We recently had the opportunity to have an insightful conversation with Daria Illy, Founder and CEO of Executive Consulting. Throughout her career, she has played an instrumental role in redefining corporate cultures and business models, driving excellence in the process. Under Daria’s visionary guidance and leadership, Executive Consulting is emerging as an influential name in the field of global family business and institutional commercial partnership consultancy, ensuring widespread communication globally. With over 25 years of hands-on experience in transforming businesses across industries — spanning from F&B to luxury hospitality, governance, and board ESG and DEI moduli. Daria Illy’s passion to drive change is unmatched and inspirational.
The Beginning
We started the interview by asking, “How did your professional journey begin, and what key moments shaped where you are currently?”
Daria shared, “I have been guided by the conviction that values and potential are deeply interconnected. With a background in sports — a universal language of inclusion — I learned early on how shared experiences can strip away prejudice and create genuine connections. Over time, this passion evolved into a broader commitment to inclusion, nutrition, and governance. The decision to focus on the Middle East, particularly on fostering stronger ties between Italy and the region, has been a defining moment.
The Middle East offers fertile ground for innovation, human capital investment, and sustainable growth, making it the ideal context to contribute to a development model that is both human-centered and globally relevant.”
More about Daria Illy’s Impact
To learn more about Daria Illy’s role at Executive Consulting, we asked, “Can you tell us more about your current role and the organization you lead or represent?”
“In my current role, I focus on governance with a strong emphasis on inclusion, nutrition, and sports, all of which I see as drivers of social and economic resilience. Beyond formal positions, I often act as a bridge between ecosystems — particularly between Europe and the Middle East — where institutional structures may differ, but the entrepreneurial vision and long-term cultural outlook are shared. My work is centered on helping institutions and organizations design transparent, participatory governance processes that are rooted in local realities, while also aligning them with international best practices,” she responded.
Daria even mentioned, “I often speak about the concept of ‘No Legacy’ — a moment when companies must have the courage to say no, stop, and redesign their future instead of carrying unsustainable practices forward. I am also writing a book on Governance called ‘Gover-Nuance’, which, unlike traditional governance that often creates rigid obligations, emphasizes critical thinking, helping organizations truly solve structural issues rather than just patching temporary circumstances.
I have recently been on television as a public speaker. I always highlight how communication is not only part of my professional mission but also a way to leave a meaningful trace, a missionary footprint that goes beyond appearances.”
Through ‘Onlife’ soon to be shown to critics and globally known Movie – Festivals – I eventually and quite casually co-starred to speak out breaking through cultural and inspirational new ways of learning and anti-traditional ways to create meaningful culture.
Next move is emerging as a singer ( JOKING, of course).
Current Offerings at Executive Consulting
Interested to learn about the services offered by Executive Consulting and its regional presence, we asked Daria Illy to share the same.
She explained, “My work does not fit neatly into the category of products and services; rather, it is about enabling systems to work better for people. What makes it unique is the integration of governance, social inclusion, and strategic development. I emphasize authentic inclusion — treating diversity as a structural asset, not a label. This approach helps organizations connect inclusion to long-term value creation: human, strategic, and economic. Unlike compliance-driven models, this perspective anchors inclusion and governance in real impact and measurable transformation.
In parallel, I am also working on import-export activities of natural beauty products, as well as promoting tourism in countries that offer extraordinary landscapes and cultural richness, aligning local potential with global opportunities.”
Adaptability Amidst Challenging Phases
Challenges are an inevitable part of every professional journey, contributing to its evolution. So, we asked, “What major challenges have you faced as a leader, and how have you overcome them?”
Daria replied, “One of the greatest challenges has been overcoming the tendency toward superficial approaches — what I often describe as ‘ethical greenwashing’ in ESG and DEI contexts. Too often, initiatives remain at the level of certification or symbolic compliance, without addressing structural change. Overcoming this has meant insisting on transparency, on creating spaces where all voices are genuinely represented, and on linking inclusion to sustainable business growth.
Another challenge has been bridging cultural differences between ecosystems; I have found that the key lies in deep listening, asking the right questions, and allowing new practices to emerge from local contexts rather than imposing models from outside.”
Embracing the Digital Revolution
With technological advancements redefining businesses across sectors, we asked Daria Illy to share her perspective on this aspect, especially the influence of AI on her sector.
“Technology, and AI in particular, is reshaping the landscape of governance and organizational development. On one hand, it offers tools to streamline processes, improve access, and generate data-driven insights. On the other hand, it raises critical questions about equity, meritocracy, and the human dimension of decision-making.
I believe AI should be integrated in a way that strengthens — not replaces — human capital. In contexts like the Middle East, where there is a strong emphasis on innovation and youth empowerment, AI can become an extraordinary ally if deployed with inclusivity, ethics, and long-term societal benefit at the center. At the same time, it is up to us to remain conscious and ethical when working with AI: much depends on the human factor, and I do not see replacement as its true path,” she reflected.
Envisioning the Future
We further asked, “What’s your perspective on where your industry is heading in the next few years?”
Daria shared, “I see governance, sustainability, and inclusion evolving into inseparable priorities for organizations worldwide. In the Middle East, in particular, there is an extraordinary opportunity to redefine ‘best practices’ by combining tradition with innovation. The industry is moving toward models that are not just about economic efficiency but about holistic well-being — mental, social, and environmental. I expect to see greater investment in human capital, intergenerational leadership, and technology-driven inclusion. The future belongs to organizations that can combine credibility with adaptability.”
Words of Wisdom for Beginners
Addressing the beginners, lastly, we asked, “What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs or professionals aiming to create impact?”
“Build slowly to go far. In an age dominated by speed and visibility, the temptation is to scale quickly and communicate constantly. But systemic, lasting change requires deep roots. My advice is to invest in relationships, to study contexts with humility, and to prioritize substance over appearances. When working across different cultures and systems, your credibility becomes your most valuable capital — nurture it carefully. Impact is not about grand declarations, but about creating conditions where transformation can genuinely take place,” Daria mentioned.
To learn more about Daria Illy’s professional journey, connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Find Executive Consulting on their website https://dariailly.com/
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