7.8 min read

Gabriella Mastroianni

Meet Gabriella Mastroianni, born and raised in Italy, this IT powerhouse is making her way to the top. Tagging the internet as greatest technological invention because it has reduced the time and distances to zero, she’s all about travelling and expanding her horizons.

Time to meet the woman behind the technology.

Table of contents

Get to know Gabriella

Your career at a glance

Gabriella is a seasoned expert in numerical mathematics with an IT career that blossomed in 2001. Holding a master’s degree from the University of Caserta, she later augmented her skills through the MIT Professional Education program, specializing in digitalization. In 2009, Gabriella founded SkyIT, an esteemed IT firm with a focus on central government projects. Beyond her technical expertise, she's also a certified humanistic coach, seamlessly blending technological prowess with a compassionate approach to leadership.

Describe yourself in 3 words

  • Creative
  • Ambitious
  • Unpredictable

On a scale of 1 to 5, where are you today in life?

On a scale of 1 to 5, where are you today in your career?

On a scale of 1 to 5, how happy are you today with your life?

Your favourite book?

"Scopri le tue potenzialità" by Luca Stanchieri.
Luca Stanchieri has been a significant influence on my professional journey. He is the pioneer of the 'humanist coaching' approach, which employs humanist values as its foundation. I greatly admire and resonate with this approach as it emphasizes strengths and aids in recognizing and harnessing one's capabilities. Luca's teachings and philosophy have been instrumental in shaping my perspective and approach.

Your favourite quote?

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

What childhood passion have you lost in adulthood?

The dream of pursuing medicine.

Which passion or pastime will you never let go of?

Travelling, as it broadens the horizons of the mind.

Your dream of a completely different second career?

Journeying afar. My dream is to infuse remote areas with technology, bridging gaps and connecting the world.

Cut loose from all strings, what would you like to do with your life?

I would travel the world and get to know all diverse cultures, landscapes, and languages.

"Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Once you know what you're good at and what needs improvement, you can start developing a plan to improve your skills."

Gabriella’s career

Your work motivations?

The customer satisfaction and the satisfaction of my employees.

The biggest obstacles to career growth in our industry?

In Italy, small to medium-sized enterprises often face challenges in competing with major industry players due to a lack of ample support and incentives.

Your biggest obstacles facing the technology industry?

There is a perception that some of the management and decision-making individuals in Italy may not be fully equipped with the necessary knowledge and understanding of emerging technologies. This sometimes hinders the full realization of technological potential and development.

What have you gotten noticed for throughout your career?

I'm recognized for my adaptability, particularly in integrating technology, as well as my ability to foster strong collaborations across teams, companies, and various technological solutions.

The major accelerators for success in our field?

Continuous upskilling, dedication to lifelong learning, establishing beneficial alliances with entities offering varied expertise, and nurturing an environment of collective proficiency are essential drivers in our industry.

What question do you get asked most often in your line of work?

"A reduction in rates or adjustments in project costs..."

Tell us about your role models and/or specific mentors

He is the pioneer of the 'humanist coaching' approach, which employs humanist values as its foundation. I appreciate it as it emphasizes strengths and aids in recognizing and harnessing one's capabilities.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy interacting with people and helping society through technology.

Your golden piece of advice to young women starting out in technology

Consider introducing femininity into the tech sector. It's not about competing with men but enriching the industry's diversity. Such an approach amplifies and completes a comprehensive skill set.

What is your leadership style?

I focus on recognizing the unique strengths of each individual and creating an environment where they can fully highlight their potential.

Which supporting skills have helped you most as a leader?

My ability to harness emotional intelligence has been paramount.

How have you gained commitment from your team?

By giving each member the space to voice their solutions and perspectives, ensuring that my ideas didn't dominate the conversation.

How do you make decisions?

I often trust my intuition and go with my gut feeling.

Can you detail an error you made while managing a customer?

Once, I acquiesced to a customer's request for a solution that, in hindsight, was not appropriate. Rather than ensuring the best outcome, I simply aimed to please the customer. Today, I would approach it differently: I would politely decline, clarify the reasons, and offer an alternative that meets the customer's needs without jeopardising the outcome.

How do you keep in mind the customer experience in your daily work?

I always strive to genuinely comprehend the underlying needs of the customer, rather than just fulfilling their immediate requests. Given that customers might sometimes struggle to articulate their requirements or might not be fully aware of the technological possibilities, it is crucial to delve deeper to discern and address their core needs. I aim to be a proactive problem solver instead of a mere task executor.

How has being a woman affected your career?

It has presented challenges and, at times, adversely impacted certain opportunities or perceptions within my professional path.

Would you recommend a career in technology to young girls?

Without a doubt! The tech sector offers immense opportunities, and it's essential for diverse voices, including women, to be a part of shaping our digital future.

“Let us infuse the tech industry with femininity, aiming for enriched diversity rather than mere competition with men”

Let’s get technical

Explain the technology that drives your current business.

In the field of consulting, we utilize a variety of technologies to meet the diverse needs of our clients. While it is difficult to pinpoint a single technology, Cloud computing and micro services architecture stand out as key technologies. These technologies are at the forefront of modern trends, offering unique opportunities for businesses and consultancies. By breaking down applications into smaller, distinct services, firms can deploy and scale each service independently, resulting in increased agility, improved scalability, and potential cost savings.

What is technology for you?

A big opportunity! However, its true potential is realized based on its application and the individuals harnessing it.

What are your views on future technology trends?

I believe that the next wave of technology will focus on optimizing and innovating with data. The evolution of data spaces will open up new possibilities, allowing businesses to take advantage of them. This includes leveraging the vast amount of data available to power AI-driven solutions and applications.

In your opinion, what is the greatest technological invention and why?

I'd place the Internet at the pinnacle. Its advent has virtually eliminated the constraints of time and distance, revolutionizing the way we communicate, access information, and operate in today's digital age.

Rate these technologies from highest to least impact on business.

  1. Security
  2. 6G
  3. Smartphones
  4. AI
  5. Social Media
  6. Edge Cloud
  7. 5G
  8. Human-like robots
  9. Chat GPT
  10. Blockchain
  11. Smart concepts (cities, buildings, ...)
  12. IoT

Can technology do good for society, or would it be better off without it? Explain.

I'm firmly convinced that technology, when used responsibly, can greatly enhance society. It possesses the potential to bridge geographical gaps, reduce human errors, and expedite the flow and processing of information.

How do you keep your technology skills up to date?

Self-education: via an online course, reading, webinar, and constant exchange of information, experiences and ideas with peers and colleagues.

Your favourite websites?

I frequently visit LinkedIn, as it's a valuable platform for staying current with industry updates and nurturing professional relationships. On a more personal note, I use Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram to connect with friends, share moments, and indulge in entertainment.

Your favourite and least favourite technology products?

IPhone is my favourite. I really don't like the smart intelligence in cars.

The woman behind the technology

What makes each human unique?

What sets each human apart is their innate ability to pursue their curiosity, as this quest often leads to the discovery of entirely unique patterns and insights.

Does success compensate for value or morality?

Absolutely no! It is my belief that staying true to your values and morality is what truly makes you feel good.

What is the relationship between the mind and the body?

When exploring the connection between the mind and the body, one intriguing aspect for me is gut instinct.

"Technology is a big opportunity, yet its true value lies in the hands of its users and their intent."

This or that?

Read the instruction manual

Just figure it out

Early adopter

Proven enthusiast

Laptop

Desktop

Apple

Windows

Fail at something

Never attempt it

Listen to the mind

Listen to the body

IOS

Android

E-book

Physical book

Flying cars

Personal robots

Google

Bing

Email

Phone call

Brainstorming session

Solo research

Packed lunch

Cafeteria

Work late

Start early

High Heels

Flats