Candi is an award-winning Nanny who is half-British and half-Italian; her Mum is British, and her Dad is Italian. She grew up in Italy and Turkey and then moved to the UK to train as an N.N.E.B. Nanny at 18. Her career has seen her travel the globe multiple times, looking after children of all ages and nationalities. Candi now lives and works in California with her husband.
What were your initial years of growing up like?
I am one of three; I have an older sister and a younger brother, who are also entrepreneurs. Growing up as a close-knit family, we moved around a lot due to my Dad’s job, which taught us resilience and independence. We spoke English and Italian, and living in various countries meant I was always the “odd one out” — never quite fitting in anywhere. This helped me develop a strong sense of self and the ability to adapt to different environments.
We Zoom weekly, no matter where we are in the world.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business/initiative?
Nannying is not seen as a career or a “real” profession; I often hear people question its importance. But I believe that nannying is one of the most meaningful jobs there is, as we mold young minds. Motivated by the good that nannies can do, I started The Experienced Nanny to empower and support nannies with the tools they need to excel at their jobs.
Tell us something about your initiative or current role.
At The Experienced Nanny, I aim to empower nannies by providing them with the resources they need to thrive. I created The Nanny Society, a membership offering masterclasses, articles, downloadable materials, infographics, spreadsheets, courses, job opportunities, and more. I also organize live events where I share my expertise on topics like ROTA, Travel, Head Nannies, and Homeschool teachers. My goal is to support nannies, share my experiences, and empower them not to make the same mistakes I did.
Notable achievements or accomplishments?
In 1992, I won The Student of the Year Award from my nanny college, Eastbourne College of Arts and Technology, and in 2017, I was honored with the Nanny of the Year Award from the International Nanny Association. These achievements, along with my work with top 1% of the population, have allowed me to learn a great deal and grow as a professional.
What change would you like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
I would love to see more compassion, empathy, and love in how humans treat each other. The world needs peace and unity; we should embrace our differences rather than fight them. As nannies, we are in a unique position to teach these values to children.
Thoughts on women leadership today?
With the potential for a female U.S. president in the near future, more women need to strive for leadership roles. Leadership is not just about titles like CEO or President; it can be as simple as helping others in your community or ecosystem. Women are powerful, just as much as men, and we should push ourselves to become leaders in our respective fields.
Advice for young leaders/audience?
Never give up on your dreams. The path may not always be easy, but how we respond to adversity shapes who we become. Find your support network, even when you feel alone, and remember that someone is always fighting in your corner. Keep dreaming and do good in this world!
