Leading in Challenging Times as an Emerging Leader
Anna Zambaldo is a Value Chain Sustainability Manager at Ferragamo.
We asked Anna for her perspective on female leadership in sustainable luxury, her advice for delivering in challenging times and advice for anyone interested in a career in sustainable luxury.
What does it take to be successful in your type of role?
Loving what I do gives me the energy to strive every day. In the luxury industry, excellence isn’t just about the product; it’s in the integrity of materials, processes, and the entire value chain.
To me, leadership means guiding the team to understand the deeper 'why', because purpose is what drives real impact. Especially when things get complex, it’s about creating the conditions for others to commit, act and grow.
It's about listening with intention and making decisions that reflect vision and values. It means inspiring trust, coordinating resources effectively, and adapting when faced with change or conflict.
As a young woman in leadership, I believe empathy, consistency and passion are powerful drivers of progress.
How can teams continue to deliver despite challenges?
Celebrate successes, fuel purpose, and support each other along the way.
What advice would you give to young people interested in pursuing a career in sustainable luxury leadership?
My advice is to invest deeply in building and developing strong skills because they're your most valuable asset. At the same time, it is vital to maintain your curiosity and passion, as they are the fuel that will keep you growing, innovating and true to your path.
Ferragamo were listed in the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies 2025. The ranking stems from an analysis of over 5,000 companies based on factors such as revenue, market capitalization, and public prominence.
Submit your questions for Ella and we’ll arrange an AMA session.
