Umberto Mecchi, executive manag­er strategy and marketing for HostPlus, flew high in 2008. In March he was awarded a FEAL executive education scholarship in partnership with AMP Capital Investors, and in December was named best super marketing profes­sional at the inaugural AIST Fund Staff Awards.

But in dedicating the AIST gong to his mother, Mecchi reminded us that nobody can bring you back down to earth quite like the woman who bore you.

“She still doesn’t know what I do,” Mecchi admitted to the audience, “but she’s very proud that I go off to work every day wearing a suit.”

To Mrs Mecchi and all the proud industry mums, we salute you for keep­ing it real!