1. Desire to explore
It’s not “I find the courage, and then I take the risk”.
It’s “I take the risk, and that’s where I discover courage”.
The desire to explore is what has shaped my life decisions so far. From a quiet town in the centre of Italy (in a region that almost nobody knows, called Marche), I moved to Milan for my academic pursuits (and fell in love with it), then to Madrid for an unforgettable Erasmus experience (gin tonic & Covid made it unforgettable), and finally to London to follow my career ambitions – the city that gave the biggest boost to my growth.
Since turning 18, I have lived in 9 houses with people from more than 8 countries. Stepping out of my comfort zone has since become a habit – perhaps even an addiction.
My childhood as a Scout definitely shaped this mindset, teaching me how to adapt to different contexts with limited resources and to create a sense of familiarity even in challenging environments (literally: tents in the woods and kitchens made from tree trunks – now paraphrasable with unknown roommates and new neighbourhoods).
But it was by moving to different places every year that I developed the ability to embrace the unfamiliar and genuinely connect with people, wherever I am.
Adaptability, Communication, Relationship building
2. Passion for science
“Why is man on Earth?”,
Pythagoras answered: “To observe the heavens”.
Understanding the complexity of reality: this is the superpower of Science and what has always fascinated me about it.
Science allows us not only to understand our world, but also to design and build the next one, and it does so through numbers, hypotheses, methodology, and a lot of collaboration.
I chose to study Biomedical Engineering because I wanted to understand the incredible way my mind and body work. But mainly out of my passion for data and for putting it at the service of something innovative and impactful.
Starting my career at GE HealthCare Pharmaceutical Diagnostics (PDx) allowed me to keep doing exactly that, and to confirm that there is one essential ingredient to fostering innovation: teamwork and obsession with continuous improvement.
Analytical mindset, Critical thinking, Team working
3. Embrace challenges
Start before you think you are ready.
My attitude toward challenge took root at 17, when I participated in the NHSMUN project with my school, an experience that took me to New York City, where students from around the world simulated the work of UN delegates for a week after having prepared for an entire academic year. The effort I put in paid off in the most unexpected and memorable way: being chosen to speak at the final ceremony from the Secretariat podium – and realising, for the first time, just how far ambition and dedication can take you.
The same desire to challenge myself led me to co-found a MedTech startup at 22 and work on its growth during a 3-month pre-seed incubator phase alongside 5 other co-founders. I told myself: “Why not? Worst-case scenario: I’ll learn how not to do things. Still a learning experience.” And that’s exactly how it went after a year. Without my initial enthusiasm and some risk-taking, I wouldn’t have gained all those lessons or understood how much I enjoy the process of turning ideas into reality.
However, I believe the biggest step I’ve taken so far has been relocating solo to London after university. Having to build a place to call home, a network of people I could rely on, and a future career – all by myself – I grew more than I could have ever imagined.
Overall, every new challenge has helped me strengthen my self-awareness and confidence in my own capabilities, reinforcing my belief that behind every risk there is room to grow.
The latest one I embarked on? Deliberately starting a non-linear career by moving from typical engineering roles into marketing. How did I discover it was the right fit and the right moment to take the leap? Here’s the answer!
Growth mindset, Antifragility, Agency
4. Curiosity
The more you grasp reality, the simpler the dream becomes.
Curiosity is probably the lowest common denominator of my many diverse interests.
I read lots of fiction and non-fiction books, newsletters, articles, and listen to podcasts about so many different themes (neuroscience, AI and tech, philosophy, career, astronomy, antropology, finance…). I love taking in new ideas, but what I prefer is filtering out the noise to find great content, delving deeper into what really resonates with me, and organising these insights. My second brain on Notion is where I curate what my mind decides to absorb.
My curiosity also explains my desire to understand the “why” behind innovations and decisions, to see the bigger picture, and to always be learning something new – whether by exploring topics or meeting new people.
This is what led me to discover AI on YouTube and take online courses on AI and Data Science during my Bachelor’s in 2018, back when AI was little more than an unfamiliar buzzword – until I started collaborating with AI Academy in parallel to my studies.
This very same mindset led me to join lively, young communities at different seasons of my life, where I connected with other like-minded individuals, among whom I have also found some real friends (Start2Impact, Entrepreneur First, Nova Talent, House of Marketing).
The amazing thing about curiosity – I’ve realized over time – is that it acts as a magnet for luck: not only it satisfies our innate thrist for knowledge, but if deliberately pursued, it also uncovers otherwise hidden opportunities.
Multipotentiality, Continuous learning, Proactivity
5. Creativity
Create more than you consume.
Two of my favourite quotes are: ‘Create more than you consume’ and ‘Create with what you are, not with what you do’. They deeply resonate with me because what makes me tick is creating something new from what inspires me, ultimately making a positive impact on people.
Much of what I do is guided by this intention – from my five years of work experience in the tourism and children’s entertainment sector during university (here and here I shared the value I find in this fantastic job), to volunteering as STEM UK Ambassador within my company (here’s my first experience, and here’s the latest), or as career mentor for younger professionals with Nova.
Engaging in these activities allows me to unlock my creativity and put it at service of others. Creating something that inspires or brings joy to others is truly invaluable to me – whether it’s a family on vacation, a student at high school, a friend, or a colleague.
This is also why I decided to open my Substack and post there everything that comes out of my creative flow.
Design-thinking, Empathy, Taste