A career in the capital of Europe: Annalisa Monaco on policy, people and possibility

When Annalisa Monaco arrived in Brussels in 2001 for an internship, she planned on being in the city for a matter of months. She had just completed her Masters in International Relations at the UK’s prestigious Cambridge University (following a degree in Political Science in her native city of Bologna, Italy) and was looking forward to spending some time in this most international of cities. Of course, life often takes us on unexpected journeys - 24 years later, Brussels continues to be her home and the perfect location for a career in Government Affairs with Canon.

It's a role that invokes images of the corridors of power, diplomacy and the glass and steel of the European Commission building. And Annalisa’s role is certainly one of an influencer, using her skills of persuasion and deep knowledge of policy analysis to bring our voice to the table. “I would say that it’s like being a translator,” she explains. “Not in terms of language, but between Canon’s business priorities and the work of EU policymakers. So, translating our position to them and then explaining their views to my internal stakeholders.”

Essentially, the European Union decides what laws to put in place, regulations to set, and trade policies to implement – plus much more besides. Each decision shapes the environment that all businesses operate in, so it’s important that they can have a voice in the process. Being on the ground in Brussels means that Annalisa can liaise with the right people and organisations to understand how these decisions could impact Canon. In turn, she then supports us in presenting our views to them.

It's a role which takes a great deal of knowledge and skill, but also requires a journalist’s eye for detail, research and joining the dots, as well as being able to navigate strategic relationships with ease. So, it may come as no surprise that she cut her teeth in NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations), working as a researcher and analyst in the security and defence sector. “I've always had a keen interest in politics and foreign affairs,” she says. “When I was at high school and university, I initially looked at media and journalism. And while my first job in Brussels was not quite that, it involved a lot of research and writing.”

It led her to a communication role in the public sector – at NATO – before moving into the commercial world, beginning with a decade at The Boeing Company. She rose to Director of EU & NATO Relations, before “looking for new challenges and a growth opportunity.” At exactly the same time, Canon was seeking someone with Annalisa’s skills and experience. “Of course, it was a complete change. A different sector entirely and from an American to a Japanese company.” But she was not fazed. As well as enjoying a challenge, Annalisa is very much a global citizen and felt excited by these new horizons. “I was looking to move out of my comfort zone. And, of course, I was drawn to the Canon brand,” she smiles. “I was really impressed to learn about Kyosei [Canon’s corporate philosophy of ‘living and working together for the common good’] and how well this translated into the company’s approach to sustainability.”

And so, Brussels continued – and continues – to be home for Annalisa, but she indulges her passion for travelling as much as possible. Although that too sometimes overlaps into her career. Last year she headed to Tokyo for the first time, and she will be repeating the trip this year, adding Hiroshima and Kyushu to her itinerary. “Travelling is my greatest passion, and I try to travel as much as I can,” she says. “It is not only a way to open up and look at the world differently, but a means to reconnect with myself. I’m looking forward to meeting my Japanese colleagues from Canon Inc. again this year and exploring so much more of such a fascinating country.”

Between journeys back to Bologna, visiting f amily and friends (“and eating – we enjoy good food, good conversation and family time”), travelling extensively and working in a city that buzzes with activity, you might not expect Annalisa to have much time – or energy – for much else. How wrong you would be. “Another great passion of mine, in addition to travelling, is dancing tango,” she says, her face lighting up at the thought. “There are so many places to dance here, and I find it marvellous. Brussels has so much to do – I swim, go to yoga and visit cinema festivals. It’s a great city.”

Her new roots have clearly grown deep, but it’s also a base from which Annalisa’s network has been able to grow global. In this hub of EU affairs, she is able to keep her finger on the pulse of the latest developments in the digital, cybersecurity and consumer protection policy spaces. It’s the perfect location from which to talk to colleagues across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, but also for the strong ties she has forged to Japan and solid relationships with trade associations. She sits on a number of working groups and committees with DIGITALEUROPE, which represents over 45,000 digital technology businesses, and The Japan Business Council in Europe, representing Canon’s position and helping to shape future policies. “It's about trust, and relationship building. Cultivating and expanding my network, both with my Canon colleagues and externally,” she explains. “When we operate as an industry together, we have a stronger voice.”