The program engaged a new generation of colleagues in a personal and professional development journey inspired by ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles, with the aim of strengthening their sense of belonging, responsibility, and ability to tackle the complex challenges of the space sector.
The closing event was attended by Massimo Claudio Comparini, Managing Director of Leonardo’s Space Division; Gabriele Pieralli, CEO of Telespazio; and Milena Lerario, CEO of e-GEOS. They highlighted the strategic value of the initiative in fostering a widespread, aware, and future-oriented leadership. Stefania Tomassi, People & Organization Director of the Space Division, also emphasized the importance of the New Generation Builders’ role in actively contributing to the transformation currently shaping the Division at a pivotal moment for the European space sector, fully embracing the opportunities ahead.
The program was structured into three phases – Future, Taking Action, Building Together – combining moments of reflection, practical challenges, and high-impact experiential activities with strong emotional and social value.
The first stage involved a team-building day at the Valle Grande Dog Shelter, north of Rome, in collaboration with Fondazione Cave Canem. This experience, focused on animal care and promoting adoption, helped participants develop empathy, listening skills, responsibility, and emotional management, highlighting the link between individual well-being and the quality of professional relationships.
The second stage took place in the Castelli Romani area, blending nature and science at the Livio Gratton Astronomical Park, following an immersive experience in the Vivaro Park with the Wildsteps team. Through observation activities, a biodiversity “hunt,” and debriefing sessions under the stars, participants reflected on light pollution and the meaning of “bringing light” into their work environment, while developing critical thinking, coordination, and results-oriented approaches. As part of the initiative, the Group also contributed to supporting the management and maintenance of the astronomical park, which is committed to scientific outreach and the promotion of astronomical culture.
In Milan, the third team-building activity, “Nourishing Inclusion,” combined the values of social inclusion and sport. A dinner at PizzAut, together with founder Nico Acampora, provided a powerful example of workplace inclusion. The following day, at the Sandro Pertini Sports Center, participants took part in an immersive experience with Daniele Cassioli and the Real Eyes Sport association, engaging in inclusive sensory and sports activities that strengthened mutual trust, active listening, and collaboration. The Group also supported the association’s initiatives aimed at developing new sports and educational pathways, promoting access to sport for children and young people with disabilities.
The final team-building activity took place in Fregene, on the Lazio coast, and focused on environmental sustainability. Participants took part in a beach clean-up activity led by science communicator Franco Borgogno. This tangible action turned the concept of “waste” into a broader reflection on individual and collective responsibility, both within and beyond the company.
The final day at the Acquario Romano represented a moment of synthesis and renewal for the entire journey. Participants were welcomed by a photo exhibition showcasing the four experiences of the program, followed by a video recap and thank-you messages from the partner associations. During the morning, teams worked together to reflect on the activities carried out, identifying common elements, distinctive features, and potential future developments of the program. The discussion then expanded to broader topics, from the increasingly crowded space environment to orbital sustainability and growing global competition, leading to dynamic exchanges through debates and presentations.
The day concluded with a moment of personal reflection on the skills needed for the future and with the collective creation of the Building Future Manifesto, composed of ten principles expressing the new generation’s commitment to contributing to a more sustainable, inclusive, and responsible future for the organization and the space sector, in alignment with the Leonardo Group’s strategy and sustainability goals.
“New Generation Builders” represents a strategic investment by the Leonardo Group in human capital and corporate culture: a journey that connects individual growth with collective impact, transforming meaningful experiences into concrete actions.
