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07/03/2025
Pollyana Saraiva is a global groundbreaker, helping forge a path for women in leadership over a stellar 38 year career.
So it’s befitting that her first week as Rabobank’s State Manager for Queensland coincides with International Women’s Day.
Pollyana, previously Head of Rural Banking, Brazil and South America, based in São Paulo, admits that her career has not been defined by ambition, but led by a genuine aspiration to contribute to agriculture.
“For me, working in agribusiness is not just a career, it’s part of my life – I work from the heart and I think that’s the real key to success.”
In her previous role, Pollyana led Rural Banking across Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Peru, managing a team of over 200 and overseeing a multi-billion client portfolio.
This international exposure helped strengthen her resolve as a woman working in leadership – and agriculture.
“When I started my career 30 years ago there were very few females in the agribusiness space in Brazil, and certainly very few who were empowered to make decisions.”
“I would say it has certainly taken me more energy to grow my career, and along the way I recognised that I could also inspire other women to step up in agriculture, which brings me great pride.”
“I’ve been fortunate to travel a lot through my work, and all over the world all I could see – on farms and in agribusiness – were men.”
While she said this was certainly shifting, there was still work to be done.
“I look at on-farm leadership, whether it’s through family farm succession or corporate farm management, and I believe there’s so much opportunity for diversity – diversity that will positively impact food production and farm business success.”
“Farming skills are no longer confined to manual labour – there’s so much technology available, and a need for team leadership skills, management skills, communication skills – women can bring such a fresh perspective and have such a strong skills base.”
“I intend to continue having these conversations, and hopefully creating an environment that embraces change.”
Her experience navigating highly competitive and challenging environments in South America over the past five years will, she hopes, be important in contributing to a strong Queensland agricultural sector.
“I’m excited to continue the journey in Australia of adding value for our clients, and ultimately agribusiness, by helping contribute to strong farm businesses.”
“Helping our clients achieve their aspirations, whether that’s to grow their business, invest in on-farm infrastructure to increase productivity, adopt efficiencies for a more sustainable business, or ensure its viability for the next generation, it’s a privilege to be part of their story, and one we don’t take lightly.”
A seasoned leader with broad experience in roles such as Regional Manager, Rabobank International Brazil, Pollyana also brings practical first-hand client experience through various roles including Executive Manager, Branch Manager, and Relationship Manager.
“Through my career I’ve maintained a ‘never give up’ philosophy, I’ve worked hard and believe that if you genuinely add value and make your presence relevant, you can never be over looked.”
Pollyana, who is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, is also grateful to Rabobank for supporting her career.
“I’ve enjoyed wonderful success at Rabobank – it’s a great environment where talent is considered regardless of gender, and I’m a proud example of that.”
And while she’s looking forward to getting out and about and exploring her new surrounds in Brisbane, she has certainly not hit the ground running.
“Unfortunately my arrival has coincided with Cyclone Alfred, so I’ve only been as far as the supermarket to try and get water and supplies – it’s certainly been a dramatic introduction.”
However with her son living on the Sunshine Coast, she is familiar with South East Queensland.
“My first impression of Australia, and something that stays with me every time I’ve visited, is how caring and kind everyone is – it was a lovely surprise,” she smiles. “Brazil is known for it’s happy, cheery atmosphere, so I’m immediately feeling very at home here.”