Author Archives: elenapianinz

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Reconnecting with our roots @Caradonna

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🌱 Finding time to reconnect with our roots is a powerful act.

I’m honoured to have taken part in the “Roots” project by Caradonna — an invitation to reflect, write, and express where we come from.

Last night, we gathered to read our personal poems, “I come from,” and to see ourselves through the lens of photographer Charlotte, who captured the layered depth of our stories with extraordinary sensitivity last April.

I’m grateful for the chance to share my poem and to have stood among such inspiring women. A huge thank you to Beth, Emily, and everyone who created this beautiful space of reflection and connection. I’m already looking forward to the next edition — where I’m sure new discoveries will unfold.

📸✨ Stories shape us. Roots ground us. Art connects us.

#RootsProject #CreativeWriting #WomenVoices #Community #Storytelling #PhotographyAndPoetry #Belonging #Icomefrom #Identity #ArtAndHealing #ThanksToCaradonna

“I come from” – Laboratorio Radici 14 April 2025 Elena Piani

I come from the Earth

where there is nothing yet everything is created.

I come from distant and near lands

I come from Mother Land.

I grew up on a sacred island between rivers and seas

I grew up among Roman ruins which offered me

adventure and the in-depth search for past life.

I discovered bones, shards, coins, multicolored glass and fragments of marble creating my mosaics and enriching my perspectives on life.

 

I come from the land of the long white cloud Aotearoa

Where land is pure with indigenous roots and powerful sounds

combined with the vocalizations of the Maori callings

to unite and nurture life force (Mana) and sense belonging (Whanau).

 

I come the land of Adam and from the world of travel

by foot, by Waka, by Roman ships, by ocean-going ships or by Boeing 767

where I smell dreams and kerosene in the skies and waters.

I crossed continents without borders

discovering the biodiversity of places and people

united by heart in a single space.

 

I come from a life of not belonging to anywhere,

but where Mother Nature has always nourished and protected me,

and enabled me to blossom through integrity, energy, and purpose.

 

(….)


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Beyond the Business Model Canvas: Designing for Regenerative Impact

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In today’s complex and fast-changing world, applying innovative and sustainable business modelling is no longer a niche — it’s a strategic imperative.

I’m excited to work with organizations ready to go beyond the traditional Business Model Canvas and embrace tools grounded in values, purpose, and systems thinking. This approach doesn’t just ask how your business creates value, but why, for whom, and at what cost or benefit to the world?

Together, we explore:
💡 Purpose-driven value propositions
🌍 Systemic and environmental impacts
🤝 Stakeholder engagement and long-term well-being
🌱 Regenerative strategies that align profit with positive societal transformation

I’m here to support organizations, teams, and leaders to map out their case for change, surface real challenges, and activate meaningful innovation rooted in sustainability and equity.

🔎 Is your business model future-ready? Let’s talk about how to evolve it — with purpose.

#SustainableBusiness #RegenerativeEconomy #BusinessModelInnovation #PurposeDrivenLeadership #SystemThinking #ESG #Transformation #ValuesDriven #InnerDevelopmentGoals #SustainabilityLeadership #InnovationForImpact #BeyondProfit


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Roundtable DE&I in a Changing Landscape in Findomestic

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Yesterday, I had the pleasure of joining an insightful event hosted by Simona Piva at Findomestic Banca, brilliantly moderated by Tiziano Colombi of Divercity Magazine, to reflect on the state of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) — especially in light of recent political pressures, including pushbacks like those emerging from the US post-Trump rhetoric.

What’s in a name? Some companies are rebranding DE&I efforts as simply “Inclusion” or “Belonging,” but the real conversation should be about values. We must reconnect with the deeper why behind our actions — are we truly building workplaces where everyone can thrive?

Key insights included:
🌱 The urgency for meaningful metrics that measure impact beyond surface compliance
💡 The strategic value of DE&I as a driver of inclusive innovation and sustainable business models
🌍 The reminder that diversity is universal — though not always visible — and fostering inclusion requires ongoing training, self-reflection, and a commitment to connect with self, society, and nature

🔍 What is the role of leaders in safeguarding and evolving the spirit of DE&I today — and tomorrow?

#DEI #Belonging #InclusionMatters #DiversityAndInclusion #ESG #Leadership #SustainableDevelopment #HumanCentered #InnerDevelopmentGoals #RegenerativeLeadership #InclusiveInnovation #FutureOfWork #EquityInAction


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Empowering Female Future Leaders for Sustainable Impact

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🌍 Empowering Female Future Leaders for Sustainable Impact.

Last week, in collaboration with Accent Global Learning Florence and the University of Minnesota, I had the pleasure of hosting a final presentation by the four incredible interns I’ve mentored and coached over the past three months. This blended internship — held both online and in person — culminated in a live event where they delivered a powerful session on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and its role in driving sustainable transformation.

As they arrived in Florence to conclude their experience, these four young women took the stage with confidence and purpose — showcasing both their academic depth and personal leadership:

🌱 Carly Killian presented on environmental sustainability, from climate risk to circular practices

🤝 Gina-Isabella Zedan led the conversation on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) and social justice

📊 Emily Petty explored non-financial disclosures and governance, including EU/US frameworks

📣 Mackenzie Barnes brought insight into marketing and communications for impact storytelling

In less than two hours, they shared:

✔️ Why engaging with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) matters

✔️ How the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) — 23 essential human skills — are crucial for transformation

✔️ How ESG can be a strategic lens to shape resilient, responsible business

The journey toward regeneration and equity is not always smooth — but these future changemakers are already showing what bold, informed leadership can look like.

👏 My heartfelt congratulations, and deep gratitude for your dedication, creativity, and courage. I can’t wait to see how you will help shape the future. Thank you Lilia Lamas for this opportunity and looking forward to building momentum with Marco Bracci.

#Sustainability #Leadership #ESG #SDGs #IDGs #WomenInLeadership #DEI #InternshipExperience #UniversityOfMinnesota #Florence #AccentFlorence #FutureLeaders #RegenerativeEconomy


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Workshop in LM85- Nutrire Senso di Scopo presso UNIFI Forlipsi

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Come parte del Corso di laurea magistrale in Scienze pedagogiche e management della formazione per lo sviluppo sostenibile, Università degli Studi di Firenze LM-85 guidato dalla professoressa Giovanna Del Gobbo e da Francesco De Maria come Federmanager Toscana abbiamo raccontato agli studenti del percorso professionalizzante e di certificazione come Sustainability Manager e del progetto pilota 2024 Prato-Tessile con Andrea Carlo Aloisi e Luca Barneschi.

Inoltre, ho avuto il piacere di tenere un workshop esperienziale chiamato “Management della formazione e competenze per lo sviluppo sostenibile: nutrire il senso di scopo” coinvolgendo gli studenti per creare curare e annaffiare il loro giardino. Il feedback è stato estremamente interessante, molte le disconnessioni e riconnessioni con la natura.

Il laboratorio è stato iscritto al Festival Sviluppo Sostenibile 2025 promosso da ASviS – Alleanza Italiana per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile.

https://2025.festivalsvilupposostenibile.it/cal/309/management-della-formazione-e-competenze-per-lo-sviluppo-sostenibile-nutrire-il-senso-di-scopo .

Vedi anche 15 maggio 2025 – Workshop Management della formazione e competenze per lo sviluppo sostenibile | Orientamento | Corso di Laurea Magistrale in Scienze pedagogiche e management della formazione per lo sviluppo sostenibile – UniFI

15 maggio 2025 – Workshop Management della formazione e competenze per lo sviluppo sostenibile | Orientamento | Corso di Laurea Magistrale in Scienze pedagogiche e management della formazione per lo sviluppo sostenibile – UniFI

 


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Creating possibility for Innovation & Sustainability in Higher Education – Workshop BIP UNIFI

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🌍 Did you know about the incredible Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP) under Action 1 of Erasmus+ 2021–2027?
These inclusive programs are hosted by European partner universities and bring together students of all ethnicities, ages, and academic backgrounds for short-term, high-impact learning experiences that combine online and in-person formats.

🎓 I had the honour of being invited as a guest lecturer in one of these programmes, where I led a workshop on pedagogical innovation, experiential learning, and sustainability.

As a kickoff and activation, I introduced Theory U and guided the group through the Case Clinic Coaching Circle, a peer-to-peer method developed by the Presencing Institute at MIT (Prof. Otto Scharmer). This tool allowed students to explore deep listening, share real cases, and reflect on challenges while building authentic connections.

💬 The feedback was powerful — students appreciated the opportunity to be seen, heard, and supported. They left with concrete skills for both personal growth and professional development.

🎯 Learning outcomes achieved:

🧠 Knowledge Developed

  • Understanding principles, theories, and approaches to social and environmental sustainability and sustainable human development.
  • Gaining insights into the promotion of sustainable development within the complexity of territories, considering environmental, economic, social, and cultural ecosystems.

🛠️ Skills Acquired

  • Applying systems thinking, critical thinking, and problem-framing to evaluate decisions.
  • Analyzing the complexity of interconnected systems shaped by values, experiences, and worldviews.
  • Developing creative and critical thinking around future trajectories.
  • Evaluating the impact of individual and professional behaviour on the environment, society, and culture.
  • Designing initiatives to promote behaviour that respects people and the planet.

💡 Soft Skills Strengthened

  • Teamwork and collaboration, especially in multicultural and international contexts.
  • Communication and language skills.
  • Critical, systemic thinking; problem posing and problem solving.
  • Respect for diverse values and cultures.
  • Self-management, reflection, and adaptability.
  • Learning to learn.

🌱 Education for sustainability is not only about knowledge, but about transformation. If you want to dive deeper or consider participating in future editions, explore the official programme page:
👉 Blended Intensive Programmes – University of Florence

🤝 I’m always open to collaboration, facilitation, or designing tailored learning journeys for institutions and communities ready to lead change.

#ErasmusPlus #BIP #SustainabilityEducation #ExperientialLearning #TheoryU #CoachingCircle #SDGs #HigherEd #YouthEmpowerment #Transformation #LifelongLearning


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Introducing the IDGs to EEE Virtual Unconference 2024

During the last EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION EUROPE UNCONFERENCE (https://eeeurope.org/eee-2024-virtual-conference/) I was delighted to introduce the IDGs Inner Development Goals – Inner Development for Outer Change Framework to my trainer colleagues.

Feedback was great, we really need to work on the being to deliver on the UN2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

I was glad to also share the IDG platform and tools https://idg.tools/ and to deliever for example one of the workshops to build trust, which is a clear value which we fail to work on, and we are never ready to live this value so deeply as we should.

Let us know if you want to learn more and if you wish to set up a trainign session on one of the 23 skills for your organisation. We collaborate with many IDG hubs around the globe.


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Disability Management: Coach & Pubblicazione Buone Pratiche Employability

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Da Febbraio a Maggio 2024, la mia figura professionale di coach sulla diversity equity & inclusion è stata richiesta per l’affiancamento di due figure legge 68/99 per il loro inserimento professionale in azienda quale Findomestic.

La decisione da parte dell’impresa di andare oltre la cogenza ha richiesto la collaborazione di diversi stakeholder, e fondamentale per la crescita della nostra società giusta.

Condivido con piacere il sommario del manuale realizzato per conto di ATISB ETS Associazione Toscana Idrocefalo e Spina Bifida presieduta da Marco Esposito. Rimango disponibile per presentarvelo e approfondirlo in azione.

Iniziativa realizzata grazie al bando “Siete Presente. Con i giovani per ripartire – 2024”, a valere sul progetto “Giovanisì.it”, promosso dal Cesvot e finanziato da Regione Toscana – Giovanisì, in accordo con la Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri Dipartimento per le politiche Giovanili e il Servizio Civile Universale, con il contributo della Fondazione CR Firenze.

Con tutto il cuore, Elena

Sommario
1 Introduzione………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
2 Il progetto formativo…………………………………………………………………………… 7
Il percorso formativo…………………………………………………………………………… 7
Incontri con il territorio………………………………………………………………………… 10
I risultati del percorso………………………………………………………………………….. 11
Lo sviluppo personale e professionale dei giovani………………………………….. 11
3 L’avvio di un percorso professionalizzante in azienda………………………………. 12
Il colloquio…………………………………………………………………………………………. 12
Il processo di on-boarding da parte del management……………………………… 13
Buone pratiche da parte del neoassunto……………………………………………….. 15
• La preparazione al colloquio………………………………………………………….. 15
• La selezione ed il contratto……………………………………………………………. 17
• Il primo giorno…………………………………………………………………………….. 17
• Il periodo di prova……………………………………………………………………….. 18
• Il superamento del periodo di prova………………………………………………. 19
4 Il percorso di miglioramento………………………………………………………………… 20
Il ruolo dell’associazione e del direttivo giovani………………………………………. 20
Il ruolo del giovane che vuole una vita indipendente e collocarsi in azienda. 22
• Competenza alfabetica funzionale…………………………………………………. 23
• Competenza multilinguistica…………………………………………………………. 23
• Competenza matematica e competenza in scienze,
tecnologie e ingegneria……………………………………………………………….. 23
• Competenza digitale……………………………………………………………………. 23
• Competenza personale, sociale e capacità di imparare ad imparare ……. 23
• Competenza in materia di cittadinanza…………………………………………… 23
• Competenza imprenditoriale…………………………………………………………. 23
• Competenza in materia di consapevolezza ed espressione culturali…… 24
Le competenze trasversali……………………………………………………………………. 24
Corso base Microsoft Office per allineare le competenze digitali……………… 25
Corso di educazione o approfondimento per tematiche legate al ruolo:
i MOOC…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 25
Allenare la memoria e logica calcolo e scrittura………………………………………. 26
Consapevolezza del proprio benessere fisico…………………………………………. 26
Il ruolo delle famiglie e dei servizi assistenziali……………………………………….. 27
Il ruolo della pubblica amministrazione………………………………………………….. 28
Il ruolo dell’azienda e del management…………………………………………………. 29
• Integrare la DEI nella strategia aziendale………………………………………… 29
• La creazione di un osservatorio aziendale, la collaborazione con ETS e
professionisti………………………………………………………………………………. 32
• Le figure di un diversity manager e del disability manager………………… 33
• Buone pratiche……………………………………………………………………………. 35
5 Conclusioni………………………………………………………………………………………… 35
6 Testimonianze, la voce di giovani protagonisti………………………………………… 37
• LINDA………………………………………………………………………………………… 37
• LAURA……………………………………………………………………………………….. 39
• ALBERTO……………………………………………………………………………………. 40
• ANDREA…………………………………………………………………………………….. 41
7 Riferimenti Normativi…………………………………………………………………………… 43

 

 


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What is a Just Transition? Cosa vuol dire Transizione Giusta?

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Condivido con piacere un video che ho aiutato a tradurre https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXbE18YHEkY sul tema della transizione giusta.

Full report (https://lnkd.in/gr9d7ryw)

Executive summary mapping (https://lnkd.in/gYB7hjfH).

Una transizione giusta va oltre la semplice decarbonizzazione: si tratta di assicurare che il passaggio a un’economia sostenibile sia equo e inclusivo per tutti. Mentre il mondo si impegna a limitare il riscaldamento globale a 1,5°C, una transizione giusta non si limita ad aiutare i lavoratori che lasciano l’industria dei combustibili fossili, ma si estende anche al loro inserimento in settori verdi e sostenibili. È una visione di azione climatica che integra la trasformazione economica con la giustizia sociale, dando priorità alle comunità storicamente emarginate. La nostra recente mappatura di oltre 600 iniziative in diverse regioni evidenzia l’urgenza di affrontare le disuguaglianze strutturali e di dare voce alle comunità vulnerabili. Ora è il momento di agire: investendo nelle transizioni giuste, possiamo costruire un futuro in cui l’azione per il clima e l’equità sociale vanno di pari passo, creando un mondo sostenibile e giusto per tutti. 💡 Idea e ricerca di ‪‪@ClimateHorizons‬ ‬ 🎨 Sceneggiatura e animazione di ‪‪@TheCognitiveMedia‬ 📣 Narrazione di Maia Chiara Rossi 🗒️ Traduzione Paolo Graziano ed Elena Corinne Piani Commissionato da ‪‪@laudesfoundation‬‪@FordFoundation‬ e ‪‪@wallaceglobalfund989‬

 


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Capacity Building in Strategic communications, Media, Branding and Visibility for EOL grantees in the West and Central Africa Region – 60 hours trainer and mentor for 18 NGOs in French

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Continuing with its leadership in international cooperation projects COSPE won the request for consultancy services to Education Out Loud (EOL) grantees in the West and Central Africa Region under the EOL Regional Management Unit for West and Central Africa Region (RMU WCA) based in Accra, Ghana.

COSPE hired my services to deliver 60 hours training and mentoring in Strategic Communications to 18 French speaking NGOs (52 participants coming from over 15 different countries) over the month of June-July and August.

The work included, all in French, pre-evaluation of the 18 NGOS communication plans, development of the training materials, delivery, mentoring of each NGO as well as reporting on the class participation, progress and learning outcomes.

These oragnisations are fighting for education for all (Education Pour Tous – EPT) – come of their challenges are rural and urban disparities, social inclusion of disabled children, infrastructure, irresponsible governments, prejudice against education for female (religious and cultural issues) for those who are getting married as minors/adolescents or had Female genital mutilation (FGM), children as soldiers, and going through war and disruption, not to mentioned the climate crisis.

It was a huge challenge to work within tight time constraints, and each organisation is not only different, but also country specific issues were to be managed into the plan development. Wow!

We all learned so much from each other. They improved their strategic communications, and I was inspired by their passion to create a sustainable Africa by 2063. Advocacy of education in their countries, engaging stakeholders using the media their country would enable them to develop.

The beneficiaries were Communication, Administration and Programme staff drawn from the 22 grantee organisations and 67 participants from across Francophone (18 CSOs and 53 participants) and Lusophone (4 CSOs and 14 participants) countries under EOL WCA RMU organised in two languages classes.

FRENCH SPEAKING ORGANISATIONS:

  1.  Coalition Nigérienne des Associations Syndicats et ONG de Campagne EPT (ASO-EPT) Niger;
  2. CONAMEPT Madagascar;
  3. CBO/EPT Benin
  4. Regroupement Education pour Tous et Toutes (REPT) Haïti;
  5. CEFAN Cameroon;
  6. Coalition tunisienne pour l’education Tunisie
  7. COSOCIDE Tchad;
  8.  MSIS TATAO Madagascar;
  9. DEDRAS Benin
  10. Coalition Pour L’education pour tous BAFASHEBIGE Burundi;
  11. CNEPT/BF Burkina Faso;
  12.  GRADE Niger
  13. CNT/EPT Togo;
  14.  Coalition des organisations Mauritaniennes pour l’Education COMEDUC Mauritania;
  15. RIPEPT RCI Côte D’ivoire
  16. CONEPT/RDC DRC;
  17. CNG/EPT Guinee;
  18. COSYDEP Senegal.

PORTUGUESE  SPEAKING ORGANISATIONS:

  1.  Rede EPT Angola
  2. RNCEPT Cape Verde
  3. RECEPT-GB Guine-Bissau
  4. MEPT Mozambique

The technical course, before the mentoring included the following contents:

  1. How to identify organisation strategic communication objectives, taking into account organisation dimension, objectives, dedicated resources
  2. How to define targets, key messages, specific actions and channels taking into account specific context
  3. Elaborating a simple communication strategy and a communication plan
  4. How to deal with media: knowledge of media context, tools and strategy for a fruitful interaction
  5. How to define the roles of internal and, eventually, external providers/actors
  6. How to develop a CSOs ethical branding and marketing
  7. How to measure communication impact

About EOL

EOL is an advocacy and social accountability funding mechanism of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), dedicated to supporting capacity building of civil society organisations and enhancing their engagement in education policy processes. Funded by Global Partnership for Education (GPE), EOL is managed by Oxfam IBIS as the Grant Agent. The overall goal of the EOL programme is to enhance civil society capacity to further GPE 2020 goals in learning, equity, and stronger systems, by improving the par_cipa_on of civil society, their efforts to strengthen advocacy, and to ensure transparency and increased effectiveness in educational policy and implementaton processes.

EOL Program objectives

1. Strengthen national civil society engagement in education planning, policy dialogue and monitoring.

2. Strengthen civil society roles in promoting the transparency and accountability of national educational sector policy and implementation; and

3. Create a stronger global and transnational enabling environment for national civil society advocacy and transparency efforts.

The above objectives also translate to what is referred to as Operational Components (OCs).

Please see https://www.educationoutloud.org for further details about EOL.

Background to the project

The EOL program has a deliberate intention to culivate a learning culture among its grantees and promote application of knowledge learned for adaptive management in their day-to-day operations.

In this project EOL aimed to build the capacity of grantees in Strategic communications, use of the media, branding and visibility.

I strongly encourage you follow EOL and subscribe to the GPE newsletter https://www.globalpartnership.org/subscribe

And of course, support and donate also to COSPE https://www.cospe.org/cosa-puoi-fare-tu/donazione-liberale/

Education is our changemaking topic for sustainable development.