When someone leaves a large company, the stories that circulate rarely tell the whole truth.
Often, only the version of those who remain is shared.
And those who leave are labeled as “the one who wanted too much,” or “the one who couldn’t
handle it.”
The truth, at least in my case, is much simpler.
And definitely more peaceful.
In this article, I share why I decided to leave the largest direct marketing company in Italy.
No drama, no resentment, no revenge.
The Beginning: an Experience I Would Repeat
When I was called to lead the internal graphic department, it was one of the best moments
of my career.
I had studied and admired that reality for years.
Joining in a key role was a huge recognition.
I worked hard.
I managed complex processes, collaborated with all departments, coordinated a team, improved workflows and deliveries.
The department was running smoothly.
I rarely encountered problems, and when I did, I was ready to solve them.
Even on weekends and holidays.
Not out of fear, but because I LOVED the company.
It’s important to say clearly: that experience was positive, and I would repeat it.
It shaped me in ways no book could have.
But at a certain point, something started to feel off.
The Deal Breaker: No Room to Grow
The change didn’t come from a discussion.
It didn’t come from a fight.
It didn’t come from a sudden disappointment.
It came quietly.
- the initial agreements weren’t revisited as workload increased
- new responsibilities were added without real realignment
- there was no growth path, yet exclusivity was demanded
- there was no HR to turn to for discussion or perspective
- welfare and professional development weren’t part of the internal culture
- the only “visibility” granted was one article in the company magazine per month
The ceiling was there.
And it was clear.
No matter how hard I tried, there wasn’t going to be a “next level”.
The Question That Defined Everything
When you work well, fulfill your duties, create no problems, never miss a deadline, deliver results, and keep the department afloat… sooner or later, the inevitable question arises:
“And now, what’s next?”
When the answer is nothing, or not planned, you begin to see reality for what it is.
It wasn’t about feeling undervalued.
That was never it.
The point was that there was no evolution possible.
And after three identical years, with increasing responsibilities but a stagnant role, I realized that staying there would mean stopping my growth.
For me, it wasn’t sustainable: I love my job, and to love means also to grow.
If that growth disappears, gradually the love fades too.
Sure, the security of a good salary is great.
But I’ve never been someone who can trade freedom for security.
The Other Side of the Story (that is Rarely Told)
I want to be clear: the company didn’t do “something wrong.”
It simply wasn’t designed to support growth beyond a certain limit for those working in technical departments.
It was that way.
Plain and simple.
I wasn’t angry.
I was clear-headed.
I already had a clear professional goal in mind: to promote direct response design, with freedom, rigor, and elegance, and build a method of my own.
This was not anticipated there.
The Choice: Not a Farewell, but a New Chapter
When I realized that:
- there wouldn’t be any upgrades
- there wouldn’t be any role development
- the agreements would not be adjusted to new responsibilities
- and growth had ended
…the decision made itself.
It wasn’t an escape.
It wasn’t a rebellion.
It wasn’t resentment.
It was personal consistency.
If something no longer allows growth, it’s time to change direction.
It was the most logical thing I could do.
I left, giving notice and training my successor.
Today: Keryx Design
Keryx Design was born from this vision:
to create a European approach to Direct Response Design, based on readability, neuroscience, and precision, free from constraints and compromises.
A method where I can:
- educate without filters
- design with rigor
- train a team on a clear line
- work in a business-friendly way
- combine elegance, order, and logic in every project
Keryx is not a “revenge”.
It is the natural evolution of that journey.
Gratitude, Clarity, and My Path
I am grateful for those three years.
They gave me a lot.
They shaped me.
They allowed me to see from within how a large direct marketing structure operates.
But every story has two sides.
And this is mine.
After three years, there was no longer any room.
And when there’s no room, the only choice that respects yourself is to build a new one.
And that’s exactly what I did.
Also consistent with the teachings of my former boss.
To whom I wish to receive the same good he did for me.
Without him, I wouldn’t be where I am.
Thank you.
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