Two Bain voices on one shared culture in Lisbon’s new office
Two Bain voices on one shared culture in Lisbon’s new office
A senior associate partner and a consultant reflect on culture, growth, and opportunity in Bain’s rapidly growing Lisbon office
Every Bain office is built around close-knit teams, shared values, and a focus on helping each other grow. That spirit is thriving in Lisbon, where one of Bain’s newest offices is combining startup energy with the support of a global firm.
We spoke with an associate partner who helped launch the Lisbon office, and a consultant who started as an associate consultant, to hear their distinct perspectives on what makes the culture here special.
1. What do you think makes the Lisbon office culture special?
Alvaro: Our culture is deeply entrepreneurial, close-knit, and inclusive. From day one, everyone—from associate consultants to partners—has played an active role in building the business, shaping the office, and driving commercial success. We’ve also uniquely integrated our Global Business Services (GBS) Center and Knowledge Hubs under one roof, making Lisbon the only Bain office globally to operate with this setup. It’s a true testament to collaboration and innovation.
Gonçalo: hat makes Lisbon stand out is the strong sense of community and the entrepreneurial spirit that comes from being a smaller office. There’s a real feeling that we’re building something together, and that creates close connections across the team. People genuinely care about each other, and that makes for a supportive and engaging environment.
2. What evolution have you seen in the Lisbon office since its launch?
Alvaro: The growth has been phenomenal. We started with just three partners/associate partners and no physical office space. Today, we’re a 70-person team on track to reach 100 by mid-next year, with a move to a new, state-of-the-art office planned for year-end. We've led impactful, CEO-sponsored work across industries like insurance, energy, industrials, and private equity, quickly surpassing smaller competitors and challenging the big players in the market. Few expected Bain to open in Lisbon, let alone thrive with such speed and influence.
Gonçalo: It’s been exciting to be part of a rapidly growing office. I was lucky to be one of the first people to join, and it’s been incredible to see how much the office has developed. It’s also great to see Lisbon becoming more visible across Bain globally—we’ve had colleagues from different offices come through on transfers, which adds fresh perspectives and strengthens our ties with the broader Bain community.
Lisbon team members celebrate their three-year anniversary with a rooftop gathering and surf retreat.
3. How have you experienced Bain’s mentorship and development culture?
Alvaro: Apprenticeship is part of our DNA. We focus on coaching, not just teaching. Leaders here are genuinely invested in developing the next generation.
Gonçalo: Mentorship at Bain is very real. As an associate consultant, I’ve learned a lot from the consultants and managers I’ve worked with—whether it’s improving communication or building technical skills. What’s great is how naturally development happens at Bain. You’re encouraged to take on new challenges and ask for support when you need it, which creates a strong learning environment day to day.
4. Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for Lisbon’s future?
Alvaro: We’re incredibly excited about moving into our new office—not just for the upgraded space, but because it reflects the scale we've achieved. With three times more people than workspaces today, the move will be a much-needed milestone. Looking forward, I’m thrilled to see us continue growing the team, expanding our capabilities and impact—not just in Portugal, but across Spain and the broader Bain network.
Gonçalo: I’m excited to see the continued growth of the office and especially looking forward to our move to the new space next year—it’ll be a big milestone. On a personal level, I also feel lucky to be based in Lisbon. It’s a fantastic city to live in, and as someone who surfs, being close to the ocean while working at Bain is something really special.
