Raquel Horta | Founder of Raquel Horta Coaching & Consulting | Co-Founder of Partnium Services | Championing Project Excellence and Strategic Growth
Meet Raquel Horta from Dublin, Ireland
Raquel Horta is a passionate coach, mentor, and consultant dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their fullest potential. With over 25 years of diverse experience in project and program management, Raquel combines her technical expertise with a human-centric approach to simplify complex challenges. As the founder of Raquel Horta Coaching & Consulting she helps project and program managers elevate their skills and leadership impact. Meanwhile, as the co-founder of Partnium Services, she provides tailored business solutions that enhance productivity and drive sustainable growth, enabling clients to excel in today’s competitive environment.
Foundations of Hard Work and Determination
Raquel Horta’s journey is rooted in Lisbon, Portugal, where she cultivated a passion for technology and management. Balancing full-time work with her studies, Raquel earned a degree in Computer Science for Management. This experience not only sharpened her analytical mindset but also laid the foundation for the grit and commitment that would define her career.
She recalls, “Studying while working full time taught me resilience and the importance of effort in achieving meaningful goals.”
Professional Growth in Portugal
Raquel began her career even before completing her degree, gaining hands on experience as a developer. Over time, she took on progressively challenging roles including developer, business analyst, project and program manager, and eventually head of a department. This journey through various technical and managerial roles honed her expertise in project management, strategic thinking, and team leadership.
Reflecting on these formative years, Raquel notes, “Every role was a step up the ladder, requiring new skills and perspectives. I learned the value of adaptability and continuous growth, qualities that have fueled my career.”
A Bold Move to Ireland: Embracing New Challenges
In 2013, Raquel made a transformative decision: to leave her established career in Portugal and move to Ireland. This transition meant starting over in a new country, facing a different language and work culture, and rebuilding her career from the ground up. Initially joining as a project manager, she quickly demonstrated her value and began to grow in her role, eventually advancing to program manager, director of strategy and operations, and chief of staff.
This period required a significant shift in mindset, as Raquel adapted to new organizational structures and developed a broader set of skills. She says, “Starting fresh was challenging, but it taught me resilience, fast learning, and the ability to thrive in change. These are the skills I’m passionate about sharing with others.”
From Corporate Leadership to Entrepreneurship
After years of climbing the corporate ladder, Raquel transitioned into entrepreneurship, founding Raquel Horta Coaching & Consulting. Her professional journey began at Datacomp II, where she developed foundational technical skills in programming and problem solving. As she advanced in roles at Novabase, Raquel sharpened her strategic thinking and expertise in project execution, managing complex projects and leading cross functional teams. The transition to Accenture further expanded her abilities in systems integration and business strategy, where she was recognized with the Client Excellence Award for her contributions to the Bank of Ireland’s digital transformation.
Her experience at Zendesk as Chief of Staff further honed her skills in operational leadership, change management, and organizational growth. These experiences, combined with certifications such as Professional Project Management (PMP), Professional Program Management (PgMP), Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Scrum Master, and a Professional Diploma in Coaching and Mentoring, position Raquel as a trusted authority in guiding individuals and organizations toward success. Raquel now channels this vast skill set into empowering project and program managers, helping them develop the resilience, clarity, and leadership required to navigate today’s challenges and drive innovation.
Building a Vision: The Birth of Raquel Horta Coaching & Consulting
In 2024, Raquel took a bold leap to create Raquel Horta Coaching & Consulting, driven by a powerful mission: to help Project & Program Managers thrive and become the kind of leaders who not only drive success but inspire others along the way. Her coaching is rooted in the belief that success isn’t just about executing projects, it’s about cultivating the key power skills that lead to sustained growth and leadership. With a focus on problem solving, communication, strategic thinking, leadership, and a growth mindset, Raquel empowers her clients to overcome challenges and unlock their full potential.
Raquel’s approach is uniquely personalized, combining actionable strategies with a transformative mindset. She firmly believes that the true difference between good managers and great leaders lies in their ability to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
As she often tells her clients, “Success isn’t defined by the projects you complete, it’s shaped by the mindset you develop to tackle every challenge with confidence and innovation.”
Co-Founding Partnium Services: A Holistic Approach to Business Growth
Alongside her coaching, Raquel co-founded Partnium Services, a services company focused on helping organizations boost productivity and efficiency. Here, she combines her technical expertise and strategic insight to offer businesses tailored solutions for sustainable growth.
Raquel’s dual roles as a coach and consultant reflect her belief that individual growth and organizational success are deeply interconnected.
“When individuals grow, organizations thrive. My mission is to help others realize this potential in themselves and their teams,” she says.
Raquel is also an active member of the Board of Directors for a charity, where she leverages her governance expertise to drive impact and Board Leadership and Governance Expertise
shape strategic decisions. This involvement aligns with her goal of becoming a Non-Executive Director for private companies, a vision further supported by her Diploma in Corporate Governance. With a solid understanding of organizational leadership and governance structures, Raquel is well-positioned to advise and contribute to the long-term success of businesses and non-profits alike.
Teaching What She Learned
Raquel Horta’s career has been defined by overcoming challenges that tested her technical and leadership capabilities. From managing complex projects to navigating different work cultures, she encountered obstacles that many professionals face but few are prepared for. These experiences, though difficult, became the foundation of her passion for coaching and mentoring. Realizing that many project and program managers lack the support and guidance to overcome similar struggles, Raquel transitioned into coaching with a clear purpose: to help others avoid the same pitfalls, develop resilience, and navigate their careers with clarity and confidence.
Raquel Horta’s story is one of transformation, empowerment, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As she continues to guide project managers and organizations toward success, her impact will undoubtedly resonate for years to come. With a unique blend of technical expertise and a heartfelt commitment to personal development, Raquel is not just a coach but a true champion for those seeking to navigate the complexities of their professional lives.
In a world where challenges are inevitable, Raquel stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that with the right mindset and support, anyone can achieve their goals. She invites you to join her on this transformative journey, whether through coaching, consulting, or simply sharing experiences. Raquel’s story is far from over, and she’s excited to see where the next chapter leads.
The Nectar of Wisdom from Raquel Horta’s Journey
- Embrace Challenges: “Problem-solving is what I love most about my job. The more challenging a project is, the more excited I get.”
- Empowerment is Key: “When individuals grow, organizations flourish. It’s a symbiotic relationship that drives real change.”
- Value of Experience: “Every challenge I faced was an opportunity to grow, and I embraced them all with enthusiasm.”
- Focus on Impact: “It was the impact I had on my clients that truly fueled my passion.”
- Mindset Matters: “True success lies not just in executing projects but in nurturing the mindset that embraces challenges and fosters innovation.”
Editorial Note
Raquel Horta’s journey exemplifies the power of determination and strategic thinking in transforming challenges into opportunities. Her commitment to empowering others is a testament to the impact one individual can have on many. We invite fellow executives to share their own stories of resilience and growth at https://executivesdiary.com/blog/ where every journey is celebrated and every voice matters. Join us in inspiring the next generation of leaders!
