Originally from Australia, Taylee Lewis moved to Italy in 2017 after marrying an Italian man. She holds a degree in Journalism, a Master’s in International Relations, and is now completing an MBA at the IE Business School, Madrid. After starting her career as a finance journalist in Sydney, she took up a position as a corporate and government affairs consultant with Weber Shandwick. Her role was to assist multinationals from countries like China, Singapore, Canada, and France to navigate the Australian market. This was achieved through improving relations with the various governments, as well as enhancing the companies’ corporate image in the eyes of the Australian people.

Taylee, your move to Italy turned out well, both from a personal and a professional point of view. Are you happy with this choice?

Absolutely! What surprised me is that a move which was driven by love began to make sense professionally. The Italian market is full of innovative, unique, and high-quality companies across sectors. Italian excellence isn’t limited to food and fashion but extends to engineering, aerospace, and increasingly important areas like renewable energy. These companies are in desperate need to transform and internationalise, which is exactly what I specialise in.

How did you manage to make good use of your experience and knowledge of the Australian market in Italy?

I am proudly connected to Australia as a matter of heritage but also professionally. Simply put, my role is to help Italian companies enter the Australian and Asia Pacific markets. Depending on each firm’s strategic objectives, I develop go-to-market strategies, provide advice on improving brands, identify commercial partnerships or investment opportunities. What’s often overlooked when it comes to internationalisation is that companies need to transform - digitally, culturally, operationally, strategically. I accompany clients across all these phases and dimensions so that they can maximise their chances of success.

Was it difficult to learn the professional dynamics of your adoptive country?

Italian working culture is in stark contrast to that of Australia. There is a real emphasis on taking the time to build relationships and trust with a client. At the beginning, I was frustrated at the pace of business, but I eventually came to see this as a positive. I’ve gotten to know fantastic companies and I ended up sharing their vision and passion. This provides an additional layer of motivation to help them achieve their goals.

Do you think your experience has proved useful for Italian customers?

I think so. A lot of companies have identified that Australia and the Asia Pacific hold great opportunities, but they don’t know how to access them. An important part of my work is to engage with firms and provide this information. It’s also essential to discuss the barriers involved with market expansion, so companies can truly understand if Australia is a strategic fit.

Are you satisfied with the results that you have obtained so far?

Yes, I am. I’ve been lucky enough to present alongside former Australian Ambassador to Italy Dr. Greg French at a leading Italian conference on internationalisation. I’ve also spoken at events held by UnionCamere Lombardia, Chamber of Commerce of Brescia and Naples. With colleagues, I’ve published a guide on the macroeconomic fundamentals of the Australian market and my insight has appeared in digital publications like Mercato Globale and magazines such as Brescia Futuro.

Recently, you have taken on a new role with the Italian Business Women’s Network Australia. Can you tell us about it?

I started collaborating with the IBWN during the first phase of the pandemic, running webinars on how to face relevant challenges. It was a way for women in business to support each other in a difficult moment. My collaboration has since amplified. I offer advice to Italian and Australian female entrepreneurs wanting to grow their business. We have a lot of great events in the pipeline, with a particular focus on the digital economy. There is an incredibly vibrant and growing network of female entrepreneurs globally and it’s really exciting to be a part of this.

Your biggest challenge, in Italy, has probably to do with your lifetime passion. Was it difficult to adapt?

Growing up in Sydney, I love to surf. It’s a little challenging to find waves in Italy, so I’ve taken up skiing. It ticks similar boxes to surfing; adrenaline and a connection to nature. 

Before saying goodbye to us, is there anything in particular that you would like to share with our readers?

I have a deep interest in Corporate, Social Responsibility (CSR). I believe the business community has an obligation to improve the market environment and communities in which it operates. Professionally speaking, I incorporate CSR considerations into my advice and I’ve seen first-hand that a greater focus on social and environmental dimensions translates into meaningful strategic and economic gains. CSR is in its initial stages, with many companies not yet realising the value-and-creation opportunities it provides. In this regard, I hope to be a part of a driving change. 

Cover: Taylee Lewis
Images: courtesy of Taylee Lewis and IBWN