From Global Boardrooms to the Beaches of Sintra: Why Steven J. Posner Chose Portugal to Redesign His Life

Steven J. Posner is no stranger to reinvention. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, educated in the U.S., and having lived and worked in cities like Madrid, London, and New York, Steven spent decades navigating the fast-paced world of business, leadership, and innovation. But four years ago, amidst a global pandemic and a deeply personal desire for change, Steven made a decision that would shape the next chapter of his life: he moved to a quiet, forested corner of Portugal called Colares, just outside the mythical town of Sintra.

What he found here wasn’t just a beautiful place to live, it was a new rhythm of life, a richer sense of purpose, and a powerful platform to continue his work of helping others lead with meaning and resilience.

A Pandemic Pivot That Changed Everything

Before the move, Steven had spent nearly 22 years living on and off in Spain, primarily Madrid, with a stint in London in between. “We were living in Spain when the pandemic hit,” he shares. “And when lockdowns eased, we asked ourselves: why go back to the city?”

Instead, the family found themselves in Asturias, in northern Spain, where the lush, green landscapes offered peace and reflection. But it was Portugal that soon caught their attention.

“Portugal suddenly appeared on the map for us,” Steven recalls. “We didn’t want to be in a city anymore. We wanted something quieter, more grounded. We found a magical house to rent in Colares, completely by chance. And that decision unfolded a series of life circumstances that revealed this place to be exactly where we were meant to be.”

Discovering Colares: A Hidden Gem Beyond the Hills

Just 40 minutes west of Lisbon, across the rolling Serra de Sintra, lies the tranquil village of Colares. Historically known as a summer escape for Lisboetas, this small town has evolved into a vibrant community for those seeking nature, peace, and proximity to the coast without sacrificing access to a capital city.

“Colares is one of those rare places where time slows down,” Steven says. “It’s cozy, traditional, and full of character. We’re 10 minutes from the beach, surrounded by hiking trails, forests, and cliffs. And yet, Lisbon is close enough that I can travel easily for work.”

Nearby treasures like Praia da Adraga, Azenhas do Mar, and Santuário da Peninha only add to the area's allure. “There are dinosaur footprints in the rocks here,” he laughs. “There are stunning views from Peninha where you can see Lisbon, Cascais, and the coast all at once. It’s a place full of hidden gems.”

A House That Chose Them

After initially renting a home in the more touristy center of Sintra, Steven and his family began searching for a permanent place to call home.

“We came across one property that just spoke to us. It had everything we wanted. In a way, it felt like the house chose us,” he reflects.

Today, that house is the center of their daily lives: a space for family, creativity, reflection, and growth. “It’s quiet but connected. We have nature all around us, but also these wonderful local food markets, traditional restaurants, and emerging small businesses. It’s simple living, but in the best way.”

Raising Children with Roots

Steven is a proud father of two boys, aged 8 and 12. And for him, one of the biggest rewards of moving to Portugal has been the impact on his children.

“They love it here,” he says. “They’ve made friends quickly. They go camping, explore the outdoors, and they’re just thriving. It’s a wonderful place to raise kids because there’s this balance between safety, freedom, and connection to nature.”

That’s not to say it’s been without adjustments. Like many expats, Steven’s family had to navigate new school systems, cultural nuances, and the challenge of settling in a small town. But the payoff has been well worth it. “This move gave our family space to grow, in every sense of the word.”

A Career with Meaning - Anywhere in the World

Despite living in a small coastal village, Steven’s professional work remains profoundly global. As the founder of Resilient Leadership, he mentors CEOs, senior executives, and leadership teams across industries, from tech giants like Google and SAP, to wellness institutions like SHA Clinic, to fast-growing startups and global NGOs.

“People call what I do coaching, but I see it as mentoring and guiding,” Steven explains. “I help people tap into their full potential by integrating neuroscience, breathwork, and embodiment practices. It's about rewiring limitations and unlocking new possibilities, not just in business, but in life.”

Portugal, it turns out, has become the perfect base. “This is a destination in itself,” he says. “More and more of my clients want to come here for retreats, workshops, and transformation experiences. And logistically, Lisbon’s airport makes it easy for me to travel when I need to. It’s the best of both worlds: high quality of life, low cost of living, and global connectivity.”

From Vodka Capital to Virtual Reality to Human Transformation

Steven’s career trajectory has been anything but conventional. Early in his life, he co-founded Vodka Capital, a company that produced cross-platform kids’ entertainment brands distributed in over 180 countries.

He later launched Future Lighthouse, a cutting-edge virtual reality storytelling studio that earned more than 40 international awards and positioned him at the intersection of tech, creativity, and innovation.

Yet over time, his focus shifted from external storytelling to internal transformation. As a certified Breath Master, former Wim Hof Method instructor, and long-time student of resilience, Steven now uses tools like neuroscience, breathwork, and somatic intelligence to help leaders lead from within.

“Today, what lights me up is helping people become more whole. To lead with clarity, courage, and compassion,” he says.

Portugal as a Place for Rebirth

What drew Steven to Portugal wasn’t just a lifestyle change, it was a philosophical one. “I think I dreamt of a life like this,” he admits. “But I never imagined it would be possible.”

Now, surrounded by nature, working with purpose, and raising his kids in a community that values connection and simplicity, Steven feels more aligned than ever.

“The beauty here isn’t just in the ocean or the mountains,” he says. “It’s in the way people live. It’s slower, more grounded. And in a world that’s constantly accelerating, that’s a real gift.”

Lessons From the Move: Keep Moving, Keep Growing

When asked what the move to Portugal has taught him, Steven doesn’t hesitate: “Keep moving. Keep growing.”

“There’s always something new to learn, someone new to meet, a new layer of yourself to discover,” he reflects. “The moment we think we’ve arrived, we stop evolving. And life is too rich and too mysterious for that.”

Steven’s story is a testament to that truth. A global entrepreneur who now walks barefoot through the forests of Sintra. A tech visionary who’s chosen to teach breathwork on ocean cliffs. A father, mentor, and explorer whose journey keeps unfolding, right here in Portugal.

Why Sintra, Why Now?

For many expats, Portugal checks the boxes: safety, beauty, affordability, climate. But for Steven J. Posner, the pull was something deeper.

“It’s not just about where you live, it’s about how you live,” he says. “And here, in Colares, in Sintra, I feel like I’m living on purpose. That’s what makes this place home.”

Thinking of Your Own Fresh Start?

If Steven’s journey speaks to you, if you're looking for a way to slow down, go deeper, or start over in a place that offers beauty, balance, and real opportunity, then maybe it's time to consider Portugal too.

Whether you're dreaming of coastal towns like Sintra, vibrant cities like Lisbon or Porto, or peaceful countryside retreats, moviinn® helps you go from dreaming to living.

We’re here to guide you through the entire relocation process, from visas, taxes and real estate to setting up your business or finding the right school for your kids.

Book a free discovery call now and let’s explore your journey together: https://www.moviinn.com/portugal/book-a-call/introduction

Want to hear Steven tell his story in his own words?
Watch the full video testimonial on moviinn’s YouTube channel here.

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