MEET MARIA ORLANDO
A curious change catalyst on a mission to inspire and make good things happen.
Hello! I’m Maria Sole Orlando, a People, Culture, and Digital Transformation Leader who brings a spark of clarity to complex change.
I specialize in guiding organizations and individuals through the complexities of change, blending strategic thinking with a human-centered approach. My passion lies in helping people and businesses thrive amidst change, fostering growth, connection, and sustainable success.
I grew up in Italy, where beauty, strong traditions, and close-knit communities are central to life. However, as a woman with international ambitions, I quickly realized that reinvention is a powerful tool and that life IS change. My journey has been about creating my roadmap—navigating challenges, learning from every experience, and continuously evolving. From my early days as a project manager in healthcare and pharma to leadership positions in IT, Marketing, and Digital Transformation, each chapter has taught me invaluable lessons about change, growth, and the power of people.
Every transformation I lead is an opportunity to help organizations embrace change in a way that’s not just efficient, but meaningful—aligning people, processes, and technology to achieve results that matter. I am here to turn complexity into clarity, to help you see the opportunities in change, and to guide your organization and you as a leader toward sustainable success.
Today, I combine my dual background in IT and Marketing with my expertise as an Organizational Change Manager, Senior Scrum Master, and Executive Leadership Coach, to create transformative solutions for businesses and individuals. Whether you’re navigating a digital transformation, fostering a more agile workplace, or leading organizational change, I bring a holistic and human-centered perspective to every challenge.
With over 10 years of experience across 40+ countries and a track record working with startups and Fortune 500 companies such as Inditex Zara Sustainability and Nestlé Global IT, I’ve learned that every transformation is unique. What remains constant is my commitment to understanding people’s needs, empowering teams, and helping leaders embrace change with confidence. I craft strategies that not only drive business results but also cultivate cultures of innovation, engagement, and continuous growth, both professional and personal.
I’ve had the privilege of working with executives and teams across industries—from luxury and fashion to healthcare and technology. What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to connect with diverse people and cultures, each offering a new perspective on solving problems and achieving success.
Think of me as a creative strategist and a coach. I’m known for my ability to connect with people on a deep level, asking insightful questions, and guiding teams to uncover their solutions. Here’s a snapshot of the impact I’ve had:
Transformation is as much about people as it is about processes. I bring empathy, positive psychology, and a deep understanding of human behavior to every transformation I lead. My approach is rooted in the belief that by empowering individuals, organizations can achieve lasting change.
I use agile methodologies and design thinking to create environments where high-performance teams can thrive, where leadership development is prioritized, and where organizations are not just reactive but proactive in driving innovation. Change can feel daunting, but it’s my job to make it a journey of opportunity—one that brings clarity, purpose, and measurable outcomes.
I work closely with leaders and teams, helping them see the bigger picture and uncover creative solutions that are aligned with their values and goals. My mission is to help organizations build resilience and sustainability into the way they operate, so they are better equipped to adapt, grow, and excel in the future.
When I’m not leading business transformations, you might find me embracing my love for slow travel through my blog, Travellector, where I share travel tips and stories for fellow wine lovers and day-trippers. I love learning new languages, diving into new cultures, and discovering new perspectives. The curiosity and adaptability I bring to my travels are the same qualities I apply to every transformation project I undertake. For me, the journey is just as important as the destination—and that mindset is woven into the way I approach both personal and professional growth.