Debbie Millman’s ongoing project “What Matters,” an effort to understand the interior life of artists, designers, and creative thinkers, is now in its third year. Each respondent is invited to answer ten identical questions and submit a nonprofessional photograph.
Renata Florio is a creative force with over 25 years in the industry, ranking up to 25 Cannes Lions. She’s the global chief creative officer at Gravity Global. She grew up with a love for language, born in Brazil to an Italian father and a Brazilian mother; she has a degree in language in literature, speaks five languages, and also writes mystery short stories.
What is the thing you like doing most in the world?
I love being part of the creative industry. My whole career has been driven by the belief that creativity helps connect people. Whether leading global creative work, mentoring talent, or writing mystery stories, I’m constantly enjoying myself. As they say, find a job you love, and you will not have to work a day in your life. I’ve been fortunate in that sense, especially since joining the team here at Gravity.
What is the first memory you have of being creative?
I started writing short stories at the age of 10. My teacher said, “You might become a writer someday.” I was also an avid reader since I learned how to read. My parents were also very much into literature, and we had this long and high bookcase that took up the whole living room wall. I would look at that as if it were an amusement park. And little by little, as I was growing up, I read many of those books.
What is your biggest regret?
I don’t necessarily have one. I’m optimistic and see things I could have done differently as opportunities to improve myself. Some people look back and say, “Oh, I wish I had done this or that.” Looking back, I think, “Well, let’s do it better next time.” The opposite of regret fuels my creativity.
How have you gotten over heartbreak?
Heartbreaks are tough. One thing that helped was to avoid romanticizing the past. Instead of sticking to positive moments or memories, I’d go straight to the point where that relationship wasn’t good for me. Finding love again also helped; I was never the type to linger too much on the heartbreak.
What makes you cry?
I’m elementary when it comes to crying. I cry at the movies — almost always, sometimes even when watching comedies. Show me a mother-daughter moment or a romantic encounter at the end of the film, and there I am, crying. I cried at Hacks, for example, a fantastic comedy show that brings up such human truths. I couldn’t help it.
How long does the pride and joy of accomplishing something last for you?
It never ends. I love what I’m doing right now as much as I love what I’ve done before in my career. I’m also so proud of my family and everything we have accomplished together. If you let it linger and reinfuse your ability to feel proud, it has a long-lasting effect on joy and pride, and it keeps coming.
Do you believe in an afterlife, and if so, what does that look like to you?
I do. It looks like life here on earth is without hassle. In my mind, it is all about living life all over again without making mistakes or even making them but knowing that all will be fine. Another way of looking at the afterlife that really excites me is the way it is portrayed in the show The Good Place, with Ted Danson and Kristen Bell.
What do you hate most about yourself?
I’m not a handyman kind of girl. I’m terrible at fixing things at home, and I am not skilled at using tools, hammers (which are dangerous, actually), and pins. It’s become a joke at home. My ability — or lack thereof — to hang a picture on the wall is legendary.
What do you love most about yourself?
My positivity. Even when I’m not in a good mood, feel tired, or angry, I know that things will get better. It might take time, but they always get better.
What is your absolute favorite meal?
Pasta — authentic Italian pasta, made at home or not, in all shapes and sizes, preferably with little tomato sauce or, one of my favorites, Ravioli al burro e salvia (melted butter and sage).
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