Ireland Portugal Business Network Podcast series

Panel 3 - What’s Next? The Future of Tech-Driven Marine Protection with guest speakers:Lee Bristow, The Ocean and AI – Tech Driven protectionsAgostinho da Silva, Catolica Porto Business School – Board Member, MARE, Marine and Environmental Sciences CentrePedro Costa from the University of CoimbraModerated by IPBN Board Member Mario Gago, CEO, Pink Room SoftwareRead more here.

Panel 2 – A conversation about real-time climate impacts on coastal infrastructure with:Professor Emilia Duarte – UE/IADE - "Diving Heritage: Design Innovation for Resilient Coastal Communities through Underwater Cultural Heritage Tourism"Antonia Correia, KiPT COLAB, CODE Blue ProjectPedro Pardal Monteiro, Vice-President of the Portuguese Surfing Federation | Surf Project Manager | Surf Coastal Engineering ExpertModerated by IPBN Board Member Susan Cabeceiras, Founder & Chair KONCEPTNESS Gestão de Projetos, Imobiliária, Arquitetura, Engenharia & DesignRead more here.

A panel conversation in partnership with the Ethical Assembly about Science-driven / Innovation / Ocean climate Justice with guest speakers:Christopher Storey - Sea Shepherd Global, Divers For the Ocean: Project development, Partnerships Specialist, Sustainability LeaderAndré Almeida Santos - Partner at Indico Capital Partners, heading Sustainability & Impact and leading the Blue Economy investments across EuropeHenrique Folhas - Ocean and Conservation Activist, SciaenaModerated by Patricia Imbarus, Climate & Sustainability Strategist & Founder, Ethical AssemblyRead more here.

In this episode, we’re joined by Andy O’Donoghue, digital health entrepreneur, technology columnist, and broadcaster. Andy is CEO and co-founder of Vård Digital Health, a company building software to modernise how hospitals and specialist clinics manage patient care, referrals, and clinical workflows.Andy is also a familiar voice across Irish and UK media, appearing regularly on RTÉ, BBC, and Today FM, where he breaks down emerging technologies ranging from artificial intelligence to digital health.The conversation centres on Andy’s experience chairing the 4th Investnet Technology in Healthcare Summit, one of Ireland’s key gatherings of healthcare leaders, policymakers, clinicians, and technology innovators.Together we explore the major themes emerging from the event, including:• Why healthcare systems are at a digital transformation crossroads • The role of AI in improving patient care and reducing administrative burden • Why cybersecurity is now a patient safety issue • The challenge of moving toward integrated, paperless health systems • How technology can help address workforce pressures and waiting listsAndy also shares his three key takeaways from the summit and looks ahead to where Irish healthcare technology could be heading over the next year.If you're interested in the intersection of healthcare, technology, and policy, this conversation offers valuable insights from one of the sector’s most experienced observers.

The Ireland Portugal Business Network was delighted to host the first event in its new Conversation with a Leader series, delivered in partnership with IPBN member Writers' Bloc. The inaugural conversation took place at Unicorn Factory Lisboa's Beato Innovation District, in Praça Beato's cafe/restaurant, on Tuesday, March 3, and featured Gil Azevedo, Executive Director Unicorn Factory Lisboa.This session offered members an inside look at one of Lisbon’s most ambitious innovation initiatives. Unicorn Factory Lisboa operates across the entire startup value chain, with a clear mission: to generate lasting economic impact for the city by building a strong, dynamic, and sustainable ecosystem where companies at every stage can thrive — from early-stage founders to globally scaling unicorns. The conversation explored the programme’s vision, the broader Lisbon innovation scene, and the strategic role Unicorn Factory Lisboa plays in positioning the city as a leading European hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.The discussion was hosted by John Byrne, Founder of Writers’ Bloc, and went beyond surface-level commentary to focus on the realities of building and scaling businesses across borders. Together with the IPBN, John examined where real business opportunities lie between Ireland and Portugal, and what it actually takes to unlock them in practice.This was not a keynote or a polished pitch session. Instead, the Conversation with a Leader series is designed to get into the substance behind leadership: trust-building across cultures, navigating complexity, identifying overlooked opportunities, and making the difficult decisions that define successful leadership.The series reflects IPBN’s ongoing commitment to creating meaningful connections, facilitating knowledge exchange, and supporting members who are building, scaling, and investing across the Ireland–Portugal corridor.

The Ireland Portugal Business Network (IPBN) participated in the Webinar International Migrants Day 2025, organized by KIPT COLAB, represented by our General Manager, Arnold Delville as a panelist. We reflected on our core mission: facilitating the movement of skilled professionals—and their ideas—between two dynamic European economies.The theme for International Migrants Day 2025—Contributions of Immigrants and Their Rights—resonated deeply with the work of the IPBN. Our raison d'être is fundamentally about connecting talent from two different countries and, in doing so, actively contributing to a more resilient, innovative, and inclusive workforce.Our mission to develop trade between Ireland and Portugal is achieved by recognizing and encouraging inclusion, innovation, and participation across sectors and regions. We view migrants not as beneficiaries of integration policies, but as active contributors and co-creators of success. Read more here: https://www.ireland-portugal.com/news/the-ipbns-mission-building-transatlantic-bridge-for-talent-and-trade/

Check out this online Masterclass featuring key academic and business innovation leaders from Portugal. This session explored major objectives, developments, and events planned for 2026 across leading innovation hubs.Speakers included:Porto Business School Innovation X Hub – Diogo Vieira da Silva, Head of Unit, Impact Centers, Innovation X Hub, Porto Business SchoolUC Business – Nuno Mendonça, Vice-Rector, University of CoimbraUAlg TEC Campus – Jessica Costa, Executive Director, Algarve STP Association and UAlg TEC CampusThis class provided valuable perspectives on the opportunities and challenges ahead in 2026 across academia, innovation, and business collaboration.

In this special year-in-review episode, the IPBN team looks back on a busy and impactful 2025 and shares what’s ahead for 2026. Hosts Ellis and Arnold reflect on a packed calendar of conferences, masterclasses, mini-conferences, podcasts, and member spotlights that brought together business, academia, and innovation across Ireland and Portugal.The episode highlights the Innovation, Tourism, and Sustainability Conferences, key takeaways from healthcare and investment-focused mini-conferences, standout masterclasses, and some of the most engaging Spotlight Interviews and podcast conversations of the year. The team also reflects on IPBN’s presence at major events including Web Summit, Tech Summit Algarve, and ART&TUR.Looking ahead, Arnold outlines what’s coming in 2026, including the return of the flagship conferences, an expanded three-part sustainability series across Portugal, and a new IPBN Roadshow launching in Ireland.A reflective and forward-looking episode that captures the energy of the network, the value of its community, and what’s next for IPBN.

As part of the UCP North of Portugal Conference, Panel 2 explored investment & development potential in the Northern region of Portugal with Professor Ricardo Morais, Católica Porto Business School and José Carmo, Partner at Carmo & Cerqueira, SROC. The chat was moderated by John Paul Prior, Chair of the IPBN Porto.

As part of the UCP North of portugal conference, Panel 1 explores AI, Biotechnology, and Software Development with Pedro Rodrigues, Deputy Director, UCP School of Biotechnology, Felipe Ávila da Costa, Co-founder, CEO at Infraspeak, Telmo Fernandes, Site Lead FinTrU - Technologically Enabled Regulatory Solutions. The chat was moderated by Susan Cabeceiras, IPBN Board Member & Founder & Chair Konceptness.

With insights from leading voices in academia, business, and industry in the region, this event brought together perspectives on how to build partnerships that foster innovation, investment, and shared success between Ireland and Portugal, and connected with leaders shaping the future of innovation and investment in the North of Portugal. João Pinto, Dean of Católica Business School, kicked the conference off with his opening statement.

In today’s global economy, real networking goes far beyond swapping business cards. Now, it’s about building trust, cultivating genuine relationships, and connecting across industries, cultures, and borders.Listen to this recording of a one-hour online IPBN Masterclass led by Jean Evans, The Networking Architect, who shared practical, proven strategies for creating authentic professional connections that lead to long-term growth and opportunity.Drawing on her extensive experience helping professionals network with purpose and confidence, Jean explored how to approach every interaction with curiosity, generosity, and intention — whether you’re building your business in Ireland, Portugal, or beyond.Don’t miss this chance to refine your networking skills and strengthen your professional presence in a supportive, cross-border community.

Panel 4 – A Conversation around Innovation & Adaptation & offering a real authentic experience from the wine industry with special guests and IPBN members:João Claro, BREW & GLU Glu Wine Festivals Coimbra Joerg Lewerenz, Quinta da Corrieira Petra Bakker, Vidavinho John Paul Prior, IPBN Board Member – Moderator

Panel 3 - A conversation around Innovation & Adaptation & real authentic experience in the Hospitality sector from IPBN members :Alex Hutkoff, historic stone house in Portugal’s Douro Valley Edmundo de Alarcão Ferreira, Operations Manager PURUS, a boutique hospitality group based in Coimbra Renato Calvão, CEO & Founder at SEE Countries - Travel ExperienceEllis Dixon, IPBN Content & Marketing Manager – Moderator Followed by a brief presentation from conference sponsor Swissquote Bank Europe.

Panel 2 –- Responses of the new trends from the business & Hospitality point of view with IPBN partner and special guest:Roberto Antunes , NEST Innovation Tourism Centre Francisco Dias, President ART&TUR International Tourism Film Festival & Editor-in-Chief of EJTHR - European Journal of Tourism, Hospitality and Research Susan Cabeceiras, IPBN Board Member

Panel 1 - About Authentic Tourism - Managing a multigenerational & multicultural workforce, tech/environmental and cultural savvy with special guest speakers from IPBN Academic Partners:Rita Marques, Programme Director PBS & Champion of the Innovation Tourism Hub, Former Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services Sofia Almeida,Tourism and Hospitality Coordinator, Universidade Europeia Sharon Dehmel, IPBN Board Member – Moderator

Geoffrey Graham, Chair of the IPBN introduces H.E.Alma Ní Choigligh. Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal, who welcomes everyone to the 4th Annual IPB TOurism COnference at TUMO Portugal at the Unicorn Factory in Lisbon, This is followed by words of welcome from Philip Button of IPBN Executive Partner Brookes Property Group and Sponsor of the confernece.

The Ireland Portugal Business Network invited its members in Porto to a gathering at Carmo & Cerqueira's offices in Candal Park, Vila Nova de Gaia where we listened to this conversation between John Paul Prior, Chair of the IPBN Porto and IPBN member Silvia Correia from Award winning re.store. These two inspirational speakers shared their business partnership success story—an inspiring example of bilateral trade between Portugal and Ireland. We invite you to have a listen!

In this episode, we explore one of the most pressing topics in today’s tourism economy — the challenges and opportunities in employment across the hospitality sector, and how new labor laws might shape its future.Joining Ellis Dixon, Marketing and Content Manager of the IPBN, are two experts with distinct but complementary perspectives:Sofia Almeida, Tourism and Hospitality Coordinator at Universidade Europeia, who brings an academic and research-driven view of current workforce trends and skill shortages.Cláudia Póvoa, Partner at Edge International Lawyers, who specializes in labor law and the evolving legal frameworks that impact both employers and employees in Portugal.Together, they unpack key questions such as:Why is the sector struggling to attract and retain qualified staff?Can greater flexibility through fixed-term contracts really help, or does it risk deepening instability?How can employers and policymakers balance short-term needs with long-term sustainability for the workforce?From education and training to policy and practice, this conversation sheds light on how Portugal’s tourism and hospitality industries can adapt to change — while continuing to grow responsibly and sustainably.Listen now to hear how flexibility, fairness, and innovation can work hand in hand to build a stronger hospitality workforce.

Building on his insightful contribution to last December’s IPBN discussion on business in 2025, Ricardo led a focused session on how design thinking can serve as a strategic tool for international growth. Specifically, the session explored how ethnographic research and user-centered approaches can identify complementary products and inspire alliances across international markets—not just with customers, but with partners in adjacent or even unrelated industries.Drawing from his extensive teaching on design thinking—including an 8-hour workshop grounded in the methodology of the Hasso Plattner Institute in Germany—Ricardo helped participants navigate the shift from a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world to a BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible) environment. The focus was on how to design meaningful experiences that exceed expectations in both the production and consumption of products or services.

Follow along with this practical online Masterclass with IPBN member Carlos Justino, an expert in AI-driven business strategy and digital transformation. In this one-hour session entitled "Smart Growth on Social Media: Strategies, Trends and AI-Powered Automation," Carlos guides us through the evolving social media landscape, sharing actionable insights on how businesses—especially SMEs—can move beyond outdated tactics to achieve smarter, more sustainable growth.Whether you're B2B or B2C, building brand awareness or trying to convert customers, this Masterclass can help you understand how to harness AI tools, strategy, and storytelling to drive results without draining your team’s time or creativity.What we learnt:What works now on social media: Discover which platforms matter most in 2025—and why many brands are still missing the mark with organic content.Why authenticity beats automation alone: Learn the cost of producing generic content, and how to develop brand-specific voices for each platform.AI’s real role in content creation: Explore practical ways AI can support your team today, and what it still can’t do.How to create content that connects: Get the anatomy of a high-performing post—and how to adapt it across LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and X.The top mistake SMEs make: Understand the downsides of the DIY approach and why traditional outsourcing often leads to frustration.The productivity vs. performance gap: See why scheduling isn’t enough, and how a brand’s unique knowledge base drives smarter results.Where smart automation comes in: Learn how to combine AI, brand knowledge and best practices to consistently generate quality content.Live Demo: Carlos also showcases how Witfy, an AI-powered content engine, creates personalised, high-performing posts with zero friction using a Virtual Brain and Knowledge Base tailored to your brand.

In this podcast, we sat down with Afghani-born Aziza Akrami and Moroccan-born Hind Falah to talk about their inspiring, remarkable journeys from their respective homelands to arrive at Porto Business School, where they currently study. We discuss their initial motivations to pursue higher education, adapting to life in Portugal, their passions and aspirations, what it’s like embracing a new culture, what keeps them hopeful and motivated, and how their idea of "home" has evolved along the way. Hind is an investment professional specializing in frontier markets who started her career as a trader and now leads investment operations at an international asset management firm. Aziza Akrami is a youth advocate, program leader, and risk analyst committed to promoting human rights, education, and gender equality in Afghanistan. She is the co-founder of the Empowered Circle and one of the 2021 South Asian Economic Student Meet award winners of the research competition from the World Bank.

As AI rapidly shifts from buzzword to backbone of modern business, the need to adopt it strategically—and understand where to find investment—has never been more urgent. Therefore, we’re excited to introduce the fourth and final panel of the day, featuring case study presentations from Philippe Brodeur, Barry Flynn, and Martin Duffy—three professionals who are applying AI in practical, high-value ways across very different domains.Philippe Brodeur, Founder and CEO of Overcast HQ, brings more than two decades of experience at the intersection of video and technology. His Video Content-as-a-Service (VCaaS) platform helps distributed teams streamline video workflows—unlocking value, automating the technical heavy lifting, and building tools tailored to real-world business needs.Joining him is Martin Duffy, a senior IT consultant and data analytics veteran with over 30 years’ experience. With deep expertise in everything from customer intelligence to fraud detection, Martin has helped organisations across financial services, manufacturing, and the public sector harness the power of data to drive smarter decisions and build analytics maturity that lasts.Finally, Barry Flynn, Founder and Managing Director of IN2 Engineering, offers a perspective grounded in the built environment. With 25 years of experience in electrical systems and bespoke lighting design, Barry is pioneering how smart infrastructure, energy systems, and integrated engineering design are evolving through AI and intelligent automation.Whether you're just beginning to explore AI or looking for capital to grow your next AI-powered venture, this panel will provide the clarity, connection, and confidence needed to take the next step.

Titled “How to Start with AI and Investment Opportunities for AI Startups,” the third panel will explore how founders, SMEs, and innovators can move from AI curiosity to execution, with the added lens of investment readiness. Moderated by IPBN member and Strategic Growth Advisor Carlos Justino, the discussion will feature three leaders at the forefront of AI adoption, business innovation, and scale-up strategy.Carlos Justino, an experienced AI Adoption & Strategic Growth Advisor, will guide the conversation. With a career built on helping businesses harness data, hyper-personalised marketing, and technology to drive sustainable growth, Carlos brings a practitioner’s perspective to digital transformation. He has worked across industries to help organisations unlock potential through AI-powered insights and systems. His passion for demystifying AI and making it actionable makes him a natural fit to moderate this practical, solutions-driven session.Joining the panel is Sam Marchetti, founder of IPBN member company ConsortiaCo and a Business Innovation Specialist known for his systems-thinking approach to sustainable growth. Sam’s work spans national and European enterprise ecosystems, where he designs multi-layer innovation models for communities, SMEs, and the public sector. His emphasis on Emotional Intelligence and Wellbeing as essential drivers of professional and organisational development brings a holistic, human-centered view to the AI conversation. With deep engagement in the EU’s Green, Just, and Digital Transitions, Sam will offer insights into where funding and innovation efforts can—and should—converge.The panel also features Mark Kelly, a globally recognised authority on AI transformation and the founder of AI Ireland, a community of more than 10,000 AI professionals. Mark is known for his rare ability to distill the complex language of AI into clear, actionable roadmaps that empower everyone from start-ups to government agencies. With four books on AI, more than 100 five-star reviews for his speaking and consulting, and a mission to make AI accessible and ethical, Mark’s insights are grounded in real-world application and strategic foresight. As Microsoft President Brad Smith once remarked, Mark has the unique ability to “explain a complex message while holding the rapt attention of 600 people”—a skill he will no doubt bring to the stage at the GEC.Together, these speakers will tackle the core questions facing today’s entrepreneurs: How do you begin with AI in a way that’s sustainable and scalable? What investment trends are shaping the future of AI innovation? And what role do ethics, wellbeing, and emotional intelligence play in building a responsible AI-driven business?

The IPBN's June 17th Dublin Innovation Conference featured speakers and panelists from different sectors to bridge the gap between theory and practice, the first of which focused on new EU regulations in AI legislation as a framework for SMEs to discover tools to help them remain compliant with Agatha Bulha, Stephanie Prenderville, and moderator Lee Bristow. Agatha Bulha is a lawyer at José Bulha International Law Office from Faro, a representative to the Council of Europe, and a member of the European Young Bar Association. As a business-minded professional, Agatha has always believed in the power of creativity and connection. Her passion and strong entrepreneurial spirit led her to explore the startup world and ultimately focus on intellectual property, where innovation is born and protected. Stephanie Prenderville, the Founder of SP Consulting and new IPBN member, helps develop strategy and transformation toolkits for companies to succeed, thanks to her over 20 years of experience leading small and large-scale change and people programs through in-house consultancy and advisory roles in various organizations. Her energy and deep strategic understanding of how to build common visions and problem-solve have helped organizations and leaders make measurable improvements to productivity, engagement, employee experience, and cost savings. Finally, moderator and IPBN member Lee Bristow, Human AI Alliance Author, advocates safe, ethical, and transparent AI in his work as a Tech Entrepreneur and Risk & Compliance Innovator. As a self-proclaimed serial founder, Lee drives innovation in RiskTech, AI, and Automation solutions. With expertise in business strategy, product development, information security, and beyond, he is passionate about simplifying risk through the Human AI Alliance.

Panel 2 of the IPBN Innovation Conference focuses on AI case studies regarding sustainability and data analysis. JC Durbin, Head of Innovation and AI at IPBN Executive Partner, Ardanis, introduces the panel and delivers a case study from the company. JC is a seasoned leader and engineer with broad experience guiding projects from design to production. With a robust technology background and diverse industry experience, he excels at identifying and solving complex challenges, inspiring high-performing teams, and driving ambitious goals to success. The next case study centered around “Decarbonising Business: AI Solutions for Net-Zero Goals” with IPBN member Liliana Domingues, founder of Amarna Vida. With over 20 years of experience across heavy industries, Liliana brings a rare combination of analytical depth, strategic insight, operational resilience, and human-centred leadership. Thanks to her experience in STEM, she currently helps business leaders of stagnant or transitioning companies realign their strategy, culture, and positioning, especially those navigating low revenue, siloed thinking, and a lack of sustainability integration.Finally, we hear from Killian O'Neill, Chief Data Strategist at Clear Strategy, IPBN Member, and recipient of this year’s IPBN Business Success Award. With over 20 years of experience in data warehousing, business intelligence, and complex technologies, Killian explored the theme of 'Impacting Sales.' His in-depth understanding of business processes across various domains allows him to effectively analyze, interpret, and communicate key metrics to drive results. Killian is particularly skilled in delivering advanced analytical solutions, including churn prediction modeling, customer-level P&L scoring, next best activity scoring, and customer segmentation.

In this episode, we spotlight the powerful keynote statements delivered at the Second Innovation Conference in Dublin by two thought leaders shaping the future of AI: Lee Bristow and Martin Duffy.Lee Bristow, author of "The Human AI Alliance" and serial tech founder, explores what it means to build responsible AI. With expertise spanning RiskTech, automation, and information security, Lee advocates for transparency, ethics, and safety in AI adoption. In his keynote, he challenges us to think beyond the hype and focus on a more human-centered approach to technology. Lee recently led an insightful IPBN Masterclass, and his keynote builds on that vision.Martin Duffy, Head of GenAI at PwC Ireland, draws from over three decades of experience in analytics to discuss the real-world impact of generative AI. His talk dives into how Irish organisations are adapting, what’s next for GenAI in the workplace, and why strategic data leadership is essential in this new era. Referencing findings from PwC’s recent GenAI report, Martin highlights the transformation already underway across industries.Whether you're just starting your AI journey or leading digital transformation efforts, this episode offers valuable insights on ethical implementation and practical strategy.Subscribe and join the conversation.Special thanks to the Guinness Enterprise Centre and Director Niamh Collins for hosting us once again—and to our conference sponsors: IPBN Executive Partner Ardanis, and IPBN members VMotion IT Solutions, Daylight, and Marina Vilamoura.

AI is everywhere—but is it truly a strategic priority for your business, or just another tech trend? In this practical and insightful masterclass, Stephanie Prenderville, Founder of SP Consulting, cuts through the AI hype and helps you assess whether AI can meaningfully accelerate business results, reduce operational friction, and enable future agility.The Masterclass, entitled "Is AI a Strategic Imperative – and If So, Why Now?" will allow listeners to get clarification on AI queries through real-world case studies and a clear, business-focused framework.The three core lenses for AI value: business growth, operational efficiency, and future agility.The five essential enablers for AI success, from people and skills to governance, safety, and strategic focus.How other organisations have achieved tangible results through AI-powered initiatives.Common barriers to AI adoption and how to overcome them.This session was designed for business leaders who are curious about AI’s potential but want clarity on how to turn ideas into action.

As interest in relocating to and investing in the Algarve continues to grow, so does the demand for clarity around the various incentives and residency schemes available in Portugal today. To address this, we opened out Member Meet Member event in the Algarve with a focused and informative panel discussion followed by networking opportunities. Our expert panel explored and clarified several key programs, including:NHR 2.0 (also referred to as IFICI)The New Golden VisaPRR (Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência – EU Recovery Fund)Portugal 2030Digital Visas (D6, D7, and D8)The discussion was moderated by Sharon Farrell, Chair of the IPBN Algarve and included contributions from IPBN members Ana Sofia Gonçalves and Andrea Viegas, who is also the newly appointed Honorary Consul of Ireland in the Algarve since December 2024.

Check out the podcast taken from the online Masterclass on the EU Pay Transparency Directive, coming into effect in 2026. In this session, three IPBN members shared their expertise on the legal, practical, and strategic implications of the new regulations, ensuring you are ready to meet compliance standards and avoid penalties. Listen as they decode the legal requirements, discuss practical steps for compliance, communicate upcoming changes, and more!

Listen to an exclusive online Masterclass with IPBN member Lee Bristow, author of Human AI Alliance. In this episode, Lee explores essential governance strategies to help businesses confidently adopt AI and walks the audience through implementing governance frameworks to ensure fairness and equity in AI systems (Reducing Bias). Lee also touches on ways to develop safe, secure, and responsible AI practices (Reducing Fear) and how to navigate AI regulations like the EU AI Act with transparency and trust (Eliminating Uncertainty).

Today's podcast is with Raquel Pinto, a career and leadership coach with over 15 years of experience in career and management coaching. Raquel helps people achieve career goals and hone their leadership skills in order to broaden their scope and determine the next best steps for their professional lives. In this episode, we look at Raquel's "Five traits"—strategic thinking, accountability, influence, agility, and self-leadership as they apply to AI tools, imposter syndrome, hiring managers, and daily exercises for leaders. Check out her website here: www.raquelpinto.com for more information or DM Raquel on her LinkedIn Profile with any questions! https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-pinto-coaching

Today on the podcast we welcome Jo James from AmberLife, a motivating and results-focused Business Coach, Author and Trainer, empowering you to take your business to the next level, while ensuring you maintain the balance you value in life. In this podcast we discuss confidence in a business context, her book Make Mondays Matter, helping entrepreneurs grow sustainably with AmberLife, maintaining momentum, and more.See Jo's website for more details about how she can help you grow your business at www.amberlife.comThe book, Make Your Mondays Matter is Available on Amazon, here http://getbook.at/MYMMFollow her on LinkedIn and Instagram @jojamesamberTo get monthly motivation straight in your inbox, sign up to her newsletter here https://amberlife.com/make-your-mondays-matter-newsletter/

Listen to this conversation between IPBN member Brian Shanahan of Informita and Carlos Justino of the UAlg Tech Hub that focuses on the objectives of understanding the impact of the recent tariffs on SMEs with the aim to help minimize the impact on business with some practical advice for both businesses and consumers alike.

IPBN member company and host of the upcoming Member Meet Member event in Porto, FinTrU, has grown significantly in Porto, now with over 200 employees. In this podcast, Telmo Fernandes, the Site Lead at FinTrU shares what initially attracted the company to Portugal and how the expansion has contributed to the company's success. We cover a variety of topics from Telmo's experience with expansion and talent acquisition including:• FinTrU’s Success in Portugal• Portugal as a Business Solution for Irish Companies• Talent Pool & Workforce• Infrastructure & Business Environment• Educational Institutions & Cultural Fit• Future Outlook & Advice for Companies Considering Porto

Claire is a publicist specializing in thought leadership campaigns for founders and venture capitalists in the technology sector.In this session, Claire covers:The 'First Impression' Test: Assessing whether your website and social media platforms are clear, engaging, and trustworthy.Common Mistakes That Push Customers Away: Identifying issues like outdated information, unclear messaging, and inconsistent branding.The Power of Trust-Building Content: Leveraging customer stories, testimonials, and behind-the-scenes insights to build credibility.A Quick Fix Checklist: Implementing easy changes that SME owners can make immediately to enhance their online presence.The Simple Content Plan: Developing a low-effort, high-impact content strategy to maintain visibility without spending excessive time online.Learn how to transform your online presence and build trust with your audience and be sure to listen all the way to the end to gain extra insights from the Q&A!

Join us today to hear the whirlwind story of Otonomee, what inspired its creation, key milestones, global teams, remote-first expansion, challenges and benefits of scaling internationally, current partnerships, and Otonomee's exciting future plans as told by Hilary O'Shea, COO of the company.

Check out this panel conversation about Sustainable AI-Scale Data Centres with Innovative Cooling and 100% Renewable Energy with: India Branquinho de Oliveira, Sustainability Manager at Start Campus | Delivering Al-Scale Data Centre and Luis Adolfo, Director, Skanstec Engineering, IPBN Executive Partner, moderated by IPBN member Kayleigh Ann Myles, ESG & Sustainability Lead @ Lawler Sustainability, winner of this year's IPBN Business Success Award.

Listen to this exclusive conversation about the Vertical Farming Revolution and Farming Sustainability. This talk focused on the VF opportunities within cities and what Farming Sustainability means with John Paul Prior, Chair of the IPBN Porto and Director of Sales Strategy and Technical Development at Farmony, and Patrick FitzGerald, Ceo & Founder Beotanics, a plant genetics and plant based food ingredient development company & Board Member of The Irish Food Board.

In the first panel discussion, Siobhán Finn, CEO of Community Enterprise Association Ireland (CEAI), spoke about efforts to foster entrepreneurship in rural communities while Laetitia Arrighi de Casanova, Director of B Lab Portugal, shed light on how the global B Corp movement is reshaping business practices with a focus on social and environmental impact. The conversation was moderated by IPBN Board Member Susan Cabeceiras of Konceptness. Listen to the podcast to follow the conversation on Community Development and Urban Planning, creating local communities where people connect around technology, regeneration, and togetherness.

The host of the IPBN's Sustainability Conference, Chitra Stern, co-owner of Martinhal Resorts and the United Lisbon International School, shared insights on how sustainable business practices have been embedded into their developments in Portugal. She said, “My husband, Roman, and I came to Portugal 26 years ago for both business opportunities and lifestyle,” Stern recalled. “Building sustainability into our ventures has been a long-term priority.”Stern also reflected on the challenges and achievements of the Martinhal Sagres Beach Resort, which opened in 2010, highlighting efforts such as preserving natural landscapes, installing solar panels in stages, capturing and recycling rainwater, and bringing positive investment to under-developed areas. Notable, Chitra and Roman Stern were given a special award from the Mayor of Vila do Bispo, Presidente Rute Silva, and the Presidente of the local municipal assembly, Presidente Luciano Rafael for the positive socio-economic impact that the Martinhal Sagres has made on the area since its opening 15 years ago.

Joining us today is Raquel Horta, the Co-Founder of Partnium Services, a company dedicated to helping businesses scale efficiently through tailored, on-demand services. With over 25 years of experience in operations, strategy, project and program management, and business transformation, Raquel Horta is no stranger to working seamlessly with many different organizations. She has seen firsthand the challenges that businesses face - bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and resource gaps - and she's passionate about providing practical solutions that drive real impact. And that’s why she co-founded Partnium Services: to bridge these gaps while helping businesses accelerate growth without unnecessary overhead. Let's see what we can learn!

Joining this podcast is Video Production Specialist José Nunes of IPBN executive media partner RXL Studio who will be present at the upcoming 6th Annual Sustainability Conference in Lisbon to make sure out AV is top notch. RXL has covered several IPBN conferences thus far and, on our side, we can say that they excel at what they do. From interviews to images, to drone footage, we have been more than pleased at the result so we wanted to give José the opportunity to talk a little more about the production industry, AI editing tools, customer preferences, and more.

Tony Redondo takes a look at what client issues regarding the integrated subjects of currency exchanges and international payments he has seen over his career, and what he did to ensure Cosmos can help solve these pain points. Tony Redondo is a seasoned professional with over 39 years of experience in the financial services industry and a qualified Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers. Having held senior management roles across various banks and brokerages, he founded Cosmos Currency Exchange in 2020. Cosmos offers a unique service for clients needing to make or receive currency payments in over 35 currencies across more than 50 countries worldwide. Unlike the typical transactional, self-service models prevalent in the finance industry, Cosmos emphasizes a bespoke, proactive, relationship-based approach, treating each client as a unique individual. The company’s growth is driven entirely by referrals, which Tony believes speaks volumes about the quality of service provided. Cosmos has earned eight industry awards to date, including the prestigious 'Best Pro-Active Currency Exchange Service 2024' from the Global Business Awards.

The last Masterclass of the year looks ahead to 2025! We are inviting all our members from all the IPBN's active regions to listen to a member/expert from Porto, Lisbon, Algarve, and Ireland to listen in on the talk about what business opportunities they see in their respective regions for 2025.The guest speakers have all been chosen for their knowledge of local businesses and SMEs, which should be very helpful in preparing your objectives and strategy for 2025. These four guest speakers are key business players and leaders who bring business to their regions and therefore have a good idea of what to expect in 2025.Here are their profiles:Elisa Tarzia is VP for Growth from BRIDGE IN. Elisa will join us to talk about the business opportunities in the Lisbon region. BRIDGE IN helps tech companies explore new markets by providing professional soft landing and business relocation services in Portugal.Carlos Justino is an AI Adoption & Strategic Growth Advisor, Driving Innovation & Efficiency for Businesses and is based at the Algarve Tech Hub in Faro at the UAlg. Carlos will talk about the business opportunities in the Algarve region. The Algarve Tech Hub is a Tech Ecosystem that aims to promote and grow the Algarve region as a global technological hub.Professor Ricardo Morais is Assistant Professor of Management at IPBN academic partner Católica Porto Business School and Director of Idea Puzzle. Ricardo will talk about the Porto and North region of Portugal. Católica Porto Business School is among the best business schools in the world, being a part of a very restricted group of 1% of business schools with EQUIS, AMBA, and AACSB accreditation distinctions.Nial Borthistle is Business Development & Partnerships Manager at Glandore and is based in Dublin. Nial will talk about the business opportunities in Ireland. Glandore offers innovative, flexible workspace with prestigious addresses in the heart of the business and tech hubs of Dublin, Belfast and Cork.

What does business culture look like after the pandemic? Every organization should define their company culture, but what does that look like in this new workplace reality? Sharon Dehmel, company culture coach, and Brett Putter, author and Founder/CEO of CultureGene discuss new business landscapes, working remotely, what has transpired as companies look at hybrid solutions, and how leaders should be handling their teams.

Have a listen to the IPBB's first panel discussion from the Tourism Conference in Porto, 2024. This panel dove into the opportunities and challenges related to exploring and developing tourism in Northern Portugal's and Ireland's coastal and interior regions with special guests Francisco Calheiros and Miriam Kennedy, and moderated by John Paul Prior.Francisco de Calheiros is The President of Associação dos Amigos do Caminho Português de Santiago, an association for the promotion and protection of the Portuguese Way to Santiago de Compostela, that was founded in 1998. He is also head of the ancient Calheiros Family and is responsible for the preservation of their historical House – the Manor Paço de Calheiros. Over the past thirty years, he has devoted himself to the exhaustive work of rehabilitating the old property to protect the family’s patrimonial and intangible heritage, by recovering and adjusting the Manor to Tourism and reinstating the most traditional agricultural productions associated with it. Joining in on the panel was Miriam Kennedy, Head of Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland, Ireland’s National Tourism Development Authority. Stepping into this role in 2018, Miriam brought over 15 years of experience in international business tourism and event management across both public and private sectors. Based in Galway, she leads the strategic development of the Wild Atlantic Way, collaborating closely with industry partners, stakeholders, and local communities to build destinations that are well-connected, sustainable, and resilient.John Paul Prior has been making waves at the IPBN ever since he decided to Manage Musicmaker Dublin remotely from Porto, Portugal. He is the co-founder and strategy director of the Dublin-based vertical farming Agri-tech startup called Farmony, a passionate presenter and speaker, and esteemed Chair of the IPBN Porto.

Rita Marques is Consultant, Invited Faculty Member and Program Director at the Porto Business School, Champion of the Innovation Tourism Hub and Former Secretary of State for Tourism. She sat down with IPBN board member Rachael Milne to discuss her work in attracting and retaining talent in tourism, her goals for the future of the sector, and what Porto is doing to up its game.

The Ireland Portugal Business Network (IPBN) held the 3rd edition of its annual Tourism conference Thursday November 14 from 9h to 13h at WOW ART GALLERY, located at the main square of the culture complex. Beginning with words of welcome were Geoffrey Graham, Chair of the IPBN Board and Senior Partner at EDGE International Lawyers, followed by an opening statement by Adrian Bridge, CEO at The Fladgate Partnership and owner of the WoW, and concluding with words from Luís Pedro Martins, President of Porto and North of Portugal Tourism Board on the basic strategy of promotion of the region.

In this episode, Ellis Dixon sits down with certified brand architects Meg Kypena and Barbara Monahan to drive awareness among small business owners about the UnBox Brand Workshop Series. One is a former story brand guide based in North Carolina, and the other has a background in graphic design background and a level 9 qualification in designing for sustainability and is based in Dublin.In this conversation, Barbara and Meg will share the journey that inspired UnBox and their mission to offer a thoughtful, strategic approach that helps small business owners discover their brand's unique essence and confidently share their story with the world.Check out the brochure here!So that the team can curate the group that will be the most supportive for all, they are accepting applications here - the deadline is November 11.