Get to know Gemma

What has been your favorite project at Avanade?
Since I joined Avanade, the scope and challenge of my work has increased every year. When I started, I was the marketing team in Italy and now I manage a team of three. I’ve worked on lots of great projects, such as coordinating our CRM marketing across Europe or being involved in a Global Virtual team to manage a huge research project, which looked into the consumerization of IT. Perhaps my favorite project was our sponsorship of the Rome Film Festival, where we built the festival’s website and managed a lot of the consumer-led content. It’s nice to mix work with star-spotting!

What is it like to work at Avanade?
When I tell my friends about my work, I tell them I’m totally orange! I really enjoy working at Avanade—I see the employees as one big international family. I also get the opportunity to try out creative ideas all the time.

How does Avanade recognize you for your contributions?
I find the internal awards at Avanade are as great a motivation as your regular performance and salary-related reviews. Recently my team and I won an award for the best marketing in our EALA region. The senior vice president of global marketing and communications flew from California to Rome to celebrate with me and the EALA PR group manager. That level of personal recognition really drives me to achieve more.

How do you balance work and your outside interests?
Although I have a very challenging and stimulating role, I’m still able to focus on my other real passion—sailing. Since I grew up on the shores of Lake Garda, I have always loved life on the water. Previously I represented Italy on numerous occasions, and now I spend my weekends being a sailing instructor. Having a hobby that requires dedication to reach your goals has really helped me to achieve my objectives in my work.

Why should people come and work for Avanade?
There are many reasons I would recommend working at Avanade: the work-life balance, the freedom to use your own ideas, the ability to grow your career and develop your skills and of course the great people. My six years at Avanade have flown by!