37 Years of Innovation and Leadership: Maria Assunta Pavan’s Journey at Italtel

Maria Assunta Pavan, an electronic engineering graduate from Padua, has dedicated over 37 years of her professional career to Italtel. Since childhood, she has nurtured a strong passion for science, with a particular inclination toward mathematics. Despite her mother’s advice—an educator herself—to pursue an academic career, Maria Assunta chose a different path, enrolling in electronic engineering, a field where women were a clear minority at the time. Thanks to the full support of her parents, she navigated her studies with ease, driven by her keen interest in STEM subjects.

From Theory to Practice

In 1987, Maria Assunta began her career at Italtel, moving from Veneto to Milan. She fondly recalls her first interview at the offices on Via Tocqueville in a city that was entirely new and exciting to her.

Her first major challenge was transitioning from the theoretical knowledge gained at university to the practical realities of work. Initially assigned to special projects, she worked on software development for early video communication systems, a pioneering technological field at the time. She contributed to two key applications: setting up videoconference rooms between different Italtel offices and enabling remote learning between the Universities of Genoa and Savona. A special memory from this period was being featured in Italtel’s promotional brochure for the Telecom Geneva fair, where she also presented the system to visitors as a technical expert.

A Career Built on Growth and Innovation

Over time, Maria Assunta moved away from software development and transitioned into the “Customer Solution Proposal” function, where she began working with Telecom Italia on fixed-network voice services. This marked the beginning of her journey in resource management, contributing to the evolution of Sparkle’s network and Telecom Italia’s Backbone Network (BBN), a VoIP network for national and international voice traffic.

It was during these years that Italtel embarked on its journey to transform telecommunications networks from traditional TDM (time-division multiplexing) to VoIP technology.

In 2001, Maria Assunta was promoted to an executive role after having already managed an engineering team and achieved significant technical and managerial results. One of her most recognized qualities as a manager is her ability to oversee an ever-growing team while maintaining positive relationships and fostering a harmonious work environment. For her, a sense of belonging to the team and the company is fundamental. A phrase that encapsulates her philosophy is: “Never forget that professional relationships begin with human relationships.” This principle has been a cornerstone of her approach to team management.

Dynamism, Evolution, and Challenges

Maria Assunta describes her journey at Italtel as “dynamic.” One of the most significant changes she witnessed was the transformation of fixed networks for voice services from TDM technology to VoIP, which also drove the evolution of Italtel’s solutions and products. She observed the company’s growth, transitioning from a focus on voice services for telco operators to positioning itself in the data network sector, integrating ATM and IP technologies, and collaborating with large enterprises and public administrations.

While the positive memories outweigh the challenges, the past 37 years have not been without difficult moments and complex decisions, which she faced with the support of her managers and open communication with her colleagues.

A Message to Younger Generations and Their Parents

Maria Assunta shares a valuable piece of advice with young people: “Have the patience to study and don’t fear hard work. Success is achieved through commitment and dedication.” Today, more than ever, mathematical and IT skills are essential for a career in the tech sector.

For young women aspiring to STEM fields, her message is clear: do not fear scientific disciplines, follow your passion, and don’t be discouraged by obstacles.

To the parents of teenagers, she advises giving their children the freedom to choose their paths and supporting their decisions.

Management Roles and Work-Life Balance

Maria Assunta emphasizes that ambition for management roles requires tenacity. A competent and well-rounded individual will eventually be recognized. However, it’s crucial to listen to others, understand company dynamics, and show great flexibility and availability. Her team sometimes worked through the night to resolve service disruptions, demonstrating a strong sense of teamwork and dedication.

As a mother of two, she had to organize her time effectively to balance her professional and personal life. She received significant support from the company and her direct managers. For example, after her second maternity leave, she expressed concerns about managing the demanding responsibilities of engineering management alongside her personal life. However, her manager not only trusted her but reassured her about the company’s willingness to support her during challenging times.

In this context, if she had been able to use the smart working tools available today, Maria Assunta believes she could have better managed her commitments. She views smart working as a strategic element for fostering personal growth within the company, supporting career development inclusively, and promoting a goal-oriented work model.

Looking Ahead

Maria Assunta looks to the future with a desire to keep learning, traveling, and engaging in sports. While she will miss the people and the sense of belonging to the team, she is ready to explore new horizons, confident that her passion for learning and the relationships she has built will remain central to her future endeavors.

Her wish for Italtel is that the company continues to innovate and attract young talent, advancing the renewal path initiated in 2022, strengthening its leadership in the industry, and continuing to invest in people as the cornerstone of its success.