Technological advancements are continuously redefining the way learning solutions are provided. This shift has created both challenges and opportunities, requiring a unique blend of vision, adaptability, and leadership to navigate effectively.
Few have managed to harness these changes with such skill and foresight, driving innovation and redefining educational experiences. Among those leading this charge is Mario Aguilar, whose remarkable journey and contributions stand out in the educational landscape.
With a career spanning over three decades in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, Mario has witnessed and contributed to some of the most significant shifts in the industry—from the early migration from BBS (Bulletin Board Service) to internet providers in Brazil, to the rise of cutting-edge technologies like Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence.
A Trailblazer’s Tale
Mario’s journey through the worlds of technology, education and international business reveals a relentless drive and visionary mindset.
From his early days forming strategic partnerships with pioneers like ZAZ, Ig and Mandic to leading international roadshows with Bank of America to attract investments in .com companies, Mario has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to identify and harness emerging trends.
His career trajectory is not just a series of professional milestones but a continuous narrative of innovation, learning and leadership.
A Career Driven by Technological Passion
Mario’s involvement in the technology sector began over 30 years ago, a field he has been passionate about since his youth. His technical education in electronics paved the way for his first formal role at Eastman Kodak Company, where he worked from 1989 to 1995.
Reflecting on this time, he states, “I completed technical high school in electronics and worked at Eastman Kodak Company between 1989 and 1995. It was my first and only formal contract in Brazil.”
However, his ambition soon led him to pursue a career in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), where he found his true calling. The decision to focus on ICT marked a pivotal moment in his life, as he realized that this field would allow him to merge his love for technology with his entrepreneurial spirit.
Since then, Mario has never looked back, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the digital space.
Integrating Innovation and Language Learning Success
By 2017, Mario’s career took a significant turn when he assumed leadership of the Empreenda 360º Incubator & Accelerator at the Impacta educational group. Here, he coordinated initiatives that skillfully bridged education with innovation. His work at Impacta laid the groundwork for his later ventures, as it highlighted the importance of integrating cutting-edge technology into educational frameworks.
Recognizing the growing demand for quality English-language education globally, Mario took a bold step forward by founding GLED International Education in October 2019. Based in São Paulo, Brazil, GLED focuses on developing online platforms that offer innovative solutions for language learning.
His leadership and vision have been instrumental in GLED’s rapid rise to international prominence. In March 2024, the company earned a prestigious award from EdTech Digest, recognizing GLED as one of the top twenty platform solutions for language learning worldwide.
Pioneering Education Technology on the World Stage
Mario’s success with GLED did not stop there. Further solidifying the company’s status as a leader in educational technology, GLED has been selected by APEX Brasil to represent the country at the Gitex International Technology Fair in the United Arab Emirates in October 2024. This opportunity underscores the global impact of his work and his commitment to advancing education through technology.
As an Educational Consultant and the Founder and CEO of GLED, Mario continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in education. He blends his extensive expertise in ICT with a visionary approach to learning that meets the demands of a global audience.
Adapting and Advancing
Reflecting on what inspired his focus on international education and technology, Mario credits his time in the United States as a turning point.
After moving to the U.S. in 2013 with his family, he spent four years working in the Research & Development area at Florida Polytechnic University, where he began developing adaptive online education platforms. His experiences there deepened his passion for education and solidified his belief in the transformative power of technology.
“Working in the Research & Development area at Florida Polytechnic University, we began developing adaptive online education platforms,” he says. This blend of personal passion and professional expertise has driven him to continually innovate in the educational space, ensuring that GLED remains at the forefront of the industry.
Mario’s journey is one of continuous learning, innovation and a deep-seated passion for both technology and education. His work with GLED International Education demonstrates his belief in the power of education to change lives and his devotion to creating solutions that are as adaptable and motivated as the learners they serve.
Global Recognition and Future Innovation
As CEO, Mario passionately drives the company’s growth while already planning for the next phase of leadership. He emphasizes teamwork, stating, “I always like to speak in the plural because I built nothing alone; we are a team that makes things develop with greater efficiency, excellence, and agility.”
Under his leadership, GLED has rapidly gained international recognition, earning an Award from EdTech Digest in March 2024 as one of the top twenty platform solutions for language learning worldwide.
This October, GLED will showcase its innovative offerings at Expand North Star Dubai, including solutions for accelerating English language proficiency, customizable robotics courses and the introduction of several new Artificial Intelligences incorporated into their platform.
He remains focused on building a constructive ecosystem where technology and education intersect to create impactful learning experiences.
Inspiring Growth through Passion and Technology
Mario guides his leadership with principles centered on the belief that knowledge should be shared. He highlights that altruism, dedication, willingness, initiative, empathy, and companionship are essential for education to thrive.
He remains motivated by witnessing young people’s performance improvements and growth through hard work. He says, “One of the things I like to say is that I don’t have a job, I don’t have a burden… I do absolutely everything I like, from research to reading, learning, and finally, sharing it all.”
Whether through his weekly YouTube program, Achismos Tech, or corporate lectures featuring his robot dog, he engages diverse audiences to spread awareness about the importance of education and the role of technology in enhancing it.
Cultivating Collaborative Success
Mario believes that creativity drives innovation. To ensure his team grows together, he follows the principle of “smarter and better than me” while hiring professionals
Mario encourages all employees to make suggestions, implement ideas and bring new concepts to the company. By fostering an environment where team members can lead small projects that may grow into significant initiatives, he cultivates a culture of continuous improvement and collaborative success. This approach helps the company stay updated and forward-thinking.Top of FormBottom of Form
Developing Impactful EdTech Solutions
Mario accentuates a hands-on approach to integrating technology into education by focusing on building Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). He values testing and producing over theoretical ideas, recognizing that ‘something viable is better than just an idea on paper.’
His team encourages the development and implementation of new technology solutions that address real societal issues. Unlike many companies that create software without a clear problem to solve, his approach ensures they only produce solutions that effectively address specific needs in various sectors, thus making a meaningful impact on education.
Re-energizing Leadership
Mario’s effectiveness as a leader in education and technology comes from his commitment to motivation and personal well-being. He notes that in today’s globalized and disruptive work environment, routines are obsolete—his focus remains on seeking new information, researching and implementing solutions.
He shares that caring for his mind and spirit is crucial. He cherishes time with his family, which consists of his wife and three daughters, who ‘re-energize’ him. He practices Pilates twice a week, attends a fortnightly Yoga class, and participates in monthly pro bono social actions. These habits keep him motivated and excited to drive forward with innovative technology solutions in education.
The Journey Ahead
Mario humorously asserts that his boldest move is still to come. He expresses gratitude for his career achievements but focuses on the future, aiming to advance the education and technology sectors with ‘courage, lightness and determination.’
He emphasizes that ‘the most important thing is the journey,’ reflecting his excitement about the advancing landscape of robots, artificial intelligence and other innovations. He eagerly anticipates being an active part of this transformative era and continues to look forward to the opportunities ahead.
Redefining Opportunity
Mario aims to transform the field of international education by positively impacting the lives of thousands of young people. He believes that quality, accessible education enables faster and better development, opens new professional opportunities and reshapes future perspectives.
For instance, in the interior of Ceará, Northeast Brazil, Mario’s initiative provides daily 90-minute English classes to inmates of a women’s prison. This program helps them resocialize and find employment in hotels and tourism. He states, “Education changes lives,” reflecting his commitment to using education as a tool for meaningful change and improved futures.
Call for New Educational Methodologies
Mario advises aspiring educational consultants, “Think outside the classroom.” He urges against replicating outdated educational formats, emphasizing the need for innovation. He stresses that new generations deserve fresh educational methods and encourages investing in research on inclusion and adaptation. Mario concludes with a call to “Have courage” in embracing these changes.
