5 questions to...
Angela Colucci

Interview with the VP Strategy & Business Development of Atlantic Technologies.

Angela Colucci is responsible for driving business strategies at Atlantic Technologies, a company within the Engineering group, specializing in consulting and implementing Augmented Enterprise Platforms and Change Management.

With over 25 years of experience at Atlantic, Angela has held various strategic roles, significantly contributing to the company's growth and establishing long-term relationships with more than 450 leading clients worldwide.

Throughout her career, Angela has continuously developed and expanded her expertise, focusing on key areas such as Cloud and AI solutions, while helping clients enhance their business value through innovative technologies.

1. HOW DO YOU THINK THE CONTINUOUS EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY WILL IMPACT BUSINESS STRATEGIES IN THE COMING YEARS, AND WHAT CHANGES DO YOU FORESEE FOR COMPANIES THAT FAIL TO ADAPT QUICKLY?


Companies today are operating in a rapidly changing environment where innovation has become an absolute necessity, not just an option. Technologies like AI are fundamentally transforming how organizations operate, make decisions, and engage with their customers.

To remain competitive, companies need to be agile and ready to rethink their business models to meet new challenges and seize emerging opportunities. Those that fail to adapt will risk losing crucial opportunities and becoming irrelevant in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

The ability to target the market with timing and adopting the right technologies are becoming crucial competitive advantages for the success of organizations, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. Modern solutions not only enable a rapid response to customer needs, but also allow businesses to anticipate those needs, capitalize on new opportunities, and optimize processes.

The benefits of these strategic choices are immediately visible, improving operational efficiency, customer engagement, and ultimately fostering business growth in both the short and medium term.

2. HOW HAS CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE EVOLVED IN RECENT YEARS, AND HOW IS THE "AI-CENTRIC" APPROACH TRANSFORMING HOW COMPANIES INTERACT WITH AND BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH CUSTOMERS?


Today, customers have high expectations, seeking fast, empathetic, and personalized interactions. AI enables companies to meet and even anticipate these needs, offering seamless and highly tailored experiences. It allows businesses to gain deeper insights into customer behavior, interests, and preferences, using this data to personalize communication, offers, and interactions.

This level of personalization has become a key driver in enhancing customer engagement and loyalty, with significant benefits for business performance.

Moreover, AI plays a crucial role in enabling proactive and predictive services, allowing companies to anticipate customer needs and improve their overall experience.

The introduction of AI agents is expected to become a dominant feature in the near future: having a "virtual colleague" available at all times to assist users with any need, drawing from past experiences, will be an essential competitive advantage.

This not only boosts operational efficiency but also enhances customer satisfaction in the long term.

3. WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES IN ALIGNING ADVANCED TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS WITH THE EVER-CHANGING DEMANDS OF THE MARKET?


A major challenge is data manageement. With the growing number of data sources and the increasing need for real-time analysis, companies must be capable of collecting, managing, and strategically using data. Continuous monitoring of data is vital to spot trends and changes early and take the necessary actions promptly.

Scalability is another key challenge. Technologies like generative AI are introducing new pricing models based on the volume of requests, so solutions must be capable of growing alongside the business without sacrificing efficiency.

Lastly, the importance of fostering a company culture that embraces innovation cannot be overstated. It is critical for organizations to create an environment that encourages experimentation, continuous learning, and collaboration.

4. IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL ASPECTS TO CONSIDER WHEN IMPLEMENTING AN EFFECTIVE CHANGE MANAGEMENT PROCESS WITHIN AN ORGANIZATION?


One of the key elements of change management is driving a cultural shift within the company to embrace innovation. It’s not just a process for employees but a comprehensive journey where leaders and management play a central role in guiding change at all levels. Leaders must be the first advocates of the cultural change that will accompany digital transformation, demonstrating commitment and steering the organization with vision and determination.

Clear, frequent, and engaging communication is essential. It’s important to explain why change is happening, the goals to be achieved, the benefits it will bring, and its impact on the organization. Actively engaging employees by gathering feedback and addressing their ideas, concerns, and suggestions is vital to building trust.

Another critical aspect is offering personalized training. At Atlantic, we've learned that successful projects are those that address the specific needs of each stakeholder.

Providing practical, adaptable training programs allows users to become familiar with new solutions from the outset, enabling them to approach change in a positive and proactive way.

5. AS VP OF STRATEGY AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AT ATLANTIC AND WITH A LONG CAREER IN THE TECH SECTOR, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE EVOLUTION OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN IN THIS FIELD, AND WHAT CHALLENGES STILL NEED TO BE ADDRESSED?


The opportunities for women in the tech sector have advanced significantly in recent years. Increasingly, women are playing a pivotal role in the success of the IT industry, bringing unique skills, perspectives, and insights that enhance the entire ecosystem. This shift is driven by growing efforts within companies to promote gender diversity, foster inclusive workplaces, and support the development of female talent. The Engineering Group, in particular, is actively working to increase female representation in leadership roles in Italy, and I am proud to contribute to this positive change.

However, despite these advancements, women still face substantial challenges. While skills are increasingly recognized regardless of gender, the path to leadership positions remains more difficult for women, who often encounter obstacles such as gender stereotypes and underrepresentation in decision-making roles. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to have my skills recognized, a pivotal experience that has significantly shaped my professional growth. I firmly believe that determination, the courage to embrace challenges, and confidence in one's abilities are essential for achieving meaningful success in a rapidly evolving sector.

 

It is critical for organizations to create an environment that encourages experimentation, continuous learning, and collaboration.

Angela Colucci VP Strategy & Business Development, Atlantic Technologies (Engineering Group)