Gratitude for the past, inspiration for the future: my experience with the Nike

In 1998, I embarked on an unforgettable journey with Nike Italy in Reggio Emilia. From the very beginning, I was drawn to the company's passion for innovation, creativity, and excellence. Nike's manifesto, with its bold statements and inspiring words, served as a powerful reminder of the company's commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.

Working with the Nike team was an experience like no other. The company's culture of collaboration and teamwork was contagious, and it drove us to push ourselves beyond our limits. We were constantly encouraged to think outside the box and come up with new and innovative ideas that would set Nike apart from its competitors. As I reflect on my time at Nike, I am struck by how much the company's manifesto influenced our work. It was more than just a set of words on a page; it was a call to action that pushed us to be our best selves and strive for greatness in everything we did. From designing cutting-edge products to creating unforgettable marketing campaigns, every aspect of our work was infused with the spirit of the Nike Manifesto.

In the years since I left Nike, the company has continued to uphold its commitment to innovation, creativity, and excellence. Its products have become synonymous with quality and style, and its marketing campaigns have inspired countless people around the world.

Looking back on my time at Nike, I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such an incredible company.

I want to express my gratitude for the role that the Nike team in Reggio Emilia played in my life. Over the years, my colleagues became more than just coworkers; they became friends, confidants, and even family: we call us Nike Italy OG! Volfango Bondi , Stefano di Martino , Lucilla Alderotti , Cristiano Fagnani , Genicco Guido Leonardo , Manuel Bonfanti , Carlo Grippo OLY , Alessio Altomare , Cristina Pesavento , Cristina Iotti , Adriana Caliri , Federico Barbieri , Carlo Motti (you took me home by car in the evenings!) Bill Hall , Gerardo Carucci , Carmen Marani , Luigi Cucinotta (our beloved Barbara Montanari )... and all the others that are still in my heart!

Together, we laughed, we cried, and we accomplished incredible things. We pushed each other to be our best selves, and we supported each other through the inevitable challenges that come with any workplace. Through it all, the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that existed within the team was a constant source of inspiration and motivation.

Looking back on my time at Nike, I realize that the work we did was important, but it was the relationships we built that truly made it special. The memories I have of the Nike Italy in Reggio Emilia will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will forever be grateful for the friendships and experiences that came from being a part of such an incredible team.

As I move forward in my career, I carry with me the lessons I learned: the importance of collaboration, the power of passion, and the value of friendship. And while my time at Nike may be in the past, the impact that the company and its manifesto had on me will continue to shape my life for years to come.