After finishing this program, my initial perspective of Italy remained the same, but it deepened in ways I didn’t expect. From the start, I was impressed with the beauty of the cities, the language, the rich culture, and the unique way business is conducted is Italy. In my first reflection, I mentioned how business in Italy often starts with long conversations about personal life before moving into business topics. I now understand it as a core part of relationship-building in Italian business culture. One of the most valuable experiences on this trip was working directly with the St. Regis Florence. Through our engagement with Lorenzo Tibirini, the hotel’s Revenue Manager, I gained first-hand insight into how hospitality leadership functions in a luxury setting. He was highly professional, kind, and generous with his time and expertise. He was always very open to answering questions. His approach combined structure with flexibility, always emphasizing attention to detail and guest experience, while also valuing staff wellbeing and team dynamics.
Throughout the program, we also met professionals from different companies, and I noticed that each individual and company had a slightly different communication and business style. This diversity taught me that Italian business has a strong emphasis on relationships and trust. I learned the importance of cultural awareness and adaptability. It also reminded me that forming genuine human connections is often just as important as technical knowledge or efficiency in business. I now have a deeper appreciation for how culture shapes professional interactions, and I’m excited to carry this global perspective forward in my future career.
