On 4 June 2025, I had the great honour of returning to Bayes Business School—my alma mater—as a guest lecturer for the Family Business course. As both Consul of the Republic of San Marino to the United Kingdom and a Senior Visiting Fellow at Bayes, this occasion held particular significance for me, professionally and personally.
During the session, I introduced my latest book on Family Business, which blends personal reflection with practical guidance drawn from decades of experience in managing and transforming a family-run enterprise. My journey with Tratos, the international cable manufacturing company founded by my father in 1966, has shaped not only my career but my philosophy on leadership, innovation, and responsible growth.
I began my career at Tratos earning minimum wage, known simply as “my father’s son.” Those early days taught me the value of humility, hard work, and a commitment to continuous learning. Over time, and with the support of education, an ever-growing professional network, and a deep belief in giving back—exemplified by the founding of the Esharelife Foundation—I developed an approach to leadership that I describe as:
Start humble, learn deeply, live in the present – Maurizio Bragagni
In my lecture, I focused on the unique challenges and opportunities family businesses face in today’s interconnected world. I spoke candidly about the early rigidity within Tratos—characterised by hierarchical structures and strict role divisions—and how such systems can limit collaboration and innovation. Under my leadership, we made a conscious shift toward inclusivity and agility.
This cultural transformation has helped propel Tratos from its Italian roots to become a globally recognised group, not just for technical excellence, but for our commitment to employee wellbeing, community impact, and ethical governance.
Sharing these experiences with the next generation of business leaders at Bayes was deeply rewarding. I wanted to offer them more than a business case study; I hoped to illustrate how values such as adaptability, integrity, and long-term vision are not only compatible with business success but essential to it.
I am grateful to Bayes Business School for the opportunity to return, to share, and to inspire. My journey—from humble beginnings to international business and public service—continues, and I remain committed to building bridges between people, industries, and nations.