The final episode of the Family Business Talks videocast, led by students from the Mastering Family Business course at CATÓLICA-LISBON, featured Rui Miguel Nabeiro, a former student of CATÓLICA-LISBON. During the discussion, the CEO of Grupo Nabeiro shared his insights on leadership, the challenges of managing a family business, and the role of innovation and sustainability in driving business growth.

Rui Miguel Nabeiro: A Career Shaped by International Experience

Rui Miguel Nabeiro began his professional career abroad, a step encouraged by his grandfather, Rui Nabeiro, founder of Delta. According to Rui Miguel, this decision was crucial in gaining a broader understanding of the industry: “My grandfather created a plan for me to learn about what happens upstream in our business. It was incredibly enriching to work with such diverse cultures and understand the global dynamics of the coffee market”.

From Madrid to Vietnam, and from Brazil to Switzerland, Rui Miguel’s experiences shaped his leadership style and underscored the importance of learning from cultural differences.

Early on, Rui Miguel realized that in a family business, the presence of family members does not necessarily conflict with meritocracy, though it does require “working three times harder to prove you have the competence to be where you are”. This principle was central to his progression at Delta, culminating in 2009 when he assumed an administrative role.

A significant milestone in his leadership was the launch of Delta’s coffee capsules, a pioneering initiative that transformed Portugal’s coffee market. “When I decided, with my grandfather’s support, to launch the capsules, people in Campo Maior said, ‘The grandfather built it, and the grandson will destroy it.’ If I hadn’t taken that risk, we wouldn’t be the company we are today”, he recalled, emphasizing the importance of taking risks to innovate.

For Rui Miguel, the essential difference between family businesses and others lies in the deep emotional ties that influence every decision: “Everything is emotional. One moment we’re laughing, then suddenly crying or shouting. That’s what happens in a family”.

Commitment to Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Delta is widely recognized for its commitment to social responsibility and sustainability. Rui Miguel highlighted the historic “A Coffee for Timor” campaign as an example of how the company combines values with social impact. Today, sustainable innovation remains a priority, with projects like the biocapsule, a more environmentally friendly solution.

“Without financial sustainability, we cannot invest and innovate. Companies that don’t generate profit are doomed to disappear”, the CEO stressed, reinforcing the importance of balancing economic performance with social responsibility.

During the discussion, Rui Miguel addressed the challenges of succession in family businesses, a particularly sensitive topic due to the strong emotional bonds between generations. “Charismatic figures like my grandfather cannot be replaced. But it is crucial to ensure a solid governance structure that secures the business’s continuity. Long-term sustainability depends on this process”.

The CEO also shared inspiring advice for the next generation of leaders: “Work three times harder, especially if you are part of a family business. Take risks and learn from your mistakes. There is no other way to grow and progress unless we put ourselves to the test”.

The final episode of Family Business Talks is available here.