Transplants by Laura Peruchi - Conversations With Women Thriving Abroad #20 Three countries, five languages, & 20y living abroad | Emanuela Buccafurri | Italy → France
Jan 27, 2026
Emanuela Buccafurri, an Italian-born engineer-turned-researcher and coach who has lived in France, Spain and the Netherlands. She recounts leaving a small village for Erasmus in Lyon and choosing curiosity over caution. She talks about learning five languages, using theatre to overcome accent insecurity, and why inclusion means keeping your identity while taking up space abroad.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Ask, Then Filter Others' Opinions
- Ask people for opinions to uncover blind spots but evaluate why they advise you before deciding.
- Decide based on what matters most to you because you will live with the consequence, not them.
Theatre Transformed Her Accent Insecurity
- Facing accent insecurity in a French corporate role, Emanuela joined a French theatre group and took stage lessons.
- Acting built her emotional connection, confidence, lifelong friendships, and even led to meeting her husband.
Use Your Accent As A Signature
- Treat your accent as your signature and don't try to erase it; improve where possible but stay authentic.
- Leverage your accent as a unique story that helps people remember you.
