This week on the roundup: opening discussions, ocean sustainability, international performances, St. Patrick’s Day festivities, infrastructure, labour equality indicators, breakthroughs, exclusive meetings, drifting into autopilot, reputations, latest episodes, custom framework, shared journeys, Investment Impact Awards, telework compensation, cultural adjustments, honours, and much more!

But first, here are the IPBN Highlights of the week

We introduced two new members this week. Rita Branco, Senior Lawyer at ALLawyers based in the Algarve and Pentatonic, represented by Apo Zadeh, a revenue growth agency focused on guiding and equipping SMBs to grow and expand within their vertical in the new digital landscape of post-LLM and AI tools.

We introduced the last panel of next Tuesday's Sustainability conference about the Ocean. In partnership with Ethical Assembly, this opening discussion will explore how collaboration between environmental leaders, investors, and innovators can unlock solutions that protect marine ecosystems while supporting a thriving Blue Economy. Read all about it here!

And this is your last cnance to register to join the network and our incredible panellists as we delve into the future of ocean sustainability. At our 7th Annual Sustainability Conference, leaders in conservation, impact investment, and climate strategy will come together to explore how science, innovation, and responsible investment can drive meaningful progress for our oceans. YOU CAN STILL REGISTER HERE – Bring your colleagues, friends, business contacts and let’s celebrate St. Patrick's Day together with the presence of the Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal.

And now...

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland shared, "At a time of global turmoil and great challenge, we look for signs of hope in the everyday. You’ll want to listen as well as watch this year! Our St Patrick’s Day 2026 video features a powerful, international performance of Kodaline’s “High Hopes” that celebrates hope, connection, and the global reach of Ireland."

IPBN member Andrea Viegas and Honorary Consul of Ireland to the Algarve invite you to check the St Patrick’s Day festivities agenda starting this Friday here.

IPBN Executive Partner Otonomee B Corp posted, "Many growing companies assume that scaling customer support internally is the natural next step. But building an in-house support function often comes with hidden costs like recruitment, onboarding, management oversight, infrastructure, training, and the operational complexity that comes with running a support team. Talk to our team to see how Otonomee supports your growth."

IPBN Executive Partner PwC Portugal said, "Portugal recorded an increase in the Women in Work Index – moving from 8th to 6th place, reflecting improvements in labour equality indicators and a sharper reduction in the gender pay gap than initially estimated the following. This evolution places our country among the six OECD markets with the best overall performance in promoting equality at work."

IPBN member Edmond Harty shared, "Just back from a few energising days at 4YFN and Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. If you want a glimpse of where technology is heading over the next decade, this was the place to be. Thousands of founders, engineers, investors, and operators under one roof, all thinking about how today’s breakthroughs turn into real infrastructure. A few things stood out. Find them out here."

IPBN member Golf Concept GC said, "First edition of Golf with Her. On March 6th, we gathered at the stunning Quinta da Marinha to celebrate International Women’s Day through the sport we love. An exclusive meeting of 25 incredible women where sport met inspiration and purpose. Find out all about it here."

IPBN member Miguel Reynolds Brandão posted, "The age of AI is accelerating, but human consciousness is drifting into autopilot. This article argues that the real crisis isn’t technological—it’s existential. When attention collapses, freedom follows. The Wisdom Triangle—Philosophy, Mathematics, and Physics—offers a path back to clarity, sovereignty, and depth. In a world seduced by speed and convenience, the next Renaissance begins with the courage to think again."

IPBN Board member Sharon Dehmel shared, "Being Reliable Isn’t the Same as Being Visible. Many professionals build a reputation for being dependable. They deliver. They support the team. They solve problems quietly. But reliability alone rarely puts someone on a succession plan. Being excellent at your job is important. Being visible in the right way is what moves careers forward. Find out more here."

IPBN member Tara Elzingre said, "AI isn’t coming. It’s already reshaping how work happens. In the latest episode of The AI Effect, I sat down with Dr. Blessing Enakimio to talk about something every leader needs to think about now — how AI is transforming the way organisations operate."

IPBN member Algarve Solar Pool Heating & Hot Solar Water shared, "Historic farmhouse modernised with solar thermal energy. Here we installed 12 high-performance solar thermal panels on custom framework. The different panel pitches form a 'parabolic array,' enabling highly efficient capture of solar thermal energy across the seasons. Happiness is… A Warm Swimming Pool."

IPBN member Quinta do Lago posted, "Last Friday, we came together for our Quinta do Lago Townhall, a valuable moment to connect teams from across the resort and reflect on our shared journey. During the session, our CEO, Sean Moriarty, spoke about the progress of the company, recent developments across the resort, and the vision for the future. It was an important opportunity to align, share updates, and reinforce the role that collaboration and teamwork play in everything we achieve."

IPBN member Telmo Fernandes from FinTrU posted, "Proud! That’s the word that best describes what it feels like to see Porto once again recognised internationally, this time by the Financial Times through the inaugural Investment Impact Awards from fDi Intelligence. Three projects in our city were ranked among the most impactful in Europe: FinTrU (#5 Small‑Sized Projects), Natixis in Portugal (#2 Mid‑Sized Projects), and Five9 (#4 Small‑Sized Projects). These awards go far beyond investment numbers. They recognise real impact, innovation, productivity, sustainability, and inclusion. And once again, Porto shows exactly why it stands out."

IPBN member BRIDGE IN shared, "Our upcoming AMA session on Portugal’s 2026 State Budget and what it means for companies operating in Portugal or expanding here. The session will take place exactly one week from now: Date: March 19, 2026, at 3 pm. During the session, Pedro Henriques (Founder & CEO of BRIDGE IN) will walk through the key updates from the 2026 State Budget and answer questions live. We’ll cover topics including payroll updates, tax changes, telework compensation, and other measures that may affect businesses operating in Portugal. It’s designed as a practical, informal AMA, where participants can bring their questions and get clear insights on how the new budget may affect their companies. Register here."

IPBN member Sharon O’Neill Ryan says, "Anxiety often feels like an uninvited guest, yet you do not need to manage it in isolation. It is a natural stress response, not a sign of weakness. At Talking Therapy, I provide a confidential space in Vila Sol to help you navigate cultural adjustment, life transitions, and daily overwhelm. Whether 1-2-1 in my therapy room or walk-and-talk therapy, we will focus on practical, grounding tools to help you regain your balance. Are you ready to address these patterns and move towards a calmer way of living?"

IPBN member Tribulum Restaurant posted, "We were honoured to host a new Networking Members Meet Members in the Algarve event, organised by the Ireland Portugal Business Network (IPBN) on Friday 20th February."