My biggest career regret after working in technology for two decades

• Cristiano Bellucci is a technology vision leader at Fujitsu and runs a coaching business in Munich.
• Bellucci’s career spans roles at Lycos, Sony and Fujitsu, focusing on technology innovation.
• He regrets not pursuing a startup and moving to the US because he values ​​risk and innovation.

This essay as stated is based on a conversation with Cristiano Belluccia 48-year-old technology visionary from 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 I work in Munich.

I started working as a technology consultant in Rome at the end of 2002. 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 it was google.

From 2011 to 2015, I worked as a project manager at Sony, developing smart TVs. Since 2016, I have been working at Fujitsu.

The best part of working at these companies is having colleagues from all over the world. We created a large group of international friends and traveled, knowing we could rely on a local guide wherever we went. It was so enjoyable that’s how I met my Scottish wife.

I balance my career at Fujitsu with running a coaching business

I start my day working at Fujitsu on our technology vision. I collaborate with our R&D department to create innovative AI, biotechnology and security prototypes. For example, one of our most recent projects involves using AI to help people identify diseases such as cancer or rare diseases early. This gives patients the opportunity to cure the problem faster and live a better life.

I work from home and don’t have time to commute so I work from 7am to 4pm

After that, I work on my coaching business helping small business owners grow their reach by incorporating innovation and technology into their business strategy. DigitIdeas started in late 2023 to support a few expats including my wife. I generally make six figures a year.

Juggling the two jobs can be stressful. I find it rewarding to help people, either with their health or with their businesses. My wife is a trainer and understands my classes. I always find time for her and my son on weekends.

I regret not fulfilling my dream of funding a startup

Fujitsu has an internal program, the Innovation Circuit, to develop its employees into intrapreneurs, entrepreneurs of the company. Last year, I presented a new idea at the Innovation Circuit together with a colleague from Brazil.

We wanted to apply quantum computing in logistics. We did our market research, created a business plan and discussed the idea with several potential clients who showed strong interest. After several innovation cycles, investors prioritized ideas that did not use Fujitsu technology. I could understand the business logic behind the choice, but I was completely crushed.

I was motivated to take the idea and create a startup. I had a colleague who was an expert in sales, with some promising contacts and knew the ecosystems to get seed funding.

I spent several weeks looking for experts to develop the software using the quantum computer. However, my colleague decided he would rather stay in a secure job and due to timing, we missed out on a funding round. Despite many discussions, I could not find a good developer to create an initial demo of the software.

I had to decide between being able to support my family constantly and taking the risk of creating a startup on my own. My logical and conservative side won out and I stayed with Fujitsu. It felt like the right decision, but I couldn’t help but feel deeply disappointed that I didn’t run with the idea and create a startup.

A few months later, I read a press release announcing that a new contract had been signed to build my idea.

Not moving to America is another career regret I have

I moved from Italy to Germany early in my career to explore an international environment.

While working at Sony in 2014, a reorganization hit us. Many colleagues moved from Germany to America to work closely on product development.

Despite getting a promotion and having the chance to take care of our European clients, I thought a lot about moving to our headquarters in San Francisco. There, the entrepreneurial mindset and attitude to risk and chance are greater and more welcome.

I decided that I didn’t want to depend on an employer who could terminate my contract in a few days and send me back to Europe. I like to have options and I felt limited in my choices. Looking back after a few years, I think my career could have been boosted and more fulfilling in the US.

If I ever take the business full time, I could see myself moving to the US. The US is probably the best place for entrepreneurs and innovation.

I learned that innovation helps companies, but it doesn’t have to be a massive breakthrough

Even a small innovation in a product, process, packaging or point of sale can provide a competitive advantage and create a successful business.

It all comes down to the risk you are willing to accept. Define the risk you can afford, think about the worst case scenarios you are willing to face and enjoy the roller coaster.

I have no plans to leave Fujitsu. I am curious to grow my business and help more people, but I am open to what may come.

My advice to others to avoid career regrets is to take it easy, take risks and try with a smile. If it doesn’t work, you’ll find something else.

Want to share your story? Email Lauryn Haas at [email protected].