Climbing career Everest #11

Today in our 11h issue of the podcast I talk with Francesco Redivo, Business Unit Director Saudi Arabia, Advanced Wound Management, Smith&Nephew.  We talk about his experience of moving abroad: from Italy to the United Arab Emirates, and later Saudi Arabia. The cultures that differ significantly from European ones. He’s sharing some tips to make it smooth and successful.

By listening to the podcast you’ll find out:

• Importance of constant learning and willingness to find common ground
• Different relation to time, and how to approach it
• Role of emotional intelligence
• Importance of the agreement on common rules
• What are the changes in himself that Francesco observers since he moved to the Middle East
• What is “Concur with your heart” as a way to gain respect, become influential
• Importance of building relationships
• Advices from Francesco if you’re moving abroad

Francesco is from Italy. He graduated in Business Administration in University of Parma, and during his studies he spent one year in Tilburg University (The Netherlands) with an Erasmus scholarship. He started his career as a consultant in SAP where he worked in various industries for 3 and half years. After that, he earned his MBA in the USA with a Fulbright Scholarship and upon his return to Italy he joined J&J Ethicon as a sales rep.  During his 10 year tenure with J&J he had roles of increasing responsibilities in sales, marketing, sales management, health economics in different businesses, in local and regional roles throughout Europe Middle East and Africa.

Early 2014 he moved to Smith & Nephew, again Dubai based, as Strategic Marketing Director Advanced Wound Management for the Emerging Markets. From February 2016 he has been working in Saudi Arabia to lead the Wound Management team.

Francesco is married with Elisa and they have 3 beautiful children. He enjoys amateur triathlon in his rare spare time.

Podcast duration is 20 min.

We’re talking about Middle East. I think that the approach that we’re discussing is working if you’re moving to any other country: being open, learning, building relationships “concur with your heart”. Would be great to hear if you agree, what is your experience?

Enjoy the listening!