by - Cristiano Bellucci is a technology vision leader at Fujitsu and runs a coaching business in Munich.
- Bellucci’s career includes roles at Lycos, Sony and Fujitsu, focusing on technical innovation.
- He regrets not pursuing a startup and moving to the US because he values risk and innovation.
This as told-to essay is based on a conversation with Cristiano Belluccia 48-year-old technology vision leader in Munich. It has been edited for length and clarity.
I am the technology vision leader at Fujitsu and the owner of DigitIdeas, a business coaching company. I was born in Rome and now work in Munich.
At the end of 2002 I started working as a tech consultant in Rome. I was fascinated by international technology companies, so in 2008 I moved from Italy to Germany to join Lycos, one of the first search engines founded before the Google era.
From 2011 to 2015 I worked as a project manager at Sony on the development of Smart TVs. I have been working at Fujitsu since 2016.
The best thing about working at these companies is that you have colleagues from all over the world. I built a large group of international friends and traveled knowing we could count on one local guide everywhere. It was so nice that I finally met my Scottish wife.
I combine my career at Fujitsu with running a coaching company
I start my day at Fujitsu working on our technology vision. I work with our R&D department to create innovative AI, biotech and security prototypes. For example, one of our latest projects involves using AI to help people identify diseases such as cancer or rare diseases early. This gives patients the opportunity to heal the problem faster and live a better life.
I work from home and don’t have any travel time, so I work from 7am to 4pm
Then I work on my coaching business to help small business owners expand their reach by incorporating innovation and technology into their business strategy. DigitIdeas started at the end of 2023 to support some expats, including my wife. In total I earn six figures a year.
Combining the two jobs can be stressful. I find it valuable to help people, both in terms of their health and their business. My wife is a coach and understands my hours. I always make time for her and my son on the weekends.
I regret not pursuing my dream of funding a startup
Fujitsu has an internal program, the Innovation Circuit, to develop its employees into intraprenuers, the company’s entrepreneurs. Last year, together with a colleague in Brazil, I presented a new idea at the Innovation Circuit.
We wanted to apply the quantum computer to logistics. We did our market research, created a business plan and discussed the idea with a number of potential customers who showed great interest. After a few innovation cycles, investors prioritized ideas that did not use Fujitsu technology. I could understand the business logic behind the choice, but was completely crushed.
I was motivated to take the idea and create a startup. I had a colleague who was a sales expert with some promising contacts, and I knew ecosystems to get the initial funding.
I have been looking for experts for several weeks to develop the software using the quantum computer. However, my colleague decided he would rather keep a permanent job, and because of the timing, I missed out on a funding round. Despite many discussions, I couldn’t find a good developer to make an initial software demo.
I had to choose between being able to support my family and taking the risk of starting my own startup. My logical and conservative side won, and I stayed with Fujitsu. It seemed like the right decision, but I couldn’t help but be deeply disappointed that I hadn’t gone ahead with the idea and created a startup.
A few months later I read a press release announcing that a new contract had been signed to implement my idea.
Not moving to America is another career regret
At the beginning of my career I moved from Italy to Germany to explore an international environment.
When I worked at Sony in 2014, we went through a reorganization. Many colleagues moved from Germany to America to work closely on product development.
Even though I was promoted and had the opportunity to take care of our European customers, I thought a lot about moving to our San Francisco headquarters. There the entrepreneurial mentality and attitude towards risks and opportunities are greater and more welcome.
I decided that I didn’t want to be dependent on an employer who could terminate my contract within a few days and send me back to Europe. I like having options, and I felt limited in my choices. Looking back, I think after a few years my career could have been boosted and more fulfilling in the US.
If I ever went full-time with my business, I could see myself moving to the US. The US is probably the best place for entrepreneurs and innovation.
I’ve learned that innovation helps companies, but it doesn’t have to be a huge breakthrough
Even a small innovation in a product, process, packaging or place of sale can provide a competitive advantage and create a successful business.
It all comes down to the risk you are willing to accept. Determine the risk you can afford, think of the worst-case scenarios you’re willing to face, and enjoy the rollercoaster.
I have no intention of leaving Fujitsu. I’m curious to develop my business and help more people, but I’m open to what’s next.
My advice to others to avoid career regret is to be lighter, take the risk and try with a smile. If it doesn’t work, you’ll find something else.
Would you like to share your story? Email Lauryn Haas at [email protected].