A Coffee with Sofia de Castro Fernandes, Author, Founder and CEO of Às Nove and Keynote Speaker at Empack & Logistics & Automation Porto 2026

L&A: To begin with, could you tell us a little about yourself and your career?

Sofia:

I am deeply curious about people and what drives them. Throughout my career, I have sought to work precisely in that space between human development and the world of organisations. I am the founder of Às Nove; I write, give keynote speeches and work with companies that want teams that are more mindful, better prepared for change and, above all, more human. I firmly believe that work takes up too large a part of our lives not to try to make it a space for growth, meaning and impact as well.

L&A: After years of experience, which projects in your professional career have been the most challenging, or which ones do you remember most vividly, and why?

Sofia: I’d say the most challenging projects are always the ones that force us to think outside the box. Launching Às Nove was one of those moments: creating something from scratch, with a very distinct vision of leadership and human development. Writing books is also a huge challenge, because it demands a great deal of openness and intellectual honesty from me. But, looking back, I realise that it is precisely those moments, the ones that scare us a little, that help us grow the most.

L&A: We are currently experiencing a period of rapid transformation within businesses. In your view, what are the biggest challenges facing leaders and teams today as they adapt to this new reality?

Sofia: The challenge is to accept that there is no longer any such thing as a state of prolonged stability. We live in a kind of “impermanence”, where everything is in a state of flux. This calls for more mindful leaders, capable of managing uncertainty, and teams with greater autonomy, critical thinking and the ability to learn continuously. But one thing remains true: amidst all the technology and innovation, organisations are still made up of people. And looking after people is increasingly becoming a strategic factor.

L&A: Empack and Logistics & Automation Porto are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year. In your opinion, how important is it to take a moment to reflect on developments over recent years and plan for the future?

Sofia: We often get so caught up in the next goal that we forget to look back at the journey we’ve already made. Moments like this are important precisely for that reason: to acknowledge the progress we’ve made, learn from the journey, and gain clarity about the future. Reflection is often undervalued in the business world, but it is what enables us to make more informed and sustainable decisions.

L&A: What message would you like to convey to the packaging and logistics professionals attending Empack and Logistics & Automation Porto?

Sofia: I would say that we are at a particularly interesting juncture for these sectors, because innovation, sustainability and efficiency are profoundly transforming the way we understand value chains. But, amidst all these changes, it is worth remembering one simple thing: the best solutions continue to arise from collaboration between people with different knowledge and perspectives. That is why, rather than simply following trends, the challenge lies in maintaining curiosity, an open mind and a desire to learn continuously.

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