Business, Italian Style

A week in Milan was a crash-course in La Dolce Vita as applied to work.

As the Big Apple transformed into the Big Orange last week due to the Canadian wildfires, I found myself some four thousand miles from the 24-hour air apocalypse.

I was lucky enough to be in Milan, Italy for a project.

Don’t sleep on Milan, as the kids say.

It’s a hot-bed of creativity in fashion, design, art and product design.

Lest we forget Milano is also a legendary cradle of innovative companies, as it’s the birthplace of brands like Alfa Romeo, Armani, Campari, Lavazza, Olivetti, Pirelli and Prada, to name a few.

(Oh, and Martini & Rossi — “on the rocks, say, ‘Yes!”)

Anywho, it was a fabulous week and indulge me please as I share some observations with you.

Milan Isn’t Obvious

Venice is magic upon first sight. Ditto for Rome and Florence.

But Milano doesn’t come right out and reveal her beauty.

Oh, sure Il Duomo is magnificent. And when you stand before it, no matter what you believe in, you will feel something spiritual.

But elsewhere, Milano is full of surprises. You turn down a street and find a charming 19th Century neighborhood. On another street, behind the gate of a dull building is a magnificent courtyard. A wrong turn off one of the many roundabouts reveals a host of incredible restaurants or a lush park.

In this sense, Milano is an onion of sorts, you find yourself constantly peeling back layers.

La Dolce Business

The Italians are doing it right. We had a robust week. But whether we had a great meeting or a tough meeting the day ends the same. With a drink, a laugh and an incredible bite to eat. Who knew risotto in June could be so refreshing?

Morning Walks

Milano is a great walking city. You can lose yourself without getting too lost. Milan can also reveal her different neighborhoods. From trendy to timeless to touristy and all in between. Go out early enough and you can see the sunrise through alleyways like a mini-Manhattanhenge.

Sounds and Words

I had a soundtrack to these walks. Each morning I put on Italian hip-hop legend, Fabri Fibra and his most recent album, Caos. This is a great record featuring many moods from classic rap to blues-, rock-, and jazz-influenced hip-hop. Fabri is also a master of Italian slang, so you’ll learn some great “paroles” and phrases to impress your Italian friends.

“Cazzimma”

Speaking of words, my colleagues taught me this great word, “Cazzimma.” It’s southern Italian slang for “determination” or “perseverance” or “grit” or “drive.” I love it. Gonna keep living it and start using the word: Cazzimma!

It’s All About the Amici

My colleagues in Milano made the days amazing. Talented, energetic, creative and warm. Grazie mille a…Mirco, Simone, Fabrizia, Michel, Gina, Gianluca, Daniele, Fabio and Martina. Also, it was great to see amici new — Stefano, and ageless — Sara. And capo di tutti capo, Marco! Of course…also great to hang with my longtime friend and lone Frenchman, Jean-Marie.

The friends you make and the joy of true collaboration. This is the best part of working in a global company.

So thank you for indulging me in a very personal blog post today. I hope there was a little something here that might help you and even inspire you — especially if it’s to go on a trip to Milano.

‘Til next time, Ciao!