CLS was delighted to welcome senior leaders from the Executive MBA programme at Stockholm University to Lisbon for a week of lectures, company visits, and networking, focusing on sustainable innovation, intercultural leadership and business opportunities in Portugal and beyond.
Between May 19th-22nd, CLS received the annual visit from this year's cohort consisting of 15 senior leaders as part of their Executive MBA programme at Stockholm University. This year marked the eighth Executive MBA exchange to Lisbon, reflecting the long-standing collaboration between CLS and Stockholm University.
The purpose of the MBA Executive visit to Lisbon is to provide new perspectives by exploring trade and business opportunities in Portugal and across the Portuguese-speaking world. As part of their course focusing on personal development, the program is designed to inspire new ideas, reflections, and perspectives to bring back home.
CLS sends our sincerest thank you to all executives, partners, professors, Stockholm University, Swedish Embassy in Lisbon, Business Sweden and Nova SBE for contributing to making the visit truly enriching, highlighting the many opportunities and similarities between Sweden and Portugal.
Follow the MBA executives throughout the week below:
Introuction to Portugal by Team Sweden
The first day started at the Executive Education department at Nova SBE, where the group had lectures throughout the week. Deputy Head of Mission Faraz Davani from the Swedish Embassy in Lisbon explained why Portugal is increasingly more relevant for Sweden, both in terms of business and trade relations, but also the countries joint focus on defence.
Robert Löf and Jaime Rivera from Business Sweden presented their organisation, shared a macroeconomic overview of Portugal, and provided insights into the country’s business climate and its attractiveness for Swedish companies. Representing CLS, Secretary General Charlotta Mohlén and trainee Nora Widén attended the introduction and accompanied the group throughout the week, coordinating the programme’s business and company exchanges.
Professor Emanuel Gomes carried on with the first lecture, highlighting business opportunities in the Portuguese speaking-world today, in the context of Portugal's historical roots.
Diaverum - Company Visit
Tuesday afternoon was dedicated to company visits within the health sector, featuring organizations with Swedish roots operating in different areas of the industry.
Country Manager Sofia Correia de Barrios at Diaverum explained the implications of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and how their work is essential in supporting patients dependent on life-sustaining treatments. The visit concluded with a guided tour through the facilities and clinic in Odivelas.
Essity - Company Visit
Ana Sofia Esteves, Country Manager & Master Data Manager at Essity, shared insights into Essity’s operations and growth journey in Portugal, highlighting the company’s rapid expansion from 30 to 400 employees following the establishment of its tech hub. She also discussed Essity’s focus on innovation, digital transformation, and creating a collaborative workplace culture while strengthening the company’s presence in Portugal
Executive Exchange Dinner 2026
The first day concluded with the annual Executive Exchange Dinner hosted by CLS together with partners on the timely topic "Geopolitical & Security: How to Navigate the New Strategic Landscape", which you can read more about in a separate article here.
Field Trip to Peniche
Wednesday morning began with a lecture at Nova SBE on the topic “The Future of Work” with Professor Paula Marques.
The following afternoon was dedicated to a field trip to Peniche, where participants gained insights into Portugal’s growing blue economy and the role of sustainable marine innovation. The visit included a tour of SEAentia’s fish farming facility, offering a closer look at the company’s work within sustainable aquaculture, food production, and ocean-based technologies.
IKEA & Volvo - Company Presentations
The following day consisted of company presentations from IKEA and Volvo Portugal.
Sara Samssundin, Communication Manager at IKEA, presented IKEA’s operations and brand presence in Portugal, highlighting the company’s work with sustainability, corporate culture, and communication strategies. She also shared insights into how IKEA adapts to local markets while maintaining its Swedish identity and values.
Andreia Marques, People & Culture Manager at Volvo Cars Portugal, spoke about Volvo’s people-centered approach and the company’s ongoing transformation within mobility and electrification. The presentation also focused on leadership, workplace culture, talent development, and how Volvo Cars Portugal is navigating change within the automotive industry.
Startup Pitches & Entrepreneur Safari
The final day began with a lecture by Professor Nadim Habib on “How Change is Driving Opportunities across Mature Economies.”
In the afternoon, the MBA executives gained insights into the Portuguese startup ecosystem, followed by an entrepreneurship safari featuring pitches at the incubator Fintech House. A closing cocktail on their rooftop concluded an eventful week, providing the group with new perspectives to bring back home.
