As ETL GLOBAL celebrates 10 years of empowering SMEs, the spotlight now turns to the firms and individuals leading its growing international presence. In this interview, Massimo Nardini and Micaela Laura of ETL Italia, the joint venture between NexumStp and ETL GLOBAL, reflect on their professional paths and their role in developing and consolidating the network’s presence in Italy.
Early influences and beginnings
Massimo’s introduction to the profession began unusually early. Born and raised in Turin, he started spending his school holidays in a professional firm when he was only sixteen, and from that moment, he knew he wanted to continue in that direction. “The work of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) fascinated me since day one, and I have never stopped working whenever my academic schedule allowed.” That early exposure deepened when his father acquired part of a practice, allowing Massimo to experience the profession in a family setting. “My father became my mentor and source of inspiration, and when my brother joined us, the three of us formed an amazing family trio that helped us grow together.”
Micaela’s story begins in San Remo and Bordighera, where she grew up in a family with both Italian and German roots. The profession was already present at home, and she describes that influence very directly: “My grandfather was a labour consultant, and my father pursued the same career. I could say this profession has always been part of our family, a true tradition that inspired me from the very beginning.” Her academic path, however, did not immediately define her future specialisation. After training as a CPA and joining her father’s firm, she later moved to Turin, where the market was shifting, and firms were beginning to search for labour consultants dedicated entirely to that field. What she initially considered a temporary step soon revealed itself as something more. “Over time, I discovered a deep passion for this field. That experience ultimately defined my professional specialisation, one that continues to motivate me today.”
Discovering ETL GLOBAL
After several years in practice, both Massimo and Micaela were increasingly dealing with matters that extended beyond a purely domestic context, as international clients, cross-border questions, and different regulatory and professional frameworks became part of their work. This gradually led them to consider collaboration within an international network that would connect them with colleagues from different countries.
For Massimo, ETL GLOBAL stood out for how the project was structured and the people behind it. What appealed to him was the emphasis on shared experience, a clear direction, and a focus on long-term development. As he describes it, “ETL GLOBAL has wonderful professionals and managers with experience, vision, and a successful project designed to help others grow. I strongly believe that the ETL model can bring great opportunities to many professionals, their teams, and all stakeholders.”
For Micaela, working across borders was a natural extension of how she already approached her work, driven by a genuine curiosity for different contexts, perspectives, and ways of working. “I love the idea of giving my work an international dimension and collaborating with colleagues from different countries. Helping ETL GLOBAL grow in Italy is an exciting challenge. And just like ETL GLOBAL, which was born in Germany and has grown into a truly international network, I share German roots and an openness to the world.”
Micaela Laura, Johannes Struckmeier, Anne-Kathrin Steinröder and Massimo Nardini during one of their first meetings in 2022.
Building ETL Italia
ETL Italia formally began operations in spring 2024, marking the start of a structured effort to establish the ETL GLOBAL model within the Italian professional market. Massimo explains that the sector has long been built around small, owner-led firms, where continuity and autonomy carry significant weight and, therefore, introducing the ETL model requires time, clarity, and a measured pace. “The Italian environment is culturally resistant to consolidation, even more so when it involves foreign investors. But I accept this challenge, and my passion for the job helps me wake up every morning happy to contribute,” he explains.
Micaela addresses this hesitation from a different angle, focusing on how growth is approached on the ground. Rather than pursuing expansion for its own sake, she underlines the importance of building credibility and stability over time. “The Italian market is complex, but this is precisely where I see the most interesting opportunities. The goal is to increase the value of professional firms, creating solid foundations for development and competitiveness.”
In this sense, ETL GLOBAL offers Italian firms a framework that allows them to remain independently managed while gaining access to a wider international network of professionals. The model is designed to preserve local identity and decision-making, while providing broader expertise, shared standards, and cross-border collaboration. For many Italian firms, this balance can represent a practical way to grow without giving up what defines how they work.
Industry changes and the role of technology
Both Massimo and Micaela see technology, and particularly AI, as one of the main forces changing how the profession operates. For Micaela, the discussion is no longer about what this technology might bring in the future, but about how tools that are already part of everyday work should be used responsibly. “The challenge is to learn how to use it without fear, to simplify processes and improve what we do.” Massimo shares the view that adaptation is no longer optional and points out that professionals have little choice but to respond, even as expectations and workloads continue to increase. “AI can be a tsunami or a long, smooth wave to surf. We have no choice; it’s time to learn how to surf.”
Despite the pace of technological change, both Massimo and Micaela are clear that advisory work remains fundamentally human. Tools may evolve, but the way people work together, build trust, and share responsibility continues to define the quality of outcomes. Micaela places particular value on everyday collaboration, where open discussion and shared problem-solving are part of how teams operate. “I like to create a real sense of teamwork, sharing ideas and solutions. That’s how we achieve great results.”
Massimo approaches the same issue from the perspective of leadership, drawing attention to what allows teams to function under pressure. Technical competence matters, but he sees it as secondary to the relationships that hold teams together and allow them to act decisively. “Skills are important, but trustful relationships are the real key to good collaboration and the foundation of any good leader.” For both, this emphasis on trust and cooperation is not a counterweight to change, but what makes it possible to manage complexity and adapt without losing cohesion.
Looking ahead
When speaking about the future, both Massimo and Micaela come back to the same idea: the profession will continue to change, but it will do so through people rather than through structures alone. New tools, new expectations and more interconnected markets are already part of daily work, and adapting to that reality requires openness, learning and responsibility over time.
A central part of that future, lies in supporting younger professionals as they find their place in the profession. Massimo is explicit about the importance of environment and mindset early on. “Always avoid toxic people. Surround yourself with those who inspire you and teach you that shaping the future isn’t easy, but it’s worth the effort.”
Micaela approaches the same topic through mentoring and daily collaboration. Passing on experience and creating space for others to develop is not a side activity, but something that gives meaning to her work. “What excites me most is mentoring young professionals: sharing my experience, watching them grow day by day, passing on my passion and seeing it reflected in their eyes.” Both see curiosity, commitment and continuous learning as essential if the profession is to remain relevant and rewarding.
These views feed directly into how they look at their own future within ETL Italia. For Massimo, his professional direction is closely tied to the development of the project. “Right now, my number one goal is to contribute to the growth and success of ETL Italia.” Micaela shares the same long-term perspective but frames it in terms of collective progress and diversity within the network. “Every new partner adds a piece to this puzzle,” she notes, pointing to a model that grows stronger through collaboration.
Taken together, their outlook reflects an ambition to build something lasting: an Italian network that remains close to its local roots while being fully connected internationally. In their view, ETL Italia’s future lies in this balance, creating an environment where firms, professionals and younger generations can develop together, and where Italy plays an active role within the wider ETL GLOBAL network.
