Panerai's Chief Marketing Officer on being a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry

Michela wears the first Panerai women’s timepiece – the Piccolo Due Madreperla – which sports a beautiful dial crafted from mother-of-pearl, a material never used before by Panerai.

On being inspired by Panerai’s brand philosophy

I’m curious, and Panerai is known for being a pioneering brand that’s always exploring new territories.

Being a female leader at a traditionally masculine brand

Sometimes it can be hard, but it’s important to be strict and straight in order to mark the territory. On the other hand, it’s crucial to show empathy and transparency with everyone, which are the most important aspects if you want to create a positive environment.

(Read also "10 Women In Leadership Positions Give Their Best Career Advice")

On leadership

You make the difference if you have a clear vision, and you make decisions. It’s all about attitude and approach.

On Panerai’s first women’s timepiece

Panerai will continue to stick to its DNA, which is linked to the masculine universe, but we know that women like Panerai, both in terms of the brand and products. For this reason, we want to talk to them with a different tone of voice, and create a more sophisticated and classy timepiece.

Her everyday watch

A Luminor Due with a black dial and red strap.

Her first piece of jewellery

When I was 25, at my first job, I was assigned to a very complex project for a jewellery brand. Unexpectedly, my boss gifted me a very nice ring with a quartz stone and brilliant diamonds to reward me. I still wear it for some important occasions.

(Here are "7 Elegant Rectangular Watches That Take You From Day To Night")

Favourite jewellery

A solitaire ring that commemorates my first daughter’s birth. It has a very important meaning to me, and I wear it day and night.

Favourite brand of the moment

I recently discovered Aman hotels, an international group of luxury hotels offering you unforgettable experiences in amazing places. Once you step into them, you enter a magic world, and you feel at home.

What she’s excited about for 2021

It’s a very thrilling year with lots of exciting projects in the pipeline, and we can’t wait to reveal more. After having basically no events in 2020, we are ready to share new experiences with our brand ambassadors and have amazing partnerships.

Piccolo Due Goldtech watch

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With a 38mm diameter – the smallest ever adopted by Panerai – the Piccolo Due Madreperla is a marker of elegance with Goldtech metal that incorporates copper and platinum, which makes it more resistant to oxidation.

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(Read also "8 Everyday Jewellery Pieces To Own From Boucheron, According To Claire Choisne")

This article was first published in the September 2021 issue of Her World.