The Power of Global Connections
Leaders from across Valsoft’s global portfolio of companies recently gathered in Marbella, Spain, for our annual Operations Bootcamp. This event, designed to foster growth and operational excellence, was a testament to the high standards we set for ourselves, our teams, and the businesses we acquire.
The bootcamp offered a unique opportunity for leaders to exchange insights and best practices, sparking conversations that are sure to resonate long after the event. With attendees from different corners of the world, the event became a melting pot of ideas—each leader bringing diverse experiences to the table, united by a common goal: continuous improvement and growth across our portfolio.
A Commitment to Excellence
Throughout the bootcamp, one message was clear: the drive for operational excellence is embedded in everything we do.
This year’s bootcamp focused on driving profitable growth through customer success, artificial intelligence (AI), and operational excellence. Kicking off the event, COO Michael Assi emphasized these key pillars, setting the stage for engaging sessions that equipped leaders with actionable insights.
During the Fireside Chat, CEO and Founder Sam Youssef and COO Michael Assi explored key topics that are shaping Valsoft’s future. The conversation touched on how the company is positioning itself for long-term success, the competitive landscape for acquisitions, and evolving strategies for identifying ideal acquisition targets. They also discussed Valsoft’s future growth plans, as well as the company’s commitment to balancing profitability with corporate social responsibility.
At the heart of the Operations Bootcamp were the dynamic sessions led by industry experts, each focused on delivering actionable insights that leaders could take back to their respective teams.
The presentation on AI investments, led by Director of Engineering Transformation & AI Michael Radovan, provided a powerful roadmap for harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence to drive innovation and efficiency within the software ecosystem. Managing Director Klaus Niederacher led a session on R&D velocity, where he unpacked the key drivers of high-performance research and development. Leaders learned how to accelerate innovation without compromising quality, ensuring their businesses remain agile and competitive in fast-evolving markets.
Panel participants Mo Firouzabadian, Gianni Farruggia, Gustavo Vargas, and Kent Howard
Notable sessions included Chief Information Officer Dennis Hall’s insightful presentation on cybersecurity, where he explored strategies for staying ahead of emerging threats while safeguarding business assets.
Another standout session focused on sales excellence, where a guest speaker delved into strategies for driving revenue growth and improving sales performance. Attendees gained valuable insights into optimizing sales processes and delivering results that align with long-term business goals.
The bootcamp also prioritized discussions on leadership and people development. Director of Human Resources Hussain Ahmed and HR Manager Anja Taylor led an insightful workshop on talent density and succession planning, emphasizing the importance of building strong teams and preparing the next generation of leaders within the Valsoft portfolio.
The bootcamp concluded with an impactful panel discussion moderated by Valsoft COO Michael Assi, where portfolio managers shared real-world experiences, offering a rare glimpse into the operational strategies that have fueled success across the Valsoft portfolio.
Each of these sessions reinforced Valsoft’s commitment to not just maintaining but raising the bar across our businesses.
Building Connections and Celebrating Success
Beyond knowledge-sharing, the bootcamp emphasized the importance of relationships. Leaders had ample opportunities to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the successes that have shaped their journey. The team-building activities in the heart of Old Marbella were a reminder that strong connections are at the core of Valsoft’s long-term vision.
As with every gathering, we took time to reflect on our collective achievements while looking toward the future. Whether it was diving into the specifics of portfolio management or revisiting the lessons learned from previous integrations, our leaders left Marbella with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement to drive results back home.
Valsoft COO Michael Assi with the winners of this year’s competitive business case study challenge, where teams were tasked with tackling real-world business scenarios.
Learning, Growing, and Leading the Way
One of the key takeaways from this year’s bootcamp was the collective hunger for growth—both as individual leaders and as businesses. Every session, discussion, and panel was a reminder that we are always learning, always improving, and always focused on building lasting success. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, we ensure that each of our businesses can lead in their respective industries.
At Valsoft, we understand that operational success is not a one-time achievement but a continuous journey. The Operations Bootcamp was another step forward on that path, equipping our leaders with the insights and tools needed to elevate their operations.
In Their Own Words
Now Book It CEO Craig Joel, Group Managing Director Marc Cooke, and Group Director of Finance Ryan Eidt.
Craig Joel, CEO at Now Book It
“What stood out to me most at the bootcamp was the genuine commitment to growth—not just for our businesses but for us as leaders. The sessions on succession planning and R&D velocity were eye-opening and gave me new ideas on how to increase our internal capabilities. The collaborative spirit of the event was inspiring, especially during the team-building activities. It’s not often that you get to network with such a diverse group of high performers, and I left with a stronger sense of direction for my team’s future.”