Reflections from Humberto Afonso, Business Unit Manager

I began my journey at PrimeIT in 2012 as a Business Manager in a highly demanding and competitive market. Over these 14 years, I have approached every challenge as an opportunity for growth, learning, and professional development.

My experience evolved quickly. In addition to leading technical teams, I took on the responsibility of managing, training, and developing management teams – a role I have held for around 10 years. Having the opportunity to recruit, train, mentor, and develop talent, from day one to full autonomy, is a privilege and undoubtedly my greatest legacy. Today, many of the people I helped develop hold prominent positions at PrimeIT and seeing that growth is a source of immense satisfaction.

Managing people in a highly competitive environment is never simple. Over the years, I have made mistakes, succeeded, and learned that leadership is a continuous exercise in improvement. There is no single formula for success, and leadership today is not the same as it was 10 years ago. Yet, there are values that remain essential:

• Humility – knowing where we come from and recognising the value of what we have achieved.

• Commitment – aligning words and actions, taking responsibility towards clients, consultants, and colleagues.

• Alignment – understanding the interests of the organisation and each team member, ensuring the team functions cohesively and efficiently.

• Excellence and Inspiration – leading by example and constantly raising the bar.

For me, a true leader is someone capable of developing new leaders. I feel this has been one of my main missions. Leading by example continues to be the most effective approach, regardless of generation or context.

One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that putting the organisation’s well-being above individual interests is fundamental. Accepting that the leaders I have trained would move on to prominent positions, contributing decisively to the company’s growth, required maturity, alignment, and a strong backbone. Leadership is, above all, about giving genuinely, creating space for growth, and trusting others. It is within that trust that value multiplies and impact scales.

Leading teams at PrimeIT has been the adventure of a lifetime. Stories, challenges, and achievements have shaped my journey and reinforced my conviction that sustainable results are achieved through people.

In the end, leadership is exactly that: creating impact through others. And leaving a positive mark that endures not only within the organisation, but especially with the people who are part of it.