This interview was conducted by Elynn Hoch
Welcome to Beyond the Data, where phData spotlights the hardworking people behind the “technical” scenes. We are privileged to highlight these wonderful individuals as they share their career journeys, aspirations (both inside and outside of phData), and fun facts.
This week’s Beyond the Data is spotlighting Reinaldo Mota!
Reinaldo Mota is the kind of Analytics Consultant clients remember, bringing equal parts curiosity, grit, and genuine warmth to every project. Based in Curitiba, Brazil, he’s become a go‑to problem‑solver on complex, high‑stakes work. Reinaldo is often praised for rising to the occasion with calm, consistent delivery.
Outside of work, he’s a devoted dad, a passionate sports and music fan, and the kind of teammate who quietly makes everyone around them better. So basically, the exact kind of person we love to feature in Beyond the Data.
Get to know Reinaldo in this article as he shares his experience with phData and some fun facts about himself.
Can you Introduce Yourself and tell us a bit About Your Background and Interests?
My name is Reinaldo Mota, and I’m an Analytics Consultant here at phData. I was born in the countryside of São Paulo, but life eventually brought me to Curitiba after a few moves. I am a father to two kids, aged 3 and 5, and they are the reason I do everything I do.
I hold a degree in Computer Science and have a post-graduation degree in Data Science and Big Data. I had the chance to have a few different work experiences, and this gave me a wide array of knowledge in Business Processes and IT.
Outside of work, I love sports! I enjoy playing and watching soccer, and I support Brazil’s greatest champion (with 12 national titles!): Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras. I also love road trips with my family and seeing the world. Music is another huge passion; last year, I saw Twenty One Pilots, System of a Down, Green Day, and Oasis.
For 2026, I already have tickets for Avenged Sevenfold, AC/DC, and Rüfüs Du Sol. My favorite band is The Killers (I’ve been to 4 concerts already!). Aside from that, I enjoy being with my family, having barbecues, playing Madden, watching F1, and cheering for the Packers (I even have the cheesehead!).
What Technology Interests you the Most Right now?
I have to say AI. It is a disruptive technology, like Machine Learning was at one point, and it is here to stay. There is so much potential ahead, and I definitely want to ride this wave! This year, I plan to focus on upskilling in AI, and I hope to write a couple of blog posts about it!
What is Your Favorite part About Working as an Analytics Consultant?
My favorite part of this role is being in a high-performance environment where I can still learn from my coworkers. In addition, I love the challenge of taking complex data problems and turning them into solutions that truly help our clients. It feels like I’m growing every day!
What do you Like About Working With phData?
Besides the constant career growth and the way I can be leveled up because of a high-end work environment, I’d say the flexibility. Today, I can drop off and pick up my kids from daycare almost every day. The project I work on also supports this balance. These perks might be intangible, but they are priceless because they allow me to be an even more present father. This possibility in the world we live in nowadays makes a huge difference in my life.
You Live in Curitiba, Brazil, how did you Become a Packers fan?
That’s a good one! I used to work for an American oil company back in 2014, and a colleague there had just returned from working in the US for some years. He was a huge Cheesehead and, since I was new in town at the time and trying to make friends, I wanted something to talk about during coffee breaks.
Then I started watching football. He kind of taught me the rules and the game dynamics. A season later, I was understanding the game way better and really enjoying it. Plus, this all happened during the Aaron Rodgers era, so it was easy to fall in love with the sport. He used to make magic! Today, I’m a full-on fan: I play Madden, catch every game, own a jersey, and I even have a real Cheesehead that a former client gave me a few years back! Go Pack Go!
How Have Your Skills Grown Through Your Professional Career?
Let’s say I’ve had a variety of work experiences throughout my career. During college, I worked as an IT Infrastructure Analyst, and after graduating, I did an exchange program in Dublin to improve my English fluency. Later, I worked as a Purchasing Analyst and an IT and Business process Auditor.
In every role, I strove to be the best I could be, and that brought me here. I see it like Thanos’ Infinity Stones: I collected a specific skill from each experience, and combined, they help me succeed in my current role.
In What Ways Would you Like to Continue to Grow with phData?
At phData, the talent level is incredibly high, which motivates me to keep the bar high as well. I try to remain as curious as possible, learning from every interaction and new project, while also studying emerging topics like AI in the background.
I Heard you are Traveling to Disney With Your Family! What Ride or Attraction are you Most Looking Forward to?
We are actually heading to Disneyland in California and exploring some surrounding cities! It’s going to be the trip of a lifetime, like we have never done before! We are looking forward to the whole experience, but I’m excited to see my son’s reaction to “Cars Land” at Disney California Adventure Park. He is a huge Lightning McQueen fan, and I can’t wait to see his face when he steps into the real-life “Radiator Springs”!
What Does a day Outside of Work Look Like for you and Your Family?
It is definitely a day outdoors! We have plenty of parks in Curitiba, and the little ones love going for a ride on the back of my bike in their child seat. When at home, they love using their creativity, playing some PlayStation, soccer, Hot Wheels, and reading.
If you Could Visit Anywhere in the World, Where Would it be and What Would you do There?
The world is so big that it is really hard to pick only one. To be honest, it looks like I update my wish list every time! Right now, I’d say going to any Scandinavian country to see the Northern Lights. But sometimes I think about a road trip in Italy’s countryside, visiting artisanal wineries and family-owned restaurants. The last option would get me some extra kilos, though!
Want to work alongside Reinaldo?
Our team is growing! Check out our job board to see our current openings.
