
Participation in the pharmacy meeting of the VII Ideal Group Event at the Meliá Ria de Aveiro Hotel
Duarte Júlio Pitta Ferraz was one of the speakers at the VII Ideal Group Event, where he shared his perspective on sustainability and the future of family businesses, focusing on the topics of succession, decision-making, leadership in demanding contexts and adaptation to change.

Interview with ECO - Volatility and scrutiny dictate record CEO turnover
Duarte Júlio Pitta Ferraz was invited by ECO to analyze the historic record of CEO turnover in listed companies — a phenomenon that, according to data from Russell Reynolds, reached 202 cases in 2024, above the average of the last six years (186), and with an increasing trend since 2018.

Interview with Duarte Pitta Ferraz at IPCG - Related party transactions and conflicts of interest
Interview with Duarte Pitta Ferraz to IPCG about best Governance practices and their importance in building an environment of trust and transparency to promote investment, financial stability and business integrity, supporting growth and inclusive societies.

Interview with ECO - Employee representation on the Board: balance or risk?
Interview given to ECO regarding the call by CGD workers for a representative on the board. In the interview, Duarte Pitta Ferraz and Duarte Júlio discuss various points of view on the advantages and challenges that larger companies may face when introducing independent members and employee representatives as non-executive directors.

IVENS helps 43 children and young people from Já T'Explico
Since 2021, IVENS has been supporting Já T'Explico with donations, a non-profit youth organization whose mission is to combat school failure and dropout through education. In 2024, we were able to make a positive and significant contribution to the future of 43 children and young people from the Porto district with educational and socioeconomic difficulties.

Interview with Duarte Pitta Ferraz on the NOW channel - Analysis of the Presidency of Family Businesses on the Lisbon Stock Exchange
January 8, 2025
Duarte Pitta Ferraz was invited by the NOW channel to share the advantages, disadvantages and challenges that family businesses face when responding to the rules imposed on family businesses listed on the Portuguese Stock Exchange.

ECO Interview - Governance and Conflict of Interest Management
January 7, 2025
Duarte Júlio Pitta Ferraz, partner at IVENS, was interviewed by ECO about the importance of assessing the degree of conflict of interest in internal investigations, such as the case of the CEO of Galp.
The discussion highlights the importance of targeted individuals having a high level of security to report these situations, ensuring that the consequences will not be negative, and establishing mitigation measures such as changing the roles of those involved.

IVENS Advisors participates in the 360º Sustainability Conference - CCILA
November 21, 2024
Duarte Júlio Pitta Ferraz was invited by the organization of the 360º Sustainability Conference – Successful Approaches for Sustainable Business to share his insights on the importance of the role of Governance and Sustainable Financial Management in the prosperity and resilience of companies. The Conference took place in Lisbon, in the PLMJ auditorium, and featured several round tables, business leaders, academics and experts from different sectors who shared their experience and insights on indispensable topics in the future of companies: Sustainability and the main trends in ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance).

IVENS participates in European Women on Boards (EWOB)
November 10, 2024
Presentation by Duarte Júlio Pitta Ferraz and Duarte Ivens Pitta Ferraz at the European Women on Boards event on the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion on boards. The organization's mission is to improve gender balance on corporate boards across Europe.

IVENS participates in the National Bank of Angola event
December 7, 2024
At the invitation of Ambassador Rui Jorge Carneiro Mangueira, President of the Luanda Academy of Leadership and Management, Duarte Ivens Pitta Ferraz shared his vision on the challenges and future strategies related to the pursuit of excellence in management, with specific emphasis on "Harmony on the Board and Value Creation". The event of the National Bank of Angola took place at the Currency Museum.

Meetings on Corporate Governance
February 19, 2024
Duarte Ivens Pitta Ferraz participated in the debate promoted by the Business Administrators Forum (FAE) on a current and decisive topic for the success of companies - Corporate Governance. The debate honored two fundamental pillars of the FAE: improving the quality of management in Portugal and promoting the sharing of knowledge among Portuguese managers.

Coffee with the CEO - Governance Conference: Effective Boards and Value Creation
April 8, 2024
Duarte Júlio and Duarte Ivens Pitta Ferraz were invited by Edivaldo Carvalho, organizer of the Coffee with the CEO event, to an interview-conference in Angola about Effective Boards and Value Creation. The interview moderated by Mahália Castro and Noelma Viegas D' Abreu addressed the importance of developing more effective Boards of Directors, the best practices of Corporate Governance and how to create sustainable value for all stakeholders.

IVENS participates in the organization of the Women Power event
March 13, 2024
Duarte Júlio Pitta Ferraz moderates the event "Women Power", an enriching discussion focused on the role of women in the management of Portuguese companies. This meeting was organized by FAE - Forum of Business Administrators and Managers and featured the testimony of six women in different areas of management at the Sottomayor Palace, in Lisbon.

IVENS participates in the ESG and Governance Webinar
January 25, 2024
Duarte Júlio and Duarte Pitta Ferraz participate in the Webinar "ESG in the context of Portuguese SMEs", organized by Bridgewhat and in partnership with Bankinter. IVENS partners shared their vision on how ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) criteria are shaping the current business landscape and how organizations can adopt practices to drive long-term sustainable growth.

IVENS collaborates in ISQ's TRUST Magazine
June 2023
Duarte Ivens Pitta Ferraz is invited to contribute to the new edition of the TRUST Magazine of ISQ - Instituto de Soldadura e Qualidade (a private, independent entity, with Engineering, Consulting, Inspection, Testing services and R&D and Innovation activities) with an opinion article on the topic of Decision Making, Control Functions and ESG in Corporate Governance. The reasons for good Corporate Governance include trust, transparency and accountability, to foster investment and financial stability.

Investor Relations and Governance Awards 2023
Duarte Ivens Pitta Ferraz presented the Transformation Award at the IRGAwards, referring to projects or initiatives with a significant impact on the transformation of companies' activities or business, initiated and/or completed during the year 2023, where the winner was Nors Group - CORE Transformation Program.

Debate the Challenges of Today's Boards
November 19, 2020
Duarte Ivens Pitta Ferraz invites Raul Galamba, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CTT - Correios de Portugal, SA, to reflect on the challenges that Boards face in the current context of uncertainty, through questions about Board leadership.

Estoril Conference: The Economics of Migration
May 30, 2017
Are immigrants an opportunity or a threat to national economies? How are wages affected in the host country and in the country of origin? What is their level of entrepreneurship?
Duarte Ivens Pitta Ferraz was invited to address the economic impact of migration and frame the theme of the economy of migration at a time when migration is global and consists of a worldwide circulation of experiences, knowledge, education and ideas.
Suggested Reading
Are you already familiar with the Corporate Governance Manual ?
A comprehensive and holistic overview of Corporate Governance developed by sources and references from institutions and authors from the European Union (EU), United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA), Asia, among others. The content on banking and financial institutions is significant, as we believe that it can be leveraged by non-financial institutions, adjusting it to their own needs.
Valuable not only for Academics , Executive and Non-Executive Directors (NED's) , but also for students, as well as decision-making support roles such as Chiefs of Staff, Directors, Board Secretaries and Senior Management, to understand Corporate Governance concepts and standards and how to contribute to a highly efficient and effective board.

Manual of Corporate Governance
Theory and Practice for Scholars, Executive and Non-Executive Director

Professor Doctor Duarte Pitta Ferraz
After an extensive executive career in banking and previously as an auditor, Duarte Pitta Ferraz developed a symbiotic dual career as a member of the boards of directors of large companies and as a professor at academic institutions.
✒️ Personalized dedication signed by the Author
Opinions about the Manual

Ana Botin | Chair Group Banco Santander
"Good governance is the bedrock of a responsible business. Its cornerstones are accountability; a diverse, qualified, balanced board, empowered to debate and speak up; public metrics to measure performance; and above all, a strong culture. This textbook comprehensively examines the theory and practice of modern governance."
IVENS Recommendations
How do great leaders inspire and motivate their organizations in times of uncertainty?
If this question has ever made you think, we recommend a few books that explore the challenges faced by leaders in professional services firms in highly complex environments.
Investing in knowledge within the scope of Governance is not just about acquiring legal skills, it extends to the ability to lead in the face of changes and challenges, manage risks, innovate and unite key Stakeholders in the organization.

Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (even difficult people) | Amy Gallo
A book for navigating the complexities of workplace relationships, especially when it involves difficult people. Gallo explores different types of challenging personalities and offers research-based strategies for dealing with conflict, improving communication, and building healthier, more productive work relationships. The book helps readers develop empathy, stay calm in tense situations, and find effective solutions to collaborate more harmoniously, even with difficult colleagues.

Own the Room: Discover Your Signature Voice to Master Your Leadership Presence | Amy Jen Su & Muriel Maignan Wilkins
A practical guide to developing an authentic and effective leadership presence. The authors help readers discover their “unique voice,” which combines their strengths and personal values, to project confidence, influence, and clarity in the workplace. Through actionable strategies and tools, the book teaches how to improve communication skills, manage emotions, and build stronger relationships, enabling leaders to excel and have a lasting impact on their organizations.

Fool Me Once: Scams, Stories, and Secrets from the Trillion-Dollar Fraud Industry | Kelly Richmond Pope
Uncovers the complex and fascinating world of financial fraud and crime. Through real stories and careful analysis, the author reveals how these frauds occur, who their protagonists are and the consequences they generate for companies and ordinary citizens. The book delves into the psychology of deception, showing the motivations and mechanisms behind fraudulent schemes that move billions. With accessible and engaging language, it also offers strategies to identify and prevent fraud, providing an in-depth reflection on this growing problem that affects society at a global level.

Backstage Leadership: The Invisible Work of Highly Effective Leaders | Charles Galunic
Explores the invisible work that highly effective leaders do behind the scenes to create lasting impact in their organizations. The book highlights how true leadership success lies not only in public, visible actions, but also in carefully managing relationships, developing teams, and creating a culture of trust and collaboration. Galunic offers practical examples and research-based insights into how leaders balance visible expectations with the less obvious efforts that are critical to sustaining long-term organizational success.

Flying Without a Net: turn fear of Change into Fuel for Success | Thomas J. Delong
How to turn fear of change and uncertainty into a driving force for success. DeLong focuses specifically on high-performing professionals who often feel paralyzed by the anxiety of failing or falling short of expectations. The book offers strategies for overcoming these emotional barriers, embracing vulnerability, and finding confidence in high-stakes situations. With practical examples and research-based insights, DeLong shows how facing fear can be an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

On Board: The Insider's Guide to Surviving Life in the Boardroom | John Tusa
From local councils to global corporations, boards of directors play a crucial role in the management and success of any organization, large or small. In Boardmanship, John Tusa takes us inside board meetings, revealing the behind-the-scenes and inner workings of these bodies. Sharing his experiences on several international boards, including the National Gallery and American Public Radio , Tusa shows how boards overcome internal divisions, appoint new members, and navigate crises. Through these stories, he offers lessons on how to operate effectively in collaborative environments, deal with big egos, and work collaboratively.

How Boards Work: and how they can work better in a Chaotic World | Dambisa Moyo
Boards are under intense pressure, with scandals and misconduct at companies such as Theranos , WeWork , Uber and Wells Fargo raising legitimate questions about the quality of corporate governance. In How Boards Work , award-winning economist and board director Dambisa Moyo offers an insider’s perspective on how corporate boards navigate the turmoil of today. Moyo argues that companies need boards that are more transparent, informed, diverse and deeply involved in setting strategic direction. The book offers a guide for how boards can lead companies through the challenges ahead and ensure their success, benefiting employees, shareholders and society at large.

The Leader's Brain: Enhance Your Leadership, Build Stronger Teams, Make Better Decisions, and Inspire Greater Innovation with Neuroscience | Michael L. Platt
Leadership is a skill that few people naturally possess, but it can be developed. In The Leader’s Brain, Michael Platt, director of the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative , explains how understanding neuroscience can improve leadership. Drawing on decades of research, Platt reveals why managers make different decisions with the same information, how companies like Apple create strong emotional connections with customers, and what events like the “ Miracle on Ice ” teach us about team building. The book offers practical insights for improving leadership in a rapidly changing world.

Hidden Truths: What Leaders Need to Hear But Are Rarely Told | David Fubini
Offers in-depth, under-the-radar insights into top executive roles, equipping aspiring leaders with practical skills to tackle the challenging challenges of the role. In 14 chapters, a Harvard Business School professor and former McKinsey & Company senior partner reveals the essential habits for sustained leadership success. Ideal for managers and leaders with ambitions to reach the top, Hidden Truths is also useful for those already in senior positions looking to improve their management skills and manage the challenges and pressures of daily life.