Women who lead change

In March 2023, we are proud to recognize and honor the incredible women who are driving change and making a difference in our organization and beyond. It is essential that we continue to cultivate an environment that promotes growth and empowers individuals to achieve their full potential.

Our female leaders are incredible trailblazers and Martina Amedeo is no exception! She has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, and her dedication to creating an inclusive work environment is truly admirable.

But let's take a moment to shine a spotlight on Martina Amedeo since her story serves as a shining example of what can be accomplished with hard work, determination, and a passion for creating positive change. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from Martina and hear about her experiences as a leader.

What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.

My main position at Balance is Technical Project Manager/Team Leader and? I am responsible for planning and executing projects, as well as assisting team members with technical aspects of their jobs such as coding and programming.?

Currently, I hold the position of Service Manager for the IT Service and Business Management platform at a Fashion and Luxury Company.

What are your thoughts on the UN's Theme for 2023 DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality, and how do you think we can create work environments that prioritize diversity and promote equal opportunities for all employees?

I think the UN's Theme for 2023, DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality, is a crucial initiative that highlights the importance of leveraging innovation and technology to promote equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of gender identity. As someone who currently manages a team that is half made up of women, I am committed to creating a work environment that prioritizes diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all.

As a manager, I do my best to inspire my team members, both women and men, and bring out the best qualities in each of them, regardless of gender identity. I believe that creating a culture that values diversity and inclusion starts with leadership. Additionally, providing training and development programs that cater to the unique needs of each employee can help support diversity and inclusion.

At Balance, we are dedicated to supporting the important cause of up-skilling and reskilling our employees. Our Balance Digital Academy provides soft skills training, as well as education and training programs in digital skills and technologies, ensuring equal opportunities for career growth and development. We believe that investing in our employees' education and development is crucial to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Furthermore, implementing policies and practices that support work-life balance, such as flexible work hours and remote work options, can help employees manage their professional and personal responsibilities more effectively. By embracing innovation and technology and prioritizing diversity and inclusion, we can create work environments that empower and uplift all employees, and I am committed to doing my part in making that a reality.

Did you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?

Yes, I have been fortunate to have several mentors and role models who have played an important role in shaping my personal and professional journey. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with many interesting and competent people from whom I have learned a great deal, both in terms of technical skills and team management. I have had the opportunity to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and this has taught me the value of inclusivity and respect for different viewpoints.

Even today, I am working with really competent people from all around the world, whom I learn things from every day. I think that having mentors and role models who can provide guidance and support is essential for anyone who wants to grow and succeed in their career. I am grateful for all the people who have helped me along the way, and I hope to be able to pay it forward by being a mentor and role model to others.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

One of the best pieces of advice I have ever received is that it's not just about achieving the end result, but also about the experiences and personal growth that occur along the way. This means that the journey towards a goal is just as important as the destination.

We often get caught up in the idea of achieving a specific outcome, but we forget that the process of working towards that goal can provide us with valuable experiences and lessons. These experiences shape us and help us grow, and that growth is just as important as achieving the final outcome.

Therefore, it's important to enjoy the journey and appreciate the moments that shape us along the way. Every day is an opportunity to learn something new and grow, and these are outcomes that we should strive for on a daily basis. So, focus on the present and embrace the experiences that come with pursuing your goals.

Over the last few years, we have encountered numerous new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or what keeps you inspired??

Over the past few years, we have experienced a multitude of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift towards the "new normal," and the need to balance work and personal life. Despite these challenges, what keeps me motivated and inspired is my determination to remain bold and adaptive in the face of adversity.

In the "new normal," I am motivated by the opportunity to embrace new technologies and work methods, particularly in the area of remote work. While this shift has presented certain challenges, such as reduced personal interaction, it has also created innovative ways to connect with colleagues and clients.

Furthermore, the need to balance work and personal life has become more important than ever before and this has allowed me to remain determined and focused on achieving my goals, even in difficult circumstances.?

In summary, what keeps me motivated and inspired is my ability to remain determined, bold, and adaptive in the face of unprecedented challenges. By prioritizing work-life balance, embracing new technologies, and taking care of myself, I am confident that I can continue to meet new challenges with a proactive and positive mindset.

Why do you think it's important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?

I believe it's important for companies to prioritize social impact for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it's the responsible thing to do. As companies, we have a significant impact on the world around us, and it's important that we use that influence in a positive way.

One way that companies can prioritize social impact is by focusing on sustainability. For example: At Balance, we prioritize sustainability as a key aspect of our business. By taking steps to reduce our environmental footprint and promote sustainable practices, we are helping to mitigate the impact of climate change and protect our planet for future generations. Through the choice of the right partnerships with non-profit organizations, we are able to regenerate ecosystems and promote positive social outcomes. We are always actively seeking and evaluating potential partnerships to ensure they align with our mission and values of sustainability.

Another important aspect of social impact is diversity and inclusion. By creating a workplace culture that is welcoming and supportive of all individuals, regardless of their background or identity, companies can help to promote equality and combat discrimination. At Balance, we are recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in fostering an innovative and creative workplace culture. This includes, implementing inclusive hiring practices, providing training and support for underrepresented groups, and fostering a culture of respect and openness.?

These initiatives not only help us to make a positive impact on the world around us, but they also help to foster a sense of community and collaboration among our team.

In summary, I believe that companies have a responsibility to prioritize social impact in order to make a positive difference in the world. By focusing on sustainability, diversity, and other important social issues, we can help to create a more equitable and sustainable future for everyone.

If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why??

If I had to describe myself in one word, I would choose "bold".?

I believe this word accurately represents my personality and approach to both personal and professional challenges.

In my opinion, being bold means having the courage to take risks, to face difficult situations head-on, and to push beyond your comfort zone in order to achieve your goals. I have always been someone who is willing to take risks and try new things, even when it feels scary or uncertain. Whether I'm working on a challenging project or navigating a complex personal situation, I believe that being bold and courageous is essential to success. I try to approach every situation with confidence and a willingness to take risks and make bold decisions, knowing that this is often what is required to achieve the best possible outcome.

I also try to empower my team by providing a sense of security and confidence, and by encouraging them to take risks and push beyond their own comfort zones. By leading, by example and embodying the qualities of boldness and courage, I hope to inspire those around me to be their best selves and achieve great things.

Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day??

One life hack that I have found to be incredibly helpful for getting through a busy or stressful day is to make time for exercise, specifically running. Running has always been a passion of mine, and I find that it not only helps me stay physically fit, but also provides a much-needed mental break from the demands of work and daily life.

After a long day at work, going for a run allows me to clear my mind and release any pent-up stress or tension. I feel a sense of accomplishment and renewed energy after finishing a run, which helps me stay focused and productive throughout the rest of the day.?

One of the unique aspects of my running routine is that I am fortunate enough to live in a beautiful area between the Alps and Milan, with access to scenic running routes through vineyards and countryside. Whenever possible, I make a point to escape to these peaceful surroundings and enjoy a run in nature. I find that this change of scenery is incredibly rejuvenating and helps me return to my work with a fresh perspective and renewed motivation.

Do you have any go-to apps or tools you love to use??

One of my go-to apps and tools that I absolutely love using is Notion. It's an all-in-one productivity app that allows me to easily organize my personal and professional life in one place. I find that it's incredibly versatile and customizable, making it easy to adapt to my specific needs. I use Notion for a wide range of tasks, from managing my daily to-do list at work to keeping track of my favorite podcasts and even planning my outfits for different occasions. I love how I can upload photos for each occasion, along with any necessary notes or details.

What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about??

I'm excited about this year for both personal and professional reasons. For my professional life, I have set a goal to grow my team. I believe that with the right training, resources, and collaborative environment, my team members can take on more responsibility and make independent decisions, which will lead to better outcomes for our organization. I also would like to give more importance on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I believe that taking regular breaks, engaging in physical activity, and spending quality time with family and friends can help me stay energized and focused at work.

On a personal note, I'm excited to pursue my passion for travel and cultural immersion. I have a goal of learning French and I'm planning a backpacking trip to Malaysia, which will allow me to immerse myself in new cultures and gain new perspectives.

Overall, I believe that by balancing my personal and professional goals, I can be more effective and fulfilled in both areas of my life.