Piero Tagliapietra
I help businesses build high-performing teams and drive complex digital initiatives and achieve business growth.
MY IDEA? Better is possible
Skills & Expertise
I am a manager with 16 years of experience in Marketing, Strategy, and Project Management. Over the past seven years, I have held both consultancy and executive roles, leading high-impact, complex initiatives.
I have successfully taken on leadership positions guiding cross-functional teams and overseeing all administrative and governance aspects of teams, projects, business units and enterprises.
A key skill I have focused on developing over the past few years, due also to personal experiences, is emotional intelligence: I strongly believe that it is one of the most critical competencies for anyone leading teams and managing projects, along with the ability to effectively frame and solve problems.
Strategy
Strategy isn’t just about what we do, it’s also about what we choose not to do, ensuring that every move is meaningful, efficient, and value-driven.
By focusing on outcomes, I ensure that every decision is made to maximize value and minimize waste, delivering efficient and impactful outcomes for your business
Project Management
Nowadays, a competitive advantage is the ability to quickly turn ideas into value: with the right mindset and approach we can improve projects’ execution.
Leveraging certifications like PMP®, DASMM® ACP-PMI, and expertise in Agile & Lean, I ensure the delivery of well-executed plans that drive successful outcomes for your projects
Team Growth
Managing a project primarily means managing people: they are the foundations of the project’s development and the cornerstone of its value.
With years of experience leading teams of 10+ (also international), I ensure that the team reaches its highest performance potential, driving success and results
Management
I have found myself in several leadership situations where I had to make decisions and manage areas with P&L and overseeing their governance
With a commitment to servant leadership and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure, I provide strong guidance that fosters growth and delivers results even in challenging situations
Agile & Lean
My work experience has been strongly influenced by Agile and Lean approaches, which I have been able to apply and teach in various contexts.
Having worked as Scrum Master, PO, Agile Coach and PM, I offer a customer-focused approach that ensures your business receives the highest value at every step and trough Agile Transformations
Agencies
My career began in communication agencies, and they are organizations I know both internally and from the client side (company).
My in-depth knowledge of Italian agencies, the digital ones, and strong relationships with former colleagues provide valuable insights and networking opportunities for your business.
Marketing
Since 2009, I have been working on marketing-related projects: from communication campaigns to the management of MarCom offices
With experience managing over 100 Branding and Performance projects across multiple channels, I bring a data-informed approach that drives targeted, effective results for your business.
Digital
I have been involved in the development of digital projects and initiatives with a Lean Startup approach, having a strong knowledge of the digital landscape.
My experimental approach takes into account the full impact of digital projects across the entire value stream, ensuring a holistic strategy that maximizes value rather than focusing on isolated elements
Security
Thanks to a master’s degree, I specialized in Cybersecurity, delving into various aspects and focusing on human factors.
I always keep security and privacy in mind for every project, ensuring seamless integration, while collaborating closely with all business functions to deliver secure, effective solutions
Professional Journey
Over the years, I have worked with companies of various sizes, from small businesses to multinational corporations, taking on a range of managerial roles.
My experience includes leading digital transformation initiatives, driving product development, and overseeing marketing strategies to support business growth and innovation.
Additionally, I have coached several Italian agencies in project management and strategy, among those I can mention Fruitecom, Social Cities, Ninja Marketing, MOCA Interactive, and Hinto Group.
Hereafter a selection of my most significant experiences that I can discuss
2019 - TODAY
Temporary Manager, Consultant
Freelance
Since 2019 I have worked for several companies and agencies covering different roles and managing also more than 50 communications projects:
- Temporary GM – For a struggling company, I took on the role of General Manager, restructuring the commercial offering, processes, and portfolio to reduce losses and lay the groundwork for future growth.
- Scrum Master – Supported a new agile team within a multinational company to launch a new platform on a challenging timeline. Achieved an on-schedule go-live with full stakeholder satisfaction.
- Marketing Manager – For various companies, I worked as a Marketing Manager, setting up comprehensive activities from Brand Management, CRM development, Advertising activities across channels and media.
- Coach – I have provided training and support to various companies and agencies in process organization, team management and project management, focusing on PMP exam preparation and the implementation of Agile frameworks such as Scrum and Lean practices.
2020 - 2023
Chairman of the Board
Digicoop
Appointed as Chairman of the Board, I provided organisational support, managed critical issues in product development, conducted assessments and defined the new industrial plan for the Consortium.
I remained a Board Member until its transformation into a new entity in 2023, Dico-Digital Community Società Cooperativa Consortile.
2017 - TODAY
Chairman of the Board
Hypernova Società Cooperativa
Elected as Chairman of the Board, I oversee the enterprise’s strategy and development, budget planning and execution, as well as all aspects of the cooperative’s governance.
I successfully grew the cooperative’s revenue from zero to over €1 million, navigating through the challenges posed by COVID and consistently closing recent years with a positive balance sheet.
2015 - 2019
Digital Strategist
The Fool
As Digital Strategist I oversaw more than 50 communication projects (PR, Branding, Performance) in the Banking and Insurance sectors running workshops, complex initiatives and teams.
In the areas of reputation management, I also worked on critical projects for multinational companies and conducted complex research initiatives in several markets.
2011 - 2015
Communication Specialist
CEFRIEL
While overseeing internal communication, I also provided training to managers and executives on Open Innovation and Digitalization and supported the design and facilitation of innovation workshops for new product development.
In security projects, my focus was on Social Engineering, OSINT, Social Vulnerability Assessments and phishing campaigns (achieving an “alarming” 70% success rate).
2011 - 2013
Presentation Designer
NDA – Freelance
For a multinational corporation, I was responsible for optimizing all C-Level presentations for the annual General Meeting, ensuring they were strategically aligned with the company’s objectives and effectively communicated key messages to stakeholders.
My role involved refining content structure, enhancing visual storytelling, and tailoring messaging to resonate with diverse audiences, including investors, board members, and senior leadership.
2009 - 2011
Digital Strategist
Hagakure
I had the privilege of contributing to the growth of one of Italy’s first digital agencies, now part of Capgemini, supporting its expansion from 15 to 70+ professionals in two years.
In a startup environment, I held several roles including Social Media Manager, Digital Strategist for Blue Chips clients and Head of the Analysis and Monitoring Team for reporting activities.
2003 - 2009
Personal trainer & Martial Arts Instructor
Several gyms
During my university years, I worked as a martial arts instructor and personal trainer at various gyms. I assisted and guided over 200 clients, supporting them from their initial entry into the gym all the way through to achieving their goals.
Pubblications, Lectures and Talks
From the very start of my professional career, alongside writing on my personal blog, I’ve had the opportunity to produce a variety of articles and publish two books. I also frequently deliver lectures and public talks at various levels.
I often have the opportunity to teach at various educational institutions and universities. I currently teach, and have previously taught, at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Università San Raffaele, Università Statale di Milano, IED, CUOA, Digital Update, Ninja Marketing, and other organizations where I am part of the faculty (with whom I have NDA agreements).
- 2022 / Today – Ninja Marketing – Lecturer in “Digital Project Management”, “AI for Project Management” and “How to apply Lean tools”
- 2015 / Today – Lecturer in the Master’s Program in Management and Communication for Sustainability – Alta Scuola per l’Ambiente, UCSC Brescia – Class on “Communication for Sustainability”
- 2017 / 2019 – Accademia d’Impresa – For an organization specializing in tourism, hospitality, and guest services, I conducted courses on “Marketing”, “Digital Marketing” and “Security”, covering both theoretical and practical aspects.
- 2016 / 2024 – Digital Update – Lecturer for the modules “Digital PR” and “Agile Project Management”
- 2016 / 2022 – IED – EUROPEAN INSTITUTE OF DESIGN – Lecturer in the Master’s Program in Digital Communication Strategy: “Digital PR” and “Analytics and Web Analytics”
- 2016 – HBR Italia – “Training for top management on the evolution of marketing in the digital landscape and the development of influencer marketing”
- 2016 / 2021 – CUOA – Lecturer in the JobLeader E-commerce and Digital Marketing course. Within the course, I taught various modules, including: “Organizing Digital Business to Gain Attention and Influence”, “Integration of Tools and Communication Channels”, “Monitoring for Observation and Analysis”, “Influencer Marketing”, “ROI on Social and Digital Activities”.
- 2015 – Mondadori – Lecturer for the Mondadori Digital School in the module “Writing for the Web: Techniques and Tools for Web Writing. How to Create and Manage Content for a Multi-Platform Content Strategy”.
- 2015 – Advanced Legal Informatics Seminars (University of Milan) – “Social Media and User Tracking”
- 2014 – Advanced Legal Informatics Seminars (University of Milan) – “Privacy and Social Media”
- 2013 – Advanced Legal Informatics Seminars (University of Milan) – “The Social Media Landscape”
I have written two books in Italian for Franco Angeli:
As part of the Management Tools series, I wrote this book to help people better manage their digital projects by reflecting on the approach and various project management methods.
As part of the NEO series, I created this book on the topic of influencers, outlining how this phenomenon should be understood, as well as the different types of influencers and engagement strategies.
Over the years, I’ve written several articles for various publications on different topics related to digital, ranging from cybersecurity to the use of tools:
2021 -Book: “Strategic Marketing Using Relationship Marketing”
In Valentina Vellucci’s book, I contributed the chapter “The Art of Relational Community Management. Trolling vs Crisis Management”.
2018 – “Book: Communicating Digital – A Manual of Theories, Techniques, and Practices of Communication – (Various Authors)”
I wrote the section of the book dedicated to “Influencer marketing”.
2014 – CEFRIEL Innovision Paper: Social-Driven Vulnerability: Facing and Managing Vulnerabilities Driven by Social Media
The paper titled explores how the increasing use of social media introduces new vulnerabilities in cybersecurity. It examines how attackers exploit user behaviors, social engineering, and technological trends to breach defenses. Key factors include the human element as a critical weak point, the ubiquity of mobile devices, continuous connectivity, and the culture of sharing information online.
The paper emphasizes the limitations of traditional perimeter-focused security approaches, highlighting the need for a holistic strategy. This includes integrating social monitoring, advanced technological defenses, and organizational shifts to foster security awareness among employees. It advocates for a 360-degree defense paradigm that combines protecting information assets, managing social risks, and addressing technological threats.
2012 – Sole24ore Master’s Program: On the Concept of Influencers
Contribution on the topic of influencers within the volume on media relations for the Sole24Ore Master’s program.
Over the years, I’ve written several articles for various publications on different topics related to digital, ranging from cybersecurity to the use of tools:
2017: “Digital is not a set of tools, but the deepest change there is” – Linkiesta
The article argues that digital transformation is not merely a collection of tools or technologies but a profound, fundamental shift in the way businesses and society operate. It highlights how digital innovation reshapes processes, organizational structures, and cultural mindsets, emphasizing that successful adaptation requires rethinking strategies and behaviors rather than just adopting new software or platforms. In essence, the article positions the digital revolution as a deep and systemic change, urging leaders to focus on the underlying cultural and structural evolution rather than just technological implementation.
2012: “Information Foraging” – Business & Gentleman
The article explores how users navigate and consume information online, drawing a parallel to how animals forage for food in the wild. It explains that users follow “information scent” cues—such as links, titles, and snippets—that lead them toward their desired content. When these cues are clear and relevant, users are more likely to continue exploring and reach their goal. Conversely, if the scent is weak or misleading, users abandon the search. The article highlights the importance of optimizing digital content to provide clear, valuable signals so that users can efficiently locate the information they need.
2011: “Innovation Factor” – L’impresa
The article highlights how the internet has created an open, competitive ecosystem that fosters innovation, using Facebook as a prime example. Starting from a Harvard dorm room, Facebook leveraged the unique characteristics of the internet—its standards, scalability, and collaborative nature—to become a global phenomenon with vast social and economic impact. The article argues that Facebook’s success is not an isolated case but part of a broader trend, as similar models like Twitter and LinkedIn demonstrate the internet’s capacity to continuously support innovative ideas, even if many attempts fail along the way.
2011: Articles for Wired Italia (column) – Guide to Egosurfing; QR Codes; Preparing for Summer; Editing Photos Online
Several articles on Wired Italia
Over the years, I have delivered numerous public presentations to both small and large audiences, ranging from school students to managers. Many of the slides are available on SlideShare and on YouTube.
- 2022 – Freelance Camp – “Those Who Walk on Water and Those Who Work on Airtable”
- 2022 – Working Better Podcast – ““The 5S of the Lean Method with Piero Tagliapietra”
- 2021 – Freelancecamp – “Projects as journeys”
- 2021 – Wordcamp Italia – “Mysterious Ways – Rethinking Contracts”
- 2021 – Sostanze – “Agile and Lean: Buzzwords or Valuable Approaches?”
- 2019 – Merita Business Podcast – “What is Agile: Let’s Learn to Turbocharge Project Management with Piero Tagliapietra”
- 2019 – Wordcamp Verona – “Retrospectives (or How to Create Better Projects)”
- 2020 – Freelance Day – “Strategies for a New Normal (with Chiara Battaglioni)
- 2019 – Freelance Day 2019 – “Project Management for Freelances”
- 2018 – Freelancecamp – “Can we still do project alone?”
- 2017 – Merita Business Podcast – “Influencer Marketing: How to Work with Influencers – Ep. 24 – Interview with Piero Tagliapietra”
- 2015 – Social Media Week Milan – “Mobile Reputation”
- 2015 – Social Media Week Milan – “Agile PR”
- 2015 – Pre-Digit15 – “Influencers and Journalism”
- 2014 – WPC 2014 – “Agile Methodologies for Managing Innovative Projects”
- 2014 – Agile for Innovation – “Agile and Lean for Social Media”
- 2014 – Rotary Club Sassuolo with ITIS “Volta” Institute and IPSIA “Don Magnani” – “Everything You Wanted to Know About Facebook But Were too Afraid to Ask”
- 2014 – Advanced Legal Informatics Seminars (University of Milan) – “Privacy and Social Media”
- 2014 – Lean Startup Machine Milan – “Lean Social Media Monitoring”
- 2014 – Social Media Week Milan – “Social Media Policy”
- 2013 – SMXM – “Supercharging Reach & Engagement on Facebook and Twitter”
- 2013 – Advanced Legal Informatics Seminars (University of Milan) – “The Social Media Landscape”
- 2013-2011 – Romagnacamp – “Social Media Engineering,” “Philosophy and Biology for Social Media Analysis”
- 2013 – Local Association (Valsabbia News) – “Two Evenings to Discuss Social Media and Mobile”
- 2012 – National Conference of Volunteer Associations – “Social Media: How to Use Them for Associations’ Operations”
- 2012 – AVIS Gavardo – “Three Evenings Exploring Social Media: Opportunities and Risks”
- 2011 – Middle School Rivoltella, Parent-Child Meeting – “Generation F: Risks on Facebook and How to Avoid Them”
- 2009 – Usercamp – “The Naked User: A Short Journey Through Design and Social Media”
- 2009 – Tesicamp – “Online Customer Care: New Frontiers in Online Communication”
- 2009 – Veneziacamp – “Identity and Culture: How the Web Influences the Perception of Individuals and Businesses”
Master’s Degree in Security Specialist: “The Risks of Social Media in Business Contexts”
The thesis (project work) examines how the increasing use of social media platforms introduces risks for organizations, particularly in terms of security, reputation, and data protection. The study explores how businesses leverage social media for promotional and operational purposes, while also exposing themselves to vulnerabilities stemming from employee behavior, technological weaknesses, and external threats.
Key risks identified include malware propagation, phishing, social engineering, the leakage of confidential or sensitive data, reputational damage, and legal implications. The paper uses qualitative risk assessment methods, such as STRIDE and DREAD models, to analyze threat scenarios and prioritize mitigation strategies.
Recommendations emphasize the importance of employee training, robust security policies, the use of monitoring tools, and proactive management of digital assets. The study underscores the critical role of balancing social media benefits with comprehensive risk management to protect organizational assets and ensure operational resilience.
Master’s Degree in Semiotics: “Online Customer Care: New Frontiers of Network Communication”
The thesis, titled , explores how digital environments influence customer service practices, particularly through the integration of Human Digital Assistants (HDAs). Using semiotic analysis, the study investigates how corporations use digital avatars to represent themselves, engage users, and enhance customer interactions on their websites.
The research focuses on key questions, such as whether HDAs foster relationships with customers, act as tools for customer care, embody corporate identities, or function as independent entities. Through a detailed examination of websites from various sectors, the thesis evaluates communication strategies, user interactions, and the effectiveness of digital tools like FAQs, email support, and HDAs.
Combining qualitative methods like focus groups with semiotic frameworks, the study underscores the evolving role of online customer care in shaping corporate image, fostering customer loyalty, and enhancing user experience. It concludes by highlighting the potential of HDAs to personalize interactions, while also addressing the challenges of integrating such technologies into broader customer care strategies.
Bachelor’s Degree in Semiotics: “Communication in Cybersecurity: Comparative Analysis of Two 2004 Print Ads”
The thesis, titled , examines the strategies used in advertising cybersecurity products and services. Through a semiotic analysis of two distinct advertisements, the study explores how these campaigns convey the value of security, targeting businesses and institutions that manage complex and sensitive data.
The research categorizes the ads into two thematic approaches: euphoric, focusing on stability and tranquility by presenting the user as already protected, and dysphoric, emphasizing potential risks and vulnerabilities to prompt action. The analysis identifies how visual, textual, and emotional elements are employed to align with the target audience’s awareness of cybersecurity threats and their readiness to invest in protective measures.
The study concludes that ads leveraging dysphoric narratives are more effective for audiences unfamiliar with cybersecurity’s importance, as they highlight risks and manipulate the audience toward adopting protective behaviors. Conversely, euphoric narratives resonate better with informed audiences, emphasizing the benefits and peace of mind provided by the advertised solutions. The thesis underscores the critical role of narrative strategies in cybersecurity communication, tailored to the audience’s level of awareness and existing attitudes toward security.
Education & Certifications
I hold a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Semiotics (philosophy of language) from the University of Bologna, as well as a Level I Master’s in Cybersecurity from the Polytechnic University of Milan and a Cooperative Business Management course.
I believe continuous learning is a cornerstone of professional growth. Over the past five years, I have completed more than 13 training courses, including specialized modules on artificial intelligence for project management and advanced methodologies for solving complex problems (Wicked Problem Solving).
Since 2013, I have focused on specializing in project management, working to obtain a wide range of internationally recognized certifications.
I currently hold the following credentials: CSM®, ACP-PMI®, PMP®, DASMM®, PSM I and PSPO I, Google Certified Project Manager, White & Yellow Belt Lean Six Sigma
For 2025, I’m considering delving deeper into topics like PMO, LSS Green Belt, and AI for Agile.
In the timeline, you can see the details of training and certifications aggregated by year.
About Me
Four words to know me better
Curiosity: I am naturally curious and always eager to understand how things work—if I don’t know something, I research, study, and experiment. I like new things and explore emerging techs, tools and ideas
Discipline: I have a strong sense of discipline that stems from years of sports and martial arts training (I’m a black belt in two disciplines), which taught me the importance of consistency and commitment.
Communication: I love seeing communication that truly works, delivers the intended results and inspires new ideas. I started working in the agencies world in 2009 and I still love it.
Agile: Since discovering agile and lean methodologies in 2014, I’ve been continuously studying project management, convinced that the key to success today lies in execution. My focus are value and waste reduction, everywhere.
I travel frequently for work, but I love returning home where three people, six animals, and various plants await me.
I stand by my word and kindness is not negotiable.
Get in Touch
Questions?
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests, feel free to use the contact form next to this message to reach out to me. I will get back to you as soon as I can.
I live in Desenzano del Garda as it allows me to quickly reach Brescia and Verona (~20 minutes) as well as Milan, Bologna, Trento, and Venice (~1 hour), while also providing easy access to several airports.
Find out more on my LinkedIn profile