The Digital Dozen – Giovanni Strocchi, CEO, ADmantX
The Digital Dozen is a series of profile interviews with thought leaders in the technology industry. Here we speak with Giovanni Strocchi, CEO, of ADmantX, the leading brand safety specialist, about his career path, and ask the question on everyone’s lips... what doughnut would you be?
Name your three best qualities.
Vision, focus, and empathy
What's the biggest lesson you've learnt in your working life?
The phrase ‘Think big, act small’ is something that has resonated with me throughout my career. Companies that have big ideas but stay humble, and keep the authenticity of their company and employees at their core, make for more successful ventures.
What has been your best idea yet?
In life, marrying my wife! A true partner in life is more important than any business deal or idea. However in my career, I’d say designing, launching, and implementing a worldwide communication convergent product suite as part of my initial Telco experience. Now I have true passion for ADmantX and what it is achieving with true contextual understanding that uses semantic analysis as a key component of effective and differentiated advertising and modeling.
What advice have you been given that made a difference?
There’s a reason we have two ears and only one mouth – we need to listen more and speak less. I believe you can learn a lot more in life by taking a step back and listening to your peers, rather than consistently talking or pushing your own agenda. Knowledge is fuel for decisions and activities, and by giving people the freedom to communicate with you, you can understand their needs far better.
What’s the best thing about your work?
I enjoy being part of an innovative company that is looking to develop and progress the industry. The digital space is still in its infancy, so to be a part of evolving this landscape is a great feeling. I am fortunate enough to work with a fantastic team, who I continue to learn from and who provide a varied day-to-day work life.
What do you think will be big in media in ten years’ time?
I think Virtual Reality (VR) is an interesting concept, will we ‘consume content’ or we will ‘live/play’ within content is an interesting question. The way we personalise and interact with content is going to continue evolving and I am interested to see how this will develop and effect the industry.
What career path would you advise your children to follow?
It would be great if my children followed in my footsteps but of course that’s up to them! I do think Machine Learning and AI are great industries to work in, if they were able to combine this with some form of creativity that would be an ideal role.
What career path would you be following if you weren't in your current job?
Advanced medicine – whether that would be a doctor, research scientist or paramedic. A job where I could help people during their most vulnerable times has always appealed to me.
Which TV programme would you like to star in?
F.R.I.E.N.D.S – I’d like to be in a show that would make people laugh and entertain them.
Who would be your four perfect dinner guests?
Scott Galloway, a very smart professor and a provocative thinker, it would be great to speak to him about the latest developments within the industry and what he feels the next big things will be. Julio Velasco, a smart volleyball coach I met years ago, a thought leader in coach motivation and team building. Musician, Sting – I’ll ask him to provide some stellar entertainment for our dinner guests, as well as discuss his strong political beliefs. Michelle Obama, having a smart and strong female leader will help to round out the evening’s discussions.
What three items would you take to a desert island?
A Swiss knife, a focus lens, a picture of my family
And finally, the question on everyone’s lips...what's your favourite doughnut?
Dark chocolate for sure!