Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Kiel
Hi Daniel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey in tech began long before I ever set foot in a university classroom, inspired by my father, who worked as a mainframe specialist. Watching him navigate his career, I saw firsthand how his expertise provided stability and a sense of security for our family. It planted the seed for my interest in technology, and I knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps.
In 2002, while still in college, I joined SAP in Brazil. Before that, I cut my teeth in smaller tech companies, but SAP was a game-changer. It wasn’t just a job—it was a window to a new world. For the first time, I found myself using English daily, building friendships across continents, and facing challenges that pushed me out of my comfort zone. It wasn’t easy, but those experiences at SAP shaped my soft skills and taught me how to navigate the complexities of a global company.
Then, in 2013, everything changed. My first child, Isabella, was born, and my perspective shifted completely. My wife and I began to feel that Brazil, with its challenges—like corruption and safety concerns—was not the place where we wanted to raise our daughter. I had experienced danger firsthand, being robbed five times, including once at gunpoint, in a situation that left a lasting mark on us. We dreamed of a life where we didn’t have to worry about our safety every time we stepped outside.
In 2016, that dream started to take shape when I was offered a role with SAP in Ireland. It felt like a point of no return. Moving abroad was a leap into the unknown, but it gave our family a chance to experience life from a different perspective. The freedom of walking down the street without fear was life-changing. It wasn’t always easy—financially, it was a challenge—but the experience made us stronger as a family and as individuals.
Becoming an entrepreneur was never part of my original plan, but it became my path after moving to the US. Here, I found myself surrounded by a network of successful entrepreneurs, many of whom were fellow immigrants from Brazil. After facing a layoff from a Big 4 consulting firm, I saw it as a turning point—a chance to take control of my own future.
That’s when we launched ‘Chegando em Orlando,’ a podcast that focuses on the Brazilian community in the US and Brazil. Through the podcast, we share the stories of Brazilians who have made their way here, showcasing the resilience and determination it takes to succeed abroad. It’s become more than just a podcast; it’s a bridge that connects our community to trusted local service providers. Today, our network reaches over 240 million views and around 70,000 organic followers. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the strength of community, and it’s just the beginning of what we hope to achieve.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been anything but smooth, with plenty of challenges along the way. One of the first major hurdles came when I moved to Ireland. Even though I was born in London, I grew up in Brazil and didn’t have the chance to be educated in English. So, when I arrived in Ireland, I thought I knew English—until I realized that the reality of communicating day-to-day was a whole different story. It was humbling and eye-opening, forcing me to adapt quickly to a new culture and language. But that experience taught me resilience and the value of putting yourself out there, even when it feels uncomfortable.
The transition from being an employee to an entrepreneur has also been a significant challenge. After years in corporate roles, especially my time at a Big 4 consulting firm, shifting to a mindset where I’m building something of my own has required a lot of learning and unlearning. When I worked at the Big 4, I faced burnout and anxiety—it was a tough period that made me realize I didn’t want to pour my energy into making others wealthy while sacrificing my well-being. I take that experience as a lesson learned: now, my focus is on creating a better future for my family, not just working to climb a corporate ladder.
Starting the podcast, ‘Chegando em Orlando,’ has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. My partner manages the commercial aspects while I handle the business organization, and it’s been working well. But we’re learning as we go—entrepreneurship is like building the plane while you’re flying it. We’ve had great support from our network of entrepreneurs, many of whom have gone through similar transitions, which has been invaluable.
Leaving behind our parents and friends in Brazil has been another challenge. Moving to a new country can either strengthen you as a family or put immense strain on those relationships. We’ve learned that building a support network is crucial, especially when facing the ups and downs of living abroad. You can’t take for granted that your relationships will remain the same—they require effort and adjustment. Embracing change and adapting our lifestyle to new realities has helped us navigate these challenges.
It’s still a work in progress, and I’m learning every day. But through these struggles, I’ve found a sense of purpose and the strength to keep pushing forward.
We’ve been impressed with OMCO, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Chegando em Orlando’ is part of OMCO so it’s more than just a podcast—it’s a platform built to inspire and connect. Our mission is to share stories that motivate people, focusing on the successes of Brazilian entrepreneurs and influencers who have made their mark abroad. But we’re not stopping there. We plan to expand by featuring local American entrepreneurs as well, bridging cultures and creating new business opportunities between Brazilian and American communities. To ensure these stories resonate, we use translations and subtitles, breaking down language barriers to foster genuine connections.
What sets us apart is our dedication to quality and purpose. We don’t bring just anyone onto the podcast. While many are proud of their stories, we carefully select those that truly align with our goal of inspiring others. Our audience knows that every episode is thoughtfully curated, with a clear focus on uplifting and motivating through authentic stories. You won’t find this level of care and clarity in content everywhere.
As a business, we act as a hub for trusted service providers, ensuring high-quality offerings in areas like legal services, video production, hospitality, and more. We don’t just promote these partners; we carefully vet them to maintain the integrity of our brand. For businesses that partner with us, we go beyond a simple mention. We invite them to the podcast every four months, record their stories, create engaging content, and actively promote them through our channels. It’s a true win-win, as it helps both our partners and our audience find services they can rely on.
We’re incredibly proud of the growth we’ve seen so far. What began as a bi-weekly podcast has transformed into a weekly show due to the overwhelming interest from entrepreneurs eager to share their stories. We’re now even considering moving to a bi-weekly schedule to keep up with the demand. This momentum proves that the value is there, and it motivates us to continue reinventing the way we connect audiences with stories that matter.
We serve two main groups. For our listeners, we offer the chance to hear from people who have found success through hard work and determination—those who came to the US with a vision and have made it a reality. For our business partners, we provide advocacy through various means, from inviting them to the podcast to creating digital assets that drive engagement. But even more importantly, we actively extend our network of business owners and influencers, connecting our partners to opportunities they wouldn’t find elsewhere. Our goal is to be the bridge that connects dreams with reality, and we’re just getting started.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I don’t think I’ve something interesting to share on this.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.omco-usa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chegandooemorlando
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chegandooemorlando
