On September 22, 2025, Milan’s Duomo Space hosted Forbes Italia’s Women Day, an event designed to give voice to the stories of female leadership and showcase the transformations women are driving in diverse sectors. It was an intense evening, hosted by Forbes Italia journalist Carola Desimio, who intertwined the experiences, challenges, and visions of female entrepreneurs, managers, and professionals.
Opening the proceedings was Nicola Formichella, CEO of Forbes Italia, who noted that “the Forbes Women project represents a concrete commitment to telling the stories of women in the workforce, celebrating their value and impact on our economic system.”
Panel 1 – Italian Women Entrepreneurs: Innovation, Leadership, and Female Growth
The first panel focused on the voices of female entrepreneurs who have transformed passions into consolidated businesses.
Luisa Bernascone, founder and CEO of Dorafalù, emphasized that her greatest challenge was “bringing technology to the forefront, in a sector that often celebrates only creativity.” She added that her goal has always been to pass on knowledge to the new generations, because “education is the true investment in the future of fashion.”
Rebecca Baglini, celebrity stylist and founder of Styled by Me, explained that in building her business, she had to confront codes still tied to male models. “I wanted to demonstrate that female leadership can rewrite languages and imagery, opening up new opportunities for women who want to establish themselves in fashion and communication.”
Lorenza Guerra Seragnoli, founder and president of LGS Sport Lab, recalled the initial difficulties of establishing herself in a male-dominated industry. “I believed in the power of a multidisciplinary approach, combining sport, research, and communication. This is the lever that made my company competitive and distinctive.”
Carlotta Gagna, founder of Traininpink and Igeia, recounted her entrepreneurial journey, which began on social media. “An idea can become a business if supported by a strong community and a long-term vision. Speaking to an audience of women means creating a genuine bond that also becomes entrepreneurial strength.”
Panel 2 – Female Pharma: Innovation, Leadership, and Integrated Health
The second panel spotlighted the pharmaceutical and scientific world, with speakers reiterating the importance of communication, research, and inclusion.
Lorella Termine, associate director of communication & ESG strategy at MSD Italia, explained that “communication and sustainability are fundamental levers for changing corporate culture. Effectively communicating ESG commitments is just as important as actually implementing them, because it allows for a lasting positive impact.”
Francesca Romana Ramundo, country head and CEO of Sandoz Italia, discussed the challenges she faced as a woman in a technical and competitive sector. “At first, I thought I had to overcompete, to prove myself more than necessary. I realized that’s unnecessary: real change comes when women leverage their qualities without chasing unattainable standards.”
Antonella De Gregori, European patent attorney and partner at Bird & Bird Italia, emphasized the importance of protecting innovation. “A solid patent strategy is essential to supporting pharmaceutical research. Without protecting ideas, there can be no sustainable growth or international competitiveness.”
Benedetta Bitozzi, associate director of communications, advocacy & policy at Eli Lilly Italia, described female leadership as a systemic strength. “Women have the ability to transform complexity into concrete solutions, to bring together diverse perspectives, and to make seemingly distant topics accessible. It’s a quality that companies must increasingly value.”
Panel 3 – Women at the Helm: Female Leadership and Corporate Vision
The third panel shared the experiences of women at the helm of companies and startups, highlighting how female leadership is no longer just a matter of representation, but of innovation in organizational models.
Donatella Doppio, managing director of McArthurGlen Italy, emphasized that “a leader must listen, accept shortcomings, and transform them into opportunities for growth. Empathy is not a limitation, but a resource that strengthens the ability to lead.”
Francesca Grandi, chief human resources officer of Alpitour World, explained the policies introduced to improve the lives of employees. “We have created concrete support tools, such as coaching groups for new parents. We believe that flexibility and inclusion are not benefits, but rights that help the entire company grow.”
Giulia Giuffrè, vice president and chief sustainability officer of Irritec, emphasized the value of continuity.
Cristina Turetta, accounting specialist manager at Studio Necchio, said she faced prejudice, especially at the beginning. “Being young and a woman in a male-dominated industry meant I had to prove my skills every time. I chose to focus on preparation and listening, and that’s how I built credibility and trust.”
The evening concluded with a special thank you to the sponsors who supported the initiative and the traditional networking dinner. This event, as the organizers noted, aims to “strengthen bonds between participants and create new opportunities for collaboration,” transforming the celebration into a concrete platform for connection and growth.
FORBES 2025
