Between career and children's laughter - How Laura Ricottone masters her family and leadership role

Insights from Laura Ricottone, Managing Director with ZAG

Laura Ricottone has been a mum for nine years, and her youngest daughter celebrated her first birthday just a few weeks ago. "The main thing that has changed is that with less time," she explains. The key to this: structure and clear objectives that create more freedom and therefore quality of life.

From re-entry to everyday life in double mode

Returning to work after parental leave brought with it one challenge in particular: keeping the household under control - with a twinkle in her eye. Flexibility has always been a decisive factor in the job itself. "I can work for the company at different times and days - and that works just as well for family life."

Structure meets flexibility

Her day is characterised by routines, but also by a flexible mindset. "Doggedness has to be put to one side - life happens as it happens." Unexpected events are not a disruptive factor for her, but part of the plan.

Motherhood as a leadership strength

For Ricottone, being a mother is not an obstacle, but an asset for every manager: multitasking, efficiency, patience, empathy, goal-orientation - and above all resilience. "The daily challenges between work and family automatically train crisis management."

Employer as enabler

Thanks to the support of her employer, she is able to balance her career and family life. She has clear advice for women in a similar situation: "Accept challenges, put prejudices aside and look for inspiring role models."

Stress? Yes. Standstill? No.

To reduce stress, she relies on to-do lists, self-imposed deadlines and, above all, delegating tasks. And: "Take time for yourself too."