Multifaceted

This term describes both Alessia Ghersenti and her hometown Trieste. Ghersenti has an extensive area of responsibility at HHLA PLT Italy, and Trieste is a crossroads of many cultures, religions and people with different backgrounds.

In the background, the Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia (Square of Italian Unity), main square of the northern Italian city of Trieste.

Trieste is a port and trading city in the northern Adriatic Sea. As a result of its turbulent history, it is uniquely diverse and shaped by many cultures, religions and people with different backgrounds. This represents an asset and an opportunity for the HHLA PLT Italy terminal, where Ghersenti works.

“For us, it’s completely normal for people to come from all over the world and mix here,” says Alessia Ghersenti, describing the spirit of her hometown. She herself is a good example of this mix. Her family has different national roots: Austrian, Austro-Hungarian, Slovenian and Italian as well.

“Thanks to the Austrian Hungarian heritage the people of Trieste are used to multicultural environments,” she says, explaining why immigration is so widely accepted here. As well people from Trieste are used to move around the world. We have for instance a big community living in Australia. Ghersentis family has also spread across many countries like Canada, Brazil, Australia, South Africa or Morocco.

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In addition to the Adriatic city’s highly-ranked quality of life, its multicultural flair is an advantage when it comes to attracting international experts. In late 2022, the 105 employees of HHLA PLT came from ten different countries. As a result, the project team’s official language is English.

Ghersenti herself writes and speaks primarily in English but can also speak a number of other languages. She even started learning Chinese to distract herself during the restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic and is currently struggling bravely with the Level 3 exam.

As the coordinator of the CEO’s office and the Project Office, she takes all kinds of challenges and difficulties in stride. The HHLA subsidiary on the Adriatic is still new, as it is the team. “We all have to improvise quite a bit and react quickly,” she says, putting her headset on.

One of her two bosses, the CEO, has announced a spontaneous visit to the terminal. Preparations must be made quickly, and the CEO must be escorted. Ghersenti orchestrates it all with a resolute but friendly voice, usually via Microsoft Teams.

Her actual qualifications – which fit perfectly with Trieste – are also put to good use at HHLA PLT Italy. She lived in London and Muenich and completed various degree programmes in Italy - some of which focused on intercultural studies and diversity.

Published 15.3.2023

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