Ep 164: Federico - Diversity and Inclusion to Drive Business

This is episode #164 of EGN Leadership Conversations: The Untold Secrets of the C-Suite by Nick Jonsson, and we are pleased to welcome Federico Vescovi, President – Asia, Africa, Australia at Barilla Group. In this episode, Federico offers a thoughtful and compelling perspective on one of today’s most important leadership priorities: how Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) can drive business growth, innovation, and long-term success.

Federico begins by reframing diversity as far more than a compliance requirement or a moral obligation. Instead, he highlights it as a strategic business advantage—one that allows organizations to see opportunities from angles they would otherwise miss. By bringing together people from different cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences, leaders gain access to a richer pool of ideas, solutions, and creative thinking.

He also emphasizes that inclusion is what unlocks the true value of diversity. A diverse team without an inclusive environment, he explains, is like having the right ingredients but not knowing how to combine them. Inclusion ensures that every voice is not only present but heard, respected, and empowered to contribute. When people feel psychologically safe, they are more innovative, more engaged, and more willing to challenge assumptions.

Throughout the episode, Federico shares practical strategies leaders can use to embed D&I into their organizational DNA. He discusses the role of leaders in modeling inclusive behaviors, how to create structures that reduce unconscious bias, and why cross-cultural competence is essential for companies operating in global markets. He also shares examples from Barilla Group’s journey—illustrating how embracing diversity has strengthened collaboration, enhanced brand reputation, and improved decision-making across regions.

Listeners will gain insights into:

• How diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones

• Why inclusion builds trust and accelerates innovation

• How leaders can cultivate environments that attract world-class talent

• The cultural mindset shifts required to sustain meaningful D&I impact

Whether you're a senior executive, HR leader, or someone passionate about building healthy, high-performing teams, this episode offers actionable inspiration on how embracing diversity can transform not just workplace culture, but business outcomes.

Contact Federico to collaborate with him:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/federico-vescovi-5a79114/

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