Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Giulia Della Sala, I am Italian, and in 2018, I graduated with a degree in Computer Engineering. I started working in major companies in the IT industry in 2016, and upon acquiring my degree, I began to grow vertically to become a project manager. In early 2022, I joined ALTEN as a Project Manager. Today, I manage important national and international clients and alternate work with the firm to stay up-to-date and to be able to offer impeccable service to the company.    

What is your expertise and how did you acquire it? 

My core competency is managing projects and teams in corporate settings, both in Italy and abroad. I specialise in coordinating resources and people to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget and established goals. I acquired this skill through a path that combines a solid academic education and significant practical experience. I have worked in a variety of companies and industries, where I have had the opportunity to manage complex and multicultural projects.  

This has allowed me to develop a global vision and adaptability skills that are critical when operating in international markets. In addition, I continue to refine my skills through courses and conferences, keeping me well-versed in the industry’s best practices and new technologies. This approach allows me to meet the challenges of my role effectively and contribute to the success of the companies I work with. 

What does a typical day look like in your position? 

A typical day as a project manager is characterised by a diverse set of activities designed to ensure that projects are well coordinated and progress accordingly.   

My day usually begins with a review of all current activities. I check my emails and communications to identify any problems or urgent requests that require my immediate attention.  

I often hold a morning meeting with my team to touch base on the status of activities, discuss challenges encountered, and review priorities. This moment is critical to ensure everyone is aligned and that there are no obstacles that could delay the project. Depending on the project, I may have meetings with clients, suppliers, or other stakeholders to discuss progress, gather feedback, or negotiate any changes to the project.   

At around midday, I usually carry out task management and problem solving.  

I always devote part of the day to resource management, making sure my team has everything it needs to move forward. If problems do emerge, I deal with them quickly, reorganising resources if necessary. I monitor progress against schedule and cost, using project management tools to track milestones and deliverables. Another important activity is documenting progress and preparing reports for stakeholders. These reports provide an overview of the status of the project and allow us to anticipate any critical issues.  

In the afternoon, I focus on planning for the next phases of the project, which includes reviewing timelines, updating the budget, and planning for any additional resources.   

I constantly engage with the team and stakeholders to gather feedback on activities performed and identify areas for improvement. This time of reflection is essential to ensure that the project continues to evolve in a positive manner.  

Before ending the day, I review my agenda for the next day to make sure everything is ready for the planned activities.   

 Of course, this daily routine may vary according to project phases and specific needs, but my main goal always remains the same: to ensure the smooth progress of projects, anticipating and resolving problems, and maintaining clear and constant communication with all parties involved. 

Can you tell us about one specific project in which you were able to highlight this expertise? 

One of the most significant projects in which I was able to highlight my skills was the development and implementation of an ERP (Enterprise resource planning) system for a major international client, a crucial project to improve operational efficiency and enterprise resource management.   

Background: The main objective of the project was to centralise and integrate all business processes, from finance management to supply chain, through personnel and sales management. The company was operating with several legacy systems that were not integrated, which was causing inefficiencies, errors, and communication difficulties between departments.  

Challenges: A major challenge was overseeing the internal change management, as the introduction of an ERP required a complete overhaul of business processes and significant cultural adaptation by staff. In addition, integrating existing data into the new ERP modules was complex, requiring meticulous data migration and cleansing to avoid losses or inconsistencies.   

 Approach: I began with a thorough business needs analysis phase, involving all key stakeholders to ensure that the ERP system was configured to meet the company’s specific needs. I adopted an agile project management approach to facilitate a gradual implementation of the ERP modules, allowing the company to adapt to the new system. We organised intensive training sessions for staff to ensure a smooth transition and minimise resistance to change.  

Results: The project was successfully completed on time and within budget. The implementation of the ERP system enabled the company to significantly reduce data processing time, improving the quality of information available to managers, and optimising operational processes and costs. In addition, the company has been able to improve its ability to make decisions based on integrated data updated in real time.   

This project allowed me to hone my change management and IT systems integration skills in complex business environments. The key to success was adopting a collaborative and flexible approach, which involved all stakeholders from the beginning and allowed me to successfully address and overcome resistance to change. 

In what ways do you continuously seek to improve your skills and stay updated with industry trends? 

Staying up to date with industry changes and innovations is essential in my role as a project manager. To ensure that I stay informed and continuously improve my skills, I’ve adopted several strategies.   

I regularly devote time to professional development. I attend refresher courses and webinars on new project management methodologies, emerging technologies, and industry best practices. I am also subscribed to several professional communities and online discussion groups, where I can engage with other professionals, exchange ideas, and learn from their experiences.  

Another crucial aspect is the constant monitoring of industry trends. I regularly read trade journals, industry blogs, and analysis reports that offer insights into new technologies and developments in project management. In addition, I attend conferences and networking events, which not only allow me to stay up to date, but also to network with experts in the field.   

I try to immediately apply what I learn in the projects I manage. I implement new methodologies and tools within my teams, experimenting with innovative solutions that can improve work efficiency and effectiveness. This hands-on approach allows me to directly test the effectiveness of new knowledge and adapt it to the specific context in which I work.   

What aspects of our company culture do you find most motivating or inspiring?  

One of the most motivating aspects of ALTEN’s corporate culture is its emphasis on continuous innovation and technical excellence. ALTEN is renowned for its commitment to developing cutting-edge technology solutions and its ability to adapt to market changes. This innovation-oriented environment not only stimulates professional growth, but also provides opportunities to work on challenging projects that require creativity and critical thinking. 

Another element that I find particularly inspiring is ALTEN’s collaborative and international approach. As a company with a global presence, ALTEN values cultural diversity and promotes collaboration among multicultural teams. This openness not only enriches daily work, but also fosters the exchange of innovative ideas and different perspectives, creating a dynamic and inclusive work environment.   

In addition, I deeply appreciate the focus placed on the professional development of employees. The company continuously invests in training and offers numerous opportunities for internal growth, both through structured career paths and through access to international and interdisciplinary projects. This culture of constant learning is extremely motivating for people like me, who are always looking for new ways to grow and improve.  

Finally, I find ALTEN’s approach to corporate social responsibility particularly motivating. Its commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices reflects a value that I share and consider essential in a modern company. Working in an environment that not only strives for business success, but also for a positive impact on society is an ongoing source of inspiration for me. 

If you could describe your work philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?

The phrase that best describes my work philosophy is inspired by the lyrics of the song, Anthem by Leonard Cohen, “There’s a crack in everything and that’s where the light comes in.” For me, every challenge and every imperfection presents an opportunity to innovate and improve, and it is from these situations that the brightest solutions and new possibilities for growth emerge.