Twenty years ago, when I was 35, I left my life in the greater Boston area to pursue a job opportunity in glamorous Milan. Prior to the move, I had earned my MBA from the University of South Carolina. During my studies, I did an exchange program with Bocconi University's business school and had an internship with Pirelli, the tire and telecoms equipment manufacturer. I loved it.

After I graduated, the company made me an offer to head up marketing and communications for its telecoms business, and I jumped at the chance to return to Italy. I was on my own and only knew a few people from my internship. But I didn't feel nervous, just excited at this new opportunity. I've been in Milan ever since.