5 Lessons Learned from Studying Abroad

Over the last year I have had the unique opportunity to not only attend MIP Graduate School of Business in Milan, but also was able to study for 2 weeks in beautiful Barcelona, Spain. The last year has been a wealth of experiences, lessons learned, challenges, and growing both personally and professionally. 

1) Learn from Other Cultures:

Studying in Milan and in Barcelona allows you to expand and grow by learning from and alongside students from all over the world

2) Travel, Eat, and Experience:

When visiting a new city or country, the first thing to do is try the local cuisine and look up all the amazing history and sights to see.  Barcelona is a wealth of experiences. Oh and the food is top notch!

3) Wealth of Knowledge from Professors:

When studying in a new city you are exposed to new professors and industry experts to learn from, as well as adding to your professional network.

4) Professional and Personal Networking:

Studying abroad allows you to meet, connect, and network with people from around the world, growing your network to have a wide reach. This is excellent for job search, knowledge, finding a mentor, etc

5) Cultural Differences:

Every culture is different and different cultures have different views and respond differently to marketing, advertising, new products, etc. Being able to learn about these differences is key in working for a Multi-National or Global Company.

When studying abroad, depending on where you come from, where you are going to, and how you look at and attack your time there will shape and define your experience. Make it unique and make it your own. 

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

- Mark Twain 

Lessons In a Startup: Part 1

For my project work at school I was fortunate enough to serendipitously fall into a role at an Italian Based, Global, eCommerce start up with clients around the world. First off, how did this all happen?

Well since I made the move to Milan and started Grad School, I was challenged to start blogging, and as I learned about finding my style and my voice in my blog, I wrote a post that exploded, ‘My Grad School Adventure: Football (American) in Italy’. I had a blast writing about my experiences and lessons, as well as educating my family, friends, and readers about my experience here. This lead to one Tommaso Finadri, President, CTO, and Co-Founder of Beast Technologies to read it as he is a player on the Parma Panthers American Football Team (the same Parma Panthers from John Grisham’s book ‘Playing for Pizza’, side bar: read it, it is a lot like the experiences I am having here). 

When I first got his email I was cautious, I had made the decision to leave a good Sales Job to explore the world and get a Master’s in Milan with the thought that I was going to fall into working at a Big Luxury Fashion Brand and live the life of the Fashion Industry (think ‘Devil Wears Prada’). But I entertained it and after learning about the product, a Strength Tracker that hinges on Data Analytics and IoT or internet of things, I was very intrigued. Also the name was Beast Technologies and the quote I have had as the background of my computer since I made the move was, “Everyone wants to be a Beast, until it’s time to do what Beasts do”, coincidence?

While I was in B2B Sales and Marketing I worked in the IT industry and learned a lot about technology and start ups and paid careful attention to the start up scene in Des Moines and followed companies like Dwolla. I have always been an early adopter of Social Media and jumped on the Spotify and Snap Chat train from day 1, just like I did with Twitter and Facebook in high school. I also love the laid back culture you get inside a startup.

So I decided to jump in head first and see what I could do to help a startup that launched just 2 years ago, into a new market, grab its footing and grow the company. My role at Beast was to come in a put on many hats blending my experience in Account Management and Sales, with my passion for Content Creation and growing our Social Media footprint. I currently am the Content Marketing Manager and Head of International Partnerships. In my role I manage a small team of 5 across Marketing, Sales, and eCommerce/Customer Support. 

Things I have learned and like about a startup, freedom to try out new things. I have established a Content Marketing Roadmap, something we did not have before, and have the freedom to try and do things to create buzz and generate awareness. I am getting to blend my schooling with my passion. 

Working in a startup is dynamic, different, always changing, and you have to be able to handle multiple roles and have the ability to pivot as needed, a skill I learned in Sales and honing here. I was able to spend some time with a professor in Barcelona who has founded 2 startups and after talking to him about the future of startups, I couldn’t be more excited about my role here and all the lessons that lie before me.

I love to compete, I love being the new kid on the block, the underdog, and I love to surprise people, so what better opportunity to drive this and work in a startup. To end with an often overused quote, “I didn’t choose the startup life, the startup life chose me.”

I am excited to see where this next journey will take me! 

American Football in Italy #SeamenMilano Laying it All Out on the Line

Saturday came and went with a flurry of intensity, excitement, and emotion. This was it, Derby Milano part 3, as if 2 regular season Derby's were not enough. The stakes were raised, winner goes to the Super Bowl for the ultimate prize. This was it, this was the show, this was the game everyone in Navy and White have been waiting for, a chance at redemption.

The first Derby say the Seamen outplayed at home in a loss to the tune of 45-19. The return match was different and was a shoot out of the offense with both defenses trying to get a stop, the game came down to a final drive with a minute left and the boys in Blue turned the ball over to loose 34-33.

This was it, the Seamen coming off a great road win in Rome blanking the Marines.

The Rhino's undefeated on the season, the team to beat. The match was set, game day was here.

Unfortunately for the Seamen they came away on the losing side of the match again, losing by 1 point. The game is on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1V3bKpGb53o

It was a back and forth game that featured everything from amazing catches, kick off returns for a TD, turnovers, hard hits, and spectacular plays in the running game. I could give you a play by play, but if you weren't there, you should have been.

For me what was more impressive, was the way the team prepared leading up to the game, the way they handled themselves through the peaks and valleys, always responding, always playing with heart. At the helm of the offensive side was Offensive Coordinator Jonathan Dally, 2x time Super Bowl QB for the Seamen and former QB of the Rhino's. Many people including myself during pre-game asked JD, does it feel weird preparing for this game as a coach? And he answered with the best response ever, "I am exactly where I am supposed to be." To hear this from the signal caller with his background, made me look at my situation, I had struggled all year wanting to be a player, and trying to help as a coach. His preparation, his answer, his demeanor was all confidence and swag and I admired that in him as a coach, and knew he was right, he was the right signal caller for this situation.

Later after thinking back to that moment, I realized that I too am exactly where I need to be, in my life, living in Italy, finishing school, working, and coaching a game that I love to a great group of guys that I am proud to call my players, teammates, and friends.

I have come to admire our QB Garret Saffron, he is a young dynamic QB who has a lot to learn, and a long career ahead of him. What he has are the intangibles, he will always give you 100% no matter what, most of the year he played banged up and hurt, but come game day you would see him breaking out of the pocket running across the field to pick up a first down while lowering his shoulder into any opposing jersey. As a leader he continued to grow, always being positive and upbeat with his teammates, always reassuring "I got this".

The other American David Guthrie, is a true competitor, in everything he does. He also grew into a vocal defensive leader to go along with his hard hitting demeanor. His style of play was a spark the defense needed, the same defense that wasn't scored on going into Saturday in the last 3 games.

I had the pleasure to work a lot with the Offensive Linemen. Anyone who knows the game knows that the OL is an unselfish bunch. They hit every play, block their asses off to let the offense ball, and they do it silently, and usually with multiple ice bags on their body after the game. This OL has been up and down throughout the season but always blocked hard, got better, and did everything they could to protect their guys. Their passion and love of football is second to none and I am proud to coach them and pad up with them throughout the season.

This team has been amazing to be a part of. The Captains of this team know how to inspire and keep people accountable. The Coaching Staff was fun to be a part of, they may have had their disputes but they always knew how to come together and make the boys better. They always were trying to put people in position to win.

There are many leaders on this team and I could talk about every player individually as everyone on this team has had an impact on me. But one moment that really exemplifies what it means to lay it all on the line comes from probably the most vocal leader on the team in Andrea Zini. Number 5 was always the guy to give a pre-game speech that even not knowing what in the world he was saying, just watching him gave you chills. Unfortunately for him he got injured in Rome and was unable to be on the field with his guys. Before the game that bothered him and he was emotional, he wanted to badly to be on the field, that emotion is a true sign of  a leader. I told him "a true leader leads all the time, even when injured, your team needs you today. You have to play a different role today, but it is an important one." All afternoon with a thigh injury that made it tough to walk, he was up and down those sidelines talking to everyone, keeping people positive, helping out the defense in their reads.

It is crazy to see the game from up in the box, but coaching up there, I felt that, that is where I belong, I loved seeing things from that vantage point, relaying in crucial information for the OC and DC to make the right calls to try and win the game.

Being a part of this team has been a hell of a ride (so far), and being around this team has really been a huge learning experience. Sport has overcome language barriers and provided a common bond that creates friendships, allowing us to learn from each other, we became a family.

The legacy of the 2016 Seamen should not be anything but positive. A team that learned from each game, always growing, always moving forward. A team willing to put it all on the line each and every week.

We may have fell short of another run at the Super Bowl, but this is same team that is going to Poland next month to play in the Final Four. The same team that will represent Italy for the first time in 10 years. A team that is HUNGRY for a championship. Now its time to turn our focus on what's next, the drive for the European Championship. Be on the lookout for a team hungry to prove itself once again. I am looking forward to seeing this team make some noise in the European Championship, and hopefully come home with a trophy!!!

I am proud of what this team accomplished, proud to see how this team grew, and proud to see that no matter what last Saturday, they battled, every drive, every series, every play. They responded and they went down swinging. This team has HEART. And they played the way football is mean to be played, with Passion and Pride.

Forza Seamen!

* All photo credit: Dario Fumagalli - The Milano Seamen's awesome team photographer *

Living and Studying Abroad: Challenges

Studying abroad whether you are in undergrad, or for a Master’s program provides a unique and unforgettable experience! That experience will come with memories, friendships, and moments captured that you will never forget. 

But what about the challenges? Studying and living abroad provides a number of challenges. One of the biggest challenges for most people who go abroad is the language barriers. Going to a new country where you do not know the language or where that language is not your main fluency is tough. It takes a lot to overcome this. Always try to study and familarize yourself with the language of the country you are going to and most definitely study the language while you are there. You might never become fluent but knowing how to accurately order food or ask for directions is more helpful than you can realize.

In most places you can get by with English as it is a very international language.

Another challenge is getting lost, it is bound to happen and often. And if you rely on public transportation expect delays, strikes, and most definitely you will forget your stop and not know where you are. If you are directionally challenged (like me) make sure to download apps that you can use (even without data) like Google Maps, or City Maps 2 Go. I cannot tell you how many times they have helped me out while getting lost in Italy, Germany, Paris, etc. 

But also you can turn getting lost into an adventure, sometimes the best way to acclimate yourself to a city is to get lost and explore!

Another big learning curve or lesson is the culture. Now this is an ambiguous term, so maybe better would be to acclimate yourself with some of the major customs and way of doing things. There are always going to be some cultural norms that will be very different than the country you come from that will be odd, annoying, or frustrating because you just do not understand. 

Learn to roll with it, take it as a learning lesson and use it to grow both personally and professionally.

In a new city or country please do not be afraid to ask for help, it is not easy trying to figure it all out on your own, use the tools and network you have to get accustom to your surroundings. Always be aware of your surroundings, many people get things stolen or they lose things, while being caught up in a new city. Understand that this may (and for some of you) will happen. Be prepared, it is part of the travel experience.

Always have a copy of all your ID’s and Cards saved at your apartment or where you are staying. It is a pain but having copies of everything could prove very beneficial.

Things like cues, vary from country to country. In Ireland every might get in a straight line to cue for the plane or to get food, where in Italy you just kind of get in a big group and work it out. It is always easy to hear about how amazing traveling and studying abroad it, and trust me it is. But understand that something will always go wrong, it wont always go as planned, and that is okay. Realize that it is all part of the process. Learning to overcome these challenges will only make the memories sweeter, and the experience more memorable. 

Be prepared to be uncomfortable, be open minded to learn new things, and be open to the world. Studying abroad is life changing and when you look back you will be thankful, but know that it is not easy. It only takes one bad experience to make you want to go back home, but if you prepare yourself and face these challenges head on, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish as a person.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

Mark Twain.

Why I Decided go Back to School for a Master’s: 8 months later...

My journey back to school and across the world to Milan has flown by! 8 months ago I hopped on a plane with my girlfriend, next stop, Milan. When we met we both talked about getting a Master’s or MBA. She was about to graduate with a Degree in Design, and I had just bought a town home and was working in B2B Sales and Marketing for almost 5 years. What changed?

ME. I had always thought about it and I wanted to travel the world. This provided the opportunity for us to do it together. Since moving here, the question more than any other that I have been asked….. “Why Milan?” 

When you think about schools and education, yes most logically would be to go to a good school in the USA. But what people don't account for is the experience.Milan provided the perfect mix of design, business, fashion, and opportunity. And I wanted to study in a truly multi-cultural environment. And I wanted to challenge myself in a country that I couldn’t speak in. I also wanted to get a different view of business, marketing, and running a business. Now 8 months later I can tell you that the experiences have been worth it.

I truly have learned a lot about myself, as well as have a better idea of what is important to me. As a sales guy I always craved more support and materials that would help me sell. Now I am passionate about working in Content and Digital Marketing providing communication that does just that. I love managing social profiles, interacting with customers, and creating content for a brand. I have had the fortunate opportunity to obtain an internship with an Italian Startup called Beast Technologies. I am managing all the Content and Digital Media for the company as well as managing high level partnerships with affiliates, clients, and sponsors across the enterprise. 

Outside of this good fortune I had the chance to study for 2 weeks in the amazing city of Barcelona, Spain at one of the best Business Schools called eada Business School. What an amazing experience it was. Between experiences with partner companies like Nielsen, IBM, OTB, and Universal McCann, to studying in Spain, as well the friendships created, experiences say it best. 

My Business Innovation Design Team @ eada in Barcelona

As I am now officially done with classes and now working on completing my final project I can say that the experiences to this point have been amazing, but not without struggles. But those struggles have turned into learning experiences. Living in Italy is a challenge, but nothing great comes easy. 

IM4 Team in Barcelona

Football in Milano Part 3: American Football: Milano Seamen

Photo Credit: Dario Fumagalli

To say that the last few weeks have been crazy is an understatement. Last time I left off, we had just won a statement game in Belgrade, Serbia and had our sights set on Derby Weekend vs our cross town rivals, the #RhinosMilano.

We hosted part 1 of 2 Derby Matches at Arena Civica. We had confidence coming off a big win on the road and were excited to see how we would match up against a team that had been making a splash in the IFL being the only team unbeaten after beating Parma the week before. 

We came into the game jacked up and ready to roll, in front of a loud and rowdy crowd. That was the peak of the game for us as we tried and failed to stop the Rhinos attack and put points on the board. After the game it was a tough loss to swallow. All season we had heard that we are team struggling, not hitting our stride. They were right, we had a lot learn this season, and we had to reload some key pieces from the 2x IFL Super Bowl teams of years past. We swallowed our tough loss and got back to work, the next week hosting the #PantersParma at home. In a back and forth game we were unable to connect and make things happen. Parma came out with a great game plan and we could not find a way to connect on all aspects of the game, taking another tough Loss. 

2 straight losses coming off a big road win... What was the reason for this? I am sure everyone had their opinion, and we had a lot of conversations as a team, but what I saw was intriguing. Our next match was the return match of the Derby against the Rhinos. And what I noticed is that the guys were hungry. They wanted revenge, but also they seemed to relax, and by relax I mean they stopped thinking that had to be the team from last year and started to be this years team. It started to feel like the team that had the swagger of Serbia. 

We decided that in the return match, we were going to line up in a full formation with 3 running backs and pound the rock. And pound the rock we did, it was a physical game that was an exchange of haymakers from both teams. The Rhinos command much of the game but the Seamen would not quit. It came down to the final minute as the defense made a stand and gave the offense the ball one more time. As the offense took over and drove the ball down, some solid defense and a interception ended the Seamen's hope of a comeback. Again a tough pill to swallow dropping 3 straight and losing both Derby's.

**Edit** After 3 losses the Seamen took on the #JaguarsTorino at home and lined up and pounded the rock to a big win. This set us up with a chance to still make the playoffs.

Now it was do or die time, we had to win the next game in Parma to punch a ticket to the playoffs. Man was that a weird game. The final score Milano 7 Parma 2. In a defensive slug fest, we did what we needed to do and punched our ticket into the Playoffs!!!! WHAT A RELIEF! The boys grinded out a tough victory in the hot sun. It may not have been the prettiest or easiest path to punch a ticket into the postseason but we did it the Seamen Way, with guts, grit, and attitude!!!

This last weekend we hosted the Budapest Wolves from Hungary for our 2nd European Championship Game. We started fast, scoring on the 2nd play from scrimmage on a touchdown pass from American QB Garrett Safron to Filippo Fiammenghi. And it was all Seamen from there winning in the pouring rain 43-6. 

We punched our ticket into the European Championship Final Four! We are going to Poland to represent Italy and the IFL! What an amazing feeling. From losing 3 tough games to bouncing back and clinching a spot in the playoffs and the Final Four... I am not even sure to truly put into words how to describe what an amazing experience this is. I was told that it has been 10 years since an Italian team was last represented in the Final Four. As part of the coaching staff I can say that it has been amazing to see this group of guys rally together to finish what they started. When everyone in the league started to wonder if the Seamen would even make it into the postseason or not, we figured out a way to win and get it done. 

This team has grown so much over the last 5 weeks, and they are starting to hit their stride and are peaking at just the right time. Next week we travel to Bolzano to face the Giants in the last game of the regular season before preparing for the playoffs. 

I am proud to be apart of this program excited for the guys who worked their asses off to finish strong and put themselves in such an awesome position to make some noise and finish what we started. Looking forward to whats next in this adventure of American Football in Milano and seeing what this team can accomplish together!

Football in Milano Part 2: American Football: Milano Seamen

Photo Credit: Ugljevarevic Photography

Part 2:

To say that this team is transforming is an understatement. After a slow start to the season, The #SeamenMilano have gone through some tough learning lessons with a young and explosive QB at the helm in Garrett Saffron and an emerging leader in HARD hitting SS David Guthrie. This past weekend we embarked on the long bus ride to Belgrade, Serbia for our first of 2 European Championship Qualifying matches, a bus ride that lasted 15 hours included with early morning wake up calls at the boarders to check passports. Once we arrived in Belgrade everyone looked like an excited dog that has been in a cage all day and finally gets to run around. And we all needed to stretch our legs and get out of that darn bus!

The European Championship is open to the IFL and all other league Champions and Runner Ups, they have the option to play in the European Championship or not. The Seamen after winning the Italian Football League Super Bowl in 2015 wanted to test themselves in the Euro League as they had before, and felt good about their chances this year. We were facing the SBB Vukovi Beograd who have made the Final Four the last 2 seasons. The Final Four this year is in Stockholm, Sweden. 

We checked into the Prestige Hotel which conveniently was located next to the stadium, the Seamen took over flying the Italian Flag and Seamen flag on the balcony out front letting everyone know that the Seamen have arrived! After everyone got refreashed and had some lunch a group of us headed to the city center to explore the beautiful city of Belgrade. We had a lot of fun taking pictures, picking up souvenirs, and exploring. This was a great time for the team to bond together and have a little fun. 

After film, dinner, and a short walk through I had the chance to hang out what the team without many distractions. It was interesting and fun to talk with some of the team leaders about the focus, determination, and legacy the 2016 team wanted to leave. The team was locked in and they wanted to make a statement after a slow start to the season.

The next day was hot, but the feeling of the team was ELECTRIC! It was game day and a chance for the Seamen to ball out! And ball out they did scoring 50 points in a great offensive showing, while also accruing 3 turnovers, including one takeaway returned for a touchdown by American Safety David Guthrie. The final score was 50-34 Seamen came out victorious. The Belgrade team was a strong team with a lot of talent and a very disciplined and well coached team, but the day was won by this group of guys who are so motivated and determined to make a statement about the sport here in Italy. I was also given the honor of leading the team onto the field and carrying the flag in! (pictured above)

I started this journey with the Milano Seamen in October of 2015 working out and coaching the guys. And after this long weekend with the guys away from Italy, spending a lot of time on the bus cooped up, I learned a lot about this group. These guys are true ambassadors of the sport of football in Italy. Seeing the way they sing on the bus, and live with passion and pride make me proud to be a part of this team. I truly believe in the power of sport and how it forms bonds, and teaches so many life lessons. From learning how to lead, how to follow, how to overcome challenges, and how not to be complacent when you are winning. For me personally I continue to learn a lot about the Italian culture this group of guys and appreciate how they help me with the language and teach me. 

Coming up this weekend is another big game as it is Derby week against our cross town rivals the Milano Rhinos who enter the game undefeated and the league leaders in the North Division. For all my friends in Milano please come out and support us this week at Arena Civica! Game time is 6 pm!

#ForzaSeamen #SeamenMilano #AmericanFootball #IFL #EuropeanChampionship #Italia #Milano