Q&A with QIC's new New York-based Infrastructure Director

QIC is on the path of global strategic expansion which will see the firm's footprint grow further beyond Australia and into other markets. Visiting QIC's headquarters a few months ago, I was struck by the sheer excitement and collective drive towards the success of this initiative from the CEO down. There is no copy-paste approach to a successful international strategy in our business; this role represents a unique opportunity to help to influence the game plan of an already successful franchise at a critical milestone, in a thriving and supportive environment for professional growth.

Having embarked in an international career at an early stage, I feel privileged to have worked in a multicultural environment all my life. In the context of a role that involves responsibilities across geographies and managing a diverse stakeholder composition, the ability to communicate effectively across cultures becomes an absolute must. This is necessary but not sufficient; it goes hand-in-hand with on-the-job experience that one develops over the course of his/her professional career. In my case, this included establishing joint-ventures with international partners, setting up offices in several countries and, more recently, contributing to a spinout operation that created an independent asset management firm supported by international investor capital.

Hard to remember all the good pieces of advice...especially the ones I didn't take! One that stuck throughout the years is probably the ability to think of a career as a series of experiences. The idea is that the experiences you have expand your world views, give you new perspectives and make you a more well-rounded individual. In other words, don't settle for your comfort zone; you need to be a lifelong learner if you want to make an impact, succeed and feel accomplished. As Mahatma Gandhi said: "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."

I don't think that a pure form of either stereotype can function properly in a society. I'd like to consider myself an ambivert, displaying personality traits from both camps in equal balance, with a tendency to avoid the extreme sides of the spectrum. So while it's reinvigorating for me to spend time with other people, seeking novelty and adventure, I cherish being alone with my thoughts. From a professional perspective, I'd like to think of the ambivert personality as assertive and enthusiastic enough to close a deal but, at the same time, [able to] listen carefully to clients/co-workers and avoid being overly confident.

During my third year of college I spent six months in Buenos Aires, Argentina interning in the corporate finance department of Kleinwort Benson - one of the oldest British merchant banks. The team was advising the Argentine government in one of the earlier electric utility privations in Latin America and we found ourselves breaking new ground during the process. This experience got me convinced that I wanted to pursue a career in international finance and my mentor then is now a good friend and one of the professionals I most admire to this date.

A passion for diving motivated me to become a PADI Divemaster, with a stint as diving instructor in Mexico and a genuine concern for conservation of the underwater world. Diving the Great Barrier Reef with my son and daughter - who are both advanced divers - would be the experience of a life time. Also, since we live in a trilingual household (Italian - Spanish - English), it's important for us to keep up the languages we know and master new ones. I am fluent in four European languages and studying Portuguese in my spare time.

Over the years I've taken an interest in various causes and met wonderful people who have allowed me and my family to contribute and volunteer. The most relevant initiatives include:

• Blue Sphere Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the support and production of artistic projects that raise awareness, foster education, and inspire action to address pressing conservation issues in the global marine environment.
• AMK Microfinance Institution, one of Cambodia's leading Microfinance Institutions (MFI) that seeks to improve people's lives by giving them the opportunity to diversify their livelihood options
• Glasswing International, an independent, non-profit organization based in El Salvador with the aim to transform communities in Central America by leveraging and mobilizing human, financial, and material resources from companies, government, and beneficiaries.
• Don Bosco Community Center - Port Chester, which offers multi-lingual youth and adult social/support services to the local community without regard to sex, race, and religion.