This week on the roundup: strategies, introductions, self-leadership, incentives, festivals, masterclasses, welcomes, challenges, opportunities, passion, connecting talent, evolution, transformations, growth, positions, entrepreneurship, guest speakers, florescence, missions, projections, impact, response times, general elections, and more!

But first, check out these IPBN highlights of the week

A special thank you to IPBN Member Lee Bristow, author of Human AI Alliance, for the masterclass last Tuesday, May 20. Lee explored with the audience essential governance strategies to help businesses confidently adopt AI. You will find Lee's presentation here. We would also like to remind you that Lee will be a keynote speaker at the Dublin conference. We will share the Masterclass in a new IPBN Podcast episode next week.

We introduced the Dublin conference keynote speakers: Martin Duffy of PwC and IPBN member Lee Bristow, Human AI Alliance Author, and the first panel conversation of the conference with Agatha Bulha of José Bulha and IPBN member Stephanie Prenderville of SP Consulting, moderated by Lee Bristow. Read all about it here!

We published and shared a new podcast with IPBN member Raquel Pinto, a career and leadership coach with over 15 years of experience in career and management coaching. 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. Listen to it here

We reminded everyone of our upcoming networking event in the Algarve by the Marina in Lagos, hosted at the studio of IPBN member Dietmar Goetz (NewsShow.tv) from 17h30 – 19h! Gain clarity around the various incentives and residency schemes available in Portugal through an engaging panel discussion entitled Understanding Incentives to Live and Work in the Region. You can still register here!

In anticipation of the 4th edition of our annual Tourism Conference to take place this year in Lisbon in the Autumn, the IPBN has officially partnered with Mariana Calaça Baptista, Director of the ART&TUR International Tourism Film Festival in Fundao, Portugal, between September 9 and 12. The festival will showcase the best tourism audiovisual productions in Portugal and the world. One of our members based in the Algarve, Mike Rumble, will be part of the jury. You will find here all the info and where to enter the competition. Be aware: entry closes June 30.

Furthermore, Raquel Jorge, from the Marketing department of IPBN member company Heritage Hotels has shared a video with the network that she intends to enter into the competition— check it out below!

We also invited our members to join us on Friday, May 30, at 10h via Zoom for an essential online Masterclass designed to help your business prepare for the EU Pay Transparency Directive, coming into effect next year. This session will guide you through the legal, practical, and strategic implications, ensuring you're ready to meet compliance standards and avoid penalties. You can still register here.

Finally, we welcomed our new member, Chitra Narayanan, Independent Strategic Advisor! Chitra is a former Ambassador of India with a multi-faceted global perspective and extensive experience and familiarity with international high-level decision-making. She is a firm believer that innovation and creativity are the lifeblood of progress and profit.

And now...

IPBN member Silvia Correia posted, "The APPM Automotive Marketing Conference arrives in Braga in partnership with Associação Empresarial de Braga. Industry and brand experts will discuss the challenges, opportunities, and trends that are transforming the industry." The decade promises to be the most disruptive ever: tight regulation, accelerated digitalization, and new mobility habits force brands and dealers to rethink the entire shopping experience on May 27 at 15h at the Associação Empresarial de Braga. Secure your spot here!

IPBN member Tania Teixeira, Lapa Interior Design shared, "We are excited to invite you to a special Interior Design Workshop taking place at our Lapa showroom. Whether you are redecorating your home or simply passionate about interiors, this workshop is for you!. LAPA Interior Design Showroom on Rua Buenos Aires, 27A, Lisboa on June 7th, 2025, 9h - 18h. No experience needed — just curiosity and a love for beautiful spaces. Spots are limited. REGISTER HERE!

IPBN member Otonomee posted, "This May 21st, Otonomee proudly marks four years since our incorporation in Portugal. What began as a dinner table conversation during COVID-19 between Hilary O'Shea and Aidan O'Shea has grown into a boundary-breaking Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company—connecting talent across five countries and 18 nationalities in a remote-first culture grounded in people, purpose, and progress. Today, with 350+ employees (and growing), our commitment to sustainability, culture, and customer experience is stronger than ever."

IPBN Member Nessa Maguire said, "TechFest in Cork last week, organised by the Tech Industry Alliance, left me thinking about what the future of work actually demands and how much of it hinges on how we think, relate, and reflect. The more tech evolves, the more we’ll need to create space for reflection, for connection, and for designing systems that include all of us."

IPBN member bp2w is not just another workplace program. It is a movement. They posted, "We are building better workplaces from the inside out — and we want YOU to be part of it. bp2w® transforms workplace culture by putting people first, by understanding what people need to thrive. If you are passionate about creating cultures that meet human needs, not just business targets, let's partner up. Ready to lead the change?"

IPBN member FinTrU was honored to host the Irish Ambassador in Porto. They posted, "Last week, we had the privilege of welcoming Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal Alma Ní Choigligh to our Porto office. During her visit, Ambassador Ní Choigligh met with FinTrU Executive Director Gael de Belair where they discussed our office's growth and our future plans. The ambassador's promise to return and explore more of our technology projects highlights the strong relationship we are building, and we are looking forward to the opportunities ahead."

IPBN member Elaine Godley is happy to share that she is starting a new position as Non Executive Director UK and Europe at Maltix.com! Congratulations, Elaine!

IPBN member Fiona Disegni says, "Rethink, Remix, Reinvent. How do you make your art go beyond art? How do you go beyond the usual boundaries? By breaking them all. Who knows what Fado is? Who knows what Art is? Who knows what entrepreneurship is? Reshape a world with your authenticity and drive, and create new filters. The world will resonate, way beyond definitions. Come and Experience live Lisbon: June 2nd at 7pm at Casa do Impacto."

IPBN member Overcast HQ is proud to be recognised by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Government of Ireland, for our work on AI-powered video search! And this is what Philippe will discuss as guest speaker at the IPBN Innovation Conference in Dublin around AI, on June 17.

IPBN member Patrick Fitzgerald posted about a great achievement at the Chelsea Flower Show 2025. Hosta Silly Strings was presented as the best garden plant for 2025 and won Second Place without its spectacular florescence on show! FitzGerald Nurseries Ltd is an exclusive plug producer for the EU market and has already sold out large numbers in 2025!

IPBN member LAZER said, "Last week we completed our first installation in partnership with dstelecom right in the beautiful areas of Querença and Salir! This partnership is a key step in our mission to expand high-speed internet across the Algarve, reinforcing our commitment to promoting connectivity and digital inclusion for local communities."

IPBN member OCUBO shared, "On the night of Sporting’s back-to-back championship victory, OCUBO lit up Lisbon with a city-wide celebration. It all began at Estádio José Alvalade, where a giant crest-shaped projection on the pitch, lasers, and visuals of the players brought the club’s story to life. The journey continued through the streets, with video mapping and a lion leaping across façades alongside the team."

IPBN member Miguel Brandao posted, "I'm thrilled to announce that The Sustainable Organisation is undergoing a comprehensive revision, ensuring its principles remain relevant and impactful in the late 2020s. Your insights are invaluable! Have you observed significant shifts in sustainability within your industry? What outdated assumptions should be reassessed? Let's collaborate to refine this framework together."

IPBN member ArcAirTech shared, "Mould in homes isn’t new... but the urgency around it is. The challenge? The traditional solutions are labour-intensive and may not keep pace with the strict response times required, especially given workforce limitations in the sector. That’s where we come in." Find out more here!

IPBN member Gerry Dawson posted about Portugal’s immigration dilemma saying, "As Portugal heads into its third general election in four years, immigration is proving to be a key issue. The famously welcoming country is facing a backlash from residents who are experiencing rising living costs and a lack of housing. Now the country is tightening its immigration rules – so what could the economic impact be?"