People management and leadership specialist Anabela Chastre argued on Tuesday, 7 July, in Maputo, that the transformation of Lusophone organisations and countries depends less on traditional management models and more on the capacity of each individual to take ownership of their own actions.
The position was presented during the launch of her book Luso Liderança – A Liderança Falada em Português (Luso Leadership – Leadership Spoken in Portuguese), held at the media library of Banco Comercial e de Investimentos (BCI), bringing together managers, academics, business leaders, human resources specialists, and other figures connected to the leadership field, as well as members of the public with an interest in the subject.
Published approximately one year ago in Portugal and Brazil, and now in Mozambique — the first country in Africa to receive it — the book proposes a leadership model inspired by the values, culture, and identity of Portuguese-speaking peoples. According to the author, the work aims to awaken a new awareness of the role each individual plays in building stronger organisations and more developed societies.
‘Launching this work is, in fact, a great act of courage,’ said Anabela Chastre, explaining that this courage lies in ‘bringing our culture, our values, and our identity to the table,’ demonstrating that the Lusophone world possesses sufficient competencies and potential to produce the change it seeks to see in its countries.
In the author’s view, the book seeks, above all, to sensitise readers to the necessity of change.
‘Change always begins when we become aware of what needs to change,’ she said.
For Anabela Chastre, the book is not an isolated solution, but rather a tool designed to stimulate reflection and action.
‘Each one of us needs to look at this book and genuinely begin to do something. However small it may be, that is the change we can make for the Lusophone world and for future generations,’ she stressed.
When asked by Diário Económico about the publication’s target audience, the author rejected the notion that the book was conceived exclusively for executives, directors, or chief executives.
‘It is not a book only for CEOs. I brought CEOs here to give their views, but it is a book for everyone,’ she said, explaining that all people exercise leadership at some point in their lives, beginning with leadership over themselves.
‘It is through our values that we are united, and through our culture that we can also align ourselves,’ she added.
The book’s central proposition, she explained, rests on a methodology based on continuous self-questioning: ‘Change begins by questioning ourselves first.’
Shared values as the foundation of leadership
On whether the book proposes a reference model for leadership, Anabela Chastre argued that, despite the different ways of leading, alignment around common principles and values is essential.
‘The more alignment we have, the faster change happens,’ she said, explaining that the concept of Luso Liderança is grounded precisely in the valorisation of the cultural identity of Lusophone countries. According to the author, it is through shared values and a common culture that it becomes possible to create a collective vision and promote leadership oriented towards the development of those countries.
‘It is through our values that we are united, and through our culture that we can also align ourselves,’ she underscored, adding that every citizen should place their capabilities at the service of the common good and the progress of their country.
BCI highlights emotional intelligence as a key leadership factor
At the opening of the ceremony, BCI representative Telma Jorge said that Luso Liderança addresses a highly relevant theme centred on emotional, adaptive, and transformational leadership. She noted that managing people remains one of the greatest challenges facing organisations, describing the publication as ‘a powerful tool capable of contributing to healthier and more productive working relationships within organisations.’
Jorge emphasised that emotional intelligence is currently one of the fundamental pillars of effective leadership. ‘It is not enough to master processes or strategies. It is necessary to understand people, manage emotions, and create environments of trust,’ she said, adding that emotionally intelligent leaders inspire their teams, promote collaboration, and are able to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
Anabela Chastre is a specialist in people management and leadership, founder and CEO of Chastre Consulting, and leads training and coaching projects in Portugal, Mozambique, Angola, and Cabo Verde. She is also a university lecturer in Lisbon and Coimbra, an international speaker, and president of the Lusophone Leadership Summit.
Text: Alfredo Ubisse
