Chiara Mastrotto at WomenX Impact 2024

WomenX Impact is not just an event, but a concrete point of reference community in the world of women’s empowerment. The fourth edition, which took place in Milan from 21 to 23 November, involved the participants through talks, workshops and moments of confrontation.

Reviewing her own entrepreneurial experience, Chiara Mastrotto, President of Gruppo Mastrotto, emphasised how professionalism and the ability to step out of the comfort zone have been decisive in guiding a company transformation, centred on innovation and sustainability, founded on well-defined values.

‘We are a company that has learnt to open up over the years, welcoming diversity to the point of making it a founding element,’ she explained. ’For us, what matters is that we have created an environment governed by meritocracy, where women, as well as men, are judged on the basis of their preparation and can embark on successful paths.’

During her speech, Chiara Mastrotto shared her vision on how the tanning industry and the fashion sector should grow from a female employment point of view, especially in verrtice positions. A path that Gruppo Mastrotto is very clear about, as the data show.

‘While on a national level the tanning sector only sees 20% of women employed, Gruppo Mastrotto stands out with an overall percentage of 30% female employees, reaching 50% in clerical roles and 60% in managerial positions, with perfect gender parity within the Board of Directors. Numbers that are not linked to particular programmes, but the result of the company culture and values’.

Finally, an important message was addressed to young women aspiring to leadership roles: be courageous, set challenging goals, and keep learning. ‘What I feel like saying to women today is to come prepared, living leadership as women and not thinking that you have to work like a man would.’