MIMMO ZAPPI CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER RETELIT
Shaping the Future with Vision and Trust
Leadershipinthecommercialworldisnolongerdefinedbynumbersalone.Itis
measuredbyvision,theabilitytoinspire,andthecouragetoleadtransformation acrossindustries,cultures,andtechnologies.Aswemovedeeperintoadigitally drivenandgloballyconnectedeconomy,commercialleadersareexpectedtobemorethan justrevenuedrivers—theymustbeinnovators,collaborators,andtrustedstewardsof long-termvalue.
Inthisexclusivefeature,weareproudtospotlightMimmoZappias The Most Influential Commercial Leader to Follow in 2025.Hisstoryisnotsimplyoneofcareer progression—it’samasterclassinhowpurpose,trust,andtechnologycancometogether todrivemeaningfulimpact.
Withoverthreedecadesofglobalexperience,Mimmohasconsistentlydemonstratedhow ICT(InformationandCommunicationTechnology)canserveasbothanenginefor businessinnovationandaplatformfortrust-building.Hisleadershipreflectsarareblend ofcommercialsharpnessandhumanunderstanding—anabilitytoconnectstrategywith empathy,andinnovationwithrelevance.Whethernavigatingdigitaltransformationsor forginglastingpartnershipsacrossmarkets,Mimmoleadswithclarityandconviction.
Hisphilosophyisdeeplyrootedincollaborationandempowerment.Hedoesn’tjustlead teams—hecultivatesecosystems.Byaligningpurposewithperformance,andfostering environmentswherepeopleareempoweredtogrow,Mimmohasredefinedwhatitmeans tobeacommercialleaderintoday’sevolvingworld.
Thisfeatureexploresmorethanjustachievements—itdivesintothemindsetand methodologyofaleaderwhoseesthefuturenotassomethingtopredict,butassomething tobuild—withintegrity,inclusion,andintention.
Atatimewhenindustriesareseekinggroundedyetfuture-focusedleadership,Mimmo Zappistandsoutasaguidingforce.Hisjourney,insights,andinfluencemakehimnot onlyaleaderworthfollowingbutachangemakershapingthecommerciallandscapefor yearstocome.
Weinviteyoutoreadhisstory,reflectonthevalueshechampions,anddiscoverwhy MimmoZappiisanametheglobalbusinessworldwillbehearingmoreofin2025and beyond.
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Mimmo Zappi: Shaping the Future of ICT with Technology and Trust
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Resilient Leadership: Standing Tall When It Matters Most
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The Mentor’s Mindset: Growing Leaders from Within
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F E A T U R I N G
MIMMO
Shaping the Future of ICT with Technology and Trust
As Chief Commercial O cer, Mimmo is leading the charge in positioning the company as the infrastructure partner of choice for digital transformation across Enterprises, Government, Telco Operators, and OTTs
Mimmo Zappi
Chief Commercial Officer
Retelit
Aleadershapedthroughexperience,resilience,anda passion for innovation, Mimmo Zappi applies a dynamic and people-centric approach in his role as ChiefCommercialOfficeratRetelit Withastronglovefor soccer, technology, adventure, and travel, his personal journey has profoundly influenced his leadership style; one built on adaptability, perseverance, and a strong sense of purpose.
Mimmo’s career is an evidence of implementation. From navigatingchallengestodrivingsuccess,heunderstandsthat the key to progressing lies in fostering trust, collaboration, and a clear vision. The most defining moment of his career came during the COVID-19 crisis, when, as a Country Manager, he led his team 24/7, swiftly developing a global framework that guaranteed business continuity while prioritizingthewell-beingofemployeesandtheirfamilies.
A life changing experience came along when he and his familydecidedtoadopta5-yearolddaughterfromVietnam. This moment reshaped his perspective about values of resilience, empathy, and responsibility which now guide his professionalandpersonallife
WithafirmbeliefinHeraclitus’wisdom“theonlyconstantin life is change"—Mimmo continues to lead with passion and agility,ensuringthattransformationisnotjustmanaged,but embraced, to drive meaningful success for colleagues, partners,andclientsalike.
AVisionaryLeaderDrivingInnovation
BorninRomeandraisedinTrieste,Mimmogrewupunderthe influence of Austro-Hungarian culture, organization, and discipline—acontrasttotherichdiversityofSicily,hiswife’s homeland.HoldingadegreeinPoliticalScience,hehasbuilt an impressive career in the telecommunications industry, where his passion for innovation, technology, and transformationhasbeenaconstantdrivingforce.
CurrentlyservingasChiefCommercialOfficeratRetelit,one ofItaly’slargestB2Btelecommunicationsproviders,Mimmo bringsextensiveexperiencefromhistimeatColtTechnology Services.There,heheldvariousleadershippositionsinItaly and globally, including Global Sales Vice President for the Enterprisemarket,overseeingdirectandindirectsalesteams across multiple cultures and regions. He also spent seven years as Country Manager of Colt Italy and previously worked at Telecom Italia and the National Economic & LabourCouncil(CNEL).Hisindustryengagementextendsto hisroleasaformerGeneralCouncilmemberofAsstel,Italy’s telecomtradeassociation.
From an early age, I demonstrated an innate curiosity for technology continuously experimenting with electronic circuits, dismantling and reassembling toys, often achieving either groundbreaking results or household disasters
This lifelong passion for discovery and innovation naturally led me to a career in telecommunications, an industry built on transformation and progress.
“From an early age, I demonstrated an innate curiosity for technology continuously experimenting with electronic circuits, dismantling and reassembling toys, often achieving either groundbreaking results or household disasters. This lifelong passion for discovery and innovation naturally led me to a career in telecommunications, an industry built on transformationandprogress.”saysMimmo.
Beyond his professional life, Mimmo is deeply passionate about soccer, cutting-edge technology, mountain climbing, and traveling with his family Adefining personal milestone cameinDecember2022,whenheandhiswifeadoptedafiveyear-olddaughterfromVietnam—alife-changingexperience that reinforced his belief in resilience, inclusion, and the powerofhumanconnection.
Mimmocreditshisparentsashisfirstrolemodels,instillingin himvaluesofintegrity,inclusion,discipline,andhardwork. “Throughout my career, I have been guided by mentors who have helped me balance humility and ambition, understand when to adapt versus when to drive change, and develop a vision that inspires and engages others.” says Mimmo. His commitment to CSR initiatives has further strengthened his leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of credibility,vision,andapeople-firstapproach.
Throughout my career, I have been guided by mentors who have helped me balance humility and ambition, understand when to adapt versus when to drive change, and develop a vision that inspires and engages others
As a leader, Mimmo Zappi’s journey is a testament to innovation, adaptability, and purpose, shaping not just his careerbutalsothewayheinspiresteams,partners,andclients inanever-evolvingindustry
Leadership Through Trust, Transparency, and Transformation
“Be transparent, be approachable, be reliable, that’s my take on leadership I believe in fostering a safe and open environment where people feel empowered to express themselves and take risks is the foundation for collaboration,innovation,andsuccess.”hesays
When he joined Retelit, Mimmo dedicated his first three months to truly understanding the organization, conducting 141one-on-onemeetingstolisten,askquestions,andgather ideasonhowtoimproveteamwork,speedupinnovation,and enhance productivity One of his first initiatives was the introduction of an internal newsletter, ensuring that communication across the company remained open, candid, and transparent, keeping everyone aligned with leadership decisionsandcompanyprogress.
His approach extends beyond internal teams to clients and partners,reinforcingtrustandauthenticity Arecentvoicemail from a customer captured this perfectly: “I need to take an important business decision. I need to speak with someone I trust. Could you please call me back ASAP?” This moment validated his belief that true leadership is about building credibility through expertise, objectivity, and a commitment tosharingknowledgeandindustrybestpractices.
LeadingThroughChangewithIntegrity
Mimmo firmly believes that leaders cannot drive change withoutfirstlisteningandconnectingwithpeople.“Changeis often met with resistance, not necessarily because it is the wrong decision, but because people may not understand why it is necessary For transformation to be successful, leaders must ensure that their actions align with their words, as trust isquicklylostwhenwordsandactionsdon’tmatch.”hesays
Reflecting on the journey, Mimmo paraphrases Frank Sinatra’s famous words: “I did it my way.” “My career is being shaped by strong role models and impactful leaders, and I focused on both challenges and triumphs. One of my proudest moments came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when, as Country Manager, I worked 24/7 with my team to rapidly design and implement a global business continuity framework—ensuring operations continued smoothly while prioritizing the well-being of employees and their families.” In a time of crisis, he and his team delivered success with speed and care, despite Italy being the first major European countryhitbythepandemicandforcedintolockdown.
Beyond crisis management, Mimmo takes pride in his track record of business transformation, delivering results, and mentoring future leaders. He believes that people are the greatestcompetitiveadvantage,asentimentechoedbymany of his clients. As he looks ahead, he remains committed to addingnew,meaningfulexperiencestohiscareer,continuing toinspire,lead,anddrivepositivechangesintheindustry
ApproachinaFast-ChangingMarket
For Mimmo Zappi, success in business boils down to one fundamentaltruth:"Peoplebuyfrompeople."
This mindset underscores the critical importance of soft skills—nowmorethanever Inaneraofgrowingcomplexity, theabilitytogenerateempathy,activelylisten,andbuildtrust has become just as vital as technical expertise. Mimmo has always prioritized building diverse leadership teams, ensuringthatwhileeveryonebringsauniqueleadershipstyle andperspective,theyareunitedbysharedvalues,principles, andacommitmenttosuccess.
NavigatingMarketShiftswithAgility
Today the telecommunications industry advances at a rapid pace, which makes adaptability a business necessity. It is crucialtostayresponsivetomarketdynamics,beginningwith astrategicfocusontwokeyelements.First,thecompany
leveragescutting-edgetechnologyanddataanalyticstogain deep market insights, enabling informed decision-making and proactive adaptation to industry trends Second, prioritizingactiveengagementwithcustomers,analysts,and industry experts, fostering a culture of continuous learning and anticipation of emerging needs. By integrating these approaches, Mimmo strengthens its position as an agile and forward-thinkingindustryleader.
Aprime example of this approach was his strategy for SDWAN adoption. By engaging with industry analysts and conducting customer workshops, Mimmo and his team quickly reshaped Retelit’s offering, effectively offsetting revenue declines in legacy connectivity. This success came from a blend of technology adoption, strategic marketing, business analysis, upskilling, and solution-based selling —demonstratingthatagilityandresponsivenessareessential forstayingcompetitive.
Driving Digital Transformation with Vision, Innovation, andAIIntegration
AsChiefCommercialOfficer,Mimmoisleadingthechargein positioning the company as the infrastructure partner of choice for digital transformation across Enterprises, Government,TelcoOperators,andOTTs.Withastrongfocus onconnectivity,cloud,datacenterandcybersecurity,Retelit is building the foundation for customers to accelerate their businessthroughcutting-edgetechnologyadoption.
He recognizes thatAI is reshaping industries, particularlyin processautomation,data-drivendecision-making,predictive
analytics,and personalizedcustomerexperiences.However, the greatest challenge lies in seamlessly integrating AI into existing processes and systems Success requires a collaborative approach, bringing together product teams, IT analysts, and project managers to refine solutions and align them with market needs. Strategic planning, stakeholder involvement, and continuous upskilling play a vital role in thistransformation.
AClearVisioninaTimeofChange
Mimmo firmly believes in Heraclitus’ wisdom: “The only constant in life is change.” When he joined Retelit, his first mission was to redefine the company’s strategy and vision —uniting the team under a common goal and connecting them by the same principles, values and commitment to deliversuccess.
Having strong financial backing from Asterion Industrial Partners a leading Spanish Infrastructure Investment Fund further empowers Retelit’s mission With their commitment to both financial returns and industrial development, Retelit is well-positioned to drive innovation, create long-term value for clients, and contribute to local economicgrowth.
Through vision, adaptability, and technology-driven transformation, Mimmo Zappi continues to lead Retelit towards becoming an industry frontrunner, ensuring customersstayaheadinanever-evolvingdigitallandscape.
TheFutureofCollaboration&DigitalTransformation
“Technology is reshaping how businesses operate—from hyper-connected data centers to next-generation networks and integrated cloud platforms. Cybersecurity remains a critical priority, ensuring that as digital transformation accelerates, businesses, governments, and communities can operatesecurelyandefficiently.”saysMimmo.
Withvision,adaptability,andarelentlessfocusoninnovation, Mimmo Zappi continues to guide Retelit toward being a leader in digital infrastructure, performing the future of data centers,connectivity,security,andsustainabletechnology
Resilient Leadership
Standing Tall When It Matters Most
Leadershipismostoftenassociatedwithvision,strategy,and
innovation.Butthesethings,vitalthoughtheyare,never enterourheadsinacrisis.Whentheunforeseenhappens, whenplansdisintegrate,andwhenfearisuponus,whatdistinguishes aleaderfromtherestishisorherresilience—thecapacitytostay strong,firm,andsolidwhenallaroundhimorhermeltsintochaos.
Resilientleadershipisnotbeingtheanswerman.It'sbeingcalm, present,andclearwhenitmatters.It'sstandingyourground,notwith strength,butwithbelief.Amidstadversity,resilientleaders emerge—notbecausethey'rebulletproof,butbecausetheyknowhow torise.
ResilienceisBuilt,NotBorn
Resilienceisnotatraitforexceptionalpeople.Itisanacquired skill—asetofmindset,emotionalcompetence,andpracticed behaviorsthatenableleaderstomanagestress,pressure,and uncertainty
Leadersdevelopresiliencethroughexperience.Everyfailure, setback,andobstacleisalearningopportunity.Withtime,effective leadersareabletoturnadversityaround,manageemotional responses,andmakewisedecisionsunderpressure.Theydiscover howtobendwithoutbreaking,yieldingtochangewithout compromisingonvalues.
Interestingly,resilienceisn'tstoicismorsuppressionoffeeling.Itis grapplingwithadversitywithcourage,acknowledgingdifficulty withoutyieldingtoit,andneverthelessmovingforwardwithpurpose.
TheAnchorinUncertainty
Duringtimesofcrisis—eitherinternalorexternal—humans instinctivelylooktotheirleadersforguidance.Thetone-setting energyisaleader'senergy.Theirvoicecancalmorconfuse.Their stancecanreassureoralarm.Leadershippresence,then,ismore importantthaneverduringcrisis.
Resilientleadersareanchors.Theygroundteamsinreality andconnectedtohope.Theyspeaktruthfullyandoften, evenifanswersarenotyetforthcoming.Theyguide withoutpretendingtobeincharge.Andtheyare present—notjustinmeetings,butemotionallytherewith theirpeople.
Thissortofpresencegivesconfidence.Itremindspeople thattheydon'thavetobealone.Itestablishescontinuityin themiddleofdisruption.That'sthesubtlestrengthof resilience:itenablesleaderstoanchorcultureaheadof strategy
TheBalanceofStrengthandEmpathy
Resilientleadershipcallsforadelicatebalancebetween toughnessandempathy Toomuchofone,withoutthe other,isimbalance:toomuchtoughnessandtheleaderis unreachable;toomuchempathywithnodirectioncreates confusion.
Leaderswhowalkbothlinesinbalanceearntrust.They recognizefeelingsandhistorywiththeirteams,butcharta clearpathforward.Theydonotsugarcoatthetruth,butthey putitintopurposeandagency.
Inpractice,itmightentailidentifyingtheexpenseofa difficultdecisionandreaffirmingtheorganization'spurpose atthesametime.Itmeanscheckingin,notjuston performancebutonwell-being.Itmeansrecognizingthat empathyisnotweakness—actually,it'samultiplierof resilienceacrosstheteam.
ModelingResilienceforOthers
Resilientleadersdonotjustrideoutthetoughtimes—they createarippleeffect.Theyradiatecopingmechanisms, adaptivemindset,andemotionalregulationthatothers emulate.
Whetherbyexposingtheirownshortcomingsorbyalways displayingcalmdemeanorwhenunderpressure,these leadersfosteranenvironmentthathonorsdetermination overperfection.Theyprovideanatmosphereinwhichother peoplefeelitisokaytoexpressanidea,try,fail,andthen learn.
Thismodelingisespeciallyvitalinhybridandvirtual environments,whereburnoutandisolationareveryreal dangers.Resilientleadersaretaughthowtoconstruct bridges,fosterasenseofsharedpurpose,andensuremorale doesn'tslowlydrainawaybelowthesurface.
Long-TermVisioninShort-TermChaos
Oneofthecharacteristicsofresilientleadershipisbeing abletoseethelongerpicture,evenduringperiodsofshorttermchaos.Whencatastrophehits,thetemptationisto becomereactive,toworryonlyaboutdamagecontrol.But resilientleadersretaintheircomposure.Theyunderstand thatdecisionsmadeunderextremepressurestillhaveto reflectoncorevaluesandstrategicintent.
Theyalsounderstandthatcrisisoftenleadstothe possibility.Resilientleadersarenotriskblind,butrisk aware.Theylookforlessons,rethinkmodels,andinnovate inrestriction.Theyleadtheirorganizationsnotonly throughcrisis—butthroughrenewal.
Byanchoringtheirvisioninpurpose,theseleadersbring eventhedarkestmomentstotheframeworkofalarger storyoftransformationandgrowth.
TheHumanSideofResilience
Probablymostessential,effectiveleadersunderstandthat resilienceiscollective.Nosingleleadercandoitalone. Theyconstructsupportsystems,workwithconfidants,and encouragevulnerabilitywithintheirorganizations.
Theyalsoself-care.Theyknowthepriceofmanagingstress andleadershipstress—andmakerest,boundaries,and reflectionleadershiptools,notindulgences.
Byinvestinginthemselves,resilientleadersmaintainthe powertobepresenttoothers.Theyleadnotfromburnout, butfrombalance.
Conclusion:StandingTall,Together
Resilienceisnotinvincibility.It'sbeingresponsive,real, andresolute.It'sbeingabletostandtall—notaloneona pedestal—butwithyourpeople,yourvaluesintact,and yourvisionclear
Inanerawherecrisesarenolongersporadicbutendemic, resilientleadershipistheonlywaytothrive.Ittransmutes pressureintoclarity,disruptionintodirection,andfearinto focusedaction.
Andatthemomentsthatmattermost,itisresilience—not charismaorcredentials—whatseparatesaleaderwhoonly managesfromonewhotrulyleads. CIO
Growing Leaders from Within
Intoday'sfast-changingbusinessworld,organizationsnolonger
haveachoicebuttodependonexternalrecruitmenttobringin peopleofkeyleadershippositions.Thefutureisforthosewho developtalentinternally—whoidentifypotential,developitwith intent,anddrivegrowththatisstrategicandsustainable.Attheheartof thistransformationstandsacompellingleadershipphilosophy:the mentor'smindset.
Thisframeofmindgoesbeyondtraditionalmanagement.It'snotabout commanding,teaching,orassessing.Itisaboutleading,listening, empowering,andwalkingwithemergingleadersastheydefinetheir ownjourney.Greatleadersarenotsimplyvisionaries—theyare mentors.Andthosewhoembracethisframeofmindbuild organizationswhereleadershipcompounds,culturesrundeep,and performancetakesoff.
Mentorship:TheMultiplierofLeadership
Atitsessence,mentorshipisaconsciousactofinvestment—oftime, trust,andvision.It'sapromisetoassistothersintheirgrowth,notasa steppingstone,butsimplybecauseit'stherightthingtodoforthe individualandfortheorganization.
Mentorsdonottrytomakeclones;theytrytoenergizeauthenticity. Theyleadotherstofindtheirstrengths,refinetheirjudgment,andbuild theself-knowledgethatallowsthemtoleadwithintegrity Through doingso,theydonotmerelytransferknowledge—theytransfer confidence,resilience,andperspective.
Whenleadersadoptthemindsetofamentor,theycontributetothe constructionoffuture-capable,agile,andinclusiveleadershippipelines. Theyminimizeexternalrecruitmentreliance.Andtheyencouragea constantdevelopmentculture,notepisodic.
IdentifyingandDevelopingPotential
Thementor'sattitudestartswithawareness—notsimplyofexisting performance,butofunrealizedpotential.Exceptionalmentorslookpast thenumbers.Theynoticetheunobtrusivecontributor,theinquisitive questioner,therisingvoice.Theyunderstandthatleadershippotentialis oftenexpressedinmanyways:emotionalintelligence,flexibility, initiative,oragifttocommunicatewellamongpeople.
Oncepotentialisknown,thenmentorshipisacontinuousprocessof guidingwithoutdirecting.It'samatterofpowerfulquestioning,not easyanswering.It'saboutprovidingaframeworkforstretch assignments,offeringhonestfeedback,andcreatingapsychological safetynetforlearningandrisk-taking.
Thisstrategydoesnotjustempowertheindividual—thiscommunicates totherestoftheteamthatgrowthmatters,thatleaderspayattention, andthatpromotionisaccessiblefromwithin.
ShiftingfromAuthoritytoPartnership
Theoldmodelofleadershiptendedtoputleadersina distantrelationshipwiththeirteams,shroudedin expectationandauthority.Thementormindsetreversesthat dynamic.Itputstheleaderinadifferentplace,notasafaroffjudge,butasathinkingpartner,soundingboard,and champion.
Thisisatwo-wayrelationshipbasedonrespect.Asthe menteebenefitsfrominsightandadvice,thementor benefitsfromfreshvision,renewedpurpose,andemotional ownershipoftheorganization'sfuture.
It'salsoanexerciseinhumility.Mentorshipisn'taboutego; it'saboutlettingothersshine—evenexcel.Thebestmentors arenotthreatenedbyothers'success.They'remadebetter byit.
BuildingaCultureofMentorship
Formentorshiptothrive,itmustextendbeyondindividual relationshipsandbecomeembeddedinorganizational DNA.Companiesthatprioritizeinternalleadership developmentunderstandthatmentorshipisnot optional—it’sstrategic.
Suchorganizationsdesignformalandinformalmentorship programs,trainmanagerstomentoreffectively,andreward leadersnotjustfortheirresults,butforthetalentthey elevate.Theyprovidestructuresthatsupportknowledge transfer,cross-functionalexposure,andcareerpath visibility
Mostimportantly,theyalsodevelopmentoringatall levels—notonlytop-down.Peermentoring,reverse mentoring,andgroupmentoringstructuresbuildamultidimensionalcultureofgrowthwhereeveryoneisbotha teacherandastudent.
TheLong-TermPayoff
Thepaybackonmentoringisdeep.Menteeshavegreater clarity,confidence,andconnection.Mentorsbecomemore empathetic,influential,andleavealastinglegacy Organizationsreapimprovedretention,bettersuccession planning,andapipelineofleadersthatfittheirdistinct cultureandvalues.
Inaddition,mentoringreaffirmsbelonging.Itconveysthe messagethatindividualsareimportant—notforwhatthey do,butforwhotheycanbecome.Inaworldwhere meaning,purpose,andconnectionfuelemployee engagement,thatmessageiscarriedwithextraordinary power.
MentorshipintheHybridEra
Asvirtualandblendedworkspacesredefinecollaboration, thementalityofthementorbecomesincreasingly important.Withoutphysicalpresence,mentorshipoffers purposefulness.Itfillstheconnectiongapwithformative connectionandguaranteesthatdistancewillnotwater downdevelopment.
Virtualmentoringsessions,feedbackloops,and collaborativelearningenvironmentsguaranteethat mentorshipcangrowevenacrosstimezones.Buttherules staythesame:listendeeply,supportconsistently,andlead withhumanity
Conclusion:LeadershipThatLasts
Thementor'sphilosophyisnotmerelygrowing individuals—it'saboutbuildingthefutureofleadership itself.It'saboutbuildingcompaniesthatdon'tattracttalent, butgrowitfromtheinsideout.It'saboutleaderswho measuretheirsuccessnotbythenumberoffollowersthey have,butbythenumberofleadersthey'vegrown.
Inanever-acceleratingworld,themostenduring institutionswillbeledbypeoplewhocanstandbehind others—notpushthem,butelevatethem.
Becausethegreatestleaderisnotdefinedbywhatthey accomplish,butbyhowwelltheirpeoplearepositionedto succeed. CIO
