Welcome back to “Meet the Team,” our series where we shine a spotlight on the talented individuals who drive innovation and success at Enide. In this edition, we are excited to introduce Flavia De Simone, the Director of Innovation and Strategy at Enide. With a wealth of experience in the mobility sector, Flavia brings a unique blend of academic rigor and industry expertise to her role, making her an invaluable part of our team.
Flavia De Simone
Director of Innovation and Strategy
The interview
A Journey Rooted in Mobility and Innovation
Flavia’s journey into the world of mobility and innovation is nothing short of impressive. She has dedicated the past 16 years to academia and consultancy, focusing primarily on mobility, logistics, and the automotive industry. Her experience spans across prestigious institutions, including Imperial College London and North Carolina State University, where she delved deep into traffic simulation and public transport solutions.
After earning her PhD in real-time crash risk forecasting, Flavia continued to refine her expertise in traffic modeling and short-term traffic forecasts. She also contributed to EU transport policy at La Sapienza University in Rome, further shaping her approach to innovation in mobility.
Reflecting on her career path, Flavia shares, “I find my role particularly fulfilling because it allows me to think creatively and contribute to the company’s strategic direction while staying at the forefront of sector innovation.”
Leadership at Enide: Shaping Strategy and Innovation
As the Director of Innovation and Strategy at Enide, Flavia plays a pivotal role in defining the company’s direction in digital mobility solutions. Her day-to-day work is a dynamic mix of strategic planning, industry engagement, and innovation management.
One of the standout aspects of her role is her involvement in projects that push the boundaries of Connected, Cooperative, and Automated Mobility (CCAM). She is currently leading several groundbreaking initiatives, including:
- CCAM Innovation: Exploring ways to enhance connectivity and automation in transportation systems.
- Safety in Mobility: Promoting cutting-edge safety solutions that address today’s most pressing mobility challenges.
- Multimodal Transport Digitalization: Leveraging digital tools to streamline and connect various transport modes, from aviation to railways.
- Sustainable Solutions: Committing to environmental responsibility through innovations that reduce carbon emissions and enhance sustainable practices.
Flavia is deeply invested in these projects because they offer both technological advancements and practical solutions that improve the lives of end users. “What excites me most is that each project provides an opportunity to make a real impact. The complexity and scale of the challenges are what drive my passion for finding creative and effective solutions,” she explains.
Passion Beyond Work
When she’s not immersed in the world of mobility and strategy, Flavia enjoys an active lifestyle, with a love for swimming, rock climbing, and hiking. These outdoor activities offer her both physical challenges and mental relaxation, qualities that are essential in her demanding role. Flavia also enjoys DIY projects, which allow her to tap into her creative side.
Interestingly, her personal interests often intersect with her professional life. “The problem-solving aspect of rock climbing and the adaptability required in hiking are very similar to the challenges I face in my work,” Flavia notes. This ability to draw inspiration from her hobbies fuels her creative thinking and innovative approach at Enide.
Flavia is a cornerstone of Enide’s innovation and strategy efforts. Her rich background in mobility, her hands-on leadership, and her commitment to sustainable and technological solutions are integral to the company’s success in advancing Connected and Automated Mobility.
Join us as we continue to explore the stories of the people who make Enide a remarkable place to work. Stay tuned for more episodes from “Meet the Team.”