Shelves full of stories

“On my personal shelf, you’ll find some work tools, like my tablet and phone, which symbolize, on one hand, ever-evolving technology, and on the other, listening and communication with others. On the more personal side, you’ll find my favorite music albums. I have a deep passion for music and concerts—I could never stay without them. You’ll also find my handmade resin jewelry. For some time now, I’ve enjoyed making jewelry in my free time using various techniques, including UV resin and polymer clay. I love being creative, wearing my handmade pieces crafted with love and patience, and giving them as gifts to others.”

“The books in the picture are the first Korean books I ever bought: one I picked up during my first ever trip to Korea, while the other is the one I enjoyed translating for my undergraduate dissertation. For this reason I hold them dear, I think they are a quiet representation of how much I like Korean language and culture, and how much I’m still excited to learn. The thread and sewing tools show you I like to sew, it’s an hobby I picked up moved by the strong determination to learn how to create clothes that I could be truly satisfied with. Sewing definitely requires a bit (lots) of patience, but I think there’s magic in making something of our own out of nothing — one stubborn, but fulfilling stitch at a time.”

“Every day, during my lunch break, I take my earphones and a light cloth to lie on with me to Parco Querini. There, lying in the greenery and watching the movement of the leaves, I disconnect from doing and reconnect with being. I listen to music, breathe, and slowly recompose myself, rediscovering that subtle thread that ties me to myself. “Getting Things Done with Teams” is my current book: within its pages, method and inspiration intertwine, sparking my mind and allowing me to connect the dots of possibility, of a new way of working as a team.”

“Bruno Munari: artist, designer, and educator, played a pivotal role in my professional development. His books deeply inspired me, and in particular, “Fantasia” recommended by one of my university professors, is tied to many joyful memories from that formative time. Graphics tablet: the one on display was my very first professional tablet. It marked the beginning of a long creative journey into illustration and accompanied me through countless courses and workshops. Paper fan: handy on sweltering days, but also a symbol of how creativity can solve problems using simple and unexpected materials.”

“Hourglass: it’s there to remind me that when I’m facing a difficult situation and feel stuck, sometimes all I need to do is to change perspective, and things will start to flow more smoothly. Every single day and every challenge contribute to both personal and professional growth. The book “Come l’acqua per la farina” represents one of my greatest passions: cooking, and how something incredibly delicious – like bread or focaccia – can come from just a few simple ingredients. The box of tissues is my seasonal ally against allergies in my everyday life. There are also a few interior design books, source of inspiration and beauty. Finally, there’s also my camera, which you can’t see because I used it to take the photo.”

“Two trophies: one for ‘Best Athlete of the Year’ in high school and one for ‘Best Player’ in a soccer tournament, remind me of the importance of dedication to one’s passions and the value of team spirit. A box that once held a Pimpa mug—a gift from a colleague—is a cherished memory shared at the office. An incense holder from Mecca, which works with charcoal, is an object tied to spirituality and my tradition. A golf ball brought by a friend from Denali National Park in Alaska—a small piece of the world that represents the importance of friendship and reminds me to travel as much as possible. A small green plant. A book on application development with SAP BTP—because professional growth also has its place on the shelf!”

“Little frame ‘Respira’ with the bear. It helps me remember that, no matter how overwhelmed we are by daily difficulties and frenzy, we can always reconnect with the deeper and more important aspects of ourselves.”

“I always need to have my colored pens, planner and notebooks close: I prefer taking notes the old-fashioned way, the paper medium really helps me keep organized. Next to them there’s a cat picture, because cats are man’s best friends and an endless source of delight! I bought this postcard in Athens. It’s a design by a local studio and it reminds me of my trip there. The Lego orchid, I bought because I love plants, but I’ve always been intimidated by real orchids. This is just as beautiful and impossible to kill, it’s a win-win situation. Finally, a small tupperware full of cookies: I am always running late, especially in the mornings… to gain some time, I bring my breakfast to the office and have it at my desk.”

“A painting of a small village on Lake Como. It brings me back home whenever I start to feel a bit nostalgic. A small plant I’m doing my best to keep alive. It’s a little daily mission that gives me a surprising amount of satisfaction, and makes me feel like a responsible adult. A wedding favor from my nephew’s wedding, which I’ve repurposed into an eyeglasses holder (multi-purpose with style!). My personal planner, absolutely essential for jotting down ideas, to-do lists, requests, and everything in between. My company phone, my trusted sidekick for two-factor authentication. A pen holder filled with soft pastel highlighters (because color matters!) and a tube of hand cream for a touch of self-care during busy days. A stash of teas and herbal infusions: hot or iced, they’re my go-to companions throughout the seasons.”

“Deutsche Grammatik für Italiener” – Represents the infinite approach towards a deep knowledge and a skill (among many) that I cannot master but cannot give up! The telephone with wires and a rotary dial – the most important phone call (that I still have to make). A “sbiserandola” – Represents the mystery that heals. Toni Brunello’s Ex Libris, for courage and inspiration. A tibetan scarf and a piece of art from Dunai, a sign of endless hope and friendship”