Once upon a time, God put Adam and Eve in a beautiful garden.

And in this beautiful garden stood an apple tree.

God strictly forbade Adam and Eve to eat any of its apples.

Eve didn’t listen, bit into an apple, and the rest was history:

Hell, flames, eternal damnation, the whole shebang.

We live in a beautiful garden, just like Adam and Eve did.

This garden is a massive rock spinning on itself in infinite nothingness, called Earth.

And we all have an apple tree in our lives it’s best we stay away from.

For some it’s alcohol or drugs.

For others it’s gambling or cigarettes.

Even something as silly as junk food or video games.

You name it.

We all have something that is best to avoid.

Because if we don’t, well… everything goes to shit.

Now, before you pride yourself on not being addicted to any of the above, take a deep look into your life and habits.

You may spend too much time on social media, seeking attention that validates your self-worth.

You hang around the wrong crowd, because you don’t think you deserve better.

You’re stuck in a toxic relationship because it’s the last piece of your old self you don’t feel ready to let go of.

I’m not about to drop an instant magic formula to un-fuck your desire for forbidden apples, amigo.

But I’ll say that one of the most effective ways not to bite into that apple in the first place is to avoid any garden that has any of these apple trees.

You’re less likely to smoke in a group of non-smoking people.

If I give you the opportunity (hand you a cig), you’ll eventually fold.

You’re less likely to stay locked in a toxic relationship if you embrace the fear of letting go of your past and make new acquaintances.

If I give you the opportunity (hang around that person), you’ll eventually fold.

In short:

If I give you the opportunity, you’ll make the wrong choice.

So don’t le me.

Don’t let anyone.

But most importantly, don’t let yourself.

After all, if God didn’t put a forbidden apple tree in that fucking garden, there wouldn’t have been a forbidden apple to bite into in the first place, right ?

See you soon,

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Luca

From a young age, I would get anxious easily.

A math test, a random argument, or the simple nostalgia of a Sunday afternoon

would get my mind racing.

Will I be good enough? Will I be ok? Where the fuck am I going with my life?

If I got a penny each time I asked myself one of these questions…

I would have enough pennies to build a pyramid so big Tutankhamun would be

jealous.

This anxiety followed me through my early adult life.

And if I were to start over again, I wouldn’t want that anxiety to go away.

It kept me in line and helped maintain the discipline that helped me achieve my goals: career-wise, sport-wise, even in my financial investing.

But like anything in life – true happiness lies in balance – not in extremes.

And this is exactly where I struggled.

I let myself stress out WAY too much over things that weren’t life or death.

I overreacted emotionally on things that weren’t life or death.

I spent WAY too much time and energy trying to change the views of people I had no

business even being around in the first place.

Not because I’m a crazy degenerate lunatic out on the loose (or maybe?).

Not because I enjoy self-sabotage and pain.

But because I let myself slip in life’s most silent trap.

This trap is the lens through which you and I see and feel this world.

A red Ferrari is one man’s dream car, while another man dreams of a yellow

Lamborghini.

Same dream, different car.

A spicy beef noodle dish feels sweet to a man, while another man chokes on it

because it’s too hot.

Same dish, different taste.

A man working in the office wakes up unhappy each morning, while another man

thanks God every morning for that same job.

Same job, different levels of gratitude.

Get where I’m going with this?

We all see and experience the same world- in absolute terms.

What makes it unique to each of us is how we perceive it.

The very lens through which we see and perceive the world.

So next time life drags you through the mud, repeat this to yourself:

Nothing in this world exists as I perceive it.

This exercise is not a magic trick to instantly un-fuck your life problems.

But it brings an objective perspective on the subjective way you’re seeing and feeling

this world.

Even the shittiest of all moments are just an illusion.

An illusion you can shape.

See you soon amigo,

Luca

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Picture this:

You’re living on a big rock called Earth.

This big rock is spinning at high speed on itself.

This rock is spinning at high speed around an even bigger rock on fire (the Sun), and many other rocks (planets).

All these rocks are moving in empty nothingness called the universe.

And this empty nothingness is expanding.

Which means that emptiness is getting emptier by the second.

What the fuck?

And here you are, at the end of a long, shitty day.

Feeling bad for yourself at the end of that shitty day.

And all the shitty things that happened to you.

Life isn’t always bright skies and unicorns.

But every day is a chapter.

A chapter in your journey on this huge rock, spinning with other rocks in ever-expanding empty nothingness.

And in this ever-expanding empty nothingness:

Everything passes; nothing lasts.

Not even the shittiest of all shitty days of your life.

So, look up at the sky if you get the chance tonight.

Stare into the depths of this expanding nothingness for 60 seconds.

Take a deep breath.

Hold it for 5 seconds.

Then let it out.

You’ll realize a simple thing.

And if you don’t, let me spoil it for you:

You’re exactly where you need to be.

See you next week,

Luca

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For years, I chased things to avoid sitting with myself — empty hustle, validation, and lots of noise.

I had a high drive, a solid career in finance, and found comfort convincing myself I was living the fast life.

But in reality, I had a hole I didn’t want to face.

And like any void you consciously ignore, you unconsciously try to fill it.

Because your subconscious mind is your brain’s software.

It silently guides every decision you make.

Don’t feel worthy of love? You’ll subconsciously adopt behaviors that set your relationships up for failure.

Don’t feel worthy of success? No self-improvement book or guru will stop you from making the shitty decisions that keep you where you are.

And the list goes on.

The good news?

The opposite is also true.

If you feel worthy of anything good, you’ll subconsciously align your decisions and behavior to get there.

Most importantly, you’ll avoid anything that pulls you away from the right path.

Most people nowadays don’t even know about their subconscious mind.

They blame the world for their misery when in reality, their misery is self-induced.

These people live very predictable, miserable fucking lives.

They make the same mistakes and blame something or someone else each time.

For me, that pattern played out in my relationships with women.

I didn’t feel worthy of love.

Instead of spending time and effort understanding why, I built a persona to fill the void — the player who’s too wild to settle.

The years went by, and I alternated patching toxic relationships with meaningless sex.

Over, and over, and over again.

Not because it was my definition of happiness, but because deep down —subconsciously — I didn’t feel worthy of a healthy, stable relationship.

And spoiler alert: I ruined those who came close to that.

The journey to unfuck my subconscious feelings has been a long, ongoing process.

But slowly, it brought me something rare these days: peace.

And when I finally aligned my subconscious beliefs with what actually matters to me, everything shifted —

I started attracting better relationships.
I found focus and exponential growth in my career.
I made smarter choices with my time, and my money.

It wasn’t instant. It wasn’t perfect. But it was real.

I don’t know where you are in your life or what you’re going through, but if sharing my story can help you lay the foundations for yours, then you’re in the right place.

Starting next week, I’ll unravel the whole enchilada — in short-format newsletters like this one.

Stay tuned.

The best is yet to come,

Luca

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This newsletter will be short.

Because I almost didn’t write it.

Life caught up - work, investing, training, people.

I’m tired, uninspired, and honestly a bit worried you’ll read this and think:

“Why the fuck did I ever subscribe to this?”

But here I am, showing up at 20%.

And let me tell you something:

Showing up at 20% matters far more than waiting for 100%.

Most people wait for the perfect conditions to act on their goals.

You know the story:

You decide to get in shape, save money, or quit smoking.

At first, you’re fired up.

You talk about it, visualize the outcome, maybe even share it with others.

Just talking about it makes you feel like you’re already halfway there.

This is the motivation phase.

But amigo, here’s the truth:

It doesn’t last long.

Sooner or later:

• Going to the gym feels miserable when the alarm goes off.

• Saving money gets harder when the world gives you a million ways to spend.

• And smoking “just once because you’re stressed” feels justified.

I’ve been there.

And probably so have you.

The mistake most people make is to wait for motivation to act.

Because they think that motivation leads to discipline.

When in reality, discipline leads to motivation.

Motivation is unreliable.

You can’t choose to feel motivated.

But you can choose to act, even when you don’t feel like it.

That’s discipline.

And when you show up anyway - at 20%, 10%, whatever - you still make progress.

You get better.

You see yourself getting better.

And suddenly…

You feel motivated again.

See me?

The first lines of this newsletter were painful to write.

But now I’m surfing on this keyboard.

So, whatever your goals are - if they are aligned with your values - remember this:

Showing up at 20% still moves the needle.

Far more than waiting for 100%.

You got this.

See you next week,

Luca

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Holà, amigo(a).

You just got this newsletter in July 2025.

An amazing time to be alive.

And a tough one too:

You live in a consumer-incentivized, appearance-based, interconnected, turbocharged, superficial society where everything is happening faster than your mind can process.

From the moment your alarm goes off in the morning, to the commute you have to make to school, university or work - just to find out that you’re behind on a lot of shit that must get done - it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Add to that the endless stream of irrelevant bullshit social media throws in your face on a daily basis, and you’ve got all the ingredients to live stressfully ever after in the so-called rat race.

A race you have to run faster for, to feel in control.

After all, faster is better, right?

That's the trap modern society wants you to fall into.

And it worked, because most people (including you and me):

• want to get in shape faster.

• want that promotion faster.

• want to make more money, and faster.

• want their online order to arrive at home faster.

You’ve learned that faster automatically rhymes with better - and if you (or anything in your life) slows down, you feel like shit. You feel behind.

But you’re wrong.

You see, our brains weren’t designed to process large amounts of information at high speeds - and certainly not for long periods of time.

This is why we invented computers; that’s their job and they’re nailing it.

The only time nature wanted your brain to be on alertness overdrive is when it perceived danger.

So, under an amazing hormone called adrenaline, you can run faster, hear better, see sharper, and not even feel physical pain.

That’s what helped keep our species alive.

But adrenaline bursts are just that - bursts. They don’t last longer than a few minutes.

And you know what comes with adrenaline? Fear, stress, anxiety - just to name a few.

Not to mention the crushing fatigue a lot of people describe once adrenaline wears off.

Not here to give you a biology class - just consider this newsletter a simple reminder:

Slow the fuck down. You’re doing just fine.

I’m not saying don’t work hard for what you want.

God knows I do, every day.

I work mad hours during the week and I spend my weekends working out and writing this very newsletter.

But once a month, I pick a random weekend and I don’t do shit.

I eat and sleep well, spend time with my family, get outside, and disconnect.

That’s my way of slowing the fuck down. And it charges my batteries better than any energy drink out there.

Find yours, and give yourself the moments of peace you deserve.

Speed isn’t efficiency. Intensity isn’t consistency. Don’t get it twisted.

Remember:
You are exactly where you need to be.
You are more than enough.
Embrace the pain and the doubt.
It’s all part of the long game.

See you next week, Speedy Gonzales,
Luca

P.S. You can always hit reply. I read every message.

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On April 26th, 2003, Aron Ralston, an experienced outdoorsman, found himself between a rock and a hard place — literally.

A few hours into his hike in the Blue John Canyon, a 350kg rock fell on his right arm and pinned him against the canyon wall.

For five days, Aron tried everything to escape: chipping away at the rock, pushing and pulling it, but the rock didn’t move.

So, in desperation, Aron started recording goodbye messages for his loved ones and even engraved his estimated death date on the same rock that was holding him hostage.

By the sixth day, injured, exhausted, and severely dehydrated, something in Aron’s head had switched.

He started a one-hour-long auto-amputation of his stuck arm: breaking his own bones and cutting through tissues and tendons with a dull multitool.

He managed to free himself and get rescued.

That’s one badass survivor if you ask me.

Although we might not always realize it, we all eventually get pinned by a rock in life.

My rock

For me, that rock was the self-destructive, auto-induced, childhood-trauma-based thought that I had to be 100% in everything. My job. My relationships. Sports. You name it. If it existed, I had to be the crème de la crème at it.

Because in my head, not being the best meant I wasn’t worthy. And by feeling unworthy, I didn’t truly savour my big accomplishments:

“I just graduated university, but I don’t have a job yet.”
“I got my first job in finance, but I’m not making enough money.”
“I got promoted fast, but I don’t have a lucrative side hustle.”

You see, it didn’t really matter what I accomplished.

Nothing was ever good enough. Not because my accomplishments were shit, but because I didn’t feel like I was worthy.

The result?

Diluted focus, energy, and peace.
Three and a half years spent in constant search of the next big thing.

From wanting to launch a successful business online and setting up my own consulting company, my days always ended with the same dissatisfaction.

I didn’t get moving with any of these projects, I wasn’t focused on my job, and it felt like I was sprinting in a hamster wheel.

On the night of my first day at my new job, I went for a walk and realized this:

I was chasing something I was never going to attain.

Not because this thing I’m chasing (whatever the fuck that thing is) is unattainable, but because the reason I’m chasing it is to fill a void. The void of not feeling worthy.

We’ll get to the subtle art of digging out your childhood demons and traumas in another newsletter, but what I want to emphasize here is that identifying the rock that is pinning you to a wall gives you the ability to turn the “Fuck it” switch.

Because just like Aron Ralston, once that switch is turned on, you can start planning your cutaway — literally and figuratively.

The feeling of relief when I started to let go came with something I hadn’t felt in years: peace, full acceptance of where I was, and who I was.

The process is long and I’m not a self-improvement guru, but if this newsletter can help someone get closer to liberation, then keep on reading, amigo.

Your rock

What’s your rock? Or put differently: what is something you’re holding on to that’s hurting your peace?

It’s maybe:
– A shitty job
– A toxic relationship
– Self-destructive thoughts

Ask yourself this question and let the answer be an honest reflection of what you truly feel inside. Write it down on a piece of paper.

We’re not going to fix anything.
This is not a 10-minute exercise to magically unfuck your brain.

The goal here is to move the rock from your unconscious mind to your conscious present.

This first step is the most important of all — because you can’t cut away from a rock you don’t even know exists.

So, stare at that piece of paper.
Don’t fight the emotions that might come up.
Let yourself feel.

Remember:
You are exactly where you need to be.
You are more than enough.
Embrace the pain and the doubt.
It’s all part of the long game.

See you next week,
Luca

P.S. You can always hit reply. I read every message.

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Act I: The Climb That Never Felt Like a Win

I graduated in the summer of COVID — ambitious, idealistic, ready to conquer the world.

My definition of freedom?
Big job. Big car. Big apartment. Be the Big dog in the family.

So, I applied for jobs. Got ghosted. Rejected. Ignored. For six months.

Eventually, I got hired as a financial auditor at a Big Four firm.

Jackpot, right?
Nope.

The job was brutal. The hours were long. The pay? Meh.

And here’s what life inside my head sounded like:

My job sucks → I’m underpaid → Some 17-year-old kid just made $1M with drop shipping → Should I dropship? → Nah, just grind my job → I’ll make money later → Wait, now the 17-year-old has a $100M course on Udemy → Why did I even go to university? → Boss asks why the report isn’t ready → Fuck my Life.

That was a regular Tuesday.

Three years passed like that. Trapped in comparison, worry, and chronic dissatisfaction.

Act II: The Dream Job

Eventually, I got headhunted to join one of the world’s biggest trading firms.
Massive opportunity. Massive salary bump.

This was it. The dream.

Big job. Big car. Big apartment. I’ll be a Big dog soon. Right?

First day on the job: high stress, fast pace, complex stuff. The self-sabotage kicked in again.

This job is intense → Will I last long enough to cash in? → That 17-year-old is now on Forbes 30 Under 30 → Maybe I should start any business → I’m almost 30 → Fuck My Life.

That night, I went for a walk.

And I realized: I’m living my dream… but I feel fucking miserable.

Act III: The Real Problem

Here’s what hit me:

I wasn’t ungrateful.
I wasn’t a failure.
I wasn’t broken.

The problem was this:
I had been postponing my happiness for years.

“Once I make more money, I’ll be happy.”
“Once I launch my business, I’ll be happy.”
“Once I’m financially free, I’ll be happy.”

Sound familiar?

Act IV: The Trap You Don’t See

It’s easy to fall into that trap.

The one where you reach a goal and barely savour it because you’re chasing the next.
Especially today.

We scroll nonstop, comparing our behind-the-scenes to everyone else’s highlight reel.
And just like that, your long-desired goal now suddenly means nothing. Not because it’s worthless, but because you’ve compared it to someone else’s bigger achievement.

Just like that, your happiness is sent to a fake future where it never arrives.

A future where you're always chasing.
Always measuring.
Never enough.

And if, like me, you spend enough time running your ass off in this hamster wheel without reaching any kind of satisfaction even in your wildest accomplishments, you’ll realize this simple truth:

To create a happy future, you have to live in a happy present.

And to live in a happy present, you must accept it for its highs and for its lows.

And please, leave your friend comparaison outside.

Instore a simple routine. No social media during the day.

Try that for a week. See how it feels.

Act V: How I’m Shifting

That night, on my frustrated walk, I told myself “Fuck it”.

I’m done deferring joy.

I’m not abandoning my ambitions.
I’m simply not letting my happiness live in a fantasy future anymore.

So here’s what I’m doing now:

• Focusing fully on my new role.

• Writing one newsletter a week — just like this one.

• Investing consistently each month into ETFs (more about this in future newsletters).

• Living now. Not tomorrow. And without comparaison to anything else than just that.

That’s it. That’s the long game.

Kobe Bryant once famously said:

“There is power in understanding the journey of others to help create your own.”

That’s what this newsletter is all about. And you’re welcome to join the ride.

Act VI: Your Turn

If this resonated with you, I have one suggestion:

Go for a walk.
Or sit in a quiet place.
No phone. No music. Just you.

Then reflect — without judgment.

Think about:

• Where you are

• How far you’ve come

• What you’ve overcome

• What you’ve built

Let whatever comes up… come up.

Tears. Joy. Pain. Fear. Anxiety.

It doesn’t matter. Just let yourself feel. And stay in this feeling for ten minutes.

No judging, not escaping. Just feeling.

Most people today aren’t able to sit in silence and feel anymore without wanting to numb their emotions with distractions.

That’s basically why most of us can’t take a shit without our phone in our hands.

But allowing feelings to come and let them sit within you is the very first step to live in the present. A happy present. Your happy present.

Next week, I’ll share how I chose what to focus on — and what I finally let go of.

It might help you do the same.

Until then, just remember:

You are exactly where you need to be.
You are more than enough.
And the pain? The doubt?
It’s all part of the long game.

See you next week,
Luca

P.S. You can always hit reply. I read every message.

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Whenever I had to make a decision, my first reflex was to seek external advice.

Whether it was which university to study at, which company to work for, or even which color to paint my room, asking others was my default setting.

And there’s nothing wrong with that.

However, this habit becomes a bad one the second you let others give you their opinion, rather than their advice.

Advice is a person’s point of view on a given topic.

Their opinion goes much deeper because personal judgment is involved.

 And there’s nothing worse than living by the judgment of others.

Let me give you an example:

In the summer of 2021, I had just graduated with my Bachelor’s degree, and going for a Master’s didn’t make sense to me.

I wanted to get a job in finance and get hands-on experience in the field, not drown in theoretical material that isn’t always that relevant in the real world.

So, I started applying to every Bank and Big Four company.

And I got rejected more times than I drank espressos (I’m half Italian, so that’s a lot).

My family, friends, and ex-classmates were worried about my decision not to pursue my Master’s.

Inevitably, their judgment was involved:

“You made a mistake.”

“How long are you going to be unemployed to realize you have to go get a Master’s?”

I know they meant well and were genuinely worried, but their judgment on my situation started to cloud my own view, and I began doubting myself.

A few weeks later, I caught up with a dear friend I hadn’t spoken to in months. I told him what I was doing with my life, and I was expecting the same judgmental comments.

He simply said, “If I were you, I’d keep looking and wouldn’t quit.”.

No judgment. Just genuine advice.

And so I did.

Fast-forward a few years: I’m working as a Financial Auditor and balancing this full-time job with my CPA studies.

I wouldn’t be here if I had followed the sayings of my worried loved ones.

Moral of the story:

Most of the time, the people who care about you will give you their opinion.

Don’t take that. Take their advice.

No matter where you are in your life, stay true to yourself and to your dreams.

Don’t let others’ opinions derail you from your path.

Your life is your path. You decide where this path takes you. Not others.

I’ll see you in next week’s issue.

Throughout most of my life, I’ve alternated between two versions of myself.

The first is the disciplined go-getter: a relentless worker who dives deep into the project’s he’s involved in. This guy is ready to skip birthdays, family gatherings and even casual drinks with friends to stay on track.

Then, there’s the other side: the adventurous, live-in-the-moment spirit. This guy books spontaneous trips to the other side of the world and knows how to savor life’s pleasures.

I love both of these two personas, but each comes with its pitfalls.

The disciplined worker eventually burns out, and needs extensive recovery to regain the lost energy.

The adventurer, while enjoying life, struggles to focus back to work.

Ironically, the first guy often turns into the second guy and vice-versa, to cope.

Notice these two personas in yourself?

Living at these extremes can be thrilling, but I learned that long-term happiness lies in the middle.

And this goes against the “work hard” or “eat sleep train repeat” mantras popularized by business success gurus today.

So, in this week’s issue, I’m sharing my own mantras to help you find that balance:

1)     Get More Rest

Your brain was not designed to operate 24/7, and you’re probably not resting enough.

Your energy directly correlates with the amount of rest you get (surprise).

You’re allowed to hit the snooze button if you need more sleep.

You’re allowed to take a nap if you feel tired.

Your work isn’t going anywhere.

Remember, life’s a marathon, no a sprint.

Slow down, rest more.

2)     Stop and Smell the Roses

There’s more to life than work, and disconnecting is essential.

Book that trip.

Spend quality time with family.

Create warm memories.

These moments give you strength and remind you why you’re hustling in the first place.

3)     Consistency over intensity

Less but often, always beats more but seldom.

Forget about the long, intense work sessions.

Opt for shorter, more frequent ones with breaks in between.

Your brain likes that, and so will you.

Balancing the go-getter and the adventurer in you is key to long-term happiness and productivity.

Remember to get enough rest, enjoy life’s little moments, and keep things consistent rather than intense.

See you in next week’s issue,

Luca

Being the smartest person at work or in your group of friends feels nice.

You’re the go-to person for most topics, and people genuinely value your opinion.

But this comes with a downfall: you’re not stimulated to your full potential.

So, to stay the sharpest version of yourself, follow these 3 tips:

1)     Surround Yourself with Excellence

Your environment conditions your habits, your habits condition your behavior, and your behavior conditions who you are, what you do, and how you do it.

I wouldn’t have grown as a financial auditor if I wasn’t surrounded by more experienced, brilliant financial auditors.

Not only was I inspired by their knowledge and expertise, but I wanted to prove that I was worth being on their team.

So, I put in that extra effort and I walked that extra mile.

And you know what?

I learned a shit ton of useful stuff from the financial industry, that I even apply in my personal finances.

No matter your job, business or ambitions, surrounding yourself with more experienced and knowledgeable people will always give you that extra boost.

Give it a try.

2)     Quality, not Quantity

One person is enough to give you the direction and advice you need to accomplish your goals.

Don’t be pressured to build an entire network of people who have achieved what you want to achieve.

As long as this one person has the experience in your field of interest, and is willing to share that knowledge with you, you’ve struck gold.

Keep that person close, and make the most out of this connection.

3)     Never stop learning

The brand new, state-of-the-art iPhone that comes out in September of each year, becomes the second-hand cheap phone sold on Marketplace the next year.

Just like the iPhone, your knowledge and expertise in any topic or industry need rethinking, updates, and refining.

Being the smartest person in the room isn’t good, and to think that you know it all is dangerous.

Go to that seminar, read that book, do your homework, discuss and learn with your network.

Keep your edge as sharp as you can.

I’ll see you in next week’s issue,

Luca

Effective communication isn’t just about speaking clearly.

It’s about fostering understanding, building trust, and achieving meaningful outcomes in our daily interactions.

These next 3 steps will help you become an effective communicator.

1)     Practice active listening

It is a common habit to prepare your answer while you are being spoken to, but it comes with a downfall.

While you’re preparing for your answer, you may be overlooking body language and missing important details of the conversation.

Put simply, you’re missing out on the message being shared with you.

Funnily enough, the person listening to your answer may be doing the exact same thing while you speak, and the loop goes on.

You are constructing a dialogue that isn’t following the red line of your true feelings and meanings.

This is a common basis of ineffective communication.

A simple fix is to regularly pause your interlocutor, and confirm your understanding of what they just told you.

Example: “So if I understand correctly, [repeat what your interlocutor just told you]?”.

This not only helps you to actively listen, but on the other end it shows that you are genuinely interested in understanding what the other person has to say.

This will make them more comfortable, and they will most likely mirror you. Score.

2)     Don’t be afraid to share your true feelings and share bad news

In more difficult conversations, active listening alone will not lead to effective communication if you hide your true feelings, or important information.

A typical example I’ve seen often in my career in Finance is when delivering bad news to more senior people.

[Manager]: Is the report ready?

[You]: It’s mostly done, I just need to finish XYZ…

[Manager]: The deadline was today, what are you missing to finish XYZ?

[You]: Well, I got some issues doing ABC, which led to DEF, so I had to address GHI…

[Manager, frustrated]: I don’t understand, when will the report be ready? Why did you not tell me about the setbacks? How late are we going to be?

[You, frozen]: …

In this example, you are holding back on the main point: the report is not ready, and you are now trying hide this fact by justifying the why and the how.

This leads to unclear dialogue and ineffective communication.

When delivering bad news, one of the best things you can do is to break it as it is, and propose solutions instead of justification.

[Manager]: Is the report ready?

[You]: No, it is not. I had some issues with ABC and I need about X hours to solve them.

3)     Be mindful of Nonverbal Cues

Communication is not just about words. It also involves nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, and gestures.

This is why a text message with or without an emoji comes off completely different.

Example: “Fuck you.”

Counter-Example: “Fuck you😂”.

Pay attention to these cues both when you are speaking and when you are listening.

Maintain Eye Contact: When speaking or listening, maintaining appropriate eye contact conveys engagement and sincerity.

Use Open Body Language: Avoid crossing your arms or appearing tense, as this can signal defensiveness or lack of openness.

Monitor Tone and Voice: Your tone of voice can greatly impact how your message is received. Aim for a calm and respectful tone, even when discussing challenging topics.

I’ll see you in next week’s issue,

Luca

In my career as a financial auditor, I’ve attended lots of networking events and often noticed the awkward scenario when two people meet:

They introduce themselves, exchange a few words, and then… that awkward silence.

They take a sip of their glass, look around and after that, well, nothing.

Maybe they had interesting things to exchange, or ideas to share.

But nothing happened from the interaction.

To avoid this, here are 3 tips to follow:

1)     What do you have to offer?

Networking is based on transactions.

What do you bring to the table that is worth making your acquaintance?

A business idea?

Valuable advice?

Money?

So, when preparing for a networking event, take time to reflect on your strengths and areas of expertise, and how to convey them to drive value to the people you want to connect with.

Then, start thinking of what clothes to wear, not the other way around.

2)     Quality over quantity

If you approach networking on the added-value concept in the previous step, you’ll often find it harder to connect with as many people as you initially planned.

This makes sense: not everybody needs the value you have to offer.

However, you’ll develop deeper connections with the people that do.

When it comes to metrics to measure how successful you are at networking, privilege quality over quantity.

3)     Be yourself

It’s natural to hide behind a mask in a formal setting.

We want to appear professional, say the right things, and at the right time.

But remember, you can only create value from your skills if you stay your true self.

Don’t be pressured to impress, you’ll come off as arrogant.

Don’t be too shy or silent, you’ll come off as insecure.

You have value that must be shared, go out there and make these connections.

No one knows what they might lead to.

I’ll see you in the next week’s issue,

Luca

Feel like changing career paths? Make sure you stick by these 3 principles:

1)     Start with why

I like the idea that every small decision you make in your life should be part of a bigger plan.

Before asking where you want to transition in your career, it’s essential to define why you want to transition in the first place.

What are your goals?

What are your passions?

What are you good at?

Which job is the best mix of the above?

These simple questions are often hard to answer, and investing time to reflect on them is essential.

Go for long walks or book a small trip.

Ask yourself these important questions.

Once you have the answer, you have truth. And once you have truth, you have direction.

2)     Money is not everything

“At every job you should either learn or earn. Either is fine. Both is best. But if it’s neither, quit.”.

-Garry Tan.

Let’s face it: money is always going to play a central role in your career decision.

Whether it’s to secure a financially stable life or so that your grandma can brag about how successful you are to her friends during their Saturday gatherings, making good money feels awesome.

However, learning new things and acquiring skills is as valuable as that monthly paycheck.

After all, personal growth and professional development are invaluable assets that can propel you towards your next career opportunity.

So, don’t underestimate the power of continuous learning and growth, even if that means sacrificing a higher paycheck in the short term.

3)     Your career path doesn’t need to make sense to others, as long as it makes sense to you

I was not your typical Economics university student. I didn’t do summer internships at Goldman Sachs or JP Morgan. I didn’t have C-Suite Executives parents who taught me what Return on Investment when I was ten.

Big. Fucking. Deal.

I bartended.

I worked as a security guard.

I even delivered pizzas (which was inevitable; I’m half Italian).

When I applied for a job at a consulting firm, the recruiter told me: “Your CV doesn’t seem to follow a red line. It doesn’t look like you know what you want.”.

He was right. I had no idea what I wanted.

But neither did he.

That didn’t stop me from landing a job in a large Big-Four company 3 months later (without a Master’s Degree).

The truth is, nobody knows anything. Detach from other people’s judgment of what a successful career should be. Trust your gut. Take that chance. Believe in yourself.

The only career path that follows a “red line” is one that follows your true instinct.

The rest is noisy bullshit.

The best is yet to come, I’ll see you in next week’s issue.

Luca

Ever wonder why some people overcome life’s many challenges with ease while others struggle to keep up?

This question has intrigued me for quite some time, and through my experiences in the dynamic realm of the financial industry, I've come to recognize a common trait among those who thrive: resilience.

Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back in the face of adversity, trauma, or significant stress.

Sounds like a useful skill in today’s world, right ?

So, let’s break down the steps necessary to develop the resilience that will help you navigate life- and its many challenges- with a smile on your face.

1)     Embracing Discomfort

Many people want an easy life, without any discomfort, stress or challenges.

They basically build negative beliefs about getting out of their comfort zone.

And when they don’t do it by their own initiative, life eventually does it for them.

These are the people who struggle.

You will only start building resilience when you realize that discomfort is a necessary step towards your growth.

The less resistance you hold during hardships, the easier it will be to stay resilient.

So, embrace the pain.

Instead of worrying about things you can’t control, focus on what you can.

The hardest things you will do in life will often be the best things you do in life.

2)     Clarifying Your Vision

Navigating life’s storms without a clear destination is like sailing without a compass.

To avoid this, take the time to define clear goals, both personal and professional, and understand the why behind each one.

Questioning the why behind each goal will make it clear whether it has meaning or not. If it doesn’t, it’s a desire. Don’t confuse the two.

Once you’ve done this, write it all down in a notebook.

This notebook (your compass) will guide you through the challenges, and remind you of your purpose on those tough days, when life beats you up.

This purpose reminder will be the fuel for your resilience: you’ll always hold on longer and harder to something if it has meaning to you.

3)     Celebrating Victories

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook your achievements.

However, acknowledging your successes – no matter how small- plays a crucial role in building resilience.

This is because reminding yourself of your victories boosts your confidence.

This confidence further strengthens your resilience, and pushes you to keep going, no matter the setbacks you encounter.

Eventually, you’ll make it.

You’ll feel good about yourself, and gain momentum. This will push you to tackle even bigger challenges. The loop goes on.

This is why I strongly recommend that you also keep a victory book and write down your accomplishments.

Remember, building resilience is a process, and like all good things in life, it takes time.

Keep pushing forward, stay positive, and believe in your ability to overcome whatever comes your way.

I know you can.

The best is yet to come, I’ll see you in next week’s issue.

Luca

Time is precious. Time is money. And while you are reading this, time is running out.

I challenge you to find one, just one elderly person who wouldn’t like to turn back the clocks. One that never stares at a picture, and asks: “where has the time gone?”.

Good luck finding that person.

So, without wasting any more time, here are 3 strategies that will help you become the master of the ticking clock.

1)     Prioritize Tasks

Whether it’s the time you are wasting at work or in your personal life, time is passing by, and you’re not getting it back (neither am I).

Whether you are a workaholic or unemployed, your life follows a certain schedule.

For example, if you hold a job, this schedule would most commonly be a 9-to-5.

If you are unemployed, your days may revolve around searching for jobs, and working on the necessary steps (writing a cover letter, preparing for interviews, all that fun stuff).

Many people don't realize that our daily schedules, which seem busy, are often filled with activities that waste time.

You’ve probably noticed it yourself: that coworker spending the entire day chatting with everyone in the office, or that friend searching for a job, while constantly rearranging their sock drawer.

Do you ever find yourself submerged with things to-do, and never actually getting any of them done ? If so, the first step is to prioritize your tasks.

If you hold a job, make a list of your weekly tasks, in order of their urgency and importance.

The same goes if you are job hunting or if you are starting your own business: identify the steps that must be taken to achieve that goal and organize them according to their urgency and importance.

Focus on completing ONE task at the time. Many studies have shown that our brains work more efficiently this way. Look it up.

2)     Set SMART Goals

Put simply, any objective on your to-do list should be:

S: Specific.

M: Measurable.

A: Achievable.

T: Time-bound.

Don’t write: “I will do the report.”.

Write: “By Tuesdsay 06:00 p.m., I will have completed section [X] of the report so that it is ready for review by 07:00 p.m.”.

Don’t write: “Prepare a cover letter.”.

Write: “By Friday 04:00 p.m. I will have written my cover letter to company [XYZ] and will send it at 05:00 p.m.”.

The reason why setting objectives this way is efficient, is because when you set a specific, achievable goal with a time constraint, not achieving that goal brings more cognitive dissonance than the actual effort to achieve it.

In other words, the shitty feeling of not accomplishing the goal you set becomes the motivation that drives you to do whatever needs to be done to achieve that goal. Give it a try.

3)     Utilize Time Blocking

Early birds perform better in the morning, and night owls perform better at night.

Regardless of whether you're an early bird or a night owl take that list you wrote in Step 1, the SMART goals you wrote in step 2 and allocate each of the corresponding tasks to when you work the most efficiently.

Personally, my productivity is at its peak in the morning.

If I have complex issues to solve (and trust me, as a Financial Auditor it’s basically a routine), you’ll see me tackle them before the sun is up.

There’s just something so rewarding about flying through your work when that productivity boost hits.

Figure out what time that is for you; that’s when you should be doing the heavy lifting.

Mastering time management won’t make the clock stop. But implementing these steps with discipline and consistency will make every minute count.

Don’t forget to give yourself the rest you deserve, everything will fall in place.

The best is yet to come, I’ll see you in next week’s issue.

Luca

We’ve all seen that LinkedIn post that starts with: “I’m happy to share that I started a new role as…”. We’ve all witnessed the promotion of a friend or colleague. What many of us don’t see however is the self-doubt, the fear, and the anxiety that hide behind these badges of honor.

In this week’s issue, we’re diving into what imposter syndrome is, the symptoms, and effective strategies that you can implement to overcome it:

In plain English, imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud.

Shitty feeling, right? In my career as a Financial Auditor, I haven’t just seen it, I felt it:

Persistent perfectionism, self-doubt, and attributing any success I had to external factors.

Here are 3 strategies that have helped me go from a perceived impostor to a thriving actor in the fast-paced, and highly demanding Swiss Financial Industry.

1.     Reframing negative thoughts

Being aware of the negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to your impostor syndrome is fundamental. These may include thoughts such as “I’m not good enough” or “I don’t deserve my success”.

Once you identified these negative thoughts, write them down on paper and ask yourself: “What evidence do I have to support this belief?”.

Write that down for each negative thought you have.

Then, ask yourself: “If all these were true, how come I got this job, promotion or opportunity?”. Spoiler alert: There’s likely a lot more evidence of your capabilities than you realize.

2.     You don’t have to go through it alone

I once heard someone say: “If you want to learn how to play football, take advice from Cristiano Ronaldo. Not from your 50-year-old uncle Joey who didn’t touch a football since 1985.”.

It’s a natural thing to seek advice from friends and family, but often times they have never been in our situation, and their opinion (although full of good intentions) may be biased.

So, identify a more senior colleague or a trusted mentor and open up about how you feel. Their perspective and encouragement can be valuable in helping you realize you’re not alone in feeling this way.

I remember when I had just started my career in Financial Auditing. I was fresh meat thrown in the Swiss Financial Savanna, and it didn’t feel like I was going to last very long: demanding clients, short deadlines, and my goodness- so many responsibilities. It felt like I was the wrong guy for the job.

I shared my fears with my manager over a quick coffee break one afternoon and I’ll never forget what he said: “If it’s one thing we all have in common in this office, from Trainee to Partner, it’s this exact feeling of drowning you are experiencing. We’ve all been there, kid. Just reach out if you need any help, you’ll be okay.”.

This simple answer gave me comfort in knowing I wasn’t crazy or weak. This feeling was just part of the process, and gave me motivation to rise to the challenge with more grit.

3.     Celebrating achievements

Whether you fixed that annoying bug on the office printer or saved the company from bankruptcy, celebrating successes – big and small- is an essential component of overcoming imposter syndrome. Why?

Celebrating an accomplishment makes you feel good about yourself. You gain in self-confidence and in turn, you have the courage to tackle even larger challenges.

Put simply, you evolve from the perceived imposter you think you are, to the authentic and exceptional individual you truly are.

At the end of each week, good or bad, write down at least one thing you did or achieved that made you feel proud of yourself. This will help your brain visualize and acknowledge your achievements. Repeating this exercise over time will cement your self-confidence. The more self-confidence you have, the less of an impostor you feel like.

As you navigate your career journey, remember that it’s okay to feel uncertain or insecure at times. Learning to celebrate your achievements and gaining in self-confidence is not a one shot deal, it’s a process. Hopefully the steps above will help you in your journey.

Stay true to yourslef, and enjoy the ride.

I’ll see you in next week’s issue my dear champion.

Whether you're just starting your career or have years of experience under your belt, finding a balance between work responsibilities and personal life can be a daunting task. As a financial auditor who has walked this tightrope, I understand the struggle all too well.

I've danced with the devil of lengthy, relentless work-days. Picture this: waking up early, starting to work on my computer before the sun is up, spending the whole day at the office handling tons of tasks all at once, and then coming back home late at night with hardly any time to myself. At first, it felt like a manageable marathon, but as time wore on, the toll became undeniable. It's not just exhausting—it's soul-sucking.

In this week’s issue, I'll share practical strategies that have helped me reclaim control over my time and find harmony between work and life.

1.      Start with a clear action plan

No matter if you are a doctor, a waiter, or a pilot, any job relates to the execution of a series of tasks, that have been delegated to you. More often than we’d like, these tasks are just thrown in our faces and it’s up to us to get the work done.

Know that feeling?

The first step to regaining control is to map out your tasks. Grab a pen and paper (yes, old-school style!) and write down everything on your plate.

Our brains like order and symmetry, and you’ll be amazed at how stupidly helpful that first step is. Try it.

2. The power of prioritization

Not all tasks are created equal. Focus your energy on the most urgent and time-consuming first.

Consider scheduling a brief meeting with your manager/boss/colleague(s) to align on priorities—this proactive approach demonstrates your commitment and can gather support when needed. Always a plus.

3. Identify your proactive hours

Understanding your peak productivity times is key to optimizing your schedule. For early birds like me, showing up at the office two hours before the rest of the crowd was a game changer: I took advantage of these periods of uninterrupted focus to tackle the most challenging items of my agenda. If you perform well during the early hours, show up to work early to get a head start.

If you're a night owl, you may want to carve out time in the evening for deep work.

The goal here is to maximize your productivity.

That's the magic trick: prioritizing tasks and executing them productively.

This will free up time for your own fun stuff—like yoga, hanging out with friends and family, or whatever brings a smile to your face.

Consistently implementing these strategies will help you gradually establish a work-life balance that suits you.

Remember, it's not about achieving perfection but rather finding a sustainable rhythm that allows you to thrive both personally and professionally.

Stay tuned for more insights and inspiration in our next week’s issue. Until then, prioritize your well-being and seize control of your journey.

Struggling with procrastination?

I've been there too many times. I'd set my alarm for an early start, ready to tackle a task or project, only to find myself hitting the snooze button. But I discovered some strategies that helped me overcome this habit and turn into an achiever.

Let me share my journey with you.

1. You’re not lazy; you’re just afraid

   How many times did I put off starting that workout routine, delay paying bills until the last minute, or procrastinate on tackling a big project?

   I've been there, and I understand how daunting it can be to overcome procrastination.

   I started by reflecting on the root causes of my procrastination and identified the fear of failure as a significant factor.

   According to psychologists, procrastination often stems from a fear of negative emotions associated with a task, such as boredom or frustration.

   By acknowledging this fear, we learn to reframe it as an opportunity for growth.

   In turn, we learn to tolerate these uncomfortable emotions and focus on the long-term benefits of completing the task. We can then overcome procrastination and achieve our goals.

   So take a blank sheet of paper, list all the tasks you have been procrastinating and next to each of them, write the fear you associate with each task.

   This insight was a game-changer for me and helped me develop a more proactive approach to my work.

2. Turn one big problem into smaller, more manageable steps

   One of the most effective strategies I found for combating procrastination was breaking tasks down into smaller, manageable steps. This not only made the tasks feel less daunting but also allowed me to track my progress and stay motivated.

   I also started using time-blocking techniques to allocate specific time slots for different tasks, which helped me stay focused and productive throughout the day.

   Once your list of tasks is drafted, and the fears you hold acknowledged, break each task down into smaller, achievable steps.

   Keep your focus on achieving these small steps one by one, and you’ll find it easier to close the big project.

3. Embrace the worst

   Accepting the worst-case scenario – whether it's not reaching your fitness goals, missing a deadline, or facing financial setbacks – may sound daunting, but it's liberating.

   By confronting and accepting your fears head-on, you strip away the power they hold over you, paving the way for unstoppable progress.

   See you next week for more inspiration and guidance. Stay safe and start ticking off that item list, you got this!

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We all know that person – the one always hustling, the early bird, the last to leave the office, glued to their laptop during lunch. The one who quite frankly doesn’t seem to have time for life’s little pleasures, like stopping and smelling the roses.

Now, don’t get me wrong.

I’ve been there, immersed in the finance industry, where being busy is practically a badge of honor. But here’s the thing: not all busyness is created equal.

In this week’s edition, let’s talk about the thin line between:

1. Embracing Hard, Meaningful Work:

   You’re committed, pouring your heart and soul into your goals, be it as an entrepreneur or an employee. You might miss a friend’s gathering, skip a birthday party or sideline a football game for your child because you are driven by a goal.

2. Drowning in Toxic Task Execution:

   You’re still committed, sweating for your dreams, just like in scenario one. The difference? In this case, your work has become your identity. It’s not just what you do; it’s who you are. And that my friends, is a slippery slope.

In scenario 1, your work doesn’t completely define you. Sure, it’s a source of pride, but it doesn’t solely earn you the respect of others. Your life extends beyond your work, and that’s where the magic lies.

I’ve encountered countless individuals in relentless careers, where the job defines them. They either burn out or, eventually, walk away.

On the other hand, there are those who achieve success with an extra layer - purpose and a deep appreciation for life.

Let’s face it - we’ve got one shot at this life.

People won’t remember the number of hours you put into work or how hard you worked.

They will remember how you made them feel.

And you can’t truly connect with others if you’re a robot chained to your desk, day and night.

So here’s a reminder: Live.

Success isn’t measured by the sheer volume of hours clocked in; it’s about creating moments that resonate and staying true to a purpose beyond the grind.

Stay true to yourself.

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