I always tell myself to keep it to one or two books. It never works. Every shelf seems to offer another subject, another idea, another reason to keep reading.
This time I came home with books about U.S. presidents, pilgrimage, communication, symbolism, happiness and a little more besides.
So once again, the bicycle basket is full.
In this case, the board was given a different assignment. They were sent out into the city to look for examples of design and communication that truly make a difference, and then present their findings when they returned. I joined one of the groups, and this is what caught our attention.
I walked the streets looking beyond the obvious attractions, searching instead for graphic design, typography, signage, logos and visual identities. They tell a story about a place just as much as its architecture or food.
In Germany, I am always drawn to the tradition of clean, functional sans serif typography. The influence of Swiss modernism is unmistakable, with clarity, precision and timeless simplicity.
In London, it is the creativity of packaging design and typefaces that catches my eye. Brands are often rich in personality, heritage and storytelling.
Northern Spain feels different again. Here in the Basque Country, the design language seems cleaner and more restrained than in the south. In southern Spain, I often get a more playful impression, with expressive logos, vibrant colours and a freer visual style. Here, logos are more minimalist, and typography is trusted to create identity and emotion. Sometimes, the font itself is all that is needed to make a lasting impression.
Communication has become one of the most important competitive advantages in business today. Exercises like this sharpen the way we observe, think and communicate as leaders.
I’ve been part of a project at my company, where our goal was to update a client’s stakeholders on their progress. I took on the role of delivering a mid-year report to a stock market-listed company. My job was to manage the project, produce, and design the report, making sure it met all the market’s rules and was helpful for investor relations.
In the marketing and public relations strategy for my company, we plan to use ‘FIAT’ chocolates as a strategic token as giveaways during meetings, that embodies my core values: business acumen, communication of values, and a history of proven professionalism. This approach sets the stage for substantive discussions on how my expertise can be utilized in management teams, in the production of effective business communication, and for potential roles on boards of directors to add significant value to their organization.
-You know that feeling—the first drop of rain hits, followed by a pause of a few seconds. Your mind wavers, questioning whether it will rain or not, only to be convinced when a few more drops fall. We turn up our collars and quicken our pace, navigating a slalom around the motorcycles lining Bologna's cobbled streets. As the rain intensifies, our gaze scans the façades, searching for an espresso bar.
In this weather, every foggy window becomes a beacon for espresso bars, making them easy to spot the moment we decide to change direction. We maneuver past motorcycles parked on the curbside, finally stopping in front of an espresso bar distinguished by its red sign and star logotype.
Crossing the obligatory threshold, we find the door standing wide open, as though the lock has never been used. Inside, the atmosphere is lively, cozy, and abuzz with conversation—all beneath high ceilings. The worn stone floor leads us to a queue that ends at a lacquered mahogany counter in true retro style. The bartender, clad in a white uniform and blue bow tie, exudes efficient friendliness. The buzzing pressure of the espresso machine and the hiss of steam serve as the backdrop for the masterpiece being created—an espresso featuring FIAT from Majani.
The Fiat Cremino chocolate, adorned with the classic logo, is produced by Majani, the renowned Italian chocolatier. It was 1911 when FIAT, an acronym for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino, held a competition among Italian chocolate makers. The objective was to invent a new chocolate, and the result was this specialty confection, designed to celebrate the launch of the Fiat Tipo 4 car.
Welcome to my secret garden. I’ve had the opportunity to utilize a private garden in my office - my sanctuary for staying fit.
The second quarter is always busy in my line of business. As a service provider to public companies, they are obligated to report to the market quarterly and annually, typically producing two types of reports in the second quarter. Annual meetings often fall within this period. I’m in a position to manage and communicate these projects. However, this second quarter has also been laden with assignments and special tasks such as new share issuances, mergers and acquisitions, strategic board workshops, and coaching within growth companies, among others.
Consequently, my usual exercise regimen and training have had to take a backseat amidst these custom-made projects. Now, I am back on track to adhere to a 10-week exercise agenda. I’ve successfully completed two weeks, both in my secret garden and in my surrounding area.
