True leadership extends beyond the office walls. As a country leader, I couldn't just talk to consumers; I had to engage the entire nation. From government relations to university boards, here is what I learned about driving impact by orchestrating the ecosystem.
1. The "Connecting Leader"
A modern executive cannot just look inward. I learned to act as the "Connecting Leader"—the bridge between my company and the external world. Whether sitting on university boards or meeting with ministers, your influence comes from the network you build, not just the team you manage.
2. Public Leadership & The Media
In a role like CMO of Google Italy/Spain, you are the face of the industry. I learned that being media-trained isn't about spinning a story; it's about being a steady, trusted voice during times of change. Whether it's a crisis or a launch, how you show up in the public square defines your company's reputation.
3. Aligning with National Agendas
You can sell ads, or you can digitize a country. I chose the latter. I learned that the biggest growth unlocks happen when you align your business goals with the country's needs—helping SMEs go digital or training students in AI. When you solve society's problems, business growth follows.
4. Influence Without Authority
You can't order a government body or an industry association to do what you want. I learned the art of "Soft Power"—driving change through persuasion, shared value, and long-term relationship building rather than direct authority.
5. Mentorship as Legacy
Delivering 20+ keynotes and 30+ university lectures wasn't a PR exercise; it was a recruitment strategy for the future. I learned that your legacy isn't the revenue you booked this quarter, but the talent you inspired to join the industry.