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Every career path is made up of challenges, personal growth, and new opportunities. It is in this spirit that the story of Francesca Pirito unfolds: a young colleague who after two years in Modecor’s customer service department, chose to embark on a new path by entering the world of export.
In this interview, she tells us about her journey- from her degree in languages to her firsthand experience in the family restaurant – the skills she brought with her from her first role, and what representing the company on international markets means to her today.
How did your experience in international Customer Service prepare you for the role of Export Manager? Have any aspects of your previous experience proved to be particularly valuable?
Working in Customer Service was the best training I could have had. It has allowed me to get to know the product ‘from the inside’ and to understand the operational dynamics behind every procedure. It has been strategic for me, as it has given me the opportunity to develop technical skills that are certainly commendable in communication and customer service. These past two years at Modecor have therefore given me the technical expertise necessary for my new role as Export Manager. Last but not least, my passion for our products gives me that extra drive that encourages me to do a better job every day.
On a personal level, how did you find the transition from an administrative role to a role with direct responsibility for business?
Initially, I was very apprehensive, as it seemed like a challenge too big for me. But it was precisely that fear that drove me to learn more. Through constant training, asking lots of questions and starting to travel to meet the customers, turned my uncertainty into confidence. Today I can say that I absolutely love what I do: business responsibility is no longer a source of fear, but the driving force that motivates me every day.
What opportunities do you see today in the markets you cover, and what in your opinion, makes them so interesting for our business?
I cover a wide range of geographical areas: from the Nordic countries and the UK, to Greece, Cyprus, Malta and more distant markets such as Asia, Canada, and South America. In the office, they jokingly call me ‘The Rest of the World Manager.’ The great opportunity lies precisely in this diversity: each market has untapped potential and requires a tailored approach. Seeing a Modecor product that ‘conquers’ a distant country is proof of our brand’s global strength.
What Key Skills must a Modecor export manager possess in order to operate effectively abroad?
Knowing languages is certainly an excellent starting point, as it broadens your horizons and gives you the chance to communicate with a wide range of people. But that alone is not enough. A degree gives you the tools, but the trade is learnt through experience, sometimes even by making mistakes: the important thing is to have the right attitude and a positive mindset to keep improving. In my view, you need to be able to read the person you are dealing with, understand the cultural codes and know how to put yourself on the same level as the other person. At Modecor, a particular sensitivity towards aesthetics and quality is necessary: we sell decorations that make our customers’ cakes unique, so a passion for detail is essential.
How important is it to build strong relationships with partners and clients? What is your approach to creating trust and long-term relationships?
Empathy is everything. My approach is based on active listening: I try to immediately understand the client’s underlying needs, which often go beyond simply supplying a product. Trust is built by demonstrating that you are a dependable partner, capable of solving problems and anticipating trends. It’s not just about sales; it’s about building a shared path.
How is the Modecor brand perceived by international customers? Are there differences between the various markets in terms of product range and proposals?
Modecor is recognized abroad as a creative and reliable quality brand, often seen as a true partner rather than simply a supplier. There are many differences between the various markets, but our range is so extensive that we can satisfy a vast variety of needs: from those where the demand for decorations is extremely rich, to those in which a more minimalist style prevails.
Which are Modecor’s bestsellers and which new products are in demand in the countries you cover?
Over the past few years, our Marketing and R&D departments have done an excellent job by introducing more innovation to the Modecor catalogue, managing to anticipate trends ahead of our competitors. Personally, I find this year’s most interesting new products to be the transfer sheets for baked goods: they have been received with great enthusiasm by my customers and I myself appreciate them immensely because they allow baked goods to be decorated in a simple yet striking way, meeting perfectly the demand for craftsmanship and originality coming from the international markets.