What an Italian Nonna Can Teach Us About Leadership: 5 Sayings with Timeless Power

Being Italian on one side I’ve always been drawn to anything that is Italian. From the food, the beliefs, the fashion, passion for family and the sayings that are magically kept alive by the Nonna’s.

Growing up, I was living with my Mum who is Australian and my stepdad who is from Adelaide. I was still very close to my dad who was Italian and his side of the family. My Mum also lives Italian values to this day as her and my dad married young and she was bought into a big Italian family, something quite rare back in the late 60’s in Australia. An Italian marrying an Australian just wasn't a thing looked upon fondly.

My Mum is an amazing cook, as was my Nonna and this is where my passion for cooking was ignited at seven years old.

If you’ve ever sat at the table with an Italian Nonna, you know she’s more than just a cook or caretaker, she’s a life coach in an apron. They are the hardest workers, the strongest force in a family and they are known for their fierce love, no-nonsense wisdom, and deep-rooted values passed down through generations. Creating Limitless Leaders and teams for almost 2 decades, it was only of late that I realised that their sayings could really relate to leadership, of self and others.

Their sayings are rich in cultural meaning, but I believe they also hold surprising relevance for how we lead in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world.

Below, I’ve chosen my favourite five and how they can shape the way we show up in life and leadership.

1. “Pazienza!”

Meaning: Patience!

True leadership isn’t reactive, it’s responsive. “Pazienza!” reminds us that great leaders give space for ideas to grow, people to evolve, and situations to unfold. In today’s fast-paced world, leaders often want quick fixes, but patience allows for long-term solutions and sustainable growth.

In leadership:

When coaching or mentoring a team member who's still learningDuring times of organisational or team change or uncertaintyWhen implementing new strategies or systems that require adjustment time

Nonna’s Lesson: Leadership is a long game. Cultivating patience shows maturity, emotional intelligence, and trust in the process.

2. “Meglio soli che male accompagnati.”

Meaning: Better alone than in bad company.

In leadership, surrounding yourself with the right people is everything. A strong culture, productive team dynamics, and aligned values can lift a leader while the wrong fit can drain energy, morale, and momentum. Great leaders know when to stand alone and when to walk away from what no longer serves the mission.

In leadership:

Choose your team and inner circle wisely — energy is contagious.It’s okay to walk away from toxic dynamics or misaligned partnerships.Quality over quantity applies to both relationships and clients.

Nonna’s Lesson: Protect your space. Who you surround yourself with shapes who you become.

3. “Piano piano.”

Meaning: Little by little / Slowly, slowly 

In any role, progress doesn’t have to be fast to be real. This phrase is often whispered during moments of frustration or effort and is a gentle reminder to be patient and keep going.

In leadership:

Embrace incremental progress.Encourage your team to take steady, manageable steps.Build momentum through small, consistent wins.

Nonna’s Lesson: Good things can take time, take small progress steps and know your outcome.

4. “Dove c’è amore, c’è casa.”

Meaning: Where there is love, there is home.

In leadership, creating a space where people feel safe, seen, and supported builds more than just performance, it builds loyalty, connection and trust. When your team feels like they belong, they bring their full selves to work, and that’s where true innovation and collaboration flourish. In today’s world of AI and hybrid work this concept needs to be lived.

In leadership:

Create a sense of belonging in your team, we know that people thrive where they feel valued.Lead with heart. Authenticity isn’t weakness; it’s a strength that inspires loyalty.Culture is built through care, not control.

Nonna’s Lesson: A connected team is a resilient team.

5. “Avanti!”

Meaning: Forward! / Let’s go!

This fiery little word from Nonna is a powerful leadership mantra. It reminds us that momentum matters and waiting for perfection can stall progress. Leaders who know when to act (even without all the answers) inspire movement, resilience, and results.

Application:

Don’t get bogged down in analysis paralysis.Use it as a rallying cry when your team needs energy or momentum.Progress requires movement — even imperfect action is better than none.

Nonna’s Lesson: Motion creates momentum, just trust yourself and take the first step.

The Heart of Heritage in the Modern World

These Nonna sayings were born in kitchens, courtyards, and vineyards. These are places where resilience, resourcefulness, and community mattered. They remind us that leadership isn’t just about strategy or spreadsheets. It’s about values, grounded wisdom, and the ability to guide others with a steady hand and a full heart.

As we navigate challenges, lead teams, and grow ourselves, may we carry this simple truth, sometimes the best leadership lessons come not from textbooks but from tradition.

As always, I’d love your thoughts.

Lead to be limitless.