Crossing the River: Leadership Without a Map

Leadership in uncertainty. The dominant model—certainty, control, command—no longer fits a world of compounding disruptions. What works instead: moving before the plan is ready (speed), keeping multiple futures open (optionality), building systems that survive shocks (resilience). Underneath it all: humility, adaptability, collaboration—and the courage to serve something bigger than yourself. Keep your eyes on the far shore—but feel each stone before you step. Ambition and pragmatism aren’t opposites; they’re the same crossing. The European energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion tested this model under fire—and it held. Same river. Every industry. Different stones. Monica De Virgiliis is an electronics engineer who has held executive leadership positions at STMicroelectronics, Infineon Technologies, and later at CEA Saclay.

A recognized change agent, she has led several business model transformations in the semiconductor and energy sectors.

She served as Chair of the Board of Snam during the European energy crisis, helping guide the company through a critical period. She currently serves as a board member of Air Liquide.