Masterclass with Rui Rio reflects on the values that shape future leaders

Lusófona University - Porto University Centre welcomed Dr Rui Rio, economist and Mayor of Porto between 2002 and 2013, for a masterclass focused on the question: “What will differentiate the best Managers of the Future?”.

At the opening of the session, the Director of the Faculty of Economic, Social and Business Sciences (FCESE), lecturer Diana Dias, welcomed those present and highlighted the importance of ethical commitment and social responsibility in higher education, stressing that “higher education should not only train good professionals, but also critical, creative and ethically responsible citizens”.

During his intervention, Rui Rio highlighted that professional success is not built solely on technical training, but above all on attitude and character. He emphasised that discipline, competitiveness, creativity and common sense are qualities that distinguish professionals who progress and inspire trust, arguing that “having common sense is not about avoiding conflict, but about knowing where the truth lies and acting with balance so that things move forward”.

For the guest speaker, the academic path is only the beginning of continuous learning, as the ability to understand reality, communicate clearly, and connect theory with practice is essential. He also shared his experience in selecting top managers, explaining that solid training and the maturity to deal with different contexts are decisive factors in reaching leadership positions.

The session concluded in an atmosphere of recognition and inspiration, reinforcing Lusófona University’s commitment to promoting an education that goes beyond technical skills, strengthening the importance of dialogue between academia and society, and encouraging students to combine knowledge with ethical responsibility and critical thinking about the world around them.

Credits

Image
Paulo Renato

Editing
Gabriel Motta

News
Gabriel Motta