Roberto Roncon

Leading intensivist and the Coordinator of the Intensive Care Unit at the Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, in Porto. With a PhD in Medicine and a Master’s in Molecular Medicine, Dr. Roncon is a national pioneer in the use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and has played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Roncon will share how to master stress management in high-stakes scenarios, an inspirational session for Project Managers navigating pressure, uncertainty, and critical decision-making.

Ester Alves

Renowned ultramarathon runner and endurance athlete, celebrated for her achievements in some of the world’s most demanding trail and desert races. She has competed multiple times in the legendary Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert. Beyond athletics, Ester holds a PhD in Sciences, Physiology, and Molecular Genetics and is the founder of Estádio Clínica, a center dedicated to high-performance training. Her journey blends science, resilience, and a deep love for nature and human potential.

Ester Alves will share how to go beyond limits, offering insights into mindset and endurance.

Ana Peixoto

Journalist at TVI with a background in Communication Sciences and Journalism, Ana aims to share storytellings that connect with diverse audiences.

Ana Peixoto will explore the power of communication, highlighting how clarity, empathy, and storytelling are essential tools for Project Managers navigating stakeholder engagement and team alignment.

Joana Castro Pereira

Strategic HR and communication consultant passionate about empowering organisations through people. With deep expertise in leadership, human development, and executive coaching, Joana helps companies navigate change, foster well-being, and build inclusive cultures that thrive across generations.

Joana Pereira will share insights on how to lead multigenerational teams with empathy and strategic clarity, from Boomers to Gen Z: Project Leadership in a Multigenerational Workforce.

Andre Doria

André Doria is the Co-Founder and CEO of Value Negotiation Technologies, a procurement SaaS venture that empowers companies to negotiate better deals, faster, through AI and process automation. With hands-on involvement in product development and strategic leadership, André brings a unique blend of innovation and practical insight. He is also an external faculty member at INSEAD, where he lectures on negotiation across executive programmes in Fontainebleau, Abu Dhabi, and San Francisco.

Drawing from his global advisory work and academic experience, André will share powerful lessons on mastering the art of negotiation.

Paulo Cunha

Former professional basketball player and current coach, with a career spanning over 25 years in Portuguese basketball. Paulo played for top teams like FC Porto and Vitória Guimarães, earning multiple national titles and recognition as a team leader on and off the court. Today, Paulo channels his experience into coaching and leadership development, focusing on building high-performing, resilient teams.

Paulo Cunha will share his experience on Motivating teams, inspiring Project Managers leading teams, navigating pressure, and driving performance toward shared goals

Gonçalo Quadros

No need for introductions! Our Chairman and co-founder of Critical. With a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Coimbra, Gonçalo is an inspiration for how to combine academic insight with entrepreneurial vision, helping shape Portugal’s tech landscape

Gonçalo will share memories of Project Management in CSW since 1998.

Joana Pires Araújo

Joana recently joined the team to strengthen our Culture & Impact initiatives. With a Master of Laws in European Law and a background at Coimbra Coolectiva, Joana brings a passion for civic engagement, storytelling, and meaningful change. Curious, optimistic, and people-driven, she believes in the power of community — whether through a neighbourhood project or a workplace culture.

Joana will share how culture and community are foundational to successful Project Management, shaping team identity, motivation, and long-term impact.

Marc Custodio

Our Innovation Catalyst, joining the Innovation & Knowledge department to help drive forward-thinking initiatives. Marc holds a Master of Business Administration from The Lisbon MBA. He brings 7 years of experience from Deloitte Consulting, where he worked as a Product Manager and member of the Innovation team, leading software development projects.

Marc will share how innovation fuels successful Project Management, helping teams stay adaptable, creative, and future-ready in an ever-evolving landscape. 

Tânia Calçada

Tânia recently joined our Innovation & Knowledge department to boost our AI capabilities. With a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Tânia brings a strong background in digital transformation, having supported teams in adopting emerging technologies and agile ways of working. Her experience spans innovation, R&D, digital skilling, and product management, with a focus on creating economic and social value through technology.

Tânia will share the AI Ops strategy and how we can enhance efficiency with AI Ops Support.

Mónica Sobreira, Mathieu Pedrinelli, Marta Ávila, and Carlos João Diogo, with moderation by Luís Joaquim, our PMO Catalyst, will share project lessons learned and reflect on practical insights, challenges overcome, and strategies that made a difference. It will be an opportunity for all to discuss experiences and get inspired for future projects. 

Jorge Rodrigues

Our PMO Director will share the latest updates from the PMO, highlighting the improvements on the tools, evolving practices, and strategic plans designed to streamline project delivery, optimise workflows, and empower teams to work more efficiently and collaboratively.