Never Drive Alone

What does a career in global marketing really change in the way you lead, decide, and work with people?

In this episode of Stories, Elena Cortesi reflects on a professional journey that took her from Italy to European and global roles, including Detroit, where she worked across different markets, cultures, and organizations. Today, as Marketing & Communications Director for Jeep, Ram, and Dodge at Stellantis, she reflects on the experiences, people, and turning points that shaped her approach to marketing and leadership.

The conversation moves well beyond automotive. Elena talks about curiosity as a professional asset, the role of trust inside high-performing teams, and why leadership is less about having all the answers than creating the conditions for others to contribute. She also reflects on the managers who influenced her career, the value of international experience, and the importance of giving younger professionals space to grow.

In her view, marketing is not about inventing value. It is about making authentic value visible through stories, relationships, and a clear understanding of the people on the other side.

The episode also touches on artificial intelligence, change and the future of work. AI can accelerate research, data analysis and development, but Elena draws a clear line around human judgment, intuition and unexpected thinking.

Never Drive Alone is ultimately a story about movement: across countries, roles, brands and phases of a career. But also about the people who make that movement possible: mentors, colleagues, and teams.

Because careers may be personal, but the most meaningful progress is rarely made alone.

Language: Italian
Duration: 20 mts