Hard to miss

This is the fourth edition of One with the Blue – the aim is to share examples on how emotional well-being is supported in a region where people are living happy and healthy lives. 

For Andrea Di Cesare, family is everything. It’s no surprise he spends his day working at his family business – a well-known hotel in Santa Maria Navaresse, Sardegna. 

It’s hard to miss Andrea – he’s the young man who is taking care of his customers, genuinely asking how they’re doing and what they’ve got planned for the day. He is attentive to all the details of their visit.

The hospitality business is fast-paced with high demands, quick expectations and no time for idle chats. Andrea stands out because when you connect with him, you feel he actually wants people to have a great day; he’s living with his purpose in mind. 

“Growing up, my family instilled many values that I hold close to my heart. But one value that’s always taken the front seat for me is empathy. Caring for others is very important because in today’s age – despite the ease of creating fast relationships via social media – people are really looking for something extra when they’re with others,” explained Andrea over an espresso one afternoon as he enjoyed his break. 

I asked him what he meant by this. 

“Well, Elena, it’s not complicated. Life can be challenging – demands, schedules, deadlines get the best of us. I think it’s our responsibility that when we’re with people, we make them feel special. It’s in the things we choose to say. It’s how attentive we are when someone is talking. It’s about knowing how to really listen and encouraging someone to keep trying,” Andrea continued. 

Earlier this summer I had the chance to see Professor Scott Snook. I first met him years ago when a past leader of mine invited him to a team meeting – the Harvard Business School professor spoke about compassionate leadership. The theme was just as strong during his recent remarks where he emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence, purposeful communications and hope. 

There’s a phrase he shared that I grasped immediately: “Hope for the world starts with us.” 

Whether we’ve come to realize our impact or not, the influence we have on someone’s day is powerful. 

Offering a warm smile or simply asking how one is doing gives someone an extra boost – a boost they may not even know they need. In the end, they feel better as a result of our deliberate intentions. 

“It takes a lot of work to hear the whisper of who we really are. But if you listen closely, you’ll hear it,” Professor Snook maintains.

I believe we’re kind, compassionate and caring people who stand to make a difference by connecting with others. People like Andrea don’t just hear the whisper of who they are – they’re compelled to live it with force. There’s so much potential to deepen our relationships and, as Andrea reminds us, knowing what we stand for can truly make us feel more fulfilled. 

“When I know I’ve had an impact on someone, I feel great. My mind is clear, I find that I’m focused on what’s in front of me, and I’m inspired to keep the good vibes flowing. I know a lot of people who are searching for the meaning of a happy and successful life. I don’t let myself be distracted – I focus on the moment and most importantly, I focus on the person who is in front of me. Without hope, something I think we can create for others, we have no life. I take pride in the simple ways I’m making a difference in our world and I feel good going to bed because I know why I’m here,” Andrea shared. 

My time in Sardegna this summer afforded me the chance to step back and think about what matters as we navigate through our days. I’m glad I had the chance to meet Andrea because at such a young age, he gets it. There’s no excuse for us to not put others first even if it means it takes a few extra minutes of our time. The payoff is worth it. 

I didn’t take a picture with Andrea – I wish I had. Somehow, it’s ok because when I think about the impact I can make within my small world on this side of the Atlantic Ocean, I ask myself one question that is there because of him. What would Andrea do?

I know the answer with certainty.

Smile.

Editing credits: Thank you to my beautiful friend, Jen T., for letting me run this one by you.