Linda Grasso is Chief Operating Officer at Digital Business Innovation Srl, an Italian innovative startup active in the world of consulting. She is an Industrial Engineer and, after honors degree at “Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II”, she started pursuing a business career that combines emerging technologies and engineering doctrine. Her mission in the company is the project management in the field of the so-called Industry 4.0, harnessing the power of the emerging technologies such as AI, 5G, IoT and so on… through both operational and strategic approach.
Linda works both with SMEs, demystifying the paradigm shift of digital transformation, and with Global Brands, raising awareness on thought leadership. Furthermore, she is an Accredited Innovation Manager and a recognized Digital Transformation Influencer.
Linda’s committed to empowering Women in STEM on her social channels, mostly on Twitter, since she strongly believes sustainability and gender equality are the key to world’s economic development.
- Position: Executive Leadership, Speaker, Author
- Industry: Startup, Tech
- Location: Napoli, Campania, Italia
- Website: DBI.SRL
- LinkedIn: Linda Grasso
- Twitter: @LindaGrass0
- Instagram: @lindor.g
Linda, can you start off by telling us about yourself and why you chose the engineering profession?
Since I was a child, I have always enjoyed doing activities that required ingenuity, challenging myself and discovering new things. When it came to choose which university path I should take, I had no doubts: engineering was the right one. After getting a master’s degree with honors, I started pursuing a business career where I could do something I was passionate about. “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” is a very inspiring quote by Confucius, and I strongly believe in it.
Can you tell us what drives you to be successful as a technologist and Executive?
I think the secret to success is a pinch of ambition, which leads me to achieve goals. It’s my life motivation to do always better and never stop learning – indeed, adopting an open mind strategy is crucial to survive in an evolving world forged by the paradigm shift of digital transformation. Everything that deals with innovation fascinates me, and I enjoy finding out how emerging technologies can be applied in different fields.
Tell us about your role and the strategy of your company?
Well, Digital Business Innovation is an innovative startup that offers consulting services in the field of digital transformation. Nowadays, the latest technologies are highly disruptive in several industry verticals and can bring lots of benefits in business processes. So, we help companies harness the power of technology and thrive in a revolutionary future. I’m the COO and I deal with managing projects in various areas, from Artificial Intelligence applied in Healthcare to Internet of Things applied in Automotive, passing through Insurtech with Cloud SaaS and Building Engineering with Machine Learning. Furthermore, we work with global brands leveraging our influencer expertise to deliver a successful communication strategy.
What’s one or two accomplishments that you’re proud of?
An accomplishment that makes me immensely proud is my graduation “magna cum laude”. The proclamation day was so exciting, after so many efforts! Besides working in my company is very inspiring, and whenever desired results are achieved, I feel highly satisfied.
What advice do you have for other up-and-coming Women in Technology?
I really care about empowering women in tech. Despite the progress made over the years, gender equality is sadly far away in the workplace and we must advocate for change. Women are at the heart of development, and it’s a matter of fact they would bring greater advantages within companies if given more representation. My best advice for the up-and-coming generations is follow what really fascinates them. And if it’s technology, welcome! It’s a really interesting field and there are excellent job perspectives. Plus, we need more women in tech, so come on. 😊
Are you active on social media professionally? If so, what platforms work best for engaging your followers?
Yes, I am very active on social media professionally and particularly I like to share insightful content on Twitter and LinkedIn. When I find something juicy about my key topics, such as technology, digital transformation, innovation, business strategy, sustainability, and women leadership, I try to deepen and enrich my knowledge. Furthermore, in today’s interconnected world we have powerful tools not only to acquire knowledge but also to spread it with other people. And that’s what I try to do with my audience. Followers notice the quality of your content and, if you want to keep them engaged, you need to reach their interest by conveying useful notions and giving a unique value. I’m really glad when people appreciate my commitment.
What’s the major difference between being an Engineer and Technology Leader? Any comparison?
They both belong to the STEM field, thus there’s affinity between these two roles. Being an engineer gives a problem-solving mindset and a focus on performance optimization; working as a technology leader means awareness of latest trends and management skills. They are both significant nowadays.
Who was your biggest influencer?
Antonio Grasso, my father and business partner. He is a source of inspiration and, thanks to him, I keep learning more and more every day. Definitely, my favorite influencer. 😉
What is the most challenging part of your work as an Executive?
Well, working as an executive certainly involves lots of responsibilities within the company. You need to manage different aspects and do your best to reach high performances, optimize time and cost, and coordinate the pieces of the puzzle so that they can fit together. But all in all, I like it!
What do you have your sights set on next?
I live my life day by day and set no limits. Who knows what the future holds for me? I hope something surprising, anyway. I’m already grateful for what I have.
What is a day in your life like?
Mmh, I would say lively! I’m always on the go, and sometimes 24 hours are not enough to do everything. Maybe I should ask for an extension, do you think it’s possible? LOL.
Do you have any hobbies?
Sure. I love traveling around the world to discover different cultures – enjoying the journey, you can surprisingly open yourself to new horizons. Moreover, I like practicing sport: dance is a passion since I was a child, while lately I’ve been practicing padel and it’s very entertaining – after the match, a pizza with friends is well deserved. After all, don’t forget I’m Italian!
What makes you smile?
Spending time with my family, and being surrounded by love, makes me feel incredibly happy and lucky.
What are you never without?
Appetite! Just kidding. I’m a techie, thus I’m never without my virtual bestie – the smartphone.
What scares you?
Climate change, it’s a critical issue. We absolutely must act now to safeguard the future of our planet.
What’s your favorite vacation spot?
Well, there are many vacation spots in my heart. One of my favorites is located nearby – Amalfi coast. There are enchanting natural landscapes everywhere, and Positano has its own unique charm. Another wonderful spot is Capri island, always near Napoli (my city), where you can breathe a magical air and give free rein to your shopping instinct.
List any other work, published articles, interviews or accomplishments:
https://theiotmagazine.com/iot-iiot-in-real-life-ecf0fa3dd0e7
https://medium.com/@lindagrass0/the-energy-transition-to-ensure-a-sustainable-future-139cca818d28
https://www.dbi.srl/the-role-and-impact-on-the-economy-of-emerging-technologies-in-the-paradigm-of-globalization-4-0/
