Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Laura Gagliardi. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Laura, thanks for sitting with us today to chat about topics that are relevant to so many. One of those topics is communication skills, because we live in an age where our ability to communicate effectively can be like a superpower. Can you share how you developed your ability to communicate well?
I developed my ability to communicate effectively through a combination of continuous learning, practice, and self-awareness. Effective communication is not just about conveying information but also about understanding the needs and perspectives of my audience. I’ve honed my skill by actively listening to what people were asking and their concerns, providing clear and concise responses, and adapting my communication style to various situations.
I’m also always striving to be empathetic, recognizing the emotions and viewpoints of those I interact with. This has allowed me to address specific requests even at work, ultimately fostering a deeper connection and mutual understanding with both clients, managers, co-workers… and friends, too.
I’m very committed to remaining open to feedback and constructive criticism, embracing opportunities to refine my communication skills. It’s part of what I do on a regular basis. Through continuous self-improvement and refinement, I’ve become a more confident and adaptable communicator and I made of this my strongest skills for my job, too.
Last but not least, I believe my foundation in foreign languages and foreign cultures had a impact on the way I relate to people in general. At the end of the day, how you relate to the people you interact with is at the foundation of great communication if you know how to listen.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
On a daily basis I am a content designer who has a deep-rooted passion for the written word, but I am also trying to pursue my dream of becoming an actual novelist. I was born in the picturesque landscapes of Venice, Italy, and my Italian heritage has instilled in me a love for culture, art, and storytelling. This cultural richness has been a constant source of inspiration in my life that eventually brought me to be an independent contributor who is -or should be, good with words, for those client companies that require my expertise.
My journey got even more exciting when I became a naturalized American citizen. This experience of embracing a new homeland, its diverse narratives, and its vibrant literary traditions has further fueled my creative aspirations.
As a content designer, I spent years crafting engaging and impactful written content for various industries. My work is characterized by a blend of creativity and analytical reasoning to provide people with an ideal user experience. I always want to make sure the content I create not only can convey messages effectively but can also capture the essence of every brand I work with, because I believe it is fundamental to support the brand identity.
Yet, I have to be honest and say that my true ambition has always been to craft my own narratives and share my imaginative worlds with my own readers. My determination to transition from content design to the realm of novel writing full time, is driven by an unwavering belief in the power of storytelling to inspire, connect, and transform lives.
With my Italian heritage and my new American identity, which framed a life spent specializing in American languages, literatures and cultures, I can bring a diverse and enriched perspective to my future novels, don’t you think? I envisioned my stories as not only a bridge between cultures, but also a fusion of experiences that will resonate with readers on a global scale. I am not just pursuing a dream; I am weaving my life experiences, passions, and talents into a tapestry of storytelling that promises that I would love to see captivate and touch the hearts of readers around the world.
In my free time, I can be found exploring new places with my service dog, Ella, while surrounded by either nature, literature, or music; or maybe all three at the same time. My latest creation “One Night”, can be found on Amazon and it’s about a woman nicknamed New York. As she navigates the turbulent waters of life, her journey is a tapestry of love encounters, emotional chaos, and a deep yearning to heal the scars etched upon her soul by the hands of many men. It’s a raw, unvarnished look at the intimate rendezvous of the heart —and the body, where every emotion and every experience are just laid bare. Often literally. It’s an ensemble of sensuous and captivating depictions of human desire and connection with a psychological twist. Feel free to check it out.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Looking back on my journey, I think three factors have profoundly shaped my path. The first is resilience. Throughout someone’s journey, challenges and setbacks are inevitable. Resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity, has been instrumental in overcoming all these hurdles, in my case. My advice to those starting their own journey is to develop resilience by cultivating a growth mindset, focusing on learning from failures, and staying persistent in the face of obstacles.
The second pivotal factor has been adaptability. The world is in a constant state of flux, and being able to adjust to new circumstances, technologies, and paradigms is essential. Early on, it’s crucial to embrace change, stay open to different approaches, and be proactive in seeking opportunities for growth and adaptation.
The third vital element is a network of connections and relationships. Building a supportive and diverse network of colleagues, mentors, and friends can open doors, provide guidance, and enrich your journey. I personally struggled with this being an introvert, but had to eventually push myself and do something about it. I think the most important thing is to always be authentic, offer assistance, and seek out opportunities for collaboration pretty much anywhere, even at the dog park with your fluffy best friend.
In addition to what I just mentioned, I’d suggest embracing failure, because learning from your mistakes is the best lesson you can get from life. At the same time, cultivate a mindset that sees challenges as opportunities to improve and most importantly seek support. Even talking to a therapist if that’s what you need.
If you’re an extrovert, just open yourself up to the world! Attend events and join communities. Some of these gatherings are excellent places to meet like-minded individuals and expand your network but always keep in mind that, developing these qualities and skills takes time and patience. It’s a continuous journey. Be kind to yourself, stay persistent, and remain open to learning and personal growth. Over time, you’ll find that these qualities become integral to your success and fulfillment on your journey, too. Good luck!
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
As an expert in communications I know this may sound extremely odd, but I struggle with self-promotion. I am so used to helping others achieve visibility and relevance on the market, that I constantly look at the competition and, for myself I can only shake my head no. For a new writer, it’s very depressing because I know that, for example, the market I want to be in could possibly be overly saturated. There is such an abundance of content and countless aspiring writers vying for readers’ attention, that the only thing I can think of is “who am I? And how can I stand out?” and it just keeps repeating in my head.
Establishing credibility in the eyes of readers, literary agents, or publisher can be a slow and gradual process but to me it just feels terrifying. It seems like it’s hard for me to do for myself what I can easily do for my clients: develop a strong online presence. I know that I have to persist and be patient; building a writing career takes time. So I keep repeating myself this like a mantra: Facing the challenge of self-promotion as a new writer is undoubtedly daunting, but with dedication, resilience, and a strategic approach, I think I can move towards the right direction. I got this.
If you have any suggestion by the way, feel free to share! Get in touch! Get to know meee!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lauragagliardi.com
- Instagram: www.instragram.com/lauraandella
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lauragagliardi
