The Nomad : How Luciano Macagno's World Experience is Paving the Way for Delta's Future
Story by: Jake Rivard
The key to success in today’s fast-paced modern world is experience. Whether it’s life experience or knowledge gained through employment, the thing that separates successful people is how they apply their experiences to their everyday lives.
LUCIANO MACAGNO, the Managing Director of Latin America for Delta, knows this better than almost anyone else. A native of Argentina, Macagno has spent his entire life traveling. He’s been the citizen of 16 countries and has called over 21 residences home. This experience has provided him with a berth of knowledge on Latin American and South American culture, which he uses every day to make in impact at his position.
“The richness of the Hispanic culture makes this job incredibly exciting. With a region full of dynamic, unique cultures and experiences, it’s important to use your knowledge on each part of the world to succeed with every endeavor.” Macagno’s management style is collaboration-based; he encourages his team to utilize their backgrounds and experiences to leave a positive impact on their workplace every day. “The most important advice I try to impart on my team is to never regret what you do; only regret what you don’t do.”
When talking about excellence in a workplace, Macagno frequently cites long-term sustainability and culture as key factors for a successful workplace. “People are the ultimate difference-makers, no matter where you go. If a company doesn’t have a good culture, they won’t be able to get anything done.” Macagno admires Delta’s focus on solutions. They approach long-term thinking with short-term executions, allowing the business to generate momentum as they continue to tackle problems that arise.
“Never regret what you do; only regret what you don’t do.”
Macagno has been with Delta for the last six years. In that time, he frequently references their ability to embrace diversity and inclusion as key contributions to a strong workplace culture. “When I come into work, I can be my absolute self. I don’t need to hide any part of my background or feel less than who I am. Being myself is a huge reason why I’m able to remain so enthusiastic.” Macagno’s focus on enthusiasm has helped him to excel as both an employee and a manager during his time at Delta. “Cultivating enthusiasm is infinitely more productive than managing obedience.”
Macagno references the quote above as the most integral advice he’s received in his entire career. Without enthusiasm, projects fail to deliver on their goals and aren’t met with the same fervor you’d find with a motivated team. Enthusiasm translates to motivation, which, in turn, helps a team to produce great work.