Name: Erica Canaia

Title: CEO

Organisation: FIMIC SRL

More than 12 years in the plastic recycling industry, I'm the third generation in charge FIMIC company. We are a family company and I extremely believe that recycling is the only way to avoid any plastic pollution.

I worked hard to cover every position in my company, from bookkeeping to sales, I spent time installing machinery as well as planning a marketing strategy.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Erica's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Any CEO has the obligation to creat an ideal working environment and I work daily to create it in FIMIC.

In my opinion, the most challenging situation is supporting all others to be happy and efficient.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

In 2011 FIMIC was only 4 people, in 2023 we are 55.

I personally think that become a leader is a process and it is important that everybody understands your efforts, committment and passion to support not only the company but every person working in it.

I personally work in any position in FIMIC, also preparing transport's document, preparing spare parts' packaging, attending exhibitions, evaluating marketing strategy, selling machinery. Knowing any position, allows me to support collaborators with difficulties.

I studied every week some new topics: negotiations, selling, comunication, leadership, attitudinal tests...

And I support all to study more and more, to improve themselves every day.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

At 6, I spend 30 minutes walking, shower and breakfast with my family.

From 8.00 to 8.30 meditation or playing piano.

From 8.30 to 12.00 I normally dedicate my time, studying, reading, answering email, phone calls with collaborators, solving urgent problems supporting some of my collaborators.

Lunch time 30 minutes

After that, I spend my afternoon time with some meeting with collaborators, free time for myself and coming back home in time to prepare dinner.

After dinner, I normally spend time reading a book that can improve my life and my collaborators.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

You cannot help everybody. if they don't want your help, you cannot pretend to support them.

But you cannot be sad in this case, there are more other people that will appreciate your help and support, and you are not alone doing your job!

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

I personally read many books and all of them gave me something. One book that I should read again very soon was: Who Moved My Cheese? Autore: Spencer Johnson.

I think that understanding what it means; the change for ourselves and for others, can help our leadership attitude a lot.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Be yourself but don't stop learning, listening to other opinions and questioning yourself.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

I'm working with my father, my mother and my husband. It is possible and it is great :)