Fausta Giuffrè

What is your job about?

I am a versatile figure, because I deal with both the technical and commercial supervision sides.

On the one hand I mainly deal with keeping in touch with customers for the technical and legislative part of the work. I am the first point of reference in case of doubts or problems. I approve the outgoing Test Reports with the help of two very valid collaborators: Francesca Dardano and Cristina Buoninfante.

On the other hand, I have a glance, always technical of course, at the commercial world. I evaluate, together with the reference Sales, the technical aspects of the offer, especially if it is particular and specific.

And where do you come from? How have you built yourself up over the years?

I graduated in July 1991, arriving in these laboratories a few months later. At the time, ChemService didn’t exist yet: it was an industry producing pesticides. Of course, I was in charge of Quality Control.

When I arrived, the idea of setting up a third-party laboratory was already in the air. So much that, already in September 1992, the current company was born. In fact, on September 1, 2022, it will be thirty years that I've been here!

I started, in the first ten years, with residue analysis and the like. Since 2000, I have also been tracking the broad-spectrum food analysis…characterization of the food, and specific analysis depending on the type of matrix. And finally, more or less since the beginning of the new millennium, we have started working in the nutraceutical sector.

How did you experience the arrival of LabAnalysis Group?

It was a good step. I have changed methods and types of work several times, and even this eventuality has been experienced as a breath of fresh air. I work well with Lorenzo Maggi (current CEO of ChemService, ed.) and his sparkle.

The new instrument fleet, the Laboratory has made a qualitative leap, increasing the available instrumentation at its disposal and bringing the so-called state of the art straight into the company.

The introduction of the new Information Systems and the digitalization of processes has allowed a modernization of every ChemService operation. The transition to a new era has been enshrined, here.

What do you think is the most important personal characteristic for a person in your role?

Definitely, the ability to know how to be proactive and positive, regardless of one's mood. You have to know how to leave your problems and nervousness out of the office, even if, I confess, it’s not always that simple...

Secondly, I would mention diplomacy, meant as mediation. There are situations in which you have to know how to say ‘no’ gracefully, or how to correct a technical inconsistency exposed in the Client's project, without making it clear that the request doesn’t make sense. Come on, let's face it... that happens, too! (she laughs, ed.)

What about your relationship with colleagues? How does that work?

In my opinion, we always need a lot of diplomacy, but it really depends on the people. For example, with Chiara Neri (Operations Manager, ed), whom I have known for a long time, there are discussions, sometimes, but we always understand each other on the fly and in a very short time. It’s different with other people, with whom I’ve not yet created such a close relationship to know their sensitivities. An overly direct attitude might offend the other person or might be misunderstood. In such cases, then it is better to be more diplomatic, mediating gracefully.

What are the characteristics a person must have to join your team?

Let’s assume that it is difficult to understand certain aspects of a person when you are in the interview phase. And even if I could understand something, you would need know if it is the real attire or if it’s just a mask for the interview.

Especially young people should put themselves in the conditions of what I call humility of mind. You can be smart, digital native or whatever you think, but rest assured that you must make your bones. You will have to learn a new job and realize that unfortunately the University did not prepare you properly. And, most importantly, you must be able to recognize your mistakes and communicate them.

That said, in addition to the technical preparation, which is essential, you must be willing to learn and to train, both technical and organizational aspects – because each company works differently. Of course, this doesn’t mean not being proactive or being totally passive to the situation, but still being open to work dynamics that could be different from expectations. You must recognize to all intents and purposes the entry phase.

The most important lesson you've learned from your team?

To be a united group. If someone is in trouble, you help them. I don't want to see unconstructive quarrels or discussions that aren’t constructive. We need to come together and find a solution.

Therefore, I have always wanted to work with people of this type. These people have taught me, or at least have reinforced in me, these concepts and ideals. The ability to stand together and behave responsibly.

I'm really very lucky!

What did you want to be when you grew up, when you were a child?

For my sixth birthday, they gave me a chemistry set. Is that a suggestion? (laughs, ed.)

In middle school I fell in love with Italian literature. So, my plan was to attend the Ginnasio, which I did, and to study Ancient Letters, and then Archaeology. And from there, as in any good average teenager, my life turned upside down when I realized my very strong passion for Physics and Geology.

Ready to become a geologist, inquiring in preparation for enrollment in university, they explained to me that actually female geologists were not very well-seen in the environment... Let's remember that it was the 1980s!

And so came Chemistry. As a second choice. And I will say even more: if I went back I would do something else. In reality I should have taken an artistic path, which has always been in my ropes.

Anyway, it went well! I am happy with my work and that’s all that matters!

Do you have any passion outside the office?

I also tried to resume the passion for drawing, but unfortunately I had to stop due to time constraints.

But I like going to the gym! I had started during the thesis year, to release the tension. And from there, I used the weight room for about twenty years; while, for less than a decade, I have been taking various classes that allow me to be together, have fun and to keep in shape.

Do you want to stay updated on Fausta's activities?
Follow her on LinkedIn!