This week on the roundup: goals, anticipation, achievements, recognition, intrapreneurships, birthdays, growth stories, potential clients, key highlights, incredible stories, interviews, farmhouses, imported vehicles, insightful consultations, cultural awareness, senses, case studies, AI biases, joy, donations, barriers, job descriptions, exclusive plots, recaps, changing markets, challenges and opportunities, personalized approaches, missions, hybrid solutions, opportunities and more!

But first, here are the IPBN Highlights of the week:

We published the last Spotlight interview of the year 2024 about SEE Countries' CEO and Founder Renato Calvão! Along with his current goal of humanizing and decentralizing travel and inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the authentic beauty of Portugal, Renato has his sights set on expanding the platform to other countries around the globe.

We also wished all the network a Merry Xmas and a very Happy New Year 2025 and invited our members to join IPBN member Tania Teixeira to visit her showroom at her upcoming Christmas cocktail party last night!

On that note, the weekly roundup will be back Friday January 10, but don't despair. In anticipation of our Business Success Awards on January 30, 2025, we published this week “Three IPBN Case Studies: A Catalyst for Business Success. How has the network impacted three member companies? Not only can you see what value the network brings but you can proof in the Christmas pudding.

Finally, you will find here the recording of our last Master Class of the year which took place on Tuesday and looked ahead to 2025, with predictions from expert members from the four regions in which the network is active. Check it out here.

And now...

IPBN Executive Partner PwC Portugal said, "This month of December brought us the magic of a year full of achievements, celebrated in our Winter Celebration. And, because it couldn't be otherwise, here are some of the best takes from what was an unforgettable night!"

IPBN member Career Training Internships shared, "Congratulations to our Founder and Director Kathy O'Dwyer on being honoured as a Fellow of the All-Ireland Business Foundation (FAIBF) at the Aviva Stadium! This prestigious recognition highlights Kathy’s exceptional contributions to our industry."

IPBN member Alexandre Calapez posted about the culture of entrepreneurship in: Innovation That Starts From Within.

IPBN member FinTrUcelebrated a birthday! "We have teamed up with Trees On The Land to plant 1,500 trees across Northern Ireland and Donegal in 2025."

IPBN member Clear Strategy was delighted to share its growth story with the Business Post and its readers, following its recent Deloitte Fast50 ranking. "Read all about our Kerbi and Tempo product innovation and the 'human factors' of data success in Clear Strategy’s continuing journey..."

IPBN member Golf Concept GC posted that, "Investing in golf competitions allows companies to enhance their brand, network with potential clients and partners, and engage in valuable marketing and promotional activities, all while contributing to a positive and prestigious image. Let’s create something remarkable together?!" Get in touch with Golf Concept!

IPBN member Sam Marchetti said, "Our 2024 Impact Report is now available....The key highlights of an incredible year of Sustainable (de)Growth, Social Enterprise Development, Policy, and Industrial Developments and a spirit of Peer to Peer collaboration."

IPBN member Alda Filipe from Vale do Lobo shared, "What a remarkable celebration! Ten years of incredible stories and countless achievements. I am truly proud to be part of this exceptional company."

IPBN member Dietmar Goetz Thanked Vanda & Alex for the Invitation to their Cast & Crew Screening of the Pilot film to the Series Cold Mind. "Thanks for taking the time to give an interview for NewsShow.tv & LookAlgarve.tv. Great Production and wonderful actors and everything done in the Algarve."

IPBN member Paul Rees asked, "Tuscany or Provence... ? Viewers have remarked that this 1700s farmhouse could be in Tuscany or Provence, when in fact it's in Portugal's central region and a fraction of the price of its Mediterranean equivalents."

IPBN member Rita Cardoso & Associados says, "The process of legalizing imported vehicles can be complex and time-consuming. These are some of the steps involved in legalizing a vehicle."

IPBN member Eterna International shared about Arte at the District - EB-5 Project Official Launch, which is taking place at JW Marriott Hotel, Shenzhen Bao'an, China. "This is a good opportunity to get insightful consultation of EB-5 program from Eterna International's partners including industry professionals, all agents, immigration specialists, and intermediary agencies from around the globe," they posted.

IPBN Board member Sharon Dehmel says cultural awareness is a crucial leadership skill in our increasingly diverse and interconnected world. Then she asks, "But what exactly does it entail? Cultural awareness means understanding, respecting, and effectively navigating different cultural norms, values, and communication styles. Or short text, where culture meets business."

IPBN member Miguel Brandao says nature is our first and last refuge... "Just sense your senses. A return to what matters. Check my latest blog."

IPBN member Tony Redondo shared a Cosmos case study regarding the purchase of a property in Spain on behalf of a client.

IPBN member Allan Boyle says, "In this insightful interview, Eric Mosley, CEO of Workhuman, dives into the challenges of biases in AI: 'If you basically just unleash it in a very simplistic way, it'll just replicate them. But if you go in knowing that these biases exist, then you can get through it.' Don't miss this important conversation on responsible AI development!"

IPBN member Millimetre Design wished all their clients, suppliers & everyone they have worked with during 2024, a joyful, wonderful holiday season! "As we celebrate, we are proud to continue our tradition of giving back by donating to eight charities close to our hearts."

IPBN member KRA Visionary Project Partners posted about Ireland’s Trade Skills Shortage. They say it is a growing challenge for the construction sector. "Ireland is facing a significant shortage of skilled tradespeople, which poses a major barrier to achieving the country’s housing and climate goals. A report by the Technological University of the Shannon estimates that by 2030, Ireland will need an additional 120,000 construction workers and 164,000 reskilled professionals​."

IPBN member Mobiweb says, "One thing we do know is that job descriptions should be more transparent. We prepared a few slides that actually tell it like it is."

IPBN member Quinta do Lago says that North Grove, the latest release in Quinta do Lago‘s iconic masterplan, is set within the Algarve’s most coveted destination. It offers 13 exclusive plots for bespoke residences, surrounded by pristine golf-front and pine grove views. Check it out!

IPBN member Total Expo had an incredible year! Here's their 2024 Recap. 2025 is already shaping up to be even better! Bring it on— and best of luck!

IPBN member John McGoey says, "Only with the power of real-time simulation and the insights that AI deliver have you any hope of navigating the challenging, changing market. Have a look how Xotigo Scenario Planning can turn it around for you."

IPBN Academic Partner Sofia Almeida posted about the revocation of restrictive measures on Local Accommodation. There are both challenges and opportunities. Check out her special article in TNews (in Portuguese).

IPBN member Global Solutions' own Patricia Cassaburi reminds us that it's important to talk about the positive effects of immigration.