August 21, 2024: World Entrepreneurs’ Day

Today marks World Entrepreneurs’ Day, established to raise awareness about entrepreneurship, leadership, and the importance of sustainable development worldwide. It is not only an opportunity to celebrate those who have chosen to take on the challenge of becoming founders, pioneers, and innovators—creating progress, prosperity, and well‑being—but also a moment to reflect on the values behind responsible entrepreneurship.

To mark this occasion, we posed a precise question to the Leadership of UMBRAGROUP. Here are the insights shared by:

Reno Ortolani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of UMBRAGROUP;

Beatrice Baldaccini, Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of UMBRAGROUP;

Leonardo Baldaccini, President of UMBRAGROUP’s U.S. entities;

and Sara Ortolani, CEO Environment, Health, Safety & Energy.

IN TODAY’S GEOPOLITICAL CONTEXT, WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE AN ENTREPRENEUR MUST FACE?

Reno Ortolani, Chairman of the Board of Directors, UMBRAGROUP

“In the geopolitical context we are currently experiencing, an entrepreneur is faced with a challenge above all others: inspiring loyalty among People—instilling trust and motivation, along with job stability that can outweigh the uncertainty of today’s socio‑political environment.”

Beatrice Baldaccini, Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, UMBRAGROUP

“An entrepreneur should be able to convey a business vision to all stakeholders, one that is rooted in the ability to build relationships and in a communication process that is transparent and engaging.”

Leonardo Baldaccini, President of UMBRAGROUP’s U.S. entities

“Every contextual change, whatever its nature, always tests human beings and companies alike. Traumatic events can deeply unsettle both people and organizations. The question many of us are now asking is this: Why am I doing this?

This is where values and the very reasons for our existence—personal and corporate—come into play. Moreover, each change should prompt entrepreneurs to reflect on whether the Values upon which they built their company are truly solid. Only strong corporate and moral Values enable us to face future changes with enthusiasm and determination. In this way, the company itself can become a point of reference in shaping a better world and future.”

Sara Ortolani, CEO Environment, Health, Safety & Energy, UMBRAGROUP

“A forward‑looking entrepreneur has the duty to create value by directing financial and economic objectives toward achieving social and environmental benefit. In today’s context, our real challenge is to balance market dynamics with the pursuit of a more humane and civilized world.”