Marco goes the extra mile connecting cultures

When Marco Portugall joined DLL as a working student, he couldn’t have predicted how far that opportunity would take him. Today, as a Global Commercial Service Specialist, Marco plays a central role in one of DLL’s largest global partner programs. From his base in Germany, he connects colleagues and partners from around the world to build smooth, effective collaboration. “It’s what I love most about my job,” says Marco. “Working across cultures and translating ideas into action—it’s incredibly rewarding.”

From student to leader

Marco's DLL career began during his university years, where he gained hands-on experience in departments like Collections, Credit and Sales Support. After earning his master’s degree, he joined DLL full-time as an Asset Sales Specialist. By the age of 26, he was leading the Asset Sales team.

“We felt like a start-up within a larger company,” says Marco. “It was fast-moving and collaborative. I was given real trust and freedom to shape our department.” That early trust shaped his sense of what DLL is all about: giving people space to grow, explore and build something meaningful.

A global role with local impact

Today, Marco works on a major global program, supporting DLL’s partnership with one of the world’s largest manufacturers. “My role is all about alignment,” says Marco. “I help connect the dots between countries and functions, making sure everyone is working together toward a shared goal.”

It’s a job that requires not just financial knowledge and project management skills, but emotional intelligence and cultural awareness. “Being able to understand people’s perspectives across cultures is absolutely crucial,” he explains. “I like to think that is my superpower—communicating effectively across borders.”

Investing in people

Throughout his journey, Marco has felt supported by DLL’s people-focused culture. From his earliest days as a student to his current global role, he’s been encouraged to take on challenges and supported with training, mentorship and leadership opportunities.

“My managers were always available for a coffee and a conversation,” says Marco. “Even now, I’m part of a great international team with a development perspective on future leadership roles.”

The spirit of connection

The DLL spirit of connection also extends into Marco’s personal life. In 2022, he was part of a team negotiating the sale of drilling rigs to a customer based in northern Germany. They arranged to meet near Stuttgart for a two-day site inspection to go over the equipment and finalize the deal.

“Those kinds of meetings are always about more than machines,” says Marco. “You're building trust, spending real time together. That’s when the connection deepens.” During the long hours inspecting the equipment, talking through specs, pricing and logistics, the conversation took a more personal turn.

From business partners to triathlon teammates

Marco and a member of the customer’s team discovered a shared goal: completing a triathlon. “Neither of us had done one before, but we were both intrigued by the challenge,” says Marco. “We joked about it at first, but ultimately agreed: Why not just go for it?”

True to their word, they signed up for an Olympic-distance triathlon set around a scenic lake in northern Germany. Over the next few months, they kept in touch, no longer just business contacts, but training partners pushing each other toward the finish line. In 2023, they completed the race side by side.

“It’s the perfect example of how strong relationships can become when you bring your full self to the table,” says Marco. “The business relationship is still going strong, and now it’s rooted in something more.”

A key part of DLL

Marco points to the many team-building activities DLL Germany offers—from sports and events to cultural celebrations—as a key part of what makes DLL special. “It’s easy to get to know people across the company, even those you don’t work with every day.”

“For every kilometer you run in certain events, DLL donates to a good cause,” Marco says. “It’s a fun and motivating way to give back.” In 2023, he also completed an Olympic-distance triathlon in Abu Dhabi, an achievement he credits, in part, to the encouragement and culture at DLL. “Without DLL, I might never have gone for it.”

Marco is also a fan of DLL’s social impact initiatives, including its policy of giving every employee two volunteer days per year. From helping in senior centers to supporting animal shelters and fundraising through sports, DLL members are encouraged to make a difference in ways that matter to them.

There’s always more to learn

Looking back on his first decade with DLL, Marco sees a journey defined by growth, opportunity and human connection across departments, borders and cultures. “There’s always more to learn, more to experience, and more people to connect with,” he says. “That’s what excites me most.”