Federico Fiorentini is a Global Business Development & Fractional COO specializing in IoT and franchising. He is recognized as a top influencer, educator, and a leading voice in the domains of retail, startups, and international growth. With experience across 63+ countries, he brings a wealth of strategic and operational expertise to the table.
If your business could have a mascot, what would it be and why?
If my business approach could have a mascot, it would be a globe combined with a compass.
Here’s why:
The Globe: Represents my extensive international experience and global network, spanning 62 countries. It symbolizes my ability to navigate diverse markets and connect businesses across borders.
The Compass: Reflects my strategic guidance and direction. Just as a compass provides reliable orientation, I provide clear and actionable strategies to help businesses achieve their goals, particularly in areas like franchise development and international expansion.
The combination of the globe and compass visually represents my core value proposition: providing businesses with the global vision and strategic direction needed to achieve sustainable success.
What strategies do you employ to maintain a healthy work-life balance while running your own business?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance while running my own business is crucial for sustained success and well-being. My strategies involve a combination of structured planning, delegation, and prioritizing personal time. I run each day for kilometers…
When faced with unexpected detours on your business path, how do you pivot with grace and resilience, showing fellow women entrepreneurs the way forward?
As an entrepreneur and business leader for over 40 years, I’ve learned that unexpected detours are inevitable. The key is to navigate them with a blend of strategic thinking, adaptability, and resilience, and to share those lessons learned with others.
How do you measure the success of your business beyond financial metrics, such as customer satisfaction or community engagement?
While financial metrics are essential, my approach to business success goes further, encompassing:
- Customer Satisfaction: I prioritize creating positive customer journeys and experiences to foster loyalty.
- Brand Strength and Reputation: My brand building and marketing strategies aim to establish a strong and trusted brand presence.
- Franchisee Success: As a franchise expert, I measure success by the profitability and growth of my franchisee partners.
- Community Impact: I believe in ethical business practices and contributing positively to the communities served.
These elements, combined, drive long-term, sustainable growth.
Can you share a memorable moment where you witnessed significant growth or transformation in your business, illustrating the impact of your services/products?
My expertise encompasses comprehensive franchise development, having guided over 30 franchisors from initial concept to successful outlet openings. This is supported by a proven track record of rapid retail expansion, including the successful launch of 80 discount stores (1,000 sq m each) in 18 months and 100 pizzerias in Japan within 7 months. This work involves extensive mentorship, covering both the technical aspects of franchising and retail and the development of essential leadership skills.
What role do you believe mentorship plays in the success of small businesses, and how have mentors influenced your own entrepreneurial journey?
I believe mentorship is absolutely pivotal to the success of small businesses, especially in the challenging landscape of retail and franchising. Small business owners often face a steep learning curve, limited resources, and intense competition. A good mentor can provide invaluable guidance, helping them avoid costly mistakes, navigate complex issues, and accelerate their growth.
What’s your work all about, and how does it make a difference in the world?
By helping businesses expand and create new ventures, I contribute to economic growth and job creation.
My role as a University Master 1 Level Professor at LUMSA University and collaborations with Uniexport and IFOA allowed me to share expertise in Franchising & Internationalization with aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders.
