Project
Digital Transformation in Higher Education
When the pandemic forced universities to rethink delivery, I led the creation of FIA Online — the first fully online MBA suite from a top-ranked Brazilian institution.
The FIA ONLINE project was a transformative initiative that took Fundação Instituto de Administração’s (FIA) prestigious postgraduate courses into the digital realm.
By leveraging innovative instructional design, strategic leadership, and cutting-edge technology, this project successfully positioned FIA as a leader in online higher education in Brazil.
Challenge
In 2019, FIA partnered with UOL Edtech to develop and implement FIA ONLINE. The project aimed to offer high-quality postgraduate programs in a fully online format, but several challenges needed to be addressed:
Transitioning a well-established institution to digital learning without compromising academic rigor and quality.
Recruiting top-tier national and international faculty members to enhance course credibility.
Ensuring operational excellence across multiple stakeholders, including FIA leadership, faculty, and technical teams.
Adapting to unforeseen challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted traditional course production.
As Project Lead at UOL Edtech, I played a key role in defining, structuring, and executing FIA ONLINE.
Solution
Structuring and defining the program framework, ensuring courses met both academic standards and market needs.
Leading cross-functional collaboration between FIA’s faculty, instructional designers, and content production teams.
Designing innovative course delivery models, integrating interactive and engaging digital learning strategies.
Navigating the COVID-19 crisis by implementing a remote content production strategy, which involved sending customized recording kits (cameras, microphones, and lighting) to faculty members, enabling them to produce high-quality content from home.
Securing high-profile faculty members, including Ram Charan, Ronaldo Lemos, Susanne Madsen, and former Minister Maílson da Nóbrega, elevating the credibility of the courses.
Expanding FIA ONLINE’s reach and sustainability, driving its national recognition as a benchmark in online postgraduate education.
Results
Launched 17 MBA and postgraduate programs in the first year, exceeding initial expectations.
Enrolled over 2,000 students in the first 12 months, generating approximately US$ 50 million in revenue.
Ensured seamless course continuity during the COVID-19 lockdown through an innovative content production strategy.
Transformed FIA ONLINE into a nationally recognized reference, contributing to 10,000+ students in subsequent years.
Strategic Impact
Bridging academia and corporate learning to ensure high-quality, scalable digital education.
Leveraging strategic problem-solving and adaptability to overcome pandemic-related disruptions.
Driving innovation in content development, instructional design, and digital learning models.
Establishing FIA ONLINE as a market leader, ensuring long-term business sustainability and continued enrollment growth.
