Portrait 1: Diego Malheiros Silveira

• Founder of RUN4AUCKLAND & Beyond Content

• Marketing and Events lecturer at the Auckland University of Technology

• Ambassador for ADIDAS and Powerade

“There is always a space for you if you’re good”

Born under the sun of Rio De Janeiro, Diego Malheiros Silveira arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand 2018. Since then, his journey has not only transformed his own life but also inspired change in others.

@diegomalheiros

1. Could you please present yourself.

My name is Diego Malheiros Silveira, I’m 34 years old and proudly born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There are no words to describe how proud I am to be Brazilian, it’s in everything I do and who I am. I spent the first 26 years of my life there, growing up in the warmth of the sun, surrounded by family, laughter, and joy. In 2018, I moved to New Zealand to pursue my Master’s degree, and I’ve since made my home in Takapuna, on Auckland’s beautiful North Shore.

2. Tell us about your personal and professional backgrounds.

Since I was a kid, I’ve been full of energy and passionate about sports, despite growing up

with severe asthma. I found my way through running, surfing, and later martial arts, which taught me discipline, respect, and commitment. At 18, I spent a year in South Carolina teaching martial arts and co-founded an academy that still runs today. I only started running at 24, and it’s been part of my life ever since. Professionally, I used to hate school, until a university open day introduced me to Marketing and Events. I studied Social Communication with a focus on Marketing and Advertising and later completed a postgraduate degree in Business Marketing Research at the University of California.

3. Professionally, you are passionate about Marketing and Event Industries. Would you tell us how and when you knew it was meant for you ?

There are two sides to my story, marketing and events. One helped me find my passion; the other, my purpose. In marketing, I discovered the balance between creativity and results, a space where strategy meets imagination. At 15, I found events while working as a wedding assistant in Rio de Janeiro. I was fascinated by the process of turning ideas into unforgettable moments and seeing the impact right away. Combining these two worlds has shaped my entire journey. Marketing gives me vision, and events give me purpose, together, they define who I am and what I love to do.

4. Moreover, you are the founder of Auckland most famous running clubs RUN4AUCKLAND. How came this idea ?

Run4Auckland was never meant to become what it is today, one of New Zealand’s biggest running communities. When I moved here in 2018, I had a small circle of friends, including a Brazilian woman who became my first real friend. Her baby daughter was born deaf, and after a long year dedicated to her recovery, she came to me and said she wanted to get back into exercising. We tried a few gyms, but nothing felt right for her. So I suggested something simple: ‘Let’s just start running.’ That first Sunday, ten people joined us. The next time, there were fifteen. By the end of the year, fifty people were running together. At that time, I was also a pacer for Adidas Runners, which gave me the idea of creating something similar but more inclusive. A couple of months later, I designed a logo and called it Run4, a play on words meaning What are you running for? It started for my friend and her daughter, but today, it’s for everyone. Our globe-shaped logo now represents exactly what we stand for: diversity, connection, and running for something bigger than ourselves.

5. 6 years have past and RUN4AUCKLAND is growing weekly, you are teaching

Marketing and Events at AUT, and you are sponsored by Powerade and Adidas. What’s the secret to teach and live your passions daily ?

Teaching and Run4Auckland share the same purpose for me, to create impact and connection. Run4Auckland has grown into a welcoming community that helps people find friendship, confidence, and belonging, and I’m grateful to have the support of brands like Adidas and Powerade, who believe in that vision. Teaching at AUT brings the same fulfilment in a different form, it’s about guiding the next generation, bringing real

experiences into the classroom, and watching students grow beyond grades. Both worlds allow me to live my purpose and share my passions every day.

6. Do you think postgraduate studies are beneficial after undergraduate studies ?

It only makes sense if it’s going to add you something and it depends in the contexts.From my personal viewpoint, if you want to go work at the university, yes do your master. In the other context, I would recommend to after undergraduate studies, you should work for few years in the industry before studying a postgraduate diploma or a master. But if you know where you are going, by studying postgraduate studies and doing work experiences at the same time, this is the best scenario.

7. Aotearoa New Zealand is your second home. How would you describe New Zealand to newcomers ?

From a personal viewpoint, this country has given me so much. I met new friends for life, created projects for a lifetime, did and still growing in the industries that I love, a really welcoming-easy vibe. From a professional perspective, you need to be familiar with the English language to work in New Zealand. Otherwise, I found my place here.

8. Does travelling have a place in your project inspirations ?

Yes, 100%. I’ll recommend to travel as much as you can. Traveling is a source inspiration, it helps to recharge your battery and to inspire you in every angle on your personal and professional journeys. Getting out from your comfort zone, seeing one things and coming to your reality and adjust it to your project is just amazing.

9. What advice would you give to 25yo self ?

Know where you want to go, risk is sometimes the best opportunity and  go with the flow.

10. Do you believe that having faith makes your dreams come true.

From my personal point of view, it depends. As a Brazilian, I rely on my faith on Yemanja, the goddess of the ocean. I believe having faith on YOU will definitely drives you and makes your dreams come true if you are good.