In this episode of the Fusões & Visões podcast, recorded in December 2025, António Poças — founder and CEO of the Incentea Group, a benchmark in the information technology sector in Portugal — shares his personal and professional journey, marked by sustained growth through multiple mergers and acquisitions while consistently maintaining a strong focus on people and organizational culture. With a degree in Electrical Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico, António began his career in industry before moving into technology consulting and business management. Today, Incentea generates around €23 million in revenue, operates in eight countries, employs more than 350 people, and derives 28% of its turnover from outside Portugal.

Throughout the episode, António explains how childhood experiences and his years in Scouting shaped his vision of participatory and collaborative leadership. He recounts the creation of the company, initially part of an industrial group, and highlights the managerial discipline applied from day one. One of the most defining moments was the Management Buy-Out (MBO), which allowed the team to take control and paved the way for a growth strategy anchored in mergers and acquisitions. He discusses challenges such as resistance from second-line leadership in acquired companies and emphasises the importance of credibility, trust, and cultural integration as key factors for successful transactions.

International expansion emerged naturally — beginning in Cape Verde in 2007 and later extending to Angola, Mozambique, and Spain — always with a strong focus on cultural adaptation and developing local teams. António also reveals ambitious plans for the coming years: doubling revenue by 2028 through a mix of organic and inorganic growth, which will require external financing and a more professionalised approach to M&A processes.

Among the main lessons shared, António highlights the need to genuinely believe in the project, remain humble and willing to step back when needed, and value human integration. For him, success is not defined solely by numbers but by the ability to create shared value and preserve relationships. He closes with a simple yet powerful message to the next generation: “Be happy and fight for it.”

What viewers will learn
How personal experiences and leadership roles shaped the path of a successful CEO
Effective strategies for negotiating and executing mergers and acquisitions while keeping people at the centre
The importance of culture, credibility, and trust during integration processes
Ways to overcome resistance from middle management in acquired companies
Financing models and the management of deal considerations in corporate transactions
Approaches to internationalisation and growth within the Iberian market
Practical advice for those wishing to pursue a similar M&A journey