Lux and Friends Carlo Pignataro

In the new episode of Lux & Friends (#54), I had the pleasure of interviewing Andrea Fornari, General Manager GCC and Export of Essilor Luxottica, the undisputed leader of the global optical sector. I have always been fascinated by this industry, which encompasses lifestyle, health, and technology. For someone like me, equally passionate about luxury and innovation, this was a great opportunity to learn more about the company that, due to its size, dominant market position in both fr...

I am Carlo Pignataro, and this is a new episode of Lux and Friends. Luxury, as an industry, has many faces. When thinking of luxury, some people portray in their mind fashion, others jewelry. For some, it's all about exclusive experiences; others are into art, or the finest wines and spirits. Many products, services, and categories belong to luxury, and yet only a few professionals have managed to navigate this vast and fascinating territory in its various dimensions. My guest today did just ...

I couldn't be happier to kick off a new season, this time live from Dubai, of Lux & Friends podcast, with an exceptional guest whose story is nothing short of a fairytale in the Luxury Industry. Like all fairytales, Amedeo Scognamiglio's life and journey are filled with surprises, miracles, unexpected twists, extreme joy, and profound sadness. Amedeo and his childhood friend, partner, and later business partner Roberto Faraone Mennella left Italy in the late 90's to pursue their dream of ...

The focus of this episode of Lux and Friends is Permanent Reinvention, the one thing we (individuals and organizations)all need. That we all somehow do, and that we all fear.In nature, change is inevitable. Organisms either change or die.And yet, the human brain is resistant to change despite all evidence would suggest it is vital to one’s survival.My guest of today is Aidan McCullen, author of the best-selling book Undistruptable, A Mindset of Permanent Reinvention for Individuals, Organisat...

The title of this episode is Art and Business, Music and Luxury and to discuss such a variety of topics, I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing a true artist and a businessman, Vincent Corver.Vincent is an acclaimed concert pianist and music composer, as well as an ambassador for Steinway & Sons, the most prestigious manufacturer of the finest musical instrument, the piano.With Vincent, I have discussed the intersection between art and luxury, what creativity can do in business, and the pr...

This episode of the podcast is about Emotional Intelligence, a term popularized in the 90’s by the psychologist Daniel Goleman and, ever since, the corporate world has embraced it. Or so they say.In fact, that type of intelligence that makes individuals and groups of people aware of their emotions, and the emotions of others, is as rare as desirable.In a time when efficiency, productivity and market domination have become the standard definition of success, we need to go beyond Emotional Inte...