BOARD MEMBER INTERVIEWS

Currently serving as CEO and President of Poliform USA, Inc., the commercial subsidiary of Poliform in the Americas, Laura Anzani earned a degree in Business Administration from Bocconi University in Milan. She began her professional journey by shadowing Alberto and Aldo Spinelli, as well as her father, Giovanni Anzani, Co-founders of Poliform, gaining firsthand insight into the company’s culture and the intricacies of the furniture industry. In 2008, she was appointed Brand Ambassador of Poliform in the Americas, with the challenge of delivering the company’s renewed vision for this market—an effort that led to the acquisition of the American branch, previously managed by U.S. affiliates. Today, Poliform USA, Inc. oversees key markets in the region with multiple flagship showrooms, logistics facilities, and a broad network of dealers throughout North, Central, and South America. When her CEO hat is off, she is a wife, a proud mother of two, and a passionate ambassador of Made in Italy, living and working in New York since 2009.

Q: What is a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
After decades of juggling a business-first life in New York, my husband Luca and I realized the importance of slowing down and teaching our children the value of patience, care, and the rewards of hard work. We started a small, family-oriented honey production in the backyard of our Hamptons garden. It’s a simple way to add sweetness to our lives and a pause from the fast-paced business world we navigate every day.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that you live by?
“Let it go,” which reminds me that sometimes the best way forward is to take the hit, stand up, and keep moving. It’s about resilience, acknowledging what you can’t change, learning from it, and continuing to push ahead with focus and determination. After years of experience in this business, I’ve realized that no matter how much you plan, coordinate, or anticipate, there will always be elements beyond your control.

Q: What does philantrophy mean to you, and how does it guide your role on the board and beyond?
The idea of giving back lies at the heart of philanthropy. It’s about creating opportunities for those less privileged to join the conversation, to grow, and to succeed. I find philanthropy particularly meaningful when it connects to education, as supporting students and emerging leaders ensures a lasting impact on future generations. On the board of Friends of Bocconi, this philosophy guides our initiatives, from helping fund scholarships and strengthening alumni networks to supporting programs that highlight Italian excellence abroad.

Q: What Inspired you to Join the board of Friends of Bocconi and how long have you been a board member?
I had the pleasure of meeting Mariafrancesca Carli, President of Friends of Bocconi, in 2021. That conversation sparked meaningful ideas about how I could contribute to promoting the Bocconi brand overseas and representing Italian excellence in education abroad. I was inspired by the organization’s commitment to fostering connections among alumni and advancing the University’s mission internationally. Joining the board felt like a natural next step – a way to give back to the institution that has shaped the professional growth of so many students who are now leaders.

Q: How do you see the organization growing in the next few years?