Meet Gianluca Foà | Chief Commercial Officer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gianluca Foà and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gianluca, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I have the privilege to work for an italian institution full of heritage and tradition. The Pharmacy has been opened in Florence in 1221 by the Dominican monks and still operates in the same place. Since the entrance in the company, my goal has always been to respect and spread those values which have contributed to make it unique and different from the competitors. Of course time are running fast, as a consequence lifestyle and customers’ needs are completely different pushing the management to match the market standard and desiderata ( use of organic, natural product, eco-friendly packaging, new and more effective skincare in order to create skin barriers to stronger clima changes, new and more refined fragrances). From my words it appears clear that a right balance between tradition and innovation it has been the main factor to achieve the success. At the same time it’s critic to take in great consideration and nourish the human and personal relations with all the stakeholders (suppliers, distributors, final clients, professionals, colleagues) in order to build the virtuous circle that support the whole project. My reliability and loyalty have never been put in discussion by anybody, in a world where it’s a use to say that business is business, credibility and fairness make the difference. Finally other keys of the success rely in motivating your team, supporting the professional growth of each member and share together the results of the common job in good or bad luck as well as the choice of the partner able to represent the brand in the territory at its best.  

What should our readers know about your business?
I am really proud to have represented the company worldwide guiding this growth respecting the heritage and being waterproof to easy profits which would have degenerated the identity of the brand. The track wasn’t easy at all, because the company doesn’t advertise nor even has a marketing department, as a consequence it’s has been hard to establish the brand awareness in new markets. Therefore through our perseverance, pride for the job, intuition and cultural adaptability, Santa Maria Novella has become a synonymous of quality and elegance beloved by many faithful clients throughout the world. Personally I had the luck to run my professional career covering roles in different departments of multinational listed companies (sales, administration, project management) skilling up and being therefore able to create a right balance between what the market needs and asks and the company’s internal flow and strategy. I’d love the world knew that I am waking up every day with the goal to see a smile on the face of my clients and if my constant commitment has contributed for a little part to it, I am happier.  

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am an American movies and music great lover and fan. I have grown up with the myth of LA, can’t even mention how many movies and songs I have seen and heard dealing of this great city. I belong to the California dreamin’ generation, sunny skies, easy life, amazing beaches, sportive and healthy culture, parks and canyons, beautiful girls…. Los Angeles and the surroundings are full of places which is worth to discover.  I would recommend to have a ride renting a two seats convertible along the Pacific Coast Highway and discover iconic spots like Laguna beach, Huntington city beach (highly recommended for the Big Wednesday surfing lovers), Santa Monica with its Pier, had a dinner at the Lobster seafood restaurant and enjoy the sunset. How to not mention Malibu to enjoy of the break-taking views of the ocean. For a a romantic dating night, go to visit the Griffith Observatory and gift your soulmate of the thousands shining stars watched through the lens of this telescope. One last tip I can give to the Shoutout readers lovers of the Italian ice cream is to go and try the delicious ones offered by Gelato Festival,  a real interpreter of our Italian ice cream culture now open in LA at 8906 Melrose Avenue and 6801 Hollywood Blvd Unit 127. 

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Of course we are shaped day by day by many situations and factors. I have partially replied already to who had the biggest influence on my way to be but apart from that I am a lucky man, I have two amazing daughters who are growing up with the light in their eyes, full of confidence responsibility and wishful to change the world in better. I see through them that all the efforts and sacrifice I have done so far are not vaine and even if I am not the traditional father always at home, the quality of our relationship is paying back so much. Friends, I want to shout out my handful dear friends that are with me every day of my life and that have the patience and perseverance to stay always by my side. They are a medicine which helps to find a restorative break in daily routine. Then I must thank you the books. Reading is how I feed my soul. I cannot mention one book only, many had an influence to change my mind and my way to consider life. The little prince, Seagull, Odissey to name a few showed me when I was between my 20’s and 30’s that there is much more than cocktails, girls, expensive cars and the excessive run to consumerism like it was in the 80’s. I realized that it wasn’t the goal to be on earth, instead the thirst of freedom, the need of adventure and the knowledge of new cultures were the trigger for the thing I love most. Travels has definitively change my attitude towards my way of living and opened my mind. I always say that all these experiences have definitively build up my personality and professional growth.

Website: www.smnovella.com
Instagram: santamarianovella1612
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/gianluca-foa-9222bb10a
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgZIr2OtyFEf2R-8UMmTxvw