In an age of outrage, snark, and speed, kindness can feel like pointless, or worse, a liability. But in Italy and increasingly across the corporate world, it’s still seen as a form of strength. The ability to stay calm, warm, and courteous, especially under pressure, isn’t just good manners. It’s a competitive advantage.
I grew up watching people handle conflict, business, and even chaos with what I now call the Italian advantage: grace under pressure, leading with a smile and appreciation. Whether it’s a barista dealing with a tourist’s complicated order or a business owner having to put up with a bureaucratic mess, the reflex is rarely irritation. It’s usually a smile and a simple phrase: “Non c’è problema”, “No problem”, which is what I call the longevity Italian power hack.
