Bridgestone Italy and Women's Empowerment: Lunch Break with Women Leaders of the Sector

On the occasion of Women's Week, I was the special guest of a special talk, a moment of reflection and discussion on the female role in the world of work and in society.

There is a special energy in the air when a woman speaks up and tells her story and inspires those around her. On March 11 , at the Bridgestone Italia plant in Modugno , that same energy was felt. On the occasion of Women's Week , I was the special guest of a special talk , a moment of reflection and discussion on the role of women in the world of work and in society.

The call of the Apulian industrial engine, between production lines and technological innovation, have intertwined with my story. Bridgestone is among the leaders in tire production, ranking among the top five brands in the sector at European level. Evidently we both grind out kilometers every day.

But the company does not stop there: for a long time it has also been working to offer an important contribution to its people and the territory in which it operates. Today its production in Europe is in Bari, Italy , but also in Spain, Hungary and Poland .

In addition to CSR (corporate social responsibility) activities, it is implementing projects dedicated to DE&I (diversity, equity and inclusion), and the invitation to me was not accidental . Managing Director Salvatore Carluccio , who has always been attentive to the issue, promotes and personally participates in these initiatives.

My professional journey, made of courageous choices and changes of direction, was at the centre of the discussion with Bridgestone's female and male employees.

In the company canteen, transformed into a sharing space, I spoke with the HR Business Partner of Bridgestone Italia Manufacturing SpA , Donatella Ontario, focusing on an essential reflection: the evolution of women in the world of work.

" It's not just about equal opportunities, but about a real change in the collective mentality. A woman's success should not be seen as an exception, but as a normal possibility, on par with that of a man " I emphasized and I saw in the eyes of the people in front of me the interest and awareness that something is changing.

The freedom to choose your own path is the real revolution . " At 20 we think we've found our path, but at 40 we might discover that it's no longer the right one. And that's okay. The most important thing is to listen to ourselves, understand what makes us feel good and find a way to make it part of our professional life, " I said.

"Today we have the choice. It hasn't always been this way. Our mothers and grandmothers couldn't imagine certain opportunities, while we can be entrepreneurs, artists, scientists. We can choose to work, not to work, to reinvent ourselves. It doesn't mean it's easy, on the contrary, it's very difficult, but this freedom is a revolution"

The challenges remain: credibility to gain, the conciliation between professional and private life, the weight of expectations . " If we are assertive, we are aggressive. If we are empathetic, we are too emotional. If we are nervous we have our period, if we are exuberant we must learn to step aside, if we are well-groomed and good looking we want to be the center of attention. The real change will come when we no longer have to justify our presence, our voice, our ambitions. " I saw many heads nodding, many people seeing themselves in my words.

Then, a personal question: "How would you describe yourself?" I smiled. " I define myself as a very determined but terribly insecure person. To overcome insecurity, I study twice as much as others: this makes me calm when I face any type of talk or challenge. Even the simple presentation of a book. I read everything in order to lead the reader confidently into the story. For example, when I arrived at your company and I understood that I was the "Special Guest" with my name on the LED walls I thought - I hope I don't disappoint your expectations ". I perceived an immediate connection with the audience: how many women have recognized themselves in this need to prepare themselves more than others to feel up to the task?

The meeting became an open dialogue about challenges and opportunities, about the difficulties of balancing career and family, and about strategies for finding your balance . " It's not always easy, but I've learned that when you're really passionate about something, you find the time, you find the energy. I stopped seeing work as an obstacle and started seeing it as part of my journey. Sometimes I just leave for a weekend, other times I work remotely, but every experience turns into a story to tell"

Among the questions received, one touched on a crucial point: how can we educate the new generations to see men and women as equals? My answer was clear and direct : " By setting an example. We can teach with words, but what really matters is the way we live. If a child sees a father and a mother treat each other with respect, he will grow up with the idea that equality is natural. If a girl sees a woman who asserts herself without fear, she will know that she can do it too. We must teach boys that strength is not domination and girls that kindness is not submission. Change starts with us, every day ." I saw eyes light up, thoughts set in motion.

The message came through loud and clear: stop looking for perfection . "Perfection is an illusion. Having more confidence in yourself is the secret. And above all, don't wait for the right time to live: the right time is now. You don't have all the answers, you just have to take the first step and create your own path. Listen to your inner voice and follow it. The rest will follow."

The message I left may still resonate within the walls of the factory : " Fear never goes away, but the regret of not having tried is much worse. Don't wait for the right time to be yourself. The right time is now ."

Bridgestone, a leader in the industrial manufacturing sector for years , has demonstrated with this initiative its commitment to valuing people and promoting a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. Equity and inclusion are not just corporate projects, but are part of the DNA of Bridgestone and those who work there, a principle that is reflected every day in the lives of its people.