Gender equality. Interview with Dominga Cotarella

The Gambero Rosso Foundation, created with the aim of bringing attention and emphasis on social and research issues, loyally carries out this column dedicated to women, not so much because we believe in women's quotas but because it is essential to talk and raise awareness on gender equality. And it is equally essential to be spokespersons for women who have achieved important goals in their business sector. Here is our interview with Dominga Cotarella, Marketing and Commercial Director of Famiglia Cotarella.

Interview with Dominga Cotarella

In your work experience, what were the obstacles you faced as a woman?

Honestly, I have never seen being a woman as an obstacle nor have I had great impediments in this regard. Female entrepreneurship in the world of wine is growing and, I am confident in saying, with excellent results. Surely there is still a lot to do but I was lucky enough to have my family that has always supported me: for me Famiglia Cotarella has been a vocation thanks to the passion that my father Riccardo, my uncle Renzo and my beloved mothers passed on to me.

So no kind of obstacle?

When I read skepticism or doubt in the eyes of those who judge me as unable to manage the company just because I'm a woman - among other things blonde, often synonymous with stupidity - I leverage my skills and the feeling of belonging. I am also convinced that obstacles are tests that must be overcome in order to grow, improve and take the path one wants. An example of this was the pandemic that I also experienced as a moment of reflection and rebirth, in some way. My role is the result of hard work and a lot of passion

In your current role, what management leverage are you using to facilitate the female world?

I run a 95% female team. I have always supported how important it is to network among us women and, in my small way, I try to involve, support and encourage other women to carry out projects together, be it these established women, colleagues or simple people I meet on my journey.

What ideas or changes would you propose to government authorities to speed up the achievement of equality?

Today, more than in the past, women have to wear many hats: busy professionals, wives, girlfriends, mothers, brilliant singles, excellent cooks and perfect hosts. It is more difficult for a woman to build a career because there is a lack of adequate public services that facilitate daily life. You could start with a modular approach and make school schedules more flexible, for example, or give support tools for the organization of the day.

 What methods and what formulas would you suggest to raise awareness and make the male world aware of this gap? A gap which, moreover, also has consequences on GDP.

I believe that the male world is aware of the skills of women in the work milieu. In fact, those who choose to invest in women usually do not go back. On the contrary, I increasingly see women at the top or 100% female teams who demonstrate that we are as capable, if not more, than a man. So I'd say to definitely give it a try.

What message or advice do you want to give to women who have the ability and desire to emerge, in particular to those who are still struggling and to the younger generations?

Never stop believing in what you do, confront each other, create alliances and always dare. Despite being born in a privileged position, I had, with my sisters Marta and Enrica, to fight to get to where we are today, not only as a company but also for the Intrecci Academy and the Cotarella Foundation, two projects that were not properly understood initially by the first generation. However, I believe that we have demonstrated concretely and consistently that commitment and passion lead to achieving the goals we set ourselves.

Tell us an anecdote (positive or negative) of one of your experiences on the subject.

My relationship with stylist Elisabetta Franchi is based on mutual respect and the desire to do something together without jealousy and rivalry. To the contrary, we share projects and contacts, events and birthdays! It is no coincidence that a few months ago we came into contact with Elena Alberti, Managing Director and CFO of Penske Automotive Italy, with whom we are thinking of a new concept that involves the three areas in which we operate, wine, fashion and motors, three pillars of the Made in Italy production.

photography by Andrea di Lorenzo