Think Long Term and Care About People: Leadership According to Vittorio Colao

IN THE TWELFTH INSTALLMENT OF THE EXECUTIVE CHATS VIDEO SERIES, RECTOR GIANMARIO VERONA MEETS THE 2003 BOCCONI ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR

There are also some recommendations for recent graduates in the Executive Chat between Rector Gianmario Verona and Bocconi Alumnus Vittorio Colao, currently a Director at Unilever and Verizon and a member of the Bocconi University Board, as well as former CEO of Vodafone. Vittorio Colao is also the 2003 Bocconi Alumnus of the Year.
 
«In the first five years», he says, «don’t focus only on career and money, but pick jobs where you can learn massively, and don’t think only of business, but take care of social issues around you, because it’s a sign of a sensitivity that will turn out to be useful in the future».
 
In recent years, Vittorio Colao says, Multi National Enterprises have undergone three main changes: they display much more international diversity, they promote corporate entrepreneurship more than in the past, and they tend to have a purpose beyond the financial performance. «In turbulent times», he says, «companies can’t stand only for profit: customers, employees and the young generations want to know where we stand on environment, social issues and so on».
 
There is a social dimension also in his view of leadership. It’s not about one’s personal style, but about long-term orientation and genuine care for people.
 

by Fabio Todesco