An Inspired Chat with Prof. Germano Couto

We recently had the chance to connect with Prof. Germano Couto and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Germano, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I would choose integrity. Intelligence without integrity can easily be misused, and energy without integrity risks being directed toward harmful or selfish purposes. In my view, a man without integrity is neither truly intelligent nor capable of channeling his energy in a constructive way. Integrity provides the moral foundation upon which intelligence and energy can create something meaningful, trustworthy, and lasting.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Germano Rodrigues Couto, a 53-year-old proud father of three daughters, aged 16, 23 and 26. I consider myself happy in life, both personally and professionally. I hold a PhD and a Master’s degree in Nursing Sciences and currently serve as Coordinating Professor at Fernando Pessoa Health School in Porto – Portugal, where I also lead the Nursing Degree and act as Erasmus Coordinator. Over the years, I have been deeply engaged in academia, research and leadership — from serving as President of the Portuguese Nursing Association to publishing more than 60 peer-reviewed articles, several books, and leading national and international research projects
What makes my path interesting is the combination of professional dedication and a strong belief in humanistic values. My research and teaching focus on nursing, health management, and sexuality, always seeking to improve healthcare delivery and education. I’m also Editor-in-Chief of the Athena Health & Research Journal, which allows me to contribute to the advancement of science and knowledge dissemination. At the moment, I’m working on projects exploring sexuality, health education, and the organizational changes within healthcare systems.
Above all, I believe that what sets my story apart is not only the academic and leadership journey, but also the balance with my personal life — keeping family, integrity, and joy at the center of everything I do.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe one of the greatest poisons of our society today is selfishness. When people put their own interests above everything else, trust and connection are inevitably broken. What truly restores those broken bonds is empathy — the ability to step into someone else’s shoes, to listen, to care, and to act with compassion. Empathy rebuilds trust, nurtures understanding, and brings people back together.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could do that, it would be: “Be more confident in yourself. Believing you can achieve is the first step.” There were moments when I hesitated out of fear, and looking back, I realize that courage and self-belief open the doors to opportunities and growth.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
As a researcher and professor, I rely most on the latest scientific evidence published in credible sources. Science may not represent an untouchable or absolute truth, but it is the closest we can get to truth at any given time. Basing my ideas and work on evidence allows me to remain open, critical, and committed to progress, while also recognizing that knowledge evolves and is always subject to refinement.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am surrounded by my family — walking together, discovering new places, simply enjoying each other’s company. For me, peace and happiness are deeply intertwined, and both find their strongest foundation within the love and connection a family can create.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: germano.couto

Image Credits
The images are my own.