Transformation and Vision: Julia's life turned-over
Julia Cattin was busy studying in Milan, just two exams short of her MSc graduation, when on her 26th birthday, in 2014, she received the news from France of the sudden passing away of her father. She made an immediate return home and soon released that her duty was now to take on the running of the family owned business.
After a BSc in Bocconi, she was continuing in Via Sarfatti with an MSc in Economics and Social Sciences, thinking of a career in development economics, at the FAO or similar organization or in an NGO. “But everything changed all of a sudden. My father had never been ill and there were no plans for succession. I wanted to support my family and my father's honor. There was urgency - I didn’t question my ability or legitimacy but just took on the challenge.”
And so she took on the role of CEO of the Momentum industrial group. And the financial situation meant important decisions had to be made quickly. Julia decided to sell off Time Sport, a subsidiary of the group specialized in carbon bicycles created by her father, and concentrate on FIMM, the business of the production of machinery and tools for lifting and handling heavy loads. She sought to bring more product differentiation and strengthen the brand's image – remembering how her father had a real sense for marketing. With the recognition of her bravery and tireless work, and the results obtained, coming from Usine Nouvelle, the French business magazine, which named her Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019.
And in recent years, continuously learning in the field, Julia has continued to grow the company despite such challenges as Covid and the rise of energy prices. And she has not forgotten her desire to make a positive impact on society.
“10 years on and I am really happy with what I am doing. I wanted to do something that could change things, improve the world around me. Now I'm doing it in a different way - facing issues on a smaller scale, she says. “Looking at ways for example how I can defend the environment or help local workers.”
Regards workers for example, she has worked hard to maintain production in France despite strong competition and concentrates on initiatives to integrate the company into the local territory. Particularly sensitive to ecological issues, she has ensured the group has introduced processes that recover and recycle energy and more eco-friendly packaging and transportation of products.
“There are few female leaders in industry but there is room,” she says, thinking of advice to give to younger women making decisions on their own future paths. “If you are interested in a field of study or area of work that traditionally doesn’t have a strong female presence, be strong and don’t be scared - go for it.”
