New York is a place that forces you to dare and put yourself to the test. It is a place of exchange of cultures and ideas, a creative and stimulating hub. I spent four years in the United States at Loro Piana, which was then a Piedmontese family business.

Having a family business takes so much out of you, but it is also very rewarding. Family-owned companies have the ability to make decisions quickly, change plans and adapt productions and strategies to the new demands of the market, while maintaining a long-term perspective. The Molteni Group is now in its third generation, and quality has always been the key to our growth.

Balance is a tricky word and a very personal concept nowadays. I think that you have found balance in your life when you feel accomplished while doing whatever makes you happy. In the home environment, balance works more like an ecosystem so, for us, it’s not just about producing a design, but about creating a rounded lifestyle that Italy is famous for.

Leaders need to develop new skills and have a clear vision despite the uncertainty they have to manage. Being able to take bold decisions as well as quickly adapt to the constantly evolving scenarios are key to success.

I’d like to see women in important positions. The workplace should allow them to balance career and family, instead of having to choose just one. In this respect, there is much to be desired in Italy, but what we have been able to see is that hybrid working can be productive and results are not limited to the number of hours spent at the office.

They need to have a great passion for quality. It is what transcends time and distinguishes Italian-made furniture. Hard work is also important. It is something that my father taught me, but you also have to have the ability to innovate. As one of the handful of companies that guarantee a complete production cycle, we have more and more sustainable initiatives, including completely biodegradable filling material and a new fabric that is made of 100 percent recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET).