#ENACTUS VOICES - Leading with Purpose - Romeo Pruno

Meet Romeo Pruno—long standing Enactus Mentor and Director at Microsoft—who brings years of global tech leadership into every student conversation, helping young changemakers turn bold ideas into real-world impact. In this insightful reflection, he shares why mentoring isn’t just about guiding others—it’s about staying curious, learning continuously, and growing together with the next generation of leaders.

Leading with Purpose: A Mentor’s Perspective on Growth, Innovation, and Giving Back.

By Romeo Pruno

Romeo, first things first: tell us something about youself! 

“I’m a pragmatic technology leader with over 15 years of experience at executive level, including 13 years in the global tech industry at Microsoft Corporation. I’m passionate about talent development, quantum computing, classical piano, and travel - especially when loyalty rewards are involved! I’m married to an incredible woman and a proud father of heterozygous twins. I see myself as both a goalkeeper and a captain - protecting what matters while leading with purpose and vision”. 

Among passions and duties, you also make time for mentorship. What do you love about this type of activity? 

“As a mentor, I’m committed to helping students bridge the gap between theory and practice, reduce risk in problem-solving, and accelerate value creation. In return, I gain fresh perspectives and inspiration from engaging with the next generation of business leaders. This exchange is vital to me—especially in today’s fast-changing world, where adaptability and a growth mindset are essential. Professionals like me must stay open to new ideas and influences beyond our current environment to remain relevant and impactful”.

You’ve been covering this role within the Enactus Community Mentor for some years now. Why is it important to you and what’s the value to put on this opportunity? 

“I joined the Enactus network four years ago, invited by a customer who saw it as a great way to contribute to global talent development. The trust I built with the organization allowed me to grow while staying aligned with the fast pace of change essential to our profession. For me, being part of this community means continuously learning while giving back - sharing what I’ve gained over the years to help de-risk innovation and unlock collective know-how”.

Among your encounters with young Enacters, is there a particular moment or experience you’d like to remember and share with the Enactus community? 

“Every project and interaction energises me. I love those moments when we discover something new together and seeing that spark of excitement in their eyes takes me back to my own early days. It’s the same “wow” that inspired me at the start of my journey, and it reminds me why I do what I do”.

Mentorship, at its core, is a two-way street—where knowledge is shared, perspectives are expanded, and purpose is reignited. For Romeo, staying close to the next generation of innovators isn’t just a way to give back—it’s a way to keep moving forward. In a world that never stops evolving, his journey with Enactus proves that growth is greatest when it’s shared.