Commitment, tradition and the future: Four years of renewal at Fordham London
The end of the year is the perfect time to take stock, to stop and reflect. And if I had to sum up the past 4 years in a single word, it would have to be “renewal”. An important word in the Fordham community, bearer of a mindset that has always been oriented toward improvement and values such as freedom, justice and truth, in line with the tradition of Saint Ignatius.
Aware of this precious gift, I wish, in these brief reflections, to offer my testimony of my four years as Chair of the Fordham London Center Advisory Board, a position I have had the honor of holding until 2024.
It has been an extraordinary experience, inspired by the positive energy in the air at Fordham. Being able to contribute to the growth of a new generation of business leaders, sharing with them my experiences as an international banker and manager, has been a great privilege for me, and a boundless source of inspiration.
I’ve always been convinced that the process of studying is one of the most noble and transformative things a human being can do, and a door to change and progress. Contributing to this process means encouraging young people to be receptive to innovation, to embrace dialogue, to grow as individuals, and to promote a better society.
Looking back over these past four years of work together, what I see is a process of renewal and transformation, which began in 2020. It was supposed to be the year in which we celebrated the Centennial of the Gabelli School of Business, but it turned out to be the year of the pandemic. It was like an obstacle race: we had to adapt, quickly coming up with new ways of keeping our community alive at a time of great risk to both our health and our interpersonal relationships.
This evolution continued in 2021 and 2022 on the occasion of the celebrations of the Ignatian year, marking the 400th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. This offered a very important opportunity to restate the importance of universal human values, such as the ability to discern good from evil: an essential guide in our everyday choices.
Our commitment was expressed in the constant growth of the London Center, a “bridge” between the United States and Europe, achieving the University’s goal of offering its students an international education in line with the spirit of the Jesuit values. The results speak for themselves: in the 23/24 academic year, Fordham London registered record-breaking attendance figures, with more than 560 students registering for its international study programs.
I feel very proud of these milestones, the result of the praiseworthy dedication of all our management, to whom I express my deepest gratitude. Heartfelt thanks to Tania Tetlow, President of Fordham University, Lerzan Aksoy, Dean of the Gabelli School of Business and, before her, Donna Rapaccioli, for their outstanding leadership. Sincere thanks are also due to the Advisory Board for its constant commitment and contribution, and to the faculty, who have worked with dedication to achieve the established goals.
Lastly, my greetings and special wishes to my friend Greg Minson, the new Chair of Fordham London Center, to whom I have handed a difficult task which will however have plenty of satisfaction to offer. I’m confident that together, we will continue to work toward achieving important new milestones.
Fordham is not just a prestigious university; it’s a strong, lively community, where tradition is constantly renewed in response to the challenges of the times. Ad Maiora, Greg!
Andrea Mennillo
Founder and Managing Director, International Development Advisory
Member of Fordham University London Centre Advisory Board
Finanza, Andrea Mennillo: «Per i giovani non solo competenze tecniche, ma anche empatia e gestione dello stress»
Italian version only
Questo articolo è stato pubblicato da UpDay
Finanza, Andrea Mennillo: «Per i giovani non solo competenze tecniche, ma anche empatia e gestione dello stress»
Non più solo formazione tecnica per i giovani che vogliono una carriera nel settore finanziario. “Servono nuove competenze: di comunicazione inclusiva, di leadership empatica e di gestione dello stress”. Idee molto chiare per Andrea Mennillo, banchiere di investimento di prospettiva internazionale, per anni ai vertici di importanti istituzioni bancarie e finanziarie.
"Il contesto oggi è durissimo, più che in passato. La tecnologia allarga le possibilità, ma allo stesso tempo rende la competizione globale sempre più serrata. Oggi un giovane deve sapere che la propria crescita professionale va rafforzata ogni giorno, interrogandosi su quali saranno le competenze del futuro”, afferma Andrea Mennillo.
Quali competenze devono sviluppare i giovani
"La rapidità dei cambiamenti genera stress e ansia e impatta sulle decisioni, perché pregiudica la capacità di valutazione e la propensione ad agire consapevolmente e responsabilmente", spiega Mennillo che, da diversi anni ormai, si dedica alla crescita degli studenti di economia dell’Università americana di Fordham, in qualità di Chairman di Fordham University in London.
"Un leader deve saper promuovere e mantenere buoni rapporti all’interno del team e nelle relazioni all’esterno se vuole raggiungere obiettivi importanti. Questo perché relazioni positive riducono, anche di molto, gli effetti negativi dello stress che, nel tempo, possono causare un vero e proprio logoramento", continua il banchiere." È già ampiamente dimostrato come le abilità comunicative e relazionali abbiano ricadute importanti sul lavoro, perché la qualità delle relazioni è un fattore strategico, soprattutto per chi opera a livello internazionale”.
Ma a che punto siamo oggi? “Su questi aspetti ci si sta muovendo ancora troppo poco, soprattutto in ambito finanziario”, fa notare Mennillo, che per il futuro vede “percorsi ad hoc che dovrebbero essere introdotti nei piani formativi universitari. Tuttavia, le iniziative di qualità sul mercato sono ancora sporadiche. Da segnalare come ottimo compromesso fra utilità e impegno richiesto è il percorso di Proximity Supporting, proposto da una realtà di nicchia molto innovativa, Kindacom Scrittura Strategica. È interessante perché abbina l’aspetto manageriale a quello psicologico e neuroscientifico, adattandoli alla persona e al contesto in cui opera”, conclude Mennillo.
Leadership in an Evolving World
English version only
Opening Speech
15th November 2023 - Fordham University, London
Good evening. I extend to all of you a warm welcome to this important meeting organised by the Fordham London Community.
I am honoured to be the one to open this occasion for discussion, reflection, and shared knowledge. And I am also happy to add my contribution once more to the growth of the new generation of business leaders, via exchanges on highly topical issues, both in professional life and in the environment in which we live.
As we are in this modern and welcoming space, I think about the fact that we are out of harm’s way in this part of the world. No less than a year ago we were wondering about developments in the war in Ukraine, just a short way away from Europe. Today, new pain and uncertainties are caused by the shocks of the conflict in Israel and Palestine.
Every war is a threat, obviously not only to international security but in general also to development, because we live in an interconnected world.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN COUNTRIES AND LEADERSHIP
Sometimes I need to ask myself how it is still possible that international misunderstandings and tensions transform themselves into armed conflicts – especially because of our awareness of how much has been lived through in the past century and in the light of the huge effort that States put into maintaining diplomatic relations aimed at keeping the peace and fostering prosperity.
Let us remember that the purpose of diplomacy is to court neighbourliness and construct positive relationships between countries, but also, today, to conquer the hearts and minds of citizens. This is the precondition for advancing fruitful commercial relations which bring about reciprocal benefits and wellbeing.
In my opinion every armed conflict affects proper contemplation of the profound meaning of relationship and, thus, leadership. Yes, because leadership is a relationship and good relations build trust, which is earned over time when a leader acts with honesty, integrity, and consistency.
We all know that relationships are complex as between individuals as between States. For this reason, relationships require skill, energy, and sensitivity. And care, lots of care.
Moreover, we know that leadership takes on differing meanings in accordance with the era. Different schools of thought in the past had fixed reference points dictated mostly by force and authority.
For example the RealPolitik of the late 1800’s, where States were influenced by each one’s power and war was a tool for a political objective (which was epitomised by the ancient saying “Ubi maior, minor cessat” – “the weak capitulate before the strong”).
It is clear that such a model is now far from the present concept of relations built rather on collaboration.
LEADERSHIP TODAY ACCORDING TO ST.IGNATIUS’ TEACHINGS
Let us look at this in greater detail.
A leader has to take account of an infinite number of variables. Thus, amongst the essential qualities of today’s decision-makers, in politics and in business, there must be the capacity to assess objective elements and keep one’s nerve even in situations of extreme tension.
In other words, being clear-headed and capable of good judgment, or to choose with perception and to act with effectiveness and responsibility.
The thrust of St Ignatius’ teachings is that he who seeks to become leader must be ready to fortify his mind, temper his character and overcome uncertainties and fears.
But today, a leader must also know how to involve his team and the community implicated. That means encouraging cooperation towards a common goal and promoting a sense of unity.
Thus, it is no longer a question of making a decision but also communicating and sharing.
The quality of relationships actually leads to protection in times of uncertainty and stimulates collective efforts to overcome the problem.
CONCLUSION
Perceptiveness, devotion, and vision are the principal characteristics we see in today’s leadership.
I add to these sentiments another two: ethics and the future.
Ethics. A factor which cannot be ignored because values play a determining role in relationships. In a world exemplified by complexity and interconnectivity, ethics becomes the glue which can hold persons, communities, and States together. In the financial world, ethics assumes a significance associated with justice, solidarity, truth, and inclusivity. Values ensure progress that truly respects human dignity.
The Future. And here I would like to give a thought to the youth. It is to them that this university wishes to pass on the skills and principles which, we hope, will be applied during the course of their professional and personal lives.
You will be the new business leaders and must shoulder the burdens of important responsibilities. However, I repeat, you must be the first to see the future, with the possibility of changing things for the better. You must be the guardians of constructive relationships, adopting “a new way of speaking” which is more universal, which encourages unity between people rather than mistrust.
Create a culture of peace passed on from one to another.
So, what should we do? Anna Frank, while hidden in Amsterdam, wrote: “Mankind has an impulse towards destruction, towards slaughter, assassination and rage, and unless all mankind, without exception, undergoes a metamorphosis, war will engulf us all…”
So: we want you to be the metamorphosis. In fact, to reconstruct the fabric of human relations and become advocates for peace working towards change. And a choice intimately linked to ethics and the start of a dynamic process, aimed at building peace.
Dear young friends, I impart these thoughts to you, with the wish that they may fall on fertile ground. I now hand over to the other honourable guests who will further enrich the debate.
Thank you and I wish you all a fruitful evening building positive connections!
Mennillo: «Empatia e gestione dello stress, così aiuto i giovani a costruire una finanza più responsabile»
Italian version only
Questo articolo è stato pubblicato da Il Corriere - Economia
Mennillo: «Empatia e gestione dello stress, così aiuto i giovani a costruire una finanza più responsabile»
«La finanza sta cambiando velocemente. La tecnologia apre nuovi spazi e la competizione globale è sempre più serrata. Servono quindi nuove competenze per i giovani che si affacciano a questo mondo: essere capaci di comunicare in maniera inclusiva, avere una leadership empatica e saper gestire lo stress». Non occorre più solo una formazione specifica, dunque. Andrea Mennillo, classe 1962, è un banchiere di investimento di lungo corso: per molti anni ai vertici di importanti istituzioni finanziarie (gruppo Banca Popolare di Brescia, poi divenuto Bipop-Carire e de La Centrale Finanziaria Generale, la più antica holding finanziaria in Italia) , racconta la sua esperienza per sensibilizzare i giovani, sottolineando come sia «cruciale rafforzarsi continuamente nel corso della propria crescita professionale».
Le qualità umane che deve avere un leader
«Il rischio è endemico nel settore della finanza. Sommato alla rapidità dei cambiamenti, non può che portare ansia e stress in coloro che ogni giorno devono prendere decisioni, pregiudicandone la capacità di valutazione e la propensione ad agire consapevolmente», spiega Mennillo che, oltre a occuparsi di finanza internazionale, si dedica come mentore alla crescita degli studenti di economia dell’università americana di Fordham, in qualità di Chairman di Fordham University London. «Una strategia che ritengo indispensabile per un leader è il saper promuovere e mantenere buoni rapporti all’interno del team di lavoro e nelle relazioni all’esterno. Questo perché relazioni interpersonali positive riducono, anche di molto, gli effetti negativi dello stress che, a lungo andare, possono causare un vero e proprio logoramento — precisa il banchiere —. Le ricadute sui risultati di queste abilità sono ampiamente dimostrate». I rapporti umani e quotidiani tra persone che condividono lo stesso ambiente o lo stesso lavoro non sono un aspetto secondario rispetto alla conoscenza del mercato azionario od obbligazionario: «La qualità delle relazioni è oggi una risorsa strategica, indispensabile per raggiungere obiettivi importanti».
«Dovrebbero essere introdotti percorsi formativi ad hoc»
Sullo stato dell’arte, però, osserva che «su questi aspetti ci si sta muovendo ancora poco, soprattutto in ambito finanziario». Sui passi futuri, Mennillo ha le idee molto chiare: «A mio parere, dovrebbero essere introdotti percorsi ad hoc nei piani formativi universitari. Sul mercato però le iniziative di qualità sono ancora sporadiche. L’ultima, a cui mi sono approcciato e che mi sembra un ottimo compromesso, è il percorso di Proximity Supporting, realizzato da una realtà di nicchia molto innovativa, Kindacom Scrittura Strategica. È interessante perché abbina l’aspetto manageriale a quello psicologico e neuroscientifico, adattandoli alla persona e al suo contesto quotidiano».
The value of food during Christian Easter
INTRO
- Thanks to Father Michael Holman SJ, (Fordham board member and formerly Provincial of Society of Jesus in the UK) for his spiritual contribution and reflection to prepare us to live the meaning of Easter, which is now upon us.
- Easter, from the Greek: pascha, in turn from the Aramaic pasah, "to pass over", is a rite that in pre-Christian traditions celebrated the spring solstice, the rebirth of nature and the resumption of rural activities. A rebirth that has always been celebrated through rituals and conviviality.
- It is a feast celebrated by Christians, Jews, and Muslims, each with its own meaning of renewal:
-
- For the Jews it symbolizes the liberation from slavery in Egypt. When, at the end of the plagues that the Lord inflicted on the Egyptians, Moses led the people towards Israel. Towards the beginning of a new free life.
-
- For Muslims it is called Eid al-Adha (feast of sacrifice), which represents the sacrifice of Isaac requested by God of Abraham. The moment in which Abraham demonstrates his total faithfulness to God.
-
- For Christians, as Father Michael Holman has just recalled, it symbolizes Christ's passage from death to life, the defeat of death and the sacrifice he made for all humanity.
EASTER AS A FORM OF "LOVE" IN CONVIVIALITY
- With the advent of Christ, Easter also speaks of love. At the Last Supper, Jesus uses the term "agapao" which indicates total love, typically towards God, the highest form of love that we can experience in our lives.
- It is precisely food and eating together that are an important part of the Easter ritual. In fact, the Eucharist, the most important Christian sacrament, came to exist during the last supper.
- The new covenant between Man and God is understood as a real moment of celebration, of celebration of a rediscovered freedom not only for man (as with the flight from Egypt), but, above all, for the soul of men.
- Typical Easter foods have a strong symbolic value, where:
-
- the bread and wine represent "the Body and Blood" of Christ, who offers himself in redemption for sins. (Jesus' last supper takes place during the Jewish Passover, Pesach or "feast of unleavened bread", as leavened bread is not consumed but unleavened bread, the same that was consumed by the Jewish people fleeing Egypt).
-
- The lamb represents redemption (the sacrifice of Jesus) and derives from the original Jewish tradition linked to the liberation from Egypt.
-
- The egg represents resurrection, because life is born from the egg, which in turn is associated with the rebirth of Christ. The egg was also present in the religious traditions of Roman antiquity, in the cults in honor of Venus or in the pagan rites dedicated to the goddess of agriculture Ceres.
-
- Even oil (which we use every day) actually has a meaning, it is a symbol of divine blessing. The blessed oil (Chrism) is in fact used in various rituals, such as the liturgy of Baptism and Confirmation.
- Even the renunciation of food has a value: Easter is preceded by Lent which for the purification of the soul provides for some forms of fasting, because even the renunciation of food is a gesture that unites, bringing attention back to God and to the belonging to a community in everyday life. Feeling hungry is also a reminder of the value of food as a gift.
- For the Jews, the celebrations last seven days and it is expected that at the table there is a specifically codified service, called Seder, used only during this moment of celebration, which includes bitter foods to remember the bitterness of Egyptian slavery and the amazement of freedom found.
- In Islamic rites, on the other hand, it is celebrated with the immolation of a head of cattle. This rite takes place simultaneously for all families, at the same time as it takes place in the Mina valley, in Mecca.
CONCLUSION
- But what does food and being together at the table represent today?
- Eating together means being family, it means being brothers. Just as happens in the last supper, in which Jesus taught us through food what it means to love. It is no coincidence that "agapao" was used by Jesus at the last supper: it means to love in its most complete, strongest, most sincere form. In fact, it is used to indicate love for God, for Christ, for justice.
- Easter teaches us to love in the deepest form, it teaches us to go beyond "phileo" (friendship) and finally understand agape, what we are called to by God.
- Although with different rites and foods, in different religions, there is a single common thread that unites: the conviviality of the moment of celebration. There is no conception of celebration without food, without sharing.
- Today, food is something we take for granted too often, instead food is a gift, therefore it is precious. Experiencing the meal also as a moment of reflection on its value helps to increase awareness of its being a symbol of unity, which belongs to our traditions and to our deepest cultural heritage, which begins well before Christ, but which Jesus reminds us of every day.
- A symbolism that takes us once again to the sense - and primordial need - of community, in a world that every day seems to take us in the opposite direction. That is, towards individualism, narcissism, and competition, phenomena that can only generate loneliness and conflict.
- My Easter message to young people is to look at food with different eyes, remembering that food is not only a source of energy for our body, but it is also a source of nourishment for our spirit. In awareness of this, I urge you to look to the future with a renewed vision by committing yourselves to work and life to build communities around you.
Global geopolitics at Gabelli School of Business 2021 International Business Week
With great pleasure, again this year, I attended the International Business Week organized by Gabelli School of Business.
It is always a precious opportunity to broaden students' perspective on international current topics and give them a concrete vision of what it means to "be in the world" today. A global world, let’s remember, of greater complexity. According to the educational values transmitted by St. Ignatius, founder of the Society of Jesus, it is important that young business leaders have a constant dialogue with experienced business executives in their learning journey.
Below there is a brief account of what emerged from the International Business Week of 2021.
https://www.gabelliconnect.com/featured-events/global-business-and-culture-explored-at-international-business-week/
Business Perspectives from Europe - Andrea Mennillo welcome speech at Fordham University London’s Gabelli School of Business
As chairman of the Fordham London Center Advisory Board, it was for me a great pleasure to open the conference “Business Perspectives from Europe” last 11th February. This was the inaugural conference related to the online events cycle “Gabelli School London Speaker Series”, which will see the participation of relevant experts from various industries and roles in business. Great opportunities to talk about important business topics such as global strategies and risks associated with climate change. And much more.
For more information click here.
The Future of Business Education - Andrea Mennillo welcome speech at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business
As chairman of the Fordham London Center Advisory Board, it was a great pleasure to introduce the conference “The Future of Business Education”, the first event virtually hosted by Fordham University’s London Centre and part of Gabelli’s Centennial Celebration, on last October 1st, 2020. It was a precious moment for sharing experiences and opinions about what Business Education will be in the current changing economic world.
Celebrating 100 Years of Business Education at Fordham University
Here the link to the events where I had the possibility to give my contribution in occasion of the Centennial Virtual Speaker Series organized by Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University:
Entrepreneurship and the Future of the Online Luxury Retail Market – Mr. Charles Gorra, CEO and Founder of Rebag
DOWN and under: The Pandemic’s Impact on the World’s Oil Industry – Mr. Paolo Scaroni, Former CEO and GM of Eni Spa Oil and Gas and current Deputy Chairman of Rothschild & Co
A Case Study: European and Italian Financial Institutions During and After COVID – Mr. Domenico Siniscalco, former Italian Minister of Finance and current Managing Director and Vice Chairman at Morgan Stanley
Sovereign Debt: A Looming Debt Crisis? – Ms. Anne-Laure Kiechel, Founding Partner of Global Sovereign Advisory
A Diplomat’s Perspective: Global Geopolitics After COVID-19 – Ambassador Giampiero Massolo, President of Fincantieri S.p.A., President of the Italian Institute for International Political Studies
“A Diplomat’s Perspective: Global Geopolitics After COVID-19” with Ambassador Giampiero Massolo
Here the recording of the conference organised by Gabelli School of Business on last June 24th. Dean Donna Rapaccioli and I had the pleasure to discuss with Ambassador Giampiero Massolo, President of Fincantieri S.p.A. and President of the Italian Institute for International Political Studies, about: “A Diplomat’s Perspective: Global Geopolitics After COVID-19”