Ilaria Resta at the Graduation Master Class 2024: the metamorphosis of authentic leadership

17 September 2024

During the Graduation Master Class 2024 of Bologna Business School, the commencement speech by Ilaria Resta, CEO of Audemars Piguet, offered a surprising and authentic perspective on leadership and success, captivating both the attention and hearts of the audience. In an event typically filled with well-wishes for success and celebrations of achievements, Resta challenged the common narrative, emphasizing much deeper and more personal concepts related to growth and individual fulfillment.

Resta began by sharing a vulnerable and human aspect of her past as a student. This honest opening immediately created a connection with the young graduates, laying the foundation for a speech that deviated from traditional norms. Rather than focusing on accomplishments or future goals, she chose to speak about the fragility that often accompanies critical life decisions.

One of the central themes of her speech was a reflection on the idea of “success”. With great clarity, Resta questioned the term itself, calling it “misleading and limiting.” Success, according to her, risks trapping people in external expectations, depriving them of the opportunity to follow a truly authentic and personal path. Instead, she introduced the concept of “réussite”, a French word that describes a process of realization and transformation rather than a static destination. Resta encouraged the graduates to reflect on what “success” means to each of them, highlighting the importance of cultivating their own vision of success rather than conforming to societal or corporate expectations.

Another pivotal element of Resta’s speech was the theme of metamorphosis. Describing her personal journey, she recounted how her life took unexpected turns because she embraced change and, at times, completely reinvented herself. She spoke about her transition from classical studies to economics, a radical shift that marked her first professional “rebirth.” This ability to transform while maintaining one’s personal DNA is, for Resta, one of the fundamental keys to facing the challenges of an ever-evolving workplace.

An especially innovative aspect of Ilaria Resta’s commencement speech was her reflection on circular leadership. Instead of the classic image of a leader at the top of a hierarchical pyramid, Resta proposed a more inclusive vision, where the leader positions themselves at the center of a circular system, equally distant from all stakeholders. This type of leadership not only allows the leader to be more connected and aware of organizational dynamics but also encourages them to recognize their own limitations and seek contributions from others to fill those gaps. It’s a vision of leadership based on humility and interdependence, moving away from the traditional, “infallible” authoritarian model.

Resta concluded her speech by leaving the students with three key words to guide them in their professional future: Love, Learn, Legacy. “Fall in love with your mission, keep learning, and commit to leaving a lasting legacy,” she declared. These three principles not only define the path to a fulfilling career but also express an invitation to create a positive impact that extends beyond personal success and embraces a broader sense of contribution to the world.

Ilaria Resta’s speech demonstrated that true leadership does not lie in conforming to traditional standards of success but in the ability to be oneself, to adapt, and to build meaningful relationships. It was a powerful message, one that Bologna Business School’s Master Class of 2024 will carry with them into their next chapter of life, serving as a guide toward a career of authentic fulfillment.