Karolina Joanna De Falco – Procurement, Supply Chain & Digital Services Directorate - Procurement for Military Bases
At just 27 years old, she already has a wealth of experience that is taking shape and continuing to grow. Karolina is one of the 51% of women who joined Leonardo Global Solutions in 2022, with a degree in Economics and a passion for negotiating that she puts into practice as a buyer.
To mark International Women's Day, here are four interviews telling the stories of some of the women who work in our company, their journey, what this International Women's Day means to them, the balance between their private and professional lives, the stereotypes to be broken down and their achievements.
What was your course of study and what do you think were the skills you acquired during those years that you still carry with you today?
I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the Federico II University of Naples, and continued my studies in Milan, specialising in Management at the Università Cattolica. There is one episode from my university years that I remember with great pleasure. It was the first moment in my entire course of study that saw me in difficulty and, at the same time, gave me satisfaction: the Private Law exam, which was my first exam and the only one I failed. In the first session I was failed by an assistant, as were many of my fellow students, who then decided to change faculties because of this major setback. After two weeks, I decided to retake the exam with the professor, who said these exact words to me, "I'm retiring next year and this is the only A-plus I have ever given in my career." That way I learnt a very important lesson, which I still carry with me today, that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react.
I think that, while the books you read and study during university are important, university should above all be seen as a gym where you can train your skills. There's no doubt that what is still with me after years is the ability to work in a team, time management skills and a good dose of self-sacrifice.
What has your career path been so far? Of all your day-to-day work activities, is there one you feel most proud of?
My professional career, began while I was still studying. In fact, during my last year at university I did two internships. Immediately after graduating I was hired as a buyer for various major companies, where I worked for several years, before being happily welcomed into the big family of Leonardo Global Solutions (LGS). I currently hold the position of Buyer and I handle Construction purchases for military bases and external sites, in Italy and abroad. Basically, my role is to manage the entire purchasing process: from drafting tender documentation to obtaining offers, from analysing the quotations received to handling any negotiations, from issuing purchase orders to drafting the contract with the support of the Legal Department.
Of all my day-to-day activities, the one I am most proud of is definitely the negotiation phase: being able to save money for internal customers makes me feel I'm helping to create benefit for the whole company. I fondly recall the first time I had the opportunity to negotiate with a supplier in Polish, my mother tongue (along with Italian). It was really funny to see his surprised reaction!
What skills are most in demand in your profession?
My profession requires quite a variety of skills. As far as hard skills are concerned, it is certainly essential to know the English language and to be good with numbers. But what really makes the difference, in my opinion, are soft skills, such as planning, stress and emergency management skills, problem solving, conflict management and effective communication.
What do you think is important for achieving a balance between professional and private life?
To achieve a good work-life balance, I think you need, on the one hand, the support of your company and, on the other hand, total commitment as an employee. First of all, the introduction of smart working seems like an excellent initiative, allowing you to reconcile your various commitments by saving on travel time to and from the office. Secondly, you should learn to devote time to yourself, your interests and your passions, your quality of life will certainly benefit and so will your efficiency at work. Unfortunately, there are companies where a balance between professional and private life still seems utopian. In that regard I feel very lucky.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
For me, 8 March is a day for reflecting and remembering the extent which women have had to suffer and then fight to have their rights recognised. It should also be a time for carefully considering all the progress that has been made and, more importantly, how much still needs to be done to fully achieve gender equality. We face too many stereotypes every day and I find it chilling that victims of rape or femicide are often accused of being the cause. It is truly shameful to read or hear on social media, TV and newspapers, phrases like "she was asking for it, look how she was dressed".
Both at university and at work, I have often noticed that, with the same degree and/or job title, male colleagues were called 'Doctor' while we women were called 'Miss'. Not that it particularly upsets me, perhaps because unfortunately we are used to it nowadays, but it is worth remembering that when someone says that they are actually belittling us. The biggest challenge for a woman, in the world of work, is to see her achievements recognised and, like a man, to be judged on her performance rather than her physical appearance.
We should no longer have division of labour by gender in education, work, society and the home. There can be no real talk of gender equality as long as people are suspicious of female mechanics or male dancers, or as long as it is taken for granted that the woman should do the housework and the man should maintain the family.
Is there someone who has inspired you in the past or who still inspires you today?
Fortunately, there are many female figures who have left an indelible mark on history. If I had to single out just one, I would highlight Lidia Poët. After graduating in Jurisprudence and practising law, she sought and obtained membership of the bar, from which she was then unjustly disbarred after a short time on the grounds that she was a woman. She dedicated her entire life to fighting for women's rights and practising law de facto, at her brother's firm. It was not until 1920, at the age of 65 and after years of struggle, that she was granted the right to be admitted to the bar, officially becoming Italy's first female lawyer.
A woman who has done something important for you and whom you would like to thank today?
Without a shadow of a doubt, my mother! She raised me by herself, making countless sacrifices, and having to play the role of father too. Since my university days, I have always tried to repay her for all her sacrifices, and today it makes me extremely happy to know that she is proud of me.
What was your dream as a child and what advice would you offer the next generation?
As a child I dreamt of saving abandoned animals and being a vet. As I grew up I realised that it would not have been a suitable job for me and I gave it up, at least in part. Today I am still involved in rescuing animals in distress and finding them a family. I am very glad to have studied Economics; I found it very interesting and in line with my interests.
I advise the next generation of women professionals to pursue their passions and follow their dreams without falling into the traps of prejudice. There are no professions, sports, or hobbies reserved exclusively for men (or women).
Not flowers but?
Respect, every day of the year.