During my time abroad in Florence, I had the opportunity to connect with local businesses and form meaningful relationships with their owners, which gave me a deeper understanding of Italian communication styles and business practices. One of the most impactful experiences was working with Lorenzo Tiberi, the Revenue Manager at the St. Regis Florence, as part of a group project.
In our initial meeting, Lorenzo delivered a thorough presentation on the hotel’s revenue management strategies and how they operate year-round to minimize costs while maintaining luxury standards. During our second meeting, he gave us a personalized tour of the hotel, walking us through the lobby, restaurants, and three different types of rooms. Along the way, he explained the historical significance of the building and the hotel’s mission to preserve exclusivity while delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Using the data and insights from our meetings, our group developed practical solutions to specific challenges Lorenzo had presented. He encouraged us to think creatively and gave us the freedom to explore innovative approaches. Throughout the process, Lorenzo remained highly communicative, promptly responding to emails and staying engaged with our progress. On the day of our presentation, he was enthusiastic and genuinely appreciative of our work. His thoughtful feedback made it clear that he valued our input and recognized the effort we had invested.
What stood out most during this experience was how much emphasis Italian professionals place on building authentic relationships. Lorenzo made a point to learn about each of us individually, asking thoughtful questions about our backgrounds and goals. It became evident that Italian businesses prioritize personal connections just as much as professional outcomes.
Beyond the project, my time in Florence fundamentally shifted my perspective on lifestyle and pace. I came to appreciate the Italian emphasis on slowing down through longer meals and conversations. Compared to the fast paced environment in the U.S., this change was refreshing. I found it not only relaxing, but also grounding. Spending a month in Florence allowed me to slow down and be more present in my day-to-day life.
