WCS Awards | My Queer Leader Journey, with Luca Magagni.

Award Winner Luca Magagni, an Italian public speaker and facilitator, shares his Queer Leadership Journey.

My Story and Journey.

I'm Luca, an Italian from Bologna, I've lived in Barcelona for almost 19 years. I came here as an engineer, and to be with my beloved one who has been by my side ever since. I'm passionate about music, creative writing, public speaking, and people. So, I needed to add some ingredients, to spice things up a little bit. And this is what happened in the last 4 years. I am now working with companies and entrepreneurs for them to develop their own projects in a more creative, effective and innovative way. And, most of all, I've been teaching Project Management, Creativity and Brand Management in masters courses and for Study Abroad Programs. After overcoming a series of impostor syndromes, I can now say I love what I do.

My Work and Passion.

My project consists of, but is not limited to, merging LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ communities through public speaking. I have been an active member of BCN PRIDE Toastmasters, a bilingual public speaking group meeting every Thursday in downtown Barcelona. It has a core of LGBTQ+ values but is open to everybody. During the last 8 years I've been touched by the stories from our members and guests, from all over the world. They break barriers, overcomes fears and empower all of us in every session. I am grateful to participate in public speaking and leadership within such a great team. Without that, I would have not been able to take action and apply that huge change to my personal and professional life.

My Leadership and WCS Connection.

To me, Queer Leadership means sharing values and staying together in a great space (being BCN PRIDE TM or WCS) is what unites us. I was awarded with the first Queer Leadership Award in 2024, and I am really hoping to continue developing projects together in the next months and years.

Life Before & After Winning the Award.

Self-awareness has been the major impact. Knowing who I am and what I have the chance to do in the coming years. I've been pretty busy with teaching at business schools. Speaking of which, I was surprised to see that many students are open to developing DEI plans as part of their careers as project managers - focused not only on the LGBTQ+ community but to all kinds of diversity.

My Vision for the Future.

Taking care of and developing all the initiatives I did not have the chance to take care of in the past few months. I have evolved more as a queer individual than a queer leader - they are strictly related, of course. So, even if I did not have the time or chance to lead organizing a specific activity, I did so by leading by example. That is also a way of being a queer leader.

Luca Magagni (he/him)

Luca is an Italian public speaker, author, and facilitator, who has been living in Barcelona since 2006. After two decades in the corporate business sector, he shifted his focus to academia and consultancy, blending the analytical perspective of engineering with humanities-driven soft skills. In 2016, he joined BCN Pride Toastmasters, a queer-inclusive community, where he has delivered over 100 speeches, moderated panels, and organized events. He is passionate about piano playing, storytelling, and the power of beauty. His keywords are: creativity, innovation, and strategic planning.

While you're here...

Did you know we consult with Businesses, ERGs and Change-Leaders providing bespoke corporate solutions? Through consultancy we design shared learning experiences, produce DEI insights and craft bespoke content that support individuals with strengthening their roles as change-agents within their communities and organisations. Find out more here.

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