The Missing Piece I moved to Milan 28 years ago. Last week, I finally became an Italian citizen.

The Missing Piece:I moved to Milan 28 years ago. Last week, I finally became an Italian citizen.   The process started quite late in 2023. On July 6, I went to the Comune to submit some final paperwork. There, I met Signora Raffaella, a wonderful official, wearing her “fascia tricolore” proudly draped across her body.… Continue reading The Missing Piece I moved to Milan 28 years ago. Last week, I finally became an Italian citizen.

From Manager to Mentor: Evolving Your Leadership Mindset

From Manager to Mentor: Evolving Your Leadership Mindset In the last article, we explored the importance of effective delegation and how it benefits manager and employee development. In this piece, I will build on that theme by examining the shift from simply managing people to becoming their mentor. We are all aware of the pitfalls… Continue reading From Manager to Mentor: Evolving Your Leadership Mindset

Letting Go to Grow – The Leadership Skill Nobody Talks About 

Letting Go to Grow – The Leadership Skill Nobody Talks About  We are all familiar with that popular management concept: “The first rule of management is delegation”. A recent McKinsey global survey reports that managers spend about 70% of their time on decision-making. No leader can (or should) do everything. So-called “helicopter bosses” – those… Continue reading Letting Go to Grow – The Leadership Skill Nobody Talks About 

Feedback Culture: The Cornerstone of Team Development

Another of the valuable management lessons I learned in the classroom, was the importance and power of giving and receiving feedback.  In today’s fast-paced business world, feedback has become more than just a buzzword. Cultivating a strong feedback culture in the workplace is now essential. What is Feedback Culture? At its core, it’s an environment… Continue reading Feedback Culture: The Cornerstone of Team Development

Empathy + Systems Thinking: A Smarter Way to Lead

Empathy + Systems Thinking: A Smarter Way to Lead Every big decision affects both people and systems. Empathy helps us understand the human impact. Systems thinking shows us the ripple effects. Smart leadership relies on both. What if Empathy wasn’t a  Soft Skill — but a Strategic Advantage? In leadership, we often separate emotional intelligence… Continue reading Empathy + Systems Thinking: A Smarter Way to Lead

From Language to Leadership: What Teaching Taught Me About Managing Teams

From Language to Leadership: What Teaching Taught Me About Managing Teams Some of the most important management lessons I’ve learnt didn’t come from a boardroom—they came from a classroom. Leadership Lessons from the Classroom In one of my first teaching experiences, I taught a group of banking executives. In the second or third lesson, one… Continue reading From Language to Leadership: What Teaching Taught Me About Managing Teams

HR English Networking, “Managing and Communicating in International Teams: The Role of HR professionals”

HR English Networking, “Managing and Communicating in International Teams: The Role of HR professionals” An Open Conversation with Anna Cipolla, HR Manager – Mayoly Italia I’m pleased to announce the upcoming edition of HR English Networking, an initiative designed for HR professionals who want to connect, share experiences, and practice their English communication skills in… Continue reading HR English Networking, “Managing and Communicating in International Teams: The Role of HR professionals”

Is there a perfect age to learn a new language? Useful advice and debunking myths

Is there a perfect age to learn a new language? Useful advice and debunking myths People often wonder if there is an ideal age to learn a foreign language. Is it really easier to learn a new language as a child? Or can adults also achieve great results? In this article we will explore the… Continue reading Is there a perfect age to learn a new language? Useful advice and debunking myths

Why Choosing a Degree Course in English is a Good Idea: Career Opportunities and Advantages

Why Choosing a Degree Course in English is a Good Idea: Career Opportunities and Advantages In an increasingly globalised world, choosing to study a degree in English offers numerous advantages. English is the second most spoken language in the world after Chinese so professional proficiency English is a real gateway to building a competitive CV… Continue reading Why Choosing a Degree Course in English is a Good Idea: Career Opportunities and Advantages

3 Practical Tips to Improve Your English Level and Progress from B2 to C1

3 Practical Tips to Improve Your English Level and Progress from B2 to C1 Many students find themselves “stuck” at intermediate level – they communicate well but lack natural fluency. If you have reached B2 and you want to progress to C1, making the leap to an advanced level is a demanding challenge. Here are… Continue reading 3 Practical Tips to Improve Your English Level and Progress from B2 to C1