IN CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, We’ve sat down with our director, Marie Florio to discuss womanhood, inspirations and leadership.
It’s no secret that Navarra would not be where it is today if it weren’t for the late Sarina Navarra (wife of founder Filippo Navarra) and director, Marie Florio (daughter of Sarina & Filippo Navarra).
So, it’s only fitting that we put Marie in the spotlight on a day that celebrates the hard work and success of women inside and outside of the workplace on International Women’s Day.
Having successfully run the operations of the Navarra empire alongside her two brothers, whilst looking after a family of her own, raising two children with her husband Joe and recently becoming a grandmother, Marie encompasses all the attributes of a successful modern-day woman.
Filled with a fiery passion for the company her father and mother built, strength, resilience, grace and most importantly, love, Marie continues to be an inspiration to everyone around her.
So we asked her to share some wisdom with us…
Q. Which female was/is the biggest inspiration to you? How did they inspire you?
A. My mum. I watched my mum juggle lots of hats and do it well. She was classy, intelligent, and graceful and taught me to be the person I am today. She was strong and logical and loved and supported her family always.
Q. How did you balance being a mother and professional?
A. I feel I am equipped to do both. I prioritize family time and time out for me along with my business obligations. In saying that, there is always a cross over and very late night catching up on emails, plans and strategies for the next day or week. It is difficult to switch off, but that is who I am!
Q. What’s your approach to managing work-related stressful situations?
A. Listen, understand, break it down and be logical. There is no one answer to any situation, but there is always a solution. I have been in many of those situations and have become more resilient.
Q. How did you deal with situations where you were underestimated?
A. Deal with the situation with logic and grace and always back myself. I know who I am and what I am capable of.
Q. What key actions should women take to prepare for leadership roles?
A. Be prepared to work hard, educate yourself, be open minded, surround yourself with like-minded people, be resilient and confident in your ability and sometimes you just have to wing it. In leadership roles it is hard to juggle all the elements but be prepared to achieve the results you need in working with your people.
Q. What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
A. Be strong, be kind, have courage and have your own voice and use it wisely!
