Empower Together - Stefano Giacomelli

With Christmas embodying the spirit of giving, this month we decided to flip the script a little from our usual posts, focusing on how you can champion others around you rather than reflecting on ourselves. We asked Stefano Giacomelli to chat with us, not about his career, but about influencing and building the careers of others around him and the impact that women had on his professional path.

Stefano worked in various roles at our headquarters in Maennedorf from 2015 to 2019, and since 2020, he has been living and working in Thailand, relocated under our global mobility program. His latest role as the Managing Director in Thailand for Business Services is where his impact really stands out. So if you’re curious about what a football pitch has to do with creating a better workplace, then read along for inspiration on what we can do collectively to empower people around us.

What was the role of women in your professional path that led you to where you are today?

First and foremost, I’ve always been inspired by the energy women must possess to endure the pressure resulting from balancing professional and personal life. At any organizational level, in every country, the pattern is common. The resulting resilience is outstanding, and this combination with the power of empathy they carry within them gives them a distinct edge over others.

Throughout my professional journey, the influence and support of women have been pivotal in shaping my career and guiding me to where I am today. I was fortunate to work alongside women leaders who exemplified strength, resilience, and intelligence. They were not just mentors but also role models who showed me the importance of perseverance, empathy, and the value of compassion. They taught me the significance of nurturing a supportive work environment and the power of lifting each other up. Their encouragement has instilled in me the confidence to take on challenging roles and the courage to voice my opinions.

Which action to support women in your organization are you most proud of?

With more than 4,000 women in our organization in Thailand, it has always been natural for the local management to focus on specific supportive actions to facilitate the balancing between professional and personal life, for instance:

- Pre-natal classes providing knowledge on the basic needs of a newborn and infant CPR and First Aid Training. After birth, we also provide a breastfeeding educational program and facilities on-site.

- Separate pregnancy room (which supports an average of 240 colleagues per year) with work breaks scheduled to avoid crowds, easy access to a fresh water dispenser, to clearly marked emergency exits, and dedicated uniforms and pre-natal decorations within the workspace.

- On-site flea market running 3 days per week to allow our own employees to create an additional source of income, and 2 times per month held by less abled vendors to support themselves. This also enables employees to shop for basic necessities, food, and clothes during lunchtime instead of having to shop on their own time, ensuring their free time is really free. 

- Support celebrations of International Women's Day, Mother’s Day, and other events where mothers can reconnect with their children for the day, since grown children often live or study far away from their parents.

- Manage to introduce a free & voluntary health-check on-site for the cervical cancer test - for all women - and mammogram screening for over 40’s, which helps our colleagues know about and care for their own bodies.

During the period of 2020-2022, our company has sponsored and inoculated on-site more than 20,000 vaccinations for our colleagues. To enable this, the then-existing soccer field was converted into a field hospital. At the end of that challenging period, we decided to give "new life" to that space (previously utilized mainly by male colleagues) and transform it into a sustainable garden with more than 1,000 seating spaces to allow a "green escape" during breaks, accessible by all.

Despite the above being impressive, with success shared across the management team, the support I am most proud of is that I have always ensured equal opportunities and gender diversity within all our employee levels. We proudly have circa 65% of women in our management, and this is a key success factor of our brilliant results, to outperform competition, and to create a happy work environment. We’re happy to boast above best-in-class engagement scores!

What do you think we can all apply in our daily work to support everyone around us to achieve their ambitions?

At Swarovski, we particularly care about diversity, inclusion, and a supportive work environment. Swarovski Manufacturing Thailand makes no exception in the group. Creating a supportive work environment is a collective responsibility. It starts with cultivating empathy, practicing active listening, and showing genuine interest in the well-being and growth of our colleagues.

To support everyone in achieving their ambitions, as leaders, we need to provide the right tools and shape the environment:

- Encourage open communication: foster a culture where feedback is welcomed, and diverse opinions are valued.

- Provide equal opportunities: ensure that every individual, regardless of their gender, has access to the same opportunities and resources.

- Mentorship and sponsorship: take an active role in mentoring colleagues and advocating for their growth and development.

- Recognize and celebrate achievements: acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of our colleagues, creating a positive and motivating work environment.

By applying these principles in our daily work, we contribute to a culture of inclusivity, respect, and support, enabling everyone around us to reach their full potential.