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Thank you to the 1,400 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 questions!
I hope reading
7 Questions with Vanessa Pietrobon
helps you in your leadership.
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Jonno White
7 Questions with Vanessa Pietrobon
Name: Vanessa Pietrobon
Current title: Global Forecast Manager | Board Member & Non-exec Fundraising Director
Current organisation: Expedia Group | Hildashaus e.V.i.G.
Vanessa Pietrobon is currently holding two roles: as Global Forecast Manager at Expedia Group and Board Member & Non-exec Fundraising Director at Hildashaus e.V.i.G.
Hildashaus e.V.i.G. is a not-for-profit organization that works with marginalized and vulnerable womxn, an important part of our mission is working on health and well-being, as well as overcoming stigmas. Thanks to a variety of programs in place, womxn can focus on their physical and psychological barriers that still stand in their way, to ultimately reach their economic empowerment.
Vanessa strongly believes that when women are confident, have agency and are economically independent, the society to which they belong becomes stronger and set for success.
Vanessa developed international experiences working for multinational companies across Italy (Rome and Milan) - in the consumer goods and telecommunication industries -, and Switzerland (Geneva) - in the travel industry. She is an analytics and planning expert, having spent 9+ years working in these fields.
Vanessa is an alumna of Queen Mary, University of London, where she obtained her BaHons degree in English. She also gained a Bsc in Business and Management from the University of London and a Msc in Marketing from the University of Buckingham.
Vanessa is a Mentors4u and Women in Travel Thrive mentor, supporting young professionals as well as women in STEM with their professional careers.
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1. What have you found most challenging as a board member of a large enterprise?
When you are a project sponsor, trying to get everyone in the same boat can get tricky. Asking other members to become advocates of your ideas requires passion, network, and pitching, and sometimes it is not enough.
2. How did you become a board member of a large enterprise? Can you please briefly tell the story?
Early on in my career I held several key roles in large enterprises, and this contributed to landing an executive role.
3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?
I have the habit of ending my day with a list of 5 activities I will be accomplishing the following day. My day normally starts at 7 am with a 1-hour workout scheduled. I then go through my to-do list and execute them around any potential emergencies that might have occurred. I normally use my short breaks as learning time: reading (articles, blogs, or books) or practicing new skills.
4. What's the most recent significant leadership lesson you've learned?
Navigating through times of uncertainty and instability, acting as ‘enabler’ in an organization is what I find to be the most relevant lesson.
5. What are some of the keys to doing governance well in a large enterprise?
You need to stay focused on the short- and long-term objectives of your organization; you need to work with people, listen to their feedback, caring for them and empowering them; you need to be agile and adaptable while navigating in a fast-paced environment.
6. How do you differentiate between the role of board member and the roles of CEO or executive team member of a large enterprise?
Board members have the unique opportunity to look at the enterprise inside out. This position can be advantageous when advising the executive team.
7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a board member of a large enterprise so far?
Communicating a strategy change that will have a strong impact on a multitude of employees.