Marco, Going Against the Grain: AMS, Travel, and Skydiving

He describes himself as an "underdog" in digital consulting, with a natural talent for communication and a passion for discovering new things. Born in Rome but cosmopolitan by nature, he has learned over the years to manage his lifelong devotion to AS Roma and is looking forward to sharing one of his greatest passions with his family in the near future.

Marco Martini, Lead Business Consultant at Mashfrog Group, has an effortless ability to connect with people as he talks about his unconventional career path or explains why he earned a military parachuting license. His enthusiasm is unmistakable, yet his story unfolds with calm confidence as he reflects on the journey that brought him to where he is today.

Tell us about your professional journey. How did it begin?

My career didn't start in IT at all. I attended a classical high school and later studied Political Science. While I was at university, I always took on part-time jobs, partly to finance one of my greatest passions: traveling. My consulting career began in the early 2010s. People had always recognized my communication skills, so I joined the sales department of a small company. Before long, though, I realized I wanted to truly understand the solutions I was selling. That's when I took an SAP course and moved into a functional consulting role, first at We Team and later at Reply, where I spent ten years. I specialized in accounts payable, procurement, and logistics, working with some of Italy's largest companies. I started in first-level help desk support and gradually moved into project management, team leadership, and application maintenance services. I like to think of it as an underdog journey - one that took a rather unconventional route.

Did your move to Mashfrog also happen "against the grain"?

Not really. By then, my professional path was already well established. I joined Mashfrog in September 2024 thanks to several former colleagues with whom I had shared a significant part of my career. They spoke very highly of the company and encouraged me to embrace a new opportunity - one that was exciting both professionally and personally. I've always been the kind of person who welcomes a challenge. The fact that people who had worked alongside me for so many years thought of me during such an important moment of change was especially meaningful.

How has your experience been in the "Mashfrog world"?

Mashfrog has been a wonderful surprise. I found a modern company that embraces innovation while giving people trust and autonomy. As a parent living in a large city, I particularly appreciate the flexibility of smart working. It allows me to make the most of the limited time I have and enjoy it more fully. It's a practical way to work responsibly without losing sight of your personal life, your family, and the things that truly matter.

What does life look like for an underdog outside of work?

Right now, my life revolves around my family: my partner Lavinia, our three-and-a-half-year-old daughter Diletta, and our two cats, Samba and Cesare, who are very much part of the family. Travel has temporarily taken a back seat, but only for now. We're simply waiting until Diletta is old enough to enjoy the experience with us. In just a few years, we'll be back on the road.

What inspires the journeys you've taken?

I've traveled extensively across Africa, the United States, Southeast Asia, and almost all of Europe. I love discovering different cultures and meeting people whose lives are very different from mine, because in the end you realize that, beyond our customs and habits, we're all remarkably alike. Experiences like these help you appreciate what really matters. Bali is one of the few places where I could imagine living, but I also love Dalmatia and those destinations where you can completely disconnect, surrounded by the sea, silence, and nature. I'm Roman through and through, deeply in love with my city, and I also suffer from what I'd call an "incurable condition": supporting AS Roma. These days I've traded the stadium for my sofa, but I'm still a loyal fan. Beyond football, I enjoy dynamic sports such as skiing and horseback riding, and I also hold a military parachuting license.

Skydiving, horseback riding, traveling... would you say you enjoy adventure?

I'd say I'm driven more by curiosity than by adrenaline. I love discovering new things and understanding how they work. Skydiving, for example, taught me that fear shouldn't be denied. You have to acknowledge it, manage it, and keep a clear head when decisions need to be made quickly. That mindset has proved invaluable during application maintenance emergencies - the "emergency room" of IT - where you need to respond rapidly while also reassuring everyone around you.

How do you balance calmness with speed at work?

I rely on a structured approach: analysis, design, implementation, and testing. Throughout the process, I involve clients, stakeholders, and colleagues to develop solutions that are shared, pragmatic, and sustainable. I strongly believe in teamwork and in recognizing each person's strengths, putting them at the service of a common goal. It's a bit like football: some players are naturally better at defending, while others excel in attack. A good leader knows who to pass the ball to at the right moment - otherwise, you don't score.For us, scoring means earning our clients' trust and satisfaction.