Stay Connected. Stay Foolish. About human R&D with Simone Mastroianni

Leadership is often reduced to strategy, execution, and performance metrics.

But what if the real work of leadership begins somewhere deeper?

In this conversation, we speak with Simone Mastroianni, whose journey into coaching began in the world of scientific research at Fraunhofer ISE in Germany. Leading international R&D projects, Simone experienced firsthand that innovation is not only about advancing technology, it is about cultivating collaboration, awareness, and human potential.

"One of the most underestimated leadership skills is the ability to be deeply connected"

That realization marked his shift from scientific R&D to what he calls “human R&D.” Today, he works with leaders and teams navigating change, blending structure, creativity, and presence to support transformation that is not only effective, but deeply aligned.

What first drew you into coaching, and how has your own journey shaped the way you work with clients?

I was a team leader and coordinator of international projects at the Fraunhofer ISE research center for solar energy systems in Germany, managing R&D within my group and across teams worldwide. There, I realized that advancing science goes hand in hand with cultivating collaboration among people. That sparked the shift: from scientific R&D to human R&D.

My background in science taught me structure, leadership, and innovation, while my personal journey ignited a deep passion for change and transformation. Today, I help individuals and teams navigate change with clarity and purpose, blending awareness, creativity, and a solution-focused approach to support fulfilment and self-realization.

Can you recall a moment when a client surprised themselves with what they achieved, and how that transformation felt for you as their coach?

"It happened during a business coaching session. My client had been stuck for months, unable to make an important career decision. I suggested an exercise called the Creative Window, where the person is invited to draw their current reality, represent the challenge they are facing, and then sketch what they truly wish for in their future.

He took his time drawing and sharing his reflections. The session ended. At our next meeting, he came in saying: “What I drew actually happened the very next day. I was let go from my job. The decision has been made. Now I can finally dedicate myself to my passion.”

I felt part of something greater than myself. My client was sharing not only his fears, but also his hopes for the future. I was accompanying him toward an unknown territory—one he had long desired deep within."

In your experience, what is one leadership skill people tend to underestimate, and why does it matter more than they realize?

"In my experience, one of the most underestimated leadership skills is the ability to be deeply connected—to listen to, sense, and perceive reality, the people around us, and the wider system we are part of. Many leaders focus on action, strategy, or problem-solving, but often overlook the power of presence and awareness.

As Theory U says, it is about opening our mind, heart, and will to sense what the future is calling for. It’s the capacity to recognize what is emerging, and to understand what is being asked of us as leaders, as instruments for shaping that future.

When leaders cultivate connection and sensing, they become more attuned, courageous, and creative—able to guide their teams not only through complexity, but toward a future that is meaningful and life-giving."

What personal value or principle guides you the most when working with leaders?

"Everyone carries an enormous wealth within, made of past experiences, acquired skills, but above all of intuitions. This is my north star, and I accompany leaders in learning how to orient themselves through it."

How has being connected through TopLeader influenced your ability to share your expertise and reach more people?

"I had a single coaching experience through TopLeader, which proved to be extremely rewarding. Beyond that, I gained great value from connecting with Milan Vlček, Founder & CEO of TopLeader, who impressed me with his open-mindedness, curiosity, humility, and forward-looking vision."

If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of leaders, what would it be?

"Stay connected. Stay foolish. …but not just with emails, phones, or small tasks.

Stay connected with yourself—your emotions, your intuition, your inner voice.

Stay connected with others—in an empathic, generative way that creates trust and understanding.

Stay connected with the universe, with the messages and opportunities that are constantly unfolding around you."

Throughout our conversation with Simone Mastroianni, one message stands out clearly: leadership is less about control and more about connection.

Connection to our inner compass.

Connection to others in an empathic and generative way.

Connection to what is emerging around us.

In complex environments, the ability to sense, to listen deeply, and to act from awareness may be the most underestimated leadership capability of all.

At TopLeader, we believe development becomes meaningful when insight translates into action and reflection becomes measurable growth. Simone’s perspective reminds us that behind every goal and every transformation lies a human being learning to orient themselves from within.

Perhaps the future of leadership does not require louder voices or faster decisions, but leaders who are willing to stay connected, curious, and courageous enough to grow.