Careers, key factors for success in the US

It is crucial to recognise that investing in one's personal and professional development is not just a choice, but a necessity for anyone who wants to make a lasting mark. Today's young people, thanks to their resourcefulness and ability to look beyond national borders, have the potential to distinguish themselves in any field.

It is obviously not a question of promoting a 'brain drain', but of creating a symbiotic flow that enriches the Italian system. Exporting a certain way of thinking and acting does not mean losing authenticity, but rather strengthening our entrepreneurial fabric at a multinational level.

In my personal experience, I have had the opportunity to experience this journey first hand, building it step by step, through dedication, tenacity and a strong sense of responsibility. Today, I feel the desire to give back what I have learnt, helping other people make this leap and cultivate the same values that have guided me. It is on this basis that the four key attributes that I will elaborate on below are based.

In an international context, resourcefulness is a fundamental quality that separates ordinary leaders from successful ones. It is not just creativity for its own sake, but an ability to solve problems intelligently and pragmatically, turning even the most complex ones into an opportunity for growth. This ability to adapt, which is particularly valued in globalised and constantly changing markets, allows one to remain competitive even when resources are limited or the situation changes rapidly.

Italian ingenuity, in particular, is historically recognised for this unique mix of creativity and pragmatism. It is not just a matter of inventing new solutions, but of doing so efficiently, optimising what one has available. It is a mindset that translates into the ability to solve problems through a combination of critical thinking and overview, anticipating future obstacles and turning constraints into resources. An approach that does not stop at the immediate, but looks beyond, integrating long-term strategic thinking into the decision-making process.

To be resourceful in a global marketplace means, therefore, being able to read the context in real time, pick up on weak signals and anticipate future moves. It is the ability to interpret macroeconomic changes, market dynamics or new cultural trends in order to position oneself better than one's competitors. In an environment where change is the constant, ingenuity becomes a crucial competitive advantage.

If ingenuity enables one to meet challenges with creativity and pragmatism, it is ambition that serves as the engine to set these qualities in motion. Understood as an intrinsic desire for growth and success, ambition is a powerful engine for universal advancement and a positive feeling in itself. However, it should not be limited to the pursuit of immediate results, but should translate into a willingness to go beyond personal and corporate limits, orienting one's actions towards long-term goals that generate a positive impact. In a global professional environment, this motivation goes beyond the mere achievement of success: it is based on a vision that embraces innovation and the ability to think critically, bringing value both within the organisation and in the broader market.

However, like any positive force, ambition must be handled with caution. In the world of work, misguided ambitions can lead to toxic behaviour or ethically questionable choices. That is why it is necessary to maintain the right balance between ambition and responsibility, in order to balance the desire for growth with ethical principles and a collective perspective, oriented towards the good of the organisation and not just individual success. People who are ambitious, but also aware of the general context in which they operate, can use this desire to stimulate change, not only within their own company, but also in the market.

Ambition alone, however, is not enough. To achieve the highest goals, discipline is required, the virtue of maintaining constancy and dedication even in the face of difficulties. It is through discipline that ambition materialises into tangible and lasting results. Not an operational rigidity, but a creative constancy that draws on tradition and seeks to overcome limits, maintaining a balance between attention to detail and an overall view. This is especially relevant in international markets, such as the US, where pressures and cultural challenges can test a leader's tenacity.

It is not just about willpower, but a strategic 'modus operandi' - a typical Italian trait - with respect to time and resource management, and the ability to set clear priorities. For each individual, whatever position he or she occupies within an organisation, knowing how to maintain this personal discipline, but also to instil it in teams, is essential to achieve sustainable results in the long term.

Discipline in pursuing one's goals is closely linked to resilience, the ability to adapt and react to challenges. It is through constant discipline that one can develop the inner strength needed to face and overcome adversity. We are not just talking about being able to endure difficulties, but to react actively, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Adapting and turning difficulties into opportunities is a trait that recalls the Italians' historical flexibility to innovate in changing contexts.

Resilient people remain calm during crises, learn from mistakes and strengthen their resilience. This quality allows them not to lose sight of their goals even in the most complex moments. Organisations that invest in resilience-building experience a greater ability to cope with sudden market changes and to successfully navigate an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Italy has demonstrated excellence in a wide range of fields, from the production of high-quality goods to the provision of services, ranging from fashion and design to scientific and technological advancement in areas such as medicine and engineering. Not forgetting its sporting achievements, with leading figures such as Jannik Sinner, representing Italian talent and determination on an international scale.

And it is precisely this list of excellence that can help create the conditions for an Italy that knows how to innovate, stimulating the production of new ideas without losing its roots, but making them stronger and projected towards the future.

Those who bring their experience abroad thus become ambassadors of Italian 'savoir-faire', generating a cycle of innovation and exchange that enriches both parties. Returning to Italy with new perspectives or maintaining strong ties with one's country of origin means actively contributing to its growth and ability to innovate, integrating skills without losing one's cultural authenticity.

*partner law firm Tarter Krinsky & Drogin - New York