Like every year, Masters of LXRY supports a good cause. This year, with love as a guideline, the Heart Foundation was chosen. LXRY speaks to Floris Italianer, director of the Heart Foundation. A man who has been passionate about everything he does from a young age: “During my first part-time job I was already thinking about areas for improvement, effectiveness and solutions.” LXRY wonders, from whom did Floris learn this drive? Text: Mical Joseph
Image: the Heart Foundation

What was your very first job?

“At the age of 16 I worked in the warehouse of the silver factory in Voorschoten. This job required me to systematically re-store mayor chains and medals. I was always very curious about the ins and outs of the companies where I had a part-time job as a teenager. Already in the factory warehouse I was busy thinking about what I could achieve there, I took my side job very seriously. At one point I was also allowed to work on the assembly line. I came to work on the line where silver spoons were punched from sheets of metal and saw an opportunity to do that more efficiently. I presented this to the boss and he looked at me a bit surprised: no assembly line employee had ever come to him with suggestions for improvement.”

“My father was a civil servant at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and later became ambassador to the OECD in Paris. I may have learned how to talk to others from him. However, entrepreneurship and figuratively boldly knocking on doors is a character trait that I think I have developed myself.”

How did you end up in your current job?

“As a young adult, I studied economics at the University of Groningen and obtained my master's degree in Business Administration. I have done many different things in my career, after which I ended up in the health sector and at the Heart Foundation.”

“At the Heart Foundation, on the one hand we are very market-oriented and on the other hand we are an organization with a social purpose. This combination is quite unique, in other organizations it is often one of both sides. My predecessor was seen as a bit of a father figure. My assignment was to bring more businesslike approach to the organization.”

Who was your wheelbarrow in that?

“I had to push my own wheelbarrow. However, especially at the beginning of my career, I have had people around me who I consider mentors. An example of an important lesson I learned from one of them is solving problems by thinking in extreme solutions, and only then zooming in on the possibilities and impossibilities. I also had to learn to show my personal side more, because people are not always convinced by substantive arguments. The human relationship is just as important.”

What is your greatest passion in your profession?

“My greatest passion is meeting interesting people both in the workplace and beyond. Through the Heart Foundation I meet such inspiring people from all over the world. People with their own network, ideas and inspirations. I feel really privileged in that.”

What has been the biggest learning moment in your career?

“Never do anything that you do not support. You spend 36 hours a week in a work environment, doing something you believe in, are passionate about and enjoy. I can't stand it when someone puts in work because it 'has to' or it's 'for' me. As director of the Heart Foundation, I also try to make people 'owners' of our organization, mission or specific assignment.”

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?

“Open up a little more to people and leave the judgment of them at home.”

Have you been a wheelbarrow for someone?

“I hope and think that I have helped people to progress in their careers. And forward doesn't always have to be one step higher. It is important to encourage someone and give advice, but from there they have to do it themselves. I once saw a colleague who was unhappy in her position. We had a conversation and came to the conclusion that maybe she wasn't in the right place. She then left. A few years later I met her in a shopping street. She told me that she worked in her sister's shoe store and was very happy there and thanked me for our previous conversations. Maybe I would have given her wheelbarrow a little push."

Masters of LXRY 2019

Every year connects Masters or LXRY his name to a carefully selected charity. This year, with love as a guideline, the Heart Foundation was chosen. The makers of LXRY Magazine have released a Limited LOVE Edition, printed with a blank cover. Well-known and creative Dutch people were then asked to make their own design for this.

The covers together form an exceptional and moving art collection that is exhibited in the specially designed Walk of Love, in front of the entrance to the fair. Visitors can purchase the lovingly made magazines with art covers; the proceeds go to the Heart Foundation. So many different prominent figures: from star chefs to singers and from artists to actors, athletes, writers, designers, presenters and the best students from various art academies have all made a great contribution that has resulted in a breathtaking collection.