There are definitely moments when I stop and think…I have a really great job. And I don’t take that for granted — especially when it takes me somewhere as unforgettable as Palermo, Sicily for our International Leadership Board meeting.
But if I’m being honest, the destination isn’t even the best part.
It’s the people you're with.
I know that sounds a little cliché… but it’s also completely true. The women (and a few guys 😆) I get to work with — the ones I travel with, problem-solve with, laugh with through the chaos — they’re what make it all so special. These trips are full, fast-paced, and high-pressure at times, but somehow, with them, it all just works. There’s this unspoken rhythm we fall into — dividing and conquering, supporting each other, and finding moments to laugh in between it all.
And then you look up…and you’re in Palermo.
A city that feels alive in every sense — layered with history, energy, a little bit of grit, and so much beauty. Narrow streets buzzing with life, balconies overflowing, the smell of espresso and something delicious around every corner. It pulls you in instantly.
We stayed at Villa Igiea, which somehow made the entire experience feel even more surreal. Perched right along the water, it’s effortlessly elegant — the kind of place where even a quick coffee feels like a moment. It became our home base for the week, balancing early mornings, full days, and late evenings with just enough calm in between.
The meeting itself was set within the hotel, and it came together beautifully. Guests heard from many of our leaders, with meaningful updates on key enterprise priorities and what’s ahead. It was a strong, thoughtful program — the kind that reinforces the bigger picture while also creating space for connection, conversation, and shared momentum. There’s something special about being able to do this work in a setting like that — it elevates everything just a bit.
Our opening dinner at Villa Bordonaro set the tone right away — stunning, warm, and full of that effortless Italian charm. It was one of those nights where everything just clicked… Campari and Aperol spritzes in hand, beautiful surroundings, incredible food, and dancing that carried well into the night.
And then, the perfect finale.
Our closing dinner at Palazzo Gangi, hosted by Princess Carine Vanni, felt like stepping into another world. Grand, historic, and unbelievably elegant — the kind of setting that almost doesn’t feel real. One of the most incredible parts? We were in the Salone degli Specchi — the Hall of Mirrors — where the iconic ballroom scene from The Leopard was filmed. Standing there, surrounded by gilded details, chandeliers, and endless reflections, it truly felt like stepping inside a movie. And just when you thought the night couldn’t get any more memorable, a soprano from France performed — her voice echoing through the palace in a way that gave you chills and made the entire evening feel even more magical.
It was the perfect way to close out the week, celebrating not just the work, but the experience of it all.
And in true Italy fashion… we ate so well.
We shared incredible meals, lots of laughs, and fully embraced the moment — with plenty of cannolo's and Aperol spritzes along the way (as you should). Every meal felt intentional, unrushed, and worth savoring.
But surprisingly, some of my favorite moments were the quiet ones.
Almost every day, I found myself having breakfast and lunch solo at Villa Igiea — and it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. Sitting by the water, slowing down for a bit, taking it all in…it was kind of perfect. The breakfast was so good I’ve actually tried to recreate it at home, and lunch became something I genuinely looked forward to each day.
The pasta? Unreal.
They made me something different every single day — simple, fresh, perfectly done — and it never once disappointed. Pasta in Italy is just different. And my goodness, it’s good.
This trip reminded me, once again, why I love Italy so much. There’s just something about it — the energy, the passion, the way life feels a little fuller and more intentional.
It also didn’t take long for that feeling to turn into action…
Shortly after getting home, I booked another trip — this time for Steve and me ❤️ Back to Italy… just a different corner to Bari (not Palermo this time)… but let’s be honest, Palermo might have officially earned a spot on the “next time” list.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about where you go… it’s who you get to share it with 💛
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