My Biggest Lesson: Anna Norelli
Anna holds the position of head of operations at DUDE, an independent advertising agency and production company in Milan and London. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Anna began her career as an account executive, gaining valuable insights at esteemed agencies like M&C Saatchi and We Are Social.
In 2020, Anna made a career pivot, transitioning to the operations unit at DUDE.
Beyond her responsibilities at DUDE, Anna extends her expertise as a consultant for Fondazione DUDE, a burgeoning foundation dedicated to charitable initiatives within the Milanese community.
The phrase "pressure is a privilege" resonates deeply with me, reflecting a fundamental truth I've come to embrace in my career journey. It's more than just a catchy slogan; it's become a guiding principle that has shaped my approach to challenges in the workplace.
I first encountered this powerful mantra from my CEO during my early days as a young account manager in the bustling world of advertising. Picture me, if you will, working tirelessly on high-stakes campaigns with deadlines looming like storm clouds on the horizon. The pressure was relentless, threatening to overwhelm me at times.
The first time I heard those words, I'll admit, I felt a twinge of resentment. How could pressure, something that felt suffocating and burdensome, be considered a privilege?
It wasn't until years later that the true meaning behind the phrase began to crystallise for me.
The calm demeanour of him and other frontline managers in the face of adversity was a constant source of inspiration for me, and it was through their examples that I began to see pressure in a new light and how it could impact my career.
What struck a chord with me was the realisation that pressure, when channelled effectively, can be a catalyst for growth and innovation. It's not about avoiding pressure altogether, but rather learning to harness its energy and use it to propel oneself forward.
This newfound perspective fundamentally changed how I approached challenges in my career. Instead of viewing pressure as a hindrance, I began to see it as an opportunity for personal and professional development. It empowered me to step outside my comfort zone and tackle obstacles head-on.
Over time, my belief in the power of "pressure is a privilege" has only strengthened. As I've navigated the ups and downs of my career, I've come to appreciate the role that pressure plays in driving progress and pushing boundaries.
Today, while I still believe in the power of the phrase "pressure is a privilege", I approach sharing it with junior resources in a more nuanced manner. I understand that grasping the complexity of this concept may take time and experience: it's crucial to emphasize that while pressure and emotional stress aren't necessarily positive, the challenging opportunities we encounter in our careers can indeed be occasions for growth.
In essence, "pressure is a privilege" isn't just a mantra; it's a mindset that has empowered me to thrive in the face of adversity and embrace the challenges that come my way.
