In the third episode of the podcast Voices That Inspire, João Bento, Chairman of Altri and Lisnave, reflected on the challenges of leading organisations through periods of profound transformation and uncertainty.

Speaking with Maria João Simões, the executive explained that he has always felt more motivated by transformation than by stability, highlighting defining experiences such as leading CTT, Efacec, and now Altri and Lisnave. Discussing CTT, he recalled the challenge of reinventing a company historically dependent on postal services at a time when that business was in rapid decline, stressing the need to find new paths linked to logistics and e-commerce.

João Bento also underlined that leading during times of crisis requires conveying confidence to teams, even in difficult circumstances. “People look to the leader when the future is more uncertain,” he said, arguing that leadership must combine rigour, vision and emotional intelligence.

Throughout the conversation, he also highlighted the importance of innovation, diversity and openness to the unknown. Having begun his career in academia, he believes that his experience as a researcher gave him a passion for solving complex problems and facing new challenges without fear.

In closing, he offered advice to those facing major professional decisions: embrace risk and approach the unknown with confidence. “Life brings us opportunities, and we must be prepared to say yes,” he concluded.