Isabella Brusati in Italy
In this new blog series, I’d like to ask four questions to people from different countries, backgrounds, professions, and genders who have all one thing in common: volunteering. I hope you’ll get inspired by their journeys and take the leap into volunteering.
Notice: The positions, views and information contained published here are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily represent my views or opinions.
Isabella Brusati is a senior change management consultant, country lead, public speaker, lecturer and business coach with +20 years’ experience working internationally. Currently working as a Prosci Certified Advanced Instructor - PCAI and country lead (Italy) for CMC Partnership Global, she is based in Europe, with regular travelling.
She is volunteering with ACMP (Association Change Management Practitioners) in the Speaker Committee and is currently supporting the Speaker getting ready for the ACMP’s Annual Global Conference on Change Management. Isabella is a Prosci certified change manager and an experienced project manager, holds a Masters’ degree in Human Resources Management, a Masters’ degree in European Union Labour Studies and a Bachelor in Law. Isabella is Italian mother tongue and is fluent in English. She is learning French and loves travelling and getting to know cultures and people
How did you begin to volunteer?
I started volunteering for Women in Banking and Finance. I was working in a male dominated industry and I was keen to share my experience and time to support other women advancing in their career in professional and financial services. It was a very satisfying involvement and I have always found time to volunteer for causes I believe in since.
Why did you continue volunteering?
I find it very important to give back and to mentor other people sharing my journey, what worked and what did not. I also find it very fulfilling at personal level as I get a lot in terms of relationships and positive energy from the associations and causes I volunteer for.
How has volunteering helped you in your career?
It helped widening my network, also in areas that are not necessarily work related. People can see me in action and see what I can do, the energy and passion that I put in what I do and the fact that I am a reliable and innovative person that achieves goals. These are skills and qualities that are very sought after by employers and clients. When I was more junior volunteering helped me honing transferrable skills that led me to more senior roles in my career. For example, being part of the Board of a major association proved to my employers that I had the skills and experience required for senior positions I was applying for. Volunteering also provides visibility in the industry that you work in and can put you on the map as an expert in your profession.
Would you encourage other people to take up volunteering, and if so, why?
Absolutely! It is very rewarding. It is important to volunteer for causes that you believe in, not for something that is “trendy”. The passion and values that the association represent are key. The ethos is to give back, not to take! It is a great way to work with like-minded people, share ideas and experience, develop relationships and support others. It’s all about working in team and the common goal!
