Leading with purpose: the 4th edition of Fabamaq’s Leadership Training Program
The 4th edition of Fabamaq’s Leadership Training Program brought together 11 participants and ran from February to May 2025. With hands-on sessions, moments of reflection, and knowledge-sharing between Gamers from different areas, the program once again proved to be a key part of the talent development strategy at this casino games company based in Porto.
Led by the People Partners from the People, Interaction & Brand team, the program kicked off on February 19 and concluded on May 21, offering a challenging journey that encouraged reflection on leadership and the development of essential skills for the future. This initiative reinforces Fabamaq’s ongoing commitment to a modern and human-centred approach to internal development.
Betting on people to build leaders
Fabamaq is an IT company that values proximity, a culture of sharing, and continuous learning. This internal program is a direct reflection of that mindset: it encourages the application of leadership tools with real impact, adapted to the dynamic reality of a software house and the collaborative environment that sets it apart in Portugal’s tech industry.
Key topics covered in this edition included:
- Communication styles and behavioural profiles (DISC session)
- Team motivation
- Conflict management and negotiation
- Emotional intelligence and emotion regulation
- Recruitment, Employer Branding, and Onboarding
- KPIs, Cultural Maps, and Performance
- Practical feedback & 1:1 sessions
One of the program’s most memorable moments was a round table session with external speakers, where participants had the chance to discuss real challenges with leaders from other industries.
Guest speakers included António Dias (Senior Program Manager at Capgemini), Raquel Fernandes (Psychologist at Fios e Desafios), and Joaquim Ribeiro (former president of Vizela SAD). They brought diverse perspectives on leadership, pressure, decision-making, and organizational culture.
Insights from those who lived the experience
The voices of our Gamers are the clearest proof of the program’s impact. With different backgrounds and roles within Fabamaq, participants highlighted the balance between theory and practice, the safe space created for sharing, and the value this journey brought to their professional growth.
“This course was an incredible opportunity to pause, reflect, and gain new perspectives on situations I face daily. The sessions were highly practical, with role plays that really helped unlock the theory and turn it into concrete actions.
It was also a great moment of sharing, where I realised that many of the challenges we face are common — and that there are several ways to approach them.
Above all, it’s motivating to see that the company invests in our growth and truly believes in the importance of developing more conscious, prepared, and human leaders.”
“In this program, I learned new ways and techniques to approach the same topic from different angles, considering each team member’s profile. It also helped me understand that we all are, react and perceive things differently, even when facing the same situation."
“Participating in the Leadership Training Program was a truly enriching experience. The program not only gave me practical tools to lead with more confidence and effectiveness, but also made me reflect on my leadership style and how I can influence both the organisation and my work.
The role plays, the feedback gathered, and the shared experiences were all highly valuable in supporting my professional and personal development.”
Growing to lead, leading to transform
This program is another example of how Fabamaq invests in the potential of its team, preparing them to lead with empathy, clarity, and responsibility. In an increasingly competitive market, where tech companies in Portugal are looking for talent with vision, knowing how to lead is just as important as knowing how to code, test, design graphics, or manage projects and products.
At Fabamaq, we believe that shaping leaders is shaping culture, and every Gamer who grows is a win for the entire team. Because here, "Hitting the jackpot" also means betting on the right people.
You can also revisit the journey of our 3rd edition of the Leadership Training Program, which continues to inspire many Gamers toward a more impactful future.
