MANO Stories Style of success: Edward Malvezzi

Where does style come from?
Why do most successful men often develop one of their own?
Can you learn to have style and to develop one of your own?

In this series of exclusive interviews for MANO we try to uncover the secrets and the vision of successful personalities who have made style their own trademark.

Today we are joined by Edward Malvezzi, multi-business entrepreneur and serial innovator.

Hi Edward, let's start by telling our readers something about you and your entrepreneurial story.

Hi everyone! My entrepreneurial story?
It's a long story with experiences in different sectors and fields but, trying to sum up, I'd say it all started from an adolescent inclination toward business that over time grew and developed across various fields including banking, finance, real estate, commerce and manual trades, all the way to the creation of scalable businesses (the commercial chains).

The most significant projects were certainly 3Bar’S, with the opening of over 60 locations, and Yummm, which is an automated express dining format.

Today, through digitalization, which is the real contemporary wave to ride, I am mainly engaged in creating a commercial network of highly innovative and fully digitalized hotel facilities “HH Hermoso Housing Digital Accomodation”, which after a laborious gestation period will soon also launch under the franchising formula.
A project, like the previous ones, entirely innovative and unique, very complex but extremely exciting!

In short, my entrepreneurial story achieved its greatest results where I managed to innovate and optimize a specific sector - after examining it and living it on the front line – bringing to it with creativity experiential components acquired in other fields

We live in an era marked by an over-supply of products and an intercultural blend. Tastes and trends are truly fused into a single “melting pot” that is hard to interpret. In such a varied environment, when, in your opinion, does a man truly have “Style”?

My personal view is that a man has style when he expresses in a coordinated way, with clarity and determination, his distinctive traits and his vision of life in a unique way and free of conditioning.
A mix of look, mindset, the way of relating to others and his own choices both in life and in purchasing...all with consistency.

What are the ways, not necessarily related to fashion or accessories, in which you express being a man of style?

The details always make the difference, together with the way you carry yourself, good manners and the ability to listen.
For me, consistency between the look, the mood, the behavior and the accessories is essential.

Globalization tends to standardize production and make it efficient in its processes, including commercial ones, leaving less room for small producers.
In light of this statement, how much value do you place on Italian craftsmanship?

Undoubtedly a high value, given by its history and by the brand Italia recognized worldwide for creativity, innovation, artistry, elegance, attention to detail, quality and uniqueness… a style that sets us apart from others.

I agree on the effects of globalization but I believe that digitalization will also allow small players to automate, making production and marketing more efficient.

I wouldn't be surprised if in the coming years there will be a fusion of the industrial concept and the artisanal concept that will create a new artisanal luxury industry.

What are the 3 things you like most about Italian craftsmanship and how do you think the “new class” of Italian artisans should move today, from a commercial standpoint?

1. The unmistakable mix of history and creativity that it conveys;
2. The quality that is objectively recognized in it;
3. That pinch of homespun roughness often combined with the genius that makes it unique and recognizable.

I would like to see more innovation through processes of experimentation that few artisans still carry out.
I think it's necessary to create objects that allow you to express your own personality.
For example, in the field of men's jewelry, the piece can allow you to express your mood and your vision also through play.
A bit like with clothing but in a less impactful and more discreet way.

Finally, I believe that the artisan today should:

• industrialize the processes while preserving the artisanal character; we are in the midst of a digital revolution, the means will be there.. whoever manages to make full use of them will make the difference;
• leverage the uniqueness of the object, including the possibility of customization; a feature that is normally hard for big brands to achieve;
• offer a range of options so that everyone can express their own style, in contrast to the uniformity of the big brands.

Your professional background is that of someone who has moved with autonomy and independence. If you had one piece of advice to give to young people approaching the world of work, what would you suggest to them?

You could write a book about it, but I do want to leave a few pointers that I think are very important and that could be helpful to younger people:

1. It's true that we are in the era of successful twenty-somethings, but we must remember that nothing is achieved without commitment, sacrifice and method;
   
   
2. Aim first at the passion for what you do, the financial result will come as a consequence;
   
   
3. Don't copy because you'll generally never go as far as you could by starting from a blank page.
   The process will be longer and more uncertain, but also more satisfying, solid and motivating.
   
   
4. Identify what you think is done badly and think about how you could do it better, in a more efficient way, at lower costs and with greater appeal for the end consumer.
   Think of a new winning brand and if it's a scalable business, create the conditions for it right from the start because it will be very hard to do later;
   
   
5. Keep your mind always open and curious: be like sponges, absorb information and learn about various fields because it will all be useful to you.
   All of a sudden you'll understand where and how you can make the difference.
   All the dots will connect and every experience will give its contribution.
   If you don't know a sector and don't live it at least in part, you'll never be able to uncover its hidden opportunities;
   
   
6. It's not so much important what you do but how you do it.
   
   
7. Learn the mindset and financial planning, they are essential skills;
   
   
8. First become passionate about something and make it your fixed thought: it will be an adrenaline-fueled feeling you can't do without;
   
   
9. By committing 100% and being consistent you'll surpass even the most talented;
   
   
10. Be persevering and flexible;
    
    
11. Surround yourself with successful people to learn from, with people like the ones you would like to become and with people who have your same goals;
    
    
12. Don't look for your dream job, do what you have the chance to do. Maybe you'll discover that your dream job is a different one.
    Everything you learn will one day be useful to you;
    
    
13. Get used to doing your best at whatever you decide to do.
    It will take the same amount of time and you'll be more satisfied;
    
    
14. Learn to be perfectionists even in small things and get used to taking care of the detail;
    
    
15. Identify a path and take small steps in that direction: by gaining 1% every day, in just three months you'll go well beyond 100%.
    Don't underestimate the digital because whoever manages to ride this wave will come out a winner.
    
    
16. Be aware that you are fortunate: you are living in a great era with great opportunities and in the middle of a revolution that will change the world in every sector: the digital revolution.