In this powerful and personal talk, Rita Piçarra shares how the early loss of her parents led her to radically rethink success and stop postponing what truly matters. After a 22-year international career culminating as CFO of Microsoft Portugal, she chose to retire at 44 and build a more intentional life. Rita invites us all to stop waiting and start creating the future through ambition, collaboration, and purpose. Rita Piçarra is a former CFO of Microsoft Portugal who reached financial independence and chose to retire at 44, after a 22-year career across five countries and multiple leadership roles. Her journey is a living example of how ambition, planning, and purpose can radically transform a life. Recognised as one of the top financial leaders in Microsoft Latin America, she left the corporate world not to slow down, but to create space for what truly matters. Rita now dedicates her time to inspiring others through speaking, writing, and volunteering — helping people design lives of intention and meaning. Her story is proof that the future doesn’t have to be postponed — it can be created, starting today. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx