town to a trailblazing tech innovator.

Thriving Amidst Industry Shifts

When Osmar first dipped his toes into Brazil’s tech industry in the 1990s, the landscape resembled a veritable “red ocean” – a cutthroat market teeming with application development service providers, from small offices to massive corporations all vying for a piece of the pie. With years of experience in the financial services industry, Osmar joined one of these companies, where he crossed paths with his current business partner, Roberto Murillo. Together, they set out on a journey to pioneer a new frontier within Brazil’s tech landscape. This is when a medium-sized company sought their expertise to develop a new product line: mainframe technical support and operations consulting services, a niche with scarce competition. As they dove into the depths of innovation, their efforts bore fruit, propelling the company to commercial success. 

However, just as Osmar and Roberto were reveling in their success, a larger corporation came knocking with an acquisition offer. Initially excited by the prospect of joining a corporate giant, that promised to boost their professional development, they soon realized that the corporation’s true interest lay in the very product line that Osmar and his team had painstakingly built. Unwilling to surrender their hard-earned creation, Osmar, Roberto, and their third partner, FredeTozelli, made the bold decision to chart their own course. Thus, they decided to establish their own company, laser-focused on mainframe technical support and operations consulting services. “In the last 30 years, we’ve faced many technology disruptions that have forced us to adapt and reinvent our business. For instance, who would’ve thought that a small company could survive the latest past years, mainly providing mainframe technical support and operations consulting services? Yet, we’ve always believed that disruptions bring more opportunities than challenges,” opines Osmar.

Indeed, pivotal shifts in both local and global markets served as catalysts rather than setbacks for their company. Events like the Y2K bug, widespread M&As in the financial sector, and regulatory changes drastically reshaped their business landscape. The Y2K bug, in particular, proved pivotal in altering their trajectory. Originally focused on mainframe support, they gradually transitioned into a Software Quality Assurance and Risk Management firm. At the time, this field was still in its infancy, offering them a prime opportunity to innovate and lead the industry forward.

Leading with Honesty, Humility, and Patience

Osmar’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in the bedrock of ethics, honesty, humility, and patience, principles instilled in him since childhood. Throughout his career, he has steadfastly adhered to these values, considering them non-negotiable in business. For Osmar, success hinges on a commitment to customers, respect for employees, relentless pursuit of innovation, and fostering transparent relationships. He always strives to lead by example, ensuring that his attitudes, behaviors, and decisions align seamlessly with his core values. “My team always recognized the coherence between my actions and my principles. Staying humble to learn from anyone and patient enough to teach anyone has always brought me good results in terms of the motivational climate I wanted to establish in the company,” elucidates Osmar.  Throughout his career, Osmar has refused to compromise his principles, recognizing that true success is not measured by short-term gains, but by the lasting impact of one’s actions. With a relentless drive for innovation and a deep respect for his employees, he has forged a path of leadership that sets him apart, earning the admiration and trust of all who work alongside him.

Juggling Entrepreneurial Hats with Strategic Finesse

While helming his flagship venture, Keeggo, Osmar has never been one to rest on his laurels. Instead, he’s channeled his energy into co-founding a host of other startups, including freelas.town and volunt.me. While balancing the demands of multiple startups might seem like a Herculean task, Osmar approaches it with strategic finesse. Despite the shared responsibilities of client and employee management, he dedicates a considerable amount of time—around 10 to 20 hours per week—to each startup, focusing on strategic planning, research and development, innovation, and product development. In fact, he holds a firm belief that everyone, regardless of their role, should work for a startup even as a volunteer, in their skills and capacities. “I’m learning a lot about entrepreneurship in this fast-paced environment: everything happens very dynamically, and we don’t have time for long discussions,” shares Osmar.  In the world of startups, where every day brings new lessons and changes, Osmar understands the weight of every decision and the importance of keeping everyone focused on the same goal. But what really impresses him is how startups can do so much with minimal resources and that’s something any big-shot executive could learn a lot from.

Charting New Horizons with Forward-Thinking Strategies

Looking ahead, Osmar envisions a future for Keeggo that is marked by innovation, strategic growth, and deeper client partnerships. In an era where technological advancements are rapidly shaping the business landscape, Keeggo’s value propositions are evolving at an unprecedented pace. Backed by a highly skilled and aligned management team and a well-defined roadmap for the future, Osmar is confident that Keeggo will solidify its position as a trusted strategic partner for its clients, moving increasingly from technology forums to business forums. As the company continues to evolve, Osmar remains steadfast in his commitment to guiding its growth, keeping a vigilant eye on market disruptions, and transforming them into opportunities for innovation. “Disruptions happen every time in any business, market, country, and world. I must keep my eyes and ears wide open to the market. This way, we’ll be able to see every disruption as an opportunity rather than a challenge again,” he affirms. 

Drawing from his own entrepreneurial journey, Osmar shares some pearls of wisdom for those venturing into the world of business. First of all, he emphasizes the importance of perseverance, highlighting that while starting a business may present challenges, the rewards are worth the effort. According to Osmar, opportunities are everywhere for those with the vision to spot them. If you’ve got a killer idea and you’re willing to put in the hard yards, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. However, he cautions against losing sight of one’s core values and principles. “Keep your core values and principles in your journey because they will remind you where you came from whenever you need to recall it. Be humble enough to learn from anyone and give back with patience to teach those who want to learn from you,” Osmar concludes, encapsulating his philosophy on business and life.