Marketing professional Leslie Strazzullo reflects on how leaving Boston in 2004 led to a successful career in Milan’s fashion industry

Leslie Strazzullo, now 55, took a bold leap from the suburbs of Boston to the fashion capital of Milan two decades ago. In 2004, she left her familiar life behind to pursue new opportunities in one of the world’s most glamorous cities.

Her family’s Italian background made the move even more appealing, especially when she managed to secure a place on an exchange program at Bocconi University’s business school while pursuing her MBA.

Her journey in Italy started with an internship at Pirelli, the well-known tire and telecom company.

This experience proved invaluable, as after graduating, Pirelli offered her a full-time position leading marketing and communications for their telecoms sector. In her op-ed for CNBC’s *Make It*, Strazzullo mused on how she embraced Milan with enthusiasm.

She recalls: “Twenty years ago, when I was 35, I left my life in the Boston area to take a job in glamorous Milan.”

Her enthusiasm for the new adventure was palpable, despite the fact that she only had a few acquaintances from her internship days.

Strazzullo’s career in Milan has been diverse and fulfilling, with a variety of roles, including a significant stint at Honeywell in North Carolina, more than 4,500 miles from Milan.

After a challenging period, during which she took a break to cope with the loss of her life partner in 2023, she now heads marketing communications at ABB, a Swiss company engaged in robotics and machine automation.

As she reflected on her journey, she shared practical advice for those walking a similar path.

Strazzullo’s first piece of advice is: “go with the flow.”

She emphasizes the importance of flexibility, especially in bureaucratic processes.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to make and reschedule appointments to get a tax ID or an ID card,” she said. The key is to face these challenges head-on and not let minor inconveniences like traffic or delays paralyze you.

Her second tip is: be ‘determined’.

Five years into her Italian adventure, Strazzullo suffered a major setback when Pirelli sold its telecoms division, leading to layoffs.

Despite the pressure of a ticking clock on her work permit, she remained resilient. “Finding a job as a foreigner is all about strategic networking and determination,” she explained. Her efforts paid off when she landed a job with an American multinational operating in Italy.

Another important piece of advice is to ‘learn to work differently’.

Strazzullo stressed the importance of adapting to local culture and practices, rather than clinging to old habits.

“Embracing change was essential to thriving in Italy,” she said. Whether it was overcoming language barriers or adapting to the company culture, she learned valuable lessons by chatting with her colleagues over meals or coffee.

Finally, Strazzullo advises “creating a budget for the life you want.” She shared how early financial surprises, like the cost of getting a driver’s license, taught her to be financially savvy.

“Americans abroad have to file their taxes, so I use an accountant to manage mine,” she noted. Despite Italy’s higher tax rates, she benefits from the public health care system, which helps ease some of the financial pressure.

A rewarding journey

Looking back on her 20-year journey, Strazzullo is grateful for the experiences and opportunities that have come her way. She appreciates the extensive travels and the wonderful people she has met along the way.

“I am so happy that I stepped out of my comfort zone 20 years ago,” she concluded. “Today I feel fulfilled by the life and career I have built here in Milan.”