An Adventurous Attitude And Redundant Systems: Keys to Working In Portugal - Mike Blake

Michael Blake shares his journey of living and working in Portugal. With extensive experience in venture capital, investment banking, and appraisal, Mike emphasizes the importance of cultural integration, dedicated workspaces, and community connections. He offers practical advice for expatriates to thrive in their new environment.

Michael Blake, alongside his wife Cordelia, founded High Score Strategies upon their arrival in Portugal in 2023. The company is an continuation and expansion of Michael’s extensive career, which includes eight years of experience in venture capital and investment banking, and twenty five years of full-time appraisal experience, specializing in business valuation, intellectual property valuation, and strategic consulting. Before moving to Portugal, Michael and his family resided in Atlanta, USA.

Michael’s career began in Eastern Europe shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Working as a USAID subcontractor for Brown University, he was involved in entrepreneurial training and education projects. This experience in countries with less developed infrastructures taught him adaptability, humility, and the importance of integrating into local societies. Living in Minsk in the early 1990s, he learned to embrace local customs, develop life skills in challenging conditions, and build credibility by immersing himself in the local culture.

These experiences in Eastern Europe have greatly influenced Michael's approach to life in Portugal. He emphasizes the importance of integrating into the local culture, making an effort to embrace and respect it rather than imposing his own. He notes that while Portugal offers a more familiar Western European environment, it’s still crucial to approach it with the same mindset of adaptation and respect.

In Belarus, Michael’s fluency in Russian, combined with his efforts to adopt local customs, helped him gain acceptance. He avoided criticizing local politics and customs, embraced local foods, and navigated daily life without relying on luxuries. These practices have carried over to his life in Portugal, where he continues to prioritize learning the language and understanding local customs, despite the challenges.

To work effectively in Portugal, Michael emphasizes the importance of having a dedicated workspace. He and Cordelia invested in a coworking space, Prontos, which not only provides a productive environment but also facilitates connections with other professionals. This sense of community is invaluable, especially in a new country.

Michael highlights some specific cultural and logistical challenges, such as finding familiar breakfast foods and adjusting to different work schedules. He advises expatriates to experiment and remain flexible, ensuring they have redundant systems and reliable technology to maintain productivity. Having backup devices and contingency plans is crucial, given the limited availability of certain goods and services.

Michael Blake’s journey underscores the importance of adaptability, cultural integration, and practical planning for expatriates. His experiences offer valuable insights for anyone looking to build a successful professional life in Portugal. By embracing local customs, investing in community connections, and maintaining logistical flexibility, expatriates can navigate the challenges and thrive in their new environment.