Francesca Romana D’Antuono is the Co-president of Volt Europa. Here she speaks to us about where real influence comes from, achieving meaningful change in politics, being accessible and her pseudonym saga.
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Can you share your career and life journey?
Thanks for having me! I’d love to share my story.
So, my journey starts a bit earlier than most. Back in high school, I was super into literature, philosophy, and cinema – things I’m still passionate about. But when it came time to choose a career, I wanted something different. I decided not to study what I already loved, because that felt too comfortable. Instead, I chose pharmacy: it seemed like a good mix of science and practicality, and I wanted to make a real impact on people’s lives. After finishing my degree, I moved to Geneva for a year to do my master’s thesis, working in a lab. It was fascinating, but when my professor suggested a PhD, I realised my heart wasn’t in it. So, I went back to Italy and tried working in a pharmacy. It was interesting and hands-on, but I knew I wanted something bigger.
I shifted gears and studied management, still focused on the pharmaceutical industry. My career really took off when I joined a big pharmaceutical company. I worked in marketing and business, helping to develop strategies and launch new products. One highlight was launching a paediatric product in Turkey, which was a huge success.
But even though my job was exciting, I started to question if it was what I really wanted to do. The world around me was changing, and I felt a growing need to contribute to social issues. I had always volunteered and supported charities, but this time I felt I needed to do more.
When I became pregnant, I told my company, thinking we’d figure out a plan that worked for both of us. But to my surprise, they really pushed for me to take a whole year off. It felt odd, as if they were putting me on the sidelines, and it wasn’t my choice. This was a huge eye-opener about gender inequality. Even as someone who felt pretty empowered, I saw how easily women can get boxed into traditional roles, even if that’s not what they want.
Living through this made me think about how many women face similar, or even tougher, situations – especially those who might not have the advantages I do. It hit me that gender inequality isn’t just something you read about; it was happening to me, and likely to many others in even less supportive environments. This was a big turning point for me. It made me rethink what I wanted from my career and pushed me to focus on work that aligns with my values and contributes to social change.
So, I decided to take a year off and got more involved with Volt, a political movement focused on making positive changes in society. Even while eight months pregnant, I campaigned and got elected as co-president of Volt’s European organisation. It was a crazy but amazing time, juggling a newborn and a new leadership role.
Now, I’m in my second term with Volt, working to make a real difference. Balancing this with being a mum has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. My journey has been about constantly challenging myself and aligning my work with my values, all while aiming to create positive change.
How did you develop your skills as a politician? What are the most important soft skills you rely on in your current role?
I love this question because it’s something I’ve thought a lot about. When I first ran for office, I felt confident because my background in strategic planning for international organisations seemed like a perfect fit. Sure, Volt is smaller and doesn’t have the budget of a big pharmaceutical company, but the core skills are the same. You need to coordinate different countries with unique contexts and bring them together into a cohesive strategy.
But what I didn’t fully realise until later is what the dynamics of power and influence are like. In the corporate world, we often think that having a title means having power. But that’s not really the case: the real influence comes from the ability to connect with people and build relationships. This is true in both the corporate and political worlds.
For example, in my previous roles, convincing colleagues and co-creating ideas often happened outside of formal meetings – like during coffee breaks. Those informal conversations were where the real decisions were made. The same goes for politics. It’s well-known that even at high-level meetings like the G7, the crucial discussions often happen in informal settings.
So, one of the most important skills I’ve developed is staying in touch with my community. First, within the party, understanding what motivates our members to volunteer their time and energy is crucial. You need to know what keeps them passionate, even after a long day at work. This helps create a positive, energetic environment rather than one that drains people.
And of course, it’s just as important to connect with the public. What do people really want from politics? It starts with listening. It’s not rocket science; people want to be heard and understood. So, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is the value of listening and building genuine connections. These are the soft skills I rely on most in my role today.
How can people engage with you, both citizens and those within the political sphere?
I really pride myself on being as accessible as possible. I spend a lot of time going through my emails, LinkedIn messages, and other social media. I try to respond to everyone, even if it’s just to say, “I can’t do this right now.” Of course, as time goes on and the volume of messages increases, it gets harder to keep up. But I do my best!
There are two types of messages I can’t resist responding to. First, I have a soft spot for young women or anyone trying to find their path. I can’t help but reply and offer advice or support. The second type is when people bring something concrete to the table. What I’m not a fan of is networking for the sake of networking. If we’re going to spend time together, let’s make it enjoyable or focus on something specific we can work on. The whole “let’s just network” thing doesn’t really work for me; it feels too transactional.
So, whether you’re a citizen or someone in the political sphere, if you reach out with a genuine question or a concrete idea, I’m all ears. And if you’re someone figuring out your journey, especially young women, I’ll definitely try to get back to you. It’s all about meaningful connections and making a real impact together.
The last election brought significant changes and surprises. What is your take on the European election results, and how do you see the next five years shaping up?
There’s been a lot of analysis on this, and honestly, you can find arguments on both sides. But one thing is clear: there’s a noticeable rise of the right and far-right across Europe. This shift is reflected not just in the European Parliament but even more starkly at the national level. There are some countries experiencing the troubling normalisation of racist, sexist, and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. It’s becoming alarmingly acceptable to express hate and division, which is not okay.
It’s interesting to note that while we see this trend across Europe, far-right parties often aren’t as invested in the European elections because they believe that the real decisions aren’t made there. This is a misconception, but it does mean that progressive and centre-left parties have historically been more active in these elections. Despite that, the European Parliament now has a significant right-wing majority, and we’re seeing mainstream parties shifting rightward as well. Even traditionally liberal parties are taking stances that seem contradictory to their core values, like opposing further European integration or support for social programmes. It’s confusing and concerning, and it suggests a broader shift in political norms.
But here’s the thing—I’m still hopeful. The left needs a serious reassessment. We can’t assume that young people will automatically lean progressive. Platforms like TikTok are flooded with far-right content, and this is shaping opinions. The cosmopolitan, city-dwelling voter doesn’t represent everyone, especially as economic inequalities deepen. We need to move beyond the bubble, listen to people’s real concerns, and understand why they might turn to the right.
For me, personally, this election cycle has reinforced my commitment. While Volt has made some strides, there’s still so much work to do. I’m considering a run for the Italian parliament because I believe we need to confront these issues head-on. It’s about getting out there, talking to people, and truly representing their voices, especially those who feel unheard.
The next five years will be challenging, but they’re also an opportunity for real change. We need to build bridges, not walls, and I’m ready to get my hands dirty to make that happen.
What is the toughest challenge of being in politics?
That’s an interesting question, and the answer seems pretty clear to me; the toughest challenge in politics is learning to accept imperfection and still keep fighting. Change takes time, and it can be incredibly frustrating. You push and push, sometimes for years, and it feels like nothing is happening. But then, suddenly, you break through, and things start to change.
Navigating these uncertainties is tough. I see it not just in myself but in colleagues and others interested in politics. As humans, we naturally want immediate results. But real change is more like a marathon than a sprint. It’s about building resilience and being okay with the fact that things aren’t perfect yet. We just have to keep going, taking it one step at a time.
Looking back on the time before you became politically active, what advice would you give to your younger self?
Oh, if I could go back and give myself some advice! I’d tell my younger self to be even more curious and daring. I’ve always had this dream of living different lives, like imagining what it would be like to be Francesca in various scenarios – whether it’s a married Francesca with a kid, a spontaneous globe-trotter, or someone who’s all about the arts.
Looking back, I wish I’d embraced that curiosity even more. Instead of spending time worrying about heartbreak or agonising over decisions like getting a tattoo, I’d say, just go for it! Take the plunge, make mistakes, and learn from them. Every misstep is a step toward growth, improvement, or achieving something new.
Life is about diving in and experiencing it fully. The joy and knowledge you gain from really living are invaluable, and nobody can ever take that away from you. So, be more adventurous, take more chances, and don’t be so hung up on the consequences—just avoid anything genuinely dangerous!
What advice would you offer to those aiming to balance a successful career and family life?
Balancing a career and family life can be tricky, but there are a few key things to keep in mind.
Some factors are beyond your control, like your financial background. If you come from a family with more resources, it’s easier to outsource tasks like childcare or household chores. But that’s something you can’t change.
What you can control is the dynamic within your own family. When starting a family, choose your partner wisely. You’ll need someone who shares the responsibilities equally, not just someone who says they’ll support you. My partner and I split the household duties and childcare evenly. If one of us has to travel or work more, we adjust accordingly. It’s about teamwork and making sure both partners are actively involved.
Another tip is to be adventurous and adaptable. When I became a mum, I noticed how some people avoid doing things with their kids because they think it’s too difficult or inconvenient. I know some people who haven’t travelled with their children because they find it too challenging. But kids are surprisingly resilient and adaptable. One of my favourite memories is when my son jumped on stage while I was giving a speech! It might not have been the most polished moment, but it was real and authentic. I want my life to reflect that kind of authenticity, not just the “ideal” version.
So, in a nutshell, my advice is choose your partner carefully and ensure you’re both committed to sharing the load, be adventurous and don’t let the challenges of parenting hold you back from living a full life, and remember that kids adapt and will appreciate the time spent with you more than the specific circumstances.
Life is about balancing the practical with the authentic, and if you stay flexible and keep communication open, you can make it work.
Are you excited about your new life in Brussels?
Oh, absolutely! I’m really excited about this new chapter. I’ve spent the last four years in Berlin, which is an amazing city and will always hold a special place in my heart since my son was born there. But I thrive on change, and Brussels is offering a fresh new adventure.
Brussels, as the de facto capital of the EU, is a fascinating place. I’m looking forward to exploring it beyond the usual European bubble and seeing what everyday life is like for a regular resident. I want to experience the city as a local, maybe even dive into the neighbourhoods that don’t get as much attention, and really understand the local vibe.
What intrigues me most is Belgium’s unique identity. With its three main language communities, the country has a complex, yet fascinating, cultural landscape. The electoral system here is famously complicated, and that’s just one example of how Belgium manages its diverse communities.
I foresee living in Belgium being like a mini-version of Europe’s broader challenges. It’s a place where different languages, cultures, and habits intersect. I’m eager to see how this plays out in practice and what I can learn from it.
I don’t plan to confine myself to Brussels, though. I’m excited to explore the whole country and get a genuine feel for Belgian life. It’s going to be a new adventure, and I’m ready for it!
Lastly, what is something about you that most people don’t know?
Ah, this is a fun one! There are a couple of quirky things that might surprise people. For instance, despite now being on my way to Brussels, the so-called capital of the EU, I’ve always had this itch to live in every country in Europe. I’m not just talking about the major ones like Germany or France – I’d be thrilled to spend a year in Bulgaria or any other lesser-known spot. There’s so much diversity in Europe that we often overlook, and I’d love to experience it all firsthand. Maybe once I’m retired, I’ll start a little tour, living in different countries for a while.
Another titbit that might surprise people is my pseudonym saga. When I was younger, I published a few books under the name Francisca Del Mar because I wanted to keep my real name under wraps. For a while, a lot of people thought that was my actual name. Now, when they see my real name, they’re like, “Wait, what?”
And here’s a fun fact: before diving into politics, I had a brief stint trying to break into cinema. I even directed a short film which never saw the spotlight. It was a classic, melodramatic love story – very much a reflection of my own dramatic life at the time. The plot revolves around a woman who’s heartbroken over a guy who’s not worth it and ends up finding solace with her best friend who’s secretly in love with her. Pretty cringey. I’ve got the film stashed away somewhere, though I’d need to keep it under wraps for now. Maybe in another life, I’ll take up directing again, but for now, I’ll stick to politics!
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