#289 Brunello Cucinelli

In a reflective exploration of entrepreneurial longevity and the pursuit of one's life's work, the discussion highlights the unwavering dedication of fashion icons Ralph Lauren and Brunello Cuccinelli, who each spent over four decades nurturing their first and only businesses. The narrative delves into Cuccinelli's philosophy of "humanistic capitalism," a concept where profit generation does not come at the expense of human dignity, and a portion of earnings is reinvested into improving human life. Cuccinelli's journey from humble beginnings to establishing a globally recognized luxury brand is marked by his deep appreciation for craftsmanship, the importance of maintaining a simple, beautiful workspace, and the belief that business acumen cannot be inherited but must be cultivated. He champions solitude and reflection, drawing wisdom from elder generations, and advises embracing enthusiasm and a dash of youthful recklessness. His autobiography, "The Dream of Solomeo," encapsulates his passion for life, his commitment to ethical entrepreneurship, and his love for his village, Solomeo, which he revitalized through his success.

• Entrepreneurs often search for their life's work, which can involve starting multiple businesses.
• Ralph Lauren and Brunello Cuccinelli are exceptions, having worked on their first businesses for over four decades.
• The sponsor, Tiny, simplifies the process of selling a business, contrasting with the complexity founders usually face.
• Brunello Cuccinelli found success by doing the opposite of what was common, similar to Tiny's approach to business acquisitions.

"A big part of being a founder, a big part of being an entrepreneur is searching for your life's work, and that usually means starting more than one business."

This quote emphasizes the typical entrepreneurial journey of exploring multiple ventures to find one's passion and purpose.

"And what I like about Tiny is the fact that they make selling your business easier."

The speaker appreciates Tiny for streamlining the business selling process, drawing a parallel to Brunello Cuccinelli's unique approach in business.

• Brunello Cuccinelli values solitude and reflection, which shapes his approach to life and business.
• His autobiography, "The Dream of Solomeo," is rare and expensive, but provides deep insights into his philosophy.
• Cuccinelli's early life as a peasant and the simple environment cultivated his appreciation for silence and observation.
• He equates reading to having solitary literary conversations with ancient scholars, highlighting the importance of self-education and introspection.

"In these hours before the door of life opens up to the pressing matters of an industrialist business, to the unpredictable series of meetings with people who want to either give or take something. In these small hours, I enjoy thinking quietly, wandering through this hamlet of the spirit of my spirit, where every stone, every tree, every scented rose brings back a memory to my mind, a memory in which I recognize myself."

This quote illustrates Cuccinelli's love for the quiet moments of the day, which allow him to reflect and find peace before the chaos of business life begins.

"I value ideas because I consider them more important than the things that they produce."

Cuccinelli places a higher value on ideas than on material outputs, suggesting that the conceptual foundation of a venture is more significant than its tangible results.

• Brunello Cuccinelli's childhood experiences, including living without modern amenities, taught him to value simplicity and silence.
• His family's quiet life and the lessons learned from his parents and grandparents deeply influenced his values and approach to life.
• Cuccinelli emphasizes the importance of having time to think and reflect, a practice he believes is crucial for personal and professional development.

"We did not have electricity, television, telephone, or water at home. The only concession to modernity was a small battery powered radio."

This quote describes Cuccinelli's humble beginnings and the lack of modern distractions, which contributed to his appreciation for silence and reflection.

"Try to be your son's teacher until he's ten years old, his father until he's 20, and his friend for the rest of his life."

Cuccinelli reflects on a guiding principle he encountered, which resonates with his own experiences and aspirations in family relationships.

• Brunello Cuccinelli felt a calling to entrepreneurship, which was reinforced by advice from a man named Bellucci.
• Bellucci's guidance helped Cuccinelli realize his mission was to seek the good of others using his entrepreneurial talents.
• This sense of purpose has been a driving force behind Cuccinelli's business and life philosophy.

"God assigns to all of us in proportion to the means of each one, a mission to fulfill. Our task is first to discover the nature of our summons, then to follow it."

The quote captures the essence of finding and pursuing one's calling in life, as advised by Bellucci to Cuccinelli, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's work with a greater purpose.

• Cuccinelli's concept of humanistic capitalism is rooted in his experiences and the values of his hometown, Solomeo.
• His autobiography aims to share the journey of a peasant who realized an entrepreneurial dream that resonates globally.
• Books and writing play a crucial role in Cuccinelli's life, serving as tools for self-discovery and expression.

"It is the life of a peasant who imagined and eventually fulfilled an entrepreneurial and humanistic dream that is well received, if not loved, in many parts of the world."

This quote summarizes the essence of Cuccinelli's life story and the universal appeal of his vision for a business that serves humanity.

"One should not expect any coherence in these writings. In fact, the true meaning of my life seems to be a spontaneous drive and energy."

Cuccinelli acknowledges the non-linear nature of his thoughts and writings, suggesting that the essence of his life is characterized by a dynamic and energetic pursuit of his goals.

• Brunello Cuccinelli contrasts his wealthy present with his impoverished past, finding value in both experiences.
• He believes living with little can protect from life's uncertainties and make one appreciate wealth more if it comes.
• Cuccinelli's reflections on his father's reaction to his wealth and his own role as a father and grandfather reveal his deep commitment to moral values and family.

"Living with little is not only healthy, but it also rids us of the frantic needs of life. And protects us from the unpredictable events that fate might throw at us."

Cuccinelli reflects on the benefits of a simple life, suggesting that minimalism can offer protection and clarity amidst life's challenges.

"I often whisper to them in their sleep, warning them to lead a just life, to care about humanity, to safeguard the things they have received as a gift from creation."

This quote illustrates Cuccinelli's desire to instill values of justice, humanity, and stewardship in the next generation, even through gentle, subconscious messages.

• Wealth is a fortunate condition that is challenging to manage.
• The real challenge is not in acquiring wealth but in maintaining sanity and balance.
• Personal growth involves understanding the complexities of wealth.

"The problem is not getting rich. It's staying sane."

This quote emphasizes the idea that acquiring wealth is not the ultimate challenge; rather, maintaining mental and emotional balance in the face of wealth is more difficult.

• Brunello Cuccinelli values solitude for personal reflection.
• Solitude is likened to a cherished friend, indicating its deep significance in Brunello's life.
• Reflective practices like silence, meditation, and prayer are important for personal growth.

"This is perhaps also the reason why, whenever I can, I spend part of my days alone, as I long for solitude, as if it was a distant but beloved and precious friend."

Brunello discusses his profound appreciation for solitude and its role in his life, highlighting how it aids in his personal and spiritual development.

• Words of encouragement can have a lasting impact on individuals.
• Mentorship, as exemplified by the relationship between Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, can be transformative.
• Brunello's uncle played a similar role in encouraging him to achieve greatness.

"You will be a great engineer, a famous person."

Brunello recalls his uncle's words of encouragement, which played a significant role in shaping his aspirations and self-belief.

• Reading and literature are central to Brunello's intellectual and emotional life.
• Books offer a connection to the thoughts and experiences of others, including those long passed.
• Carl Sagan's quote on the magic of books resonates with Brunello's experience.

"A book is proof that humans are capable of working magic."

This quote by Carl Sagan, which Brunello finds compelling, captures the essence of literature's ability to transcend time and connect readers with the minds of authors from different eras.

• Family relationships and lessons learned in childhood have a lasting impact.
• Brunello's father and grandfather imparted important values and wisdom.
• Repetition and consistency in messaging are important for instilling values.

"You must be a good man. You'll be sorry if you do not keep your word."

Brunello reflects on the repetitive yet profound advice his father gave him, which continues to guide him in his life and work.

• Brunello believes in the integration of beauty with one's work.
• His father's emphasis on the appearance of their farmland instilled a love for beauty and order.
• The concept of beauty in work is applied in Brunello's fashion business.

"Because this way looks better."

Brunello recalls his father's simple explanation for why it is important to produce work that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

• Brunello is influenced by ancient Greek culture and philosophy.
• He applies the principles of order and beauty from ancient times to his contemporary work.
• The Greek saying about cleanliness and order inspires Brunello's approach to life and business.

"Order is the first law of heaven."

Brunello quotes an ancient Greek saying to illustrate the importance of order and its application in both personal and professional contexts.

• Human adaptability is a key theme in the stories of Brunello's grandfather.
• The ability to adjust to difficult circumstances is a valuable life skill.
• Brunello's family's move to the city and the challenges it brought are part of his narrative.

"Grandpa loved to tell me stories about what he had experienced in the war. He told me anecdotes that in the end emphasize man's ability to adapt even to the worst circumstances."

Brunello recounts his grandfather's war stories, which highlight the human capacity for resilience and adaptation.

• Patience is seen as a virtue that is often overlooked in modern culture.
• Brunello values long-term investments, such as planting trees for future generations.
• His approach to business and life is characterized by a willingness to wait for rewards.

"Postponing the reward increases its appreciation, a fact that has been forgotten in the current culture of impatience."

Brunello discusses the importance of delaying gratification and the heightened appreciation that comes with it, contrasting this with the prevalent desire for immediate results.

• Brunello's parents' humility and aspirations influenced his entrepreneurial journey.
• Despite not being wealthy, Brunello's family imparted crucial values and dreams.
• The desire for a better life motivated the family's move from the countryside to the city.

"For my father, I learned the courage to dream and to choose."

Brunello credits his father for teaching him the courage to dream big and make choices that would later contribute to his success as an entrepreneur.

• Brunello reflects on the impact of technology on family dynamics.
• The introduction of television changed the way his family interacted during meals.
• He advocates for the use of technology without losing the essence of human relationships.

"Our human relationships weakened."

Brunello observes the weakening of family interactions with the advent of television, a change that informs his approach to technology in his own company.

• Brunello Cuccinelli believes technology should be a tool, not something people become slaves to.
• In his company, group emailing is prohibited; emails can only be sent to a maximum of two addresses.
• Mobile phones are not allowed in meetings to encourage eye contact and knowing things by heart.
• Cuccinelli emphasizes the difference between information and knowledge, suggesting that society has prioritized the former over the latter.

"There's no group emailing inside the company. And he says, no emails can be sent to more than two addresses. Just one or two. No group mailing. Why must a single email be read by ten different people?" "No meetings with mobile phones. No one is allowed to bring them into the meeting room. You must look me in the eye. You must know things by heart." "We have now swapped information for knowledge."

The quotes highlight Cuccinelli's approach to communication within his company, focusing on direct interaction and deep understanding, contrasting with the prevalent overreliance on technology and information overload.

• Brunello Cuccinelli received significant education through conversations in Italian cafes.
• Cafes provided a diverse environment where people from various backgrounds discussed multiple topics.
• Cuccinelli values the human diversity and the rich teachings from cafes, comparing them favorably to universities.

"Every evening after dinner, I went to that cafe late at night. Words prevailed over games and discussions began." "Perhaps cafes had a slightly richer human diversity than universities. Only in cafes could you come across both the penniless and the genius, the unlucky and the affluent, the shrewd and the honest, the bossy and the shy."

These quotes describe the influential role that Italian cafes played in Cuccinelli's education, where he engaged in intellectual debates and was exposed to a wide range of ideas and people.

• Cuccinelli's exposure to philosophy deeply influenced his life and became a guiding force.
• Witnessing his father's humiliation in factory work inspired Cuccinelli's philosophy on entrepreneurship, which he calls humanistic capitalism.
• Cuccinelli's entrepreneurial vision was to create a company that respects the moral and economic dignity of individuals.

"Philosophy would become a strong and permanent presence in my life, the safest guide, besides the memories of my family." "I knew that I would live and work in order to foster the moral and economic dignity of man."

These quotes reflect Cuccinelli's conviction that philosophy and family memories are his life's guiding principles, which led him to a business model respecting human dignity.

• At age 25, Cuccinelli was searching for his life's work, inspired by historical figures and the value of books.
• He was influenced by Theodore Levitt's book "The Marketing Imagination," which emphasized the importance of high-quality products.
• Cuccinelli decided to produce colored cashmere sweaters, an idea that was initially met with skepticism.

"I thought of the young heroes of history, of Alexander the Great, who would stand on the beach watching the sea and dreaming of reaching the end of the world." "The underlying idea of the book was that developed countries would have to specialize in high quality products if they did not want to be ousted by emerging countries which were learning to manufacture average products at much lower cost."

The quotes illustrate Cuccinelli's inspiration from historical figures and influential books, which helped him shape his entrepreneurial vision and business philosophy.

• Cuccinelli acknowledges that his initial motivation was based on recklessness and instinct.
• Despite financial uncertainty, he persevered and found generous suppliers and customers who believed in his vision.
• Cuccinelli's story is compared to the movie "It's a Wonderful Life," highlighting the importance of support from others.

"I have to confess that my initial motivation arose out of recklessness and instinct." "Today, I'm firmly convinced that we must act even when we have feeble hopes."

These quotes capture Cuccinelli's candid admission that his early business decisions were driven by instinct and a willingness to take risks, which ultimately paid off due to the support of others.

• Cuccinelli's success allowed him to restore the hamlet of Solomeo, where he established his company.
• He pursued a unique approach by moving against the trend of urbanization.
• Cuccinelli outlines his philosophy of humanistic capitalism, which balances profit with improving human life.

"I thought of Solomeo. I regretted the state of neglect of that ancient small hamlet." "We discussed something we decided to call humanistic capitalism."

The quotes show Cuccinelli's dedication to revitalizing Solomeo and his commitment to a form of capitalism that respects human values and contributes positively to society.

• Brunello Cuccinelli's company is known for paying wages 20% higher than average.
• The company's philosophy centers on improving human life conditions.
• There is no wage difference between workers and clerks.
• The company's work schedule is from 08:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• This unique approach to business has garnered significant international media attention.

"He also pays, I think, wages that are about like 20% higher. So it says where part of the earnings should be earmarked to concretely improving the condition of human life, the human being should be at the center."

This quote highlights the company's commitment to its employees' welfare by paying higher wages and focusing on the betterment of human life conditions.

• Brunello Cuccinelli's company received its first major international press due to its unique business model.
• The company started in 1978 and focused on a single product for 22 years before expanding.
• International markets requested a total look collection, prompting expansion into fine clothing for men and women.
• Brunello, like Ralph Lauren, used personal taste as inspiration for new products.
• The company's expansion is tied to the philosophy of providing more than just a product, but a lifestyle.

"International markets started asking us to design a total look collection for men and women to complement our cashmere sweaters with clothing bags, shoes, and accessories."

This quote explains the company's product line expansion in response to international market demands, reflecting its adaptability and customer-centric approach.

• Brunello Cuccinelli believes that the ability to run a business cannot be inherited, only company ownership.
• He references Sam Walton's philosophy of not pushing children too hard and allowing them to find their own path.
• The company's leadership should be based on qualification, not family ties.

"You can't inherit the ability to run a business just as you inherit the company ownership."

This quote emphasizes the distinction between owning a company and having the skills to manage it effectively, highlighting Brunello's belief in merit-based leadership.

• Brunello's reaction to the 2008 financial crisis was to reassure employees about job security and encourage increased organization, creativity, and brilliance.
• He believes in focusing on what can be controlled and not worrying about external factors.

"Today, our company employs 500 people, but I can assure you that we have the money to carry on for another two years. As far as your job goes, you have nothing to fear."

This quote reflects Brunello's leadership during economic uncertainty, providing reassurance and stability to his employees during the 2008 financial crisis.

• Media attention snowballed into more opportunities and recognition for the company.
• Brunello's corporate philosophy attracted customers, journalists, and tourists to Solomeo.
• An international magazine's coverage was a turning point for the company's recognition.

"That coverage marked the beginning of a true media celebration."

The quote captures the impact of media coverage on the company's reputation and the affirmation of its corporate philosophy.

• Brunello believes in the benefits of enthusiasm and a bit of youthful recklessness in business.
• He contrasts this with the wisdom that comes with age, which can sometimes dampen joy.

"I understood then how useful and beneficial enthusiasm and a bit of youthful recklessness can be."

Brunello reflects on the value of maintaining enthusiasm and spontaneity in business decisions, even with the wisdom of age.

• Brunello plans to start a school to teach old crafts and make them contemporary.
• The school would pay students while being trained and spread across Solomeo.
• The faculty would consist of wise individuals close to retirement age.

"This concern for the future contributed to shaping the idea of a school of arts and crafts."

The quote outlines Brunello's vision for preserving craftsmanship and investing in future generations' skills.

• The company went public on the Milan Stock Exchange to become more international and financially sound.
• Brunello believes that external, qualified individuals may eventually manage the company.

"The ability to run a company cannot be inherited."

This quote reiterates Brunello's stance on leadership and management, emphasizing the need for skill over lineage.

• Brunello advocates for simplifying work and communication.
• He believes in avoiding work that causes malaise of the soul.
• Having enough is considered a form of wealth, and work should not cause inner tension.

"Simplify your work and your words."

The quote summarizes Brunello's philosophy on the importance of simplicity in work and life.

• Brunello encourages building an extraordinary reality enthusiastically.
• He advises against listening to those who say your plans are too ambitious.

"Enthusiastically build an extraordinary reality day after day."

This quote is a call to action for individuals to pursue their ambitions with enthusiasm and disregard naysayers.

• Listening to the elderly and peers is valuable for gaining wisdom and preparing for the future.
• The past nourishes the future, and learning from others' experiences can lead to a better life.

"Learn to listen because it is beautiful, pleasant and fruitful."

Brunello highlights the importance of listening as a tool for personal growth and understanding.