Vanina Stagno Piantanida (PWN Milan): “An adaptive mindset is what separates those who thrive from those who merely survive”

Leaders League: What role does PWN Milan play in the professional lives of its members in the Italian corporate market?
Vanina Stagno Piantanida: PWN Milan aims to act as a catalyst for transformation both at the individual and systemic level. For our members, we provide a comprehensive ecosystem of professional development through our signature programs: leadership skills, mentoring, entrepreneurs, ESG Lab and Milan IWOB (International Women on Boards) – a dynamic six-month program designed to empower women leaders in securing board roles.

We create an environment where women can embrace new skills, learn to speak out on critical topics and develop sustainable action plans. Our monthly events range from empowering talks to specialized workshops on everything from financial management to influence and leadership strategies.

In the broader Italian corporate landscape, PWN Milan has become a trusted partner for companies seeking to enhance their gender diversity initiatives. We provide expert guidance to help organizations advance gender balance, strengthen internal processes and create more inclusive workplaces. We cooperate with universities, large corporations in banking, consumer goods, business services and technology to stay ahead of what great leadership is and what organizations really need from their people.

Which executive skills are most valued by Italian companies when selecting candidates for leadership positions?
Through the years, we’ve observed a certain evolution in what Italian companies value in their leaders. Traditional technical competencies remain important, but there’s been a significant shift toward what I call human-centered leadership skills.

Emotional intelligence, inclusive leadership capabilities and the ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity have become paramount. Companies are increasingly recognizing that leaders who can foster psychological safety, drive innovation through diverse perspectives and adapt to rapid change are the ones who will thrive in today’s business environment.

The most powerful career accelerator isn’t just knowing the right people – it’s being known by the right people for the right reasons 

We’ve also noticed a growing emphasis on sustainability leadership – not just environmental, but social and economic sustainability. Leaders who can balance profit with purpose, who understand ESG principles, and who can engage stakeholders authentically are in high demand. Perhaps most importantly, we’re seeing companies value leaders who can build bridges – between generations, cultures and different ways of thinking.  

What advice would you give a young professional trying to land a dream job in the corporate world in Milan?
My advice focuses on what I call the authenticity advantage. In a world where everyone is trying to fit into predetermined molds, the professionals who stand out are those who bring their authentic selves to their work while continuously developing their skills and expanding their perspectives.

First, invest in building genuine relationships, not just networking. Join communities like PWN Milan where you can connect with people who share your values and ambitions. The most powerful career accelerator isn’t just knowing the right people – it’s being known by the right people for the right reasons.

Second, cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and embrace lateral thinking. Companies in Milan are increasingly valuing professionals who can think outside conventional frameworks, identify opportunities others miss and approach challenges from unexpected angles. This entrepreneurial spirit – whether you’re working within a large corporation or considering starting your own venture – demonstrates the kind of innovative thinking that drives business forward.

Third, commit to continuous learning as a core competency. The pace of change in today’s business environment means that what you learned yesterday may not be sufficient tomorrow. Stay curious, embrace new technology, seek out diverse perspectives and view every challenge as a learning opportunity. This adaptive mindset is what separates those who thrive from those who merely survive.

Fourth, think globally, act locally. Milan is increasingly connected to global markets, and companies value professionals who can navigate both local nuances and international perspectives. This means staying curious about different cultures, learning languages and understanding how global trends affect local business.

Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of reverse mentoring. Young professionals often have insights about technology, new market trends and changing consumer behavior that can be incredibly valuable to senior leaders. Position yourself as someone who brings fresh perspectives, not just someone who needs guidance.

What are PWN Milan’s goals going forward?
Our vision for the coming years focuses on three key areas. First, we want to deepen our impact through what we call systemic-change partnerships. Instead of working with companies on isolated initiatives, we’re developing long-term partnerships that help transform entire organizational cultures. This includes expanding our board-readiness programs and creating more opportunities for our members to take on significant leadership roles.

Second, we’re committed to intergenerational bridge-building. We’re launching initiatives that connect our experienced members with emerging female leaders, creating a continuous pipeline of talent and wisdom sharing. This includes expanding our "Own Your Career" program and developing new formats for knowledge transfer.

Third, we’re focused on maintaining our strong international approach and deepening our coordination with PWN Global, whose mission to “break barriers, shatter stereotypes and build a world where every voice is heard, and every talent is valued,” perfectly aligns with our local objectives in Milan.

Our ultimate goal remains unchanged since 1991: to accelerate the pace of change toward gender-balanced leadership. But we’re doing this with greater expertise, stronger partnerships and a deeper understanding of what it takes to create lasting transformation. We’re not just preparing women for leadership roles as they exist today – we’re helping to redefine what leadership looks like for the future.