by Gordon Nary
Gordon: Where did you attend University and what degree did you earn?
Luigi: I attended and completed all my studies in Palermo, Sicily, where I was born. I am a chemical engineer, with a thesis in polymer rheology.
Gordon: What were your primary responsibilities as Brand Marketing Manager at BSN-Danone?
Luigi: At BSN-Danone I was responsible for the profit center consisting of a dozen of brands; I had a great time in the food mass market and enjoyed it. I think it was a good school for many other sectors as well.
Gordon: Please share with our readers some background on Pontifical University of the Holy Cross.
Luigi: The Pontifical University of the Holy Cross was born out of the desire of St. Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei, to create a center for higher ecclesiastical studies in Rome, at the service of the entire Church. Over time, the institution has become a center of study and research, committed to the task of theological, philosophical and canonical education.
The Pontifical University of the Holy Cross is currently composed of the Schools of Theology, Canon Law, Philosophy and Ecclesiastical Communication; the “Higher Institute of Religious Studies at the Apollinare” belongs to it as well. The academic building and headquarters are located in the Palazzo S. Apollinare in the center of ancient Rome, while the Research Center and Library are located in Via dei Farnesi, not far from the headquarters.
Gordon: What are your primary responsibilities as Strategic Planning at MIR Medical International Research?
Luigi: MIR - Medical International Research is a high-tech company based in Rome that develops and manufactures diagnostic devices and telemedicine systems, for private and public clients, selling 85% of its revenues outside of Italy. I’ve been taking care of public funding, international projects, intellectual property and data protection. All the projects were related to R&D and innovation. The purpose is developing a sustainable model of National Health Service based on ICT (telemedicine, remote diagnosis and monitoring). It is funny that I go from public affairs of a Pontifical University to dealing with medical devices, isn't it? But it has been that way for over 20 years.... Also, I enjoy it because it is a source of mutual enrichment for me. There are many more similarities than you might imagine....
Gordon: What are your primary responsibilities as Public Affairs Director at Pontifical University of the Holy Cross?
Luigi: The Pontifical University of the Holy Cross has a particular and unique juridical nature. To better pursue its institutional purposes, I’ve conducted a legal due diligence and then introduced a tailored and quite new organizational and regulatory model.
Gordon: What are some of the lessons that you have learned as Public Affairs Director?
Luigi: I think that in making decisions, not only in business but also in life, you have to ask yourself some key question, for instance:
What is the nature of the subject I am dealing with?
If that nature is unconventional, you must start thinking that what everyone is doing may not be right for you
However, you must always look with humility and respect at what others are doing, to learn from them.
And finally, don't be afraid to be daring and creative, even in subjects that are known to be conservative.
Gordon: Thank you for a great interview.