The Woman of Steel

It takes a big leap to go from engineering to mechatronics, and it is much more than just a simple name change – some skills also change. Engineering and computer science take the lead and help erase that outdated image of fumes and oil on overalls, evoked by the old metalworking companies. Now everything is as clean as a laboratory, and also more appealing. Chiara Cormanni, 38-year old Business Administration alumna with a Specialized Master in Marketing and Communication (MiMeC), is now COO of Piattine e Profili Inox S.r.l – the family business founded by her father in the outskirts of Milan. “Working in the family business was always my goal,” recounts Chiara, “but it was not a linear path. On the contrary, my father always encouraged me to first gain experience elsewhere. At a certain point, though, my path was straying and he reeled me back in.” The intermediate stages of her journey were first a short-term experience at Finmeccanica, and then at Perfetti. “My time at Finmeccanica was a really crucial learning experience”, continues Chiara Cormanni, “as it was still a strictly male-dominated environment, but it allowed me to learn more about the work of institutions and associations – a truly fascinating environment. I then went to work in marketing at Perfetti, first at the headquarters in the suburbs of Milan then in Amsterdam for three years. I traveled a lot and the professional environment was truly international. I was about to move to China and it was here my father decided it was the right time for me to return.” She had traveled and learned quite a bit. However, and here is the paradox, she knew nothing about steel. “I had to start from the basics. For two years it was rather tough paying my dues, but I stuck it out and developed a passion – not just for steel.” 

In fact, in recent years, Chiara Cormanni has also learned more about institutions and representation – in particular that of Assolombarda – and she eventually became vice president of the Young Entrepreneurs Group, overseeing sustainability and inclusion. Additionally, Chiara is member of the Council of the Milan, Monza-Brianza, Lodi Chamber of Commerce for the five-year period 2022-2027. “This is also a male-dominated environment, of men certainly older than I am, but I am really enjoying this experience. From there I was given the opportunity to become chair of the women's entrepreneurship committee, which includes all representatives of all the major associations present in the area. The goal is to drive forward everything that can possibly be done so that a woman’s economic empowerment is fully realized, and we believe it can be achieved through both employment and a woman’s role in an increasingly informed society,” says Chiara. However, there is another project that is dear to Chiara Cormanni’s heart: “I am also member of the Advisory Board for the STEAMiamoci  project, aimed at incentivizing young women to pursue studies in STEM subjects. The jobs of the future, with the greatest prospects and highest salaries, will mostly be found in this sector – where we are likely to see the fastest narrowing of the wage gap that still exists between men and women.” Even within her company, Chiara has consistently and determinedly pursued a policy seeking to encourage women to enter professional fields from which they have pretty much been excluded until now: “Women usually have covered administrative roles, and I wanted to expand the possibilities. For example, a female engineer was traditionally the quality and planning manager. It all starts with interviews, though. Whereas before only men were called for certain positions, this is no longer the case now. I will share a story: we built a new hangar, complete with a women’s locker room. Many asked me who I thought would ever use the women’s locker room, yet today it is being used and will continue to be used as more female professionals begin to join our industry – hence our commitment to achieving Gender Equality Certification.”
 

As we mentioned before, the sector has changed a lot since her father founded the company – and this should also be communicated: “All our workers are highly skilled professionals with high salaries, all equipped with a tablet on board a machine that communicates with production in real time. In fact, I must say that one thing I really enjoy is talking to young people; I go to schools precisely to tell them that companies are no longer what they used to be.” Circling back on the role of women, some say that they – compared to men – pay for the fact of not knowing how to ask and, consequently, take longer to reach the top or do not reach it at all. Is this true? “Absolutely, and it is a shame. The thing I would like to say to young women is not to preclude themselves from any opportunities, and that in their careers they can truly do whatever they want. However, they should also consider Italian SMEs because there are abundant career opportunities, especially for those who have a background that can bring added value to these companies. It is even more valuable because one realizes what a difference a young woman educated at Bocconi can make.”