Cristiano Bellucci is Technology Vision Lead at Fujitsu and runs a coaching business in Munich. Bellucci’s career spans roles at Lycos, Sony and Fujitsu, with a focus on technological innovation. He regrets moving to the United States instead of pursuing a startup because he values risk and risk. innovation.
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This told essay is based on a conversation with Cristiano Bellucci, a 48-year-old leading technology visionary in Munich. Edited for length and clarity.
I’m the Technology Vision Lead at Fujitsu and the owner of DigitIdeas, a business coaching company. I was born in Rome and currently work in Munich.
I started working as a technology consultant in Rome at the end of 2002. Fascinated by international technology companies, he moved from Italy to Germany in 2008 to join Lycos, one of the first search engines founded before the Google era.
From 2011 to 2015, I worked at Sony as a project manager developing smart TVs. I have been working at Fujitsu since 2016.
The best part about working for these companies is having colleagues from all over the world. I traveled with a large group of international friends and knowing that I could count on one local guide wherever I went. I had a lot of fun and this is how I eventually met my Scottish wife.
I balance my career at Fujitsu with running my coaching business.
Every day at Fujitsu starts with work on technology vision. I work with research and development departments to create innovative AI, biotech, and security prototypes. For example, one of our latest projects is using AI to help people detect diseases like cancer and rare diseases earlier. This gives patients the potential to heal their problems faster and live a better life.
I work from home and don’t have time to commute, so I work from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Since then, he has developed a coaching business that helps small business owners expand their reach by incorporating innovation and technology into their business strategies. DigitIdeas started in late 2023 to support several expatriates, including my wife. All in all, I earn a six-figure income annually.
Combining two jobs can be stressful. I enjoy helping people with their health and business matters. My wife is a coach and understands my time. I always find time for my girlfriend and son on weekends.
I regret not pursuing my dream of funding a startup
Fujitsu has an in-house program called “Innovation Circuit” to develop employees into intrapreneurs, or entrepreneurs. Last year, together with my Brazilian colleagues, I submitted a new idea to the Innovation Circuit.
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I wanted to apply quantum computers to logistics. We conducted market research, created a business plan, and discussed the idea with several potential clients who expressed strong interest. After several innovation cycles, investors prioritized ideas that did not use Fujitsu’s technology. Although I understood the business logic behind that choice, I was completely defeated.
I started thinking about taking that idea and launching a startup. I had a colleague who was an expert in sales and had good connections, and knew about the ecosystem for raising initial funding.
I spent several weeks searching for experts to develop software using quantum computers. However, my colleague decided he wanted to stay in a stable job and I missed out on the funding round due to timing. Despite much discussion, we were unable to find a good developer to create our first software demo.
I had to decide between supporting my family stably or taking the risk of starting my own startup. The logical, conservative part of me won out and I stayed with Fujitsu. Although it seemed like the right decision, I couldn’t help but feel very bad that I didn’t follow through with the idea and found a startup.
A few months later, I read a press release announcing that a new contract had been signed to make my idea a reality.
Not moving to America is another regret in my career
At the beginning of my career, I moved from Italy to Germany to explore an international environment.
When I was working at Sony in 2014, a reorganization occurred. Many colleagues immigrated to the United States from Germany to work closely on product development.
Even though I was promoted and had the opportunity to work with clients in Europe, I thought twice about moving to the San Francisco headquarters. There, the entrepreneurial spirit and attitude towards risk and opportunity is higher and more welcoming.
I decided that I didn’t want to rely on an employer who would terminate my contract within a few days and send me back to Europe. I like having options, but I felt like my options were limited. Looking back years later, I think my career could have been more fulfilling in the United States.
If I were able to pursue my business full-time, I might move to the United States. The United States is probably the best place for entrepreneurs and innovation.
I learned that innovation is good for business, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be a big breakthrough.
Even small innovations in products, processes, packaging, or point of sale can provide a competitive advantage and drive business success.
It all depends on the risks you accept. Define the risks you’re willing to tolerate, think about the worst-case scenarios you’re willing to face, and enjoy the roller coaster ride.
I have no intention of quitting Fujitsu. I’m interested in developing my business and helping more people, but I’m open to what happens.
My advice to others to avoid career regrets is to relax, take risks, and try with a smile on your face. If that doesn’t work, I’ll find another one.
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