Interview with our colleagues: Valerio Ruggiero

Describe yourself in three words.

I’m already struggling ahah! Then I’d say they could be: pragmatic, sociable and rational.

Tell us about your work and your team.

I work in project management for a large multinational company in the automotive sector, developing and managing a connectivity platform. In particular, I am an Issue Manager who manages the issues that arise on this platform. I therefore work closely with all the different stakeholders, testers, developers who directly manage these activities, in order to find a solution to the problems.

As a team, internally in Overace, I work alone, while the other teams are from Stellantis or other suppliers.

The relationship is very collaborative, there is no competition, we don’t step on each other’s toes and nobody tries to pass the buck. In fact, we all try to solve problems together in the best possible way and in the shortest possible time.

What made you choose this profession?

It all started at university – I actually studied Management Engineering – and among the various courses I took was Project Management, which I enjoyed the most. I have had other roles and positions, but this is the one that I find most fulfilling and stimulating.

So it is very important for you to do something that you enjoy, that suits your interests and also your studies?

Absolutely, the jobs I didn’t like I actually changed. I think that what you do has to match your interests, without motivation or stimulation there is no fulfilment.

In terms of advice for readers, what skills would you say you should have and what aspects should you cultivate in order to do your job?

For me, there are three main aspects that should be taken care of. The managerial one, because you need to know how to organise your own work and especially the work of others, how to schedule, how to manage activities in the right way, and secondly, how to assign roles to the right people. Then, of course, you need some technical skills, because if you’re just a paper pusher without any technical knowledge, you’re not adding any value. Finally, the relational component is very important: in my job there is a lot of relationship with people, you have to know how to take them and understand them; relational skills count a lot.

If you had to choose, which aspect of your job do you enjoy the most and which do you find the most tiring and difficult?

The most interesting part is definitely the management part. Having to plan and organise so many activities and making sure they go as planned is actually very satisfying.

The least “fun” part is the relational part, because sometimes you find people who are not very cooperative and unfortunately it is difficult to make them understand how things have to be done, with certain timings and methods.

In your experience, how has the world of work changed, particularly in relation to the start of smart, before and after the pandemic?

Before the pandemic, the world of work was very focused on being in the office, as if you only worked when you were physically in the office: those who spent more time in the office were those who worked more.

Now the trend has changed, the focus is less on quantity of work and more on quality. You work towards goals that you want to achieve in a given time. The important thing is to bring the result home, however you do it.

What is the most important goal you have achieved in your life and the one you still have to achieve?

From a personal point of view, having a family with my partner would be an important goal.

But from a professional point of view, I don’t set myself any limits, I’m an ambitious person, so the more I can achieve, the better I grow up.

Who has inspired you the most in your life?

In this case, the answer is easy!

My father, he has always been an example of how to do things, he has always shown me the way to follow, how to behave and he has taught me that you always have to strive for a goal to achieve it.

If you had to choose an animal, which one would it be and why?

I don’t know if it’s good or bad, but I would say the chameleon. I am a person who adapts to situations, even very different ones, so I can adapt well to many contexts and environments.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

To be able to read people’s minds.

What are your hobbies and interests in your free time?

My hobbies are mainly sports and music. I play five-a-side football and I used to play volleyball for years, but unfortunately I stopped when I moved to Turin. Then I really like music, which I listen to and play. But I only strum the guitar with more campfire songs than real professional ones!

I also like listening to analogue music, especially vinyl.

Your favourite dish?

There are many, but I would definitely say pasta. Even more than pizza.

If I had to name a specific pasta dish, I would definitely say cacio e pepe.

Your favourite sport?

I would say football, partly because I play it and partly because I watch it. I’ve also played volleyball in the past, but I’d say football is without a doubt my favourite sport.

Your favourite TV series?

I’ve been watching so many lately, good question. In general I prefer fantasy: I would say a great classic like Game of Thrones.

Your next trip?

I hope to go to the United States, although it is not planned yet.

How would you greet your readers?

Apart from saying “hello”, I would tell them to believe strongly in their passions, strive to realise them and, if possible, make a career out of them.