Interview with Daniela Ragni
January 2024, Luxembourg
Beneath the surface of our beings, fundamental beliefs reside, shaping our perception of our own essence. A 'fixed mindset' assumes that our character, intelligence, and creativity are innate qualities that cannot be substantially altered. Conversely, the "growth mindset" flourishes amidst challenges, viewing setbacks not as indicators of unintelligence but as encouraging stepping stones for growth and the expansion of our existing abilities.
This month’s conversation delves into the profound impact of these beliefs, exploring them with Daniela Ragni, the visionary director of André Losch Foundation. An ambassador of meaning and purpose, working at the intersection of philanthropy, intercultural communication, social cohesion, and sustainable development.
In this open-hearted conversation, we unravel the art of Auseinandersetzung and its power to build divides and foster humility. We discuss the transformative significance of cultivating a "growth mindset" in ourselves and the next generation – nurturing children's unique talents and assisting children in discovering their unique talents.
As someone working in the field of philanthropy and intercultural communication, how do you think we can build a more inclusive and compassionate society? Especially now when the world seems to become more and more divided.
Daniela Ragni: Cultivating spaces for open dialogue and fostering a culture of respectful inquiry can help us overcome our fears, build bridges of understanding, and foster a sense of shared purpose. Engendering a society where individuals thrive together rather than seeking validation through individual achievements requires a shift in perspective from competition to collaboration. This shift must begin in education, encouraging students to embrace diverse perspectives and engage in constructive discussions rather than adversarial debates. In doing so, we can create a society where differences are celebrated and collective well-being is prioritized over individual success.
In that sense, I appreciate the German concept of "Auseinandersetzung" which goes beyond a mere dialogue, it is about venturing into a space where both individuals evolve through the exchange of ideas, embracing disagreements as an opportunity for mutual growth.
How can we support and encourage young women to lead the way in shaping our future? How can we help them develop a clear career vision?
Each individual possesses unique abilities, and our role is to help them discover and cultivate these talents. To empower young people and encourage them to take charge of their futures, we must first nurture their talents and potential. By providing opportunities for mentorship, coaching, and self-discovery, we can instil in young women a deep sense of belief in their capabilities. This belief, together with the awareness of their strengths and weaknesses, will empower them to navigate challenges and pursue their dreams with confidence.
In the environment I grew up thirty years ago, this was not happening – if you are a woman, you don’t know much about politics, you do not know this or that, and your opinion is simply not needed. It is also crucial to create an environment where young women feel valued and heard.
We must actively challenge outdated notions that limit young women’s potential and foster an inclusive dialogue that encourages them to participate in all aspects of society. By dismantling the barriers that hinder their progress, we can open doors to a world of possibilities for young women, enabling them to lead the way in shaping a brighter future for all.
I would love to ask you to reflect on how the 20–year–old Daniela is different from the woman you are now. What are some of the most salient lessons maturing has taught you?
Coming from a small village in Italy, my upbringing instilled in me a value for humility. At the age of 20, when I was an Erasmus student in Germany, I met my future husband, a big beautiful Luxemburgish young man, the only Luxemburgish student on the campus. If I look back, I think my biggest strength has been that I have not listened to all the “no-s” around me. My parents were very strict, they challenged me all the time. And, yes, rules could be a good thing. But if I do not like them, they are meant to be challenged so that I find my way. I am the first one with a university degree in my family.
20-year-old Daniela was determined to carve out her future. Even if the goal was not still clear at that time, I always had the resources within myself: “If this does not go the way I expect, I will do something else”. I embraced volunteer work, language classes, and social engagement to stay active and fulfilled. I remember once, it was some weeks after I moved to Luxembourg, we were still a couple but not married, I said: You know, I will come back with a job. Then I asked to be a volunteer in a small NGO. There they told me they needed someone for the arts exposition from Catalonia. Beautiful, just beautiful. I think I had three visitors for the whole month (laughing). I would be reading a beautiful book, stay there and earn some money. When faced with challenges, we must dig deep within ourselves to find the resources, to keep the big picture in mind. It might take longer than expected, but we will arrive.
Have you had to navigate any unique challenges as a female leader?
I have navigated challenges that stem from both my gender and my Italian background. Early in my career, I was denied a salary increase because they assumed my boyfriend was the primary breadwinner. Another challenge I faced was being criticized for my language skills. This criticism was particularly disheartening, as it seemed to undermine my ability to represent my company effectively. Sometimes I had the feeling that the people who had some issues with me always used the language issue to make me feel smaller. “But your French is not perfect. Can you represent our company since you cannot write perfectly in French or because your German is not perfect?” And I have always been an ambassador of content, saying “You can criticize me because my structure is not clear, not because I do not have any content. If we have a real interest to communicate, we will be able to do so.” In Luxembourg, we have so many languages. Yet, none of these languages is my mother tongue. Meanwhile, after 20 years, neither is Italian. I am not used to speaking Italian regularly. But at the very end, I speak five languages fluently. Even if it is not perfect I can live with it now. Today, I am satisfied with the core of Daniela and I say “Take it or leave it.”
When I was younger, I would always say I was spontaneous. Today, I would say I am authentic. My spontaneity today is more in tune. Now, I understand that sometimes it is better to be silent. Sometimes it is better not to talk, not to comment. I have come to realize that true growth requires acknowledging our imperfections, seeking feedback, and actively striving for improvement.
Sometimes you get criticized and you say, okay, what is the issue and then have the humility to say, okay, maybe they are right. And if you open the door and ask “Can you give me the tools and resources to improve these weaknesses that I have?”, normally people say yes, and if you work on it, then you become stronger. Otherwise, it can be very time and energy-consuming.
What empowering advice would you impart to young women as they embark on their life's journey?
I wish for all young people to embrace their passions and dedicate themselves to endeavours that ignite their hearts. When you love what you do, success becomes an inevitable consequence. I want to remind them of the profound truth that they are enough and extraordinary as they are. Do not focus on competing with others. Instead, focus on becoming the best version of yourself. With courage and audacity, pursue your aspirations. Failure is an essential part of our learning process. Remember your roots and the experiences that shaped you but let your past fuel your determination, not hinder your future. And above all, cultivate generosity towards yourself and others!