Italy’s start-up boom

Italy now ranks among the leaders in innovation and growth. More than a third of companies in the Financial Times’ list of Europe’s fastest-growing companies are Italian.

They range from a sustainable property developer Olla Home Solutions to creative agency Venticento and renewable energy specialists Envidev.

The FT reports that the pandemic accelerated digitalisation in Italy, as consumers became more familiar with buying online, while investors are now more willing to back Italian companies.

If your company has ambitions to expand into or from Italy, I can help at every step: from interpreting during key meetings to translating pitch decks and even providing one-to-one coaching for executives.

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Pack light, travel far: my top tips for business trips

After more than two decades criss-crossing the globe for interpreting jobs, I’ve developed my own system for stress-free travel. As summer gets underway, I thought I’d share my best tips for business travel:

I keep scanned copies of important documents securely stored in the cloud. I always pack my passport in the same pocket of my tote, and put it away in the same spot as soon as I get home.

I try to travel the night before an assignment so I can start fresh the next day, but if I need to take an early flight, I skip breakfast and bring a protein bar to eat after I’m through security.

I use my time at the airport to catch up on admin. Fast-track lanes and priority boarding are small extras that pay big dividends in saved time and energy.

I always keep a mini glam-recovery kit close — my secret for arriving fresh-faced, even after a 5 a.m. flight. It includes soothing under-eye patches (a must before high-stakes meetings), hydrating lip balm, and my go-to: a peppermint roll-on oil for an instant sensory reset. Add a touch of tinted moisturiser and a spritz of fragrance, and I’m ready to go from gate to great in minutes.

Instead of a handbag, I carry a tote. It’s structured so I can put it down on the ground without it falling over, and it has a luggage sleeve that fits securely on my suitcase handle.

I always pack a lavender-scented pillow mist spray to help me get to sleep in unfamiliar surroundings after a long day.

I take ten minutes to reset post-flight and refocus. When I jump in a taxi from the airport, I close my eyes, pop in my headphones and listen to binaural beats. Try this playlist on Spotify

Unless it’s midwinter, I leave bulky coats at home and instead bring lots of layers so I can stay comfortable in all settings, from air-conditioned meeting rooms to sweltering al fresco drinks receptions.

I pack a capsule wardrobe in complementary colours so I can mix and match. I use packing cubes to keep shoes, toiletries, underwear and accessories organised.

Keep up to date on my travels