Elisabetta Torretti is an Account Executive at Avora, a next-generation data intelligence solution delivering cost-effective, machine learning powered, Business Intelligence as a Service.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
My background is pretty broad. I’m originally from a little town in Italy. Let’s say I never fitted into society’s conventional boxes and I left my hometown when I was 19.
I completed my studies with a double master in Law and International Management, worked in different roles and different industries, including eCommerce, Travel & Leisure, Fintech and Retail and lived in three countries, Italy, Spain and the UK.
I have recently moved to London and joined the Avora team as an Account Executive. I am beyond excited about this new opportunity and at the moment I am aiming to connect and build a community with women in tech in London.
2) What does a typical day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
During my typical week, I wake up at 6 am, gym at 6:30 am for 1 hour, I start work at 9 am till 6ish pm. After that, I usually spend the rest of the day working on some personal projects.
I’m also working on a business on the side during my spare time. I want to do more during my free time and I want to dedicate all my energies to something meaningful, something that gives me those butterflies in my stomach. I’m currently working on this new project and I am aiming to launch it very soon.
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
My current role is mainly London based, most of my time is spent at the office and at events and expos.
My company also gives me the flexibility to spend some time in Italy where my family is based. I truly value this flexibility as allows me to be close to my family even though we live in different countries.
I have been working remotely for the past 2 years and I do think the future is remote. Of course, not everybody is able to work like that, some people require more guidance and direction, however, I do believe in working remotely, which most of the time gives you a better work-life balance and that in turn makes you more productive.
4) Do you have any tips, tricks or shortcuts to help you manage your workload and schedule?
Most of the times I give myself a to-do list for the day. This helps me organize my workload. I also make sure I work out every day, which helps me be more mentally focused and active.
5) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
A good work-life balance for me means not looking forward to the weekend as the only time of the week where I am truly happy and not hating Mondays.
I want to love my Mondays, I want to be able to love what I do, I want to be excited to go to work and to do something I love. I want to be dedicated to my work, but at the same time not overwork myself.
I want to have a life outside work: spend time with my family, friends, exercise, eat healthily and travel. This allows me to be more focused and efficient during the 8 hours I spend at the office.
6) What do you think are some of the best habits you’ve developed over the years to help you strive for success and balance?
I would say working out has helped me a lot. I exercise a minimum of 5 times per week and I am very dedicated. Being healthy in general, eating healthy, having a positive relationship with your body, all of this for me is the base for a balanced life.
I would also say networking and traveling. Mainly meeting people from different cultures/ethnicities, with different backgrounds, I think it’s so enriching and it can teach you a lot. In the past years, I have surrounded myself with people from many different countries and I just love it. I have learned so much and it has completely changed my mindset.
7) Are there any books that have helped you improve over the years?
Probably 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People. It’s a very famous book and I love it. It has helped me in both my personal and work life.
Another book I recently read is Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life. Ikigai is a Japanese word, it means “a reason to live” or “a reason to jump out of bed in the morning”. It explains how everybody has a reason to live and to be special in life, we just have to find our own Ikigai.
8) What is the number one thing you do to make sure you get the most out of your day?
I make sure I do not waste my time. I always try my best to be super-efficient. Time is extremely precious and I work towards making the most out of my day.
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
I personally make sure I don’t live a boring life. I always aim to do what I love and not just work in a job that pays my bills. I really try to make the most out of my life. We all have one life and I don’t want to live with any regrets.
If you found the above conversation helpful and inspiring, be sure to check out Balance the Grind’s guide to achieving a healthy work-life balance.
