Living in Chicago for the past 18 years has given me something invaluable: perspective.
Distance has a way of making you see your own culture more clearly – both its beauty and its contradictions. And as an Italian living in the United States, there is one cultural difference that has impacted me more than any other: the way people react to someone else’s success.
In America, ambition is often encouraged. People are generally supportive of those who are building something, growing professionally, or pursuing bigger goals. Whether someone launches a business, changes careers, creates a project, or reaches a new milestone, the first reaction is usually curiosity, encouragement, or admiration.
There is an understanding that another person’s success does not diminish your own.
Among Italians, unfortunately, I have often experienced the opposite.
Too frequently, when an Italian succeeds, the reaction is not support but criticism. Instead of celebrating accomplishments, people question them. They minimize them. They search for flaws. Success can almost become uncomfortable – as though standing out somehow threatens the balance around you.
Of course, envy exists in every country and every culture. This is not uniquely Italian. But I do believe there is a particular lack of solidarity among Italians that deserves reflection.
And I say this with affection and honesty, because I am deeply proud to be Italian.
Italy is a country filled with extraordinary talent, creativity, intelligence, resilience, and innovation. Italians succeed all over the world in business, fashion, food, design, technology, hospitality, and the arts. We are admired globally for our ability to adapt, create, and reinvent ourselves.
So why do so many Italians feel more supported abroad than at home?
Over the years, I’ve realized that many Italians who move abroad are not only searching for professional opportunities. They are also searching for an environment where growth feels possible without constant judgment.
An environment where networking is natural.
Where collaboration is encouraged.
Where success inspires curiosity instead of suspicion.
Living in the U.S. taught me how powerful support can be.
When people encourage you, connect you with others, celebrate your wins, and genuinely want to see you succeed, it changes the way you approach life and work. You become more confident, more open, and more willing to take risks.
That kind of mindset creates innovation, community, and growth.
And this is something I believe Italians around the world should reflect on more deeply.
Because our problem has never been talent.
If anything, Italians are among the most talented and resourceful people in the world. The real challenge is learning how to support one another without viewing another person’s success as a personal threat.
Imagine what Italians could achieve globally if we truly embraced collaboration over competition.
Imagine the power of an international Italian community built not on criticism or comparison, but on mutual support, mentorship, and encouragement.
Perhaps the future of Italian success abroad depends not only on individual talent – but on our ability to finally root for one another.