Federica empowers and inspires with positivity

A conversation with Federica Colombo is a whirlwind of pure positivity. Her energy, enthusiasm and smile are contagious. They are superpowers she brings to her job as Team Lead at DLL Italy. “DLL has been my companion for the last 13 years of my life,” says Federica. “A friend who has taken me by the hand and helped me grow step-by-step.”

Leading Sales Support

Federica joined DLL’s Sales Support team in 2012, shortly after earning her Master’s Degree in Language, Culture & International Cooperation at the University of Milan. In 2019, she began a career advancement path from coordinator to various team leadership roles.

In January 2024, she became the Team Lead in Italy for DLL's cross-sector group that combines technology, workplace and healthcare financing solutions. This group leverages expertise and synergies in these areas to serve diverse customer asset financing needs.

“DLL’s a good company”

Today, Federica leads a team of 12: two interns and 10 sales support professionals. They provide operational support such as preparing contracts, ensuring compliance, analyzing data and streamlining processes for DLL’s cross-sector vertical commercial team.

“If we do our work well, customers say ‘DLL’s a good company!’” says Federica. Her job is to guide the team, set and track team and individual goals, support team members and partners in complex situations and continuously improve processes.

Good communication and solutions with a smile

Optimism is central to Frederica’s leadership. “Positivity is my superpower,” she says. “When things go well, great! When anything goes wrong, my mind goes straight to solutions and finding them with a smile. A big part of being effective is being positive together.”

Federica is also a firm believer in the power of good communication. “Our team meets twice a week. It keeps us connected and keeps morale strong. Things work best when people are informed and engaged.”

Training that shapes you as a leader

For Federica, the growth opportunities at DLL are core strengths and benefits. Most recently, she participated in the DLL Management Acceleration Program.

“The program offers many practical situational tools,” says Federica, “such as analyzing when to get involved with a team member and when to give them room to solve things on their own. These shape you as a leader, and they are so empowering. You can apply them right away to help the team members develop and to help the team achieve their goals.”

The training includes two days onsite at DLL’s Eindhoven Headquarters. “I met young leaders from around the company,” says Federica. “Lots of new people and perspectives. It’s great!”

Leading a diverse team

As mentioned, Federica has a Master’s Degree in Language, Culture & International Cooperation. That background serves her well in her current role.

“We have a fantastic team with wonderful people,” says Federica. “And very diverse! We’re all Italian citizens, but there’s one person from Tunisia, one from South America and we recently had an intern from Asia. We’re from different cultural and educational backgrounds, ages, genders and family situations. But we are a team, one single team!”

Enjoying work-life balance

The team diversity is very much in line with DLL’s goal to foster an inclusive culture that welcomes differing ideas and opinions. So is the work-life balance that Federica enjoys.

“I really started to grow at DLL after my maternity leave,” says Federica. “It helped me put things into perspective and find the balance between my work and our family with two children. The DLL environment and the way it’s organized made this possible.”

Federica doesn’t take any of this for granted. “I think it’s so important,” she says. “We still have some way to go as women and mothers in Italy, so I’m really grateful.”

Unleashing potential and a Black Belt in Pizza Making

For Federica, DLL is a supportive employer where she can be herself, express her ideas and engage with knowledgeable people who help her grow. “The Federica of today is a better Federica than 12 years ago,” she says. “I have the opportunity to unleash my potential!”

But with all of the talk of leadership and professional development, does she actually have time for herself? Of course, Federica has a positive answer!

“I’m a keen reader. I’m training for the Eindhoven marathon. And I love to cook. I have a Black Belt in Pizza Making! We spend Saturdays cooking together and every pizza is a feast!”