With the eyes of the world on Italy for the 25th edition of the Winter Olympics, which events are you looking forward to? In the spirit of previous leadership series here on my blog, I've asked a dozen leadership and marketing experts to respond to five questions with the hope that both the questions and answers lead you to think about leadership, personal branding, and the Olympics in new and interesting ways.
For today's post, I'd like to introduce Giovanni Cecchini. I met Giovanni on LinkedIn after I read his timely article entitled, "In the Hert of Italian Tradition, Pasta is More than a Cultural Crown Jewel of Italy's Identity." His article began, "When you think of Italy, what comes to mind? The Colosseum? Renaissance art? A Vespa zipping through cobblestone streets? Sure, those are iconic, but let’s be honest — nothing screams "Italy" louder than a steaming plate of pasta. For Italians, pasta isn’t just food; it’s a way of life, a cultural cornerstone, and a delicious thread that ties generations together."
Giovanni earned degrees at the University of Amsterdam, University of Bocconi (Milan), and SDA Bocconi (Milan). He is currently the Director of Business Development for Fresca Pasta, a premium producer of authentic Italian pasta and food products, dedicated to exceptional quality, flavor, and sustainability.
SHARE THIS: The Olympic Games have the power to unite us because we can all find something inspirational or something we can relate to in each athlete’s story, whether it’s a story of success or of disappointment. –Tatjana Schoenmaker (South Africa’s most decorated Olympian) #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog
QUESTION: What is your favorite WINTER Olympics sport, and why?
GIOVANNI CECCHINI: My favorite Winter Olympics sport is alpine skiing — a passion that runs deep both personally and culturally. I am a proficient skier, originally from Milan, and I grew up skiing in Courmayeur, on the Italian side of Monte Bianco. The fact that Milan and Courmayeur are so close (about 137 miles apart) with a typical drive of around 2.5 hours — made Courmayeur a frequent and cherished destination for me.
Growing up, I have countless incredible memories from those trips. As a child, my family and I would go almost every weekend to enjoy the mountains and fresh air. Later, as I grew older, the tradition evolved — I started going with friends, and we would rent a flat together for the entire winter season, usually with a group of eight or nine. Those trips were filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the shared joy of exploring the slopes and the village. Courmayeur became more than just a ski resort; it was a second home where friendships were forged and unforgettable experiences were made.
What fascinates me about alpine skiing is its perfect blend of speed, precision, and adaptability. Skiing down a mountain requires not just physical strength and technical skill, but also acute mental focus and an instinctive connection with the terrain. The experience is as much about reading the mountain — its snow quality, slope angles, and weather changes — as it is about athleticism. This connection to nature and the challenge of the mountains grounds me, reminding me of the importance of balance between control and flow.
In many ways, alpine skiing reflects the qualities I value in marketing and leadership. It demands agility, quick decision-making, and the ability to navigate unpredictable conditions with confidence and grace. Like a successful marketer or leader, a skier must anticipate changes, react swiftly, and maintain composure under pressure.
Ultimately, alpine skiing is more than a sport for me — it’s a personal journey and a metaphor for embracing challenges, harnessing skill, and harmonizing with the environment around you.
SHARE THIS: Like a successful marketer or leader, a skier must anticipate changes, react swiftly, and maintain composure under pressure. ~Giovanni Cecchini #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog
QUESTION: What WINTER Olympics sport most “visually” demonstrates teamwork, and why?
GIOVANNI CECCHINI: For me, bobsleigh most visually demonstrates teamwork. Although only a small team is involved, the precision and synchronization required from start to finish are remarkable. Every team member must execute their role flawlessly: the push at the start, the timing of getting into the sled, and the pilot’s navigation down the icy track. The sport’s success depends entirely on seamless collaboration, trust, and coordinated effort under high pressure.
Moreover, bobsleigh is inherently risky, with athletes racing down icy tracks at speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour, where even a small mistake can have serious consequences. This high level of risk amplifies the need for perfect coordination and absolute trust among team members. The intense teamwork in such extreme and high-stakes conditions serves as a powerful metaphor for how clear communication and well-synchronized actions drive success in any high-performing business team.
QUESTION: According to Suzanne Robb, COO of Alloy, “Define what victory means to you, and keep that vision in mind. You’re the one who gets to determine when you’re making progress, what success means, and what your focus should be. When you get a win, take time to celebrate. In business as if life, you’ve got to run your own race.” With this quote in mind, which Winter Olympics event or result stands out in your memory, and why?
GIOVANNI CECCHINI: One Winter Olympics moment that stands out for me is the remarkable success of Alberto Tomba, Italy’s legendary alpine skier and one of the most charismatic and successful athletes in Winter Olympic history. Tomba won multiple gold medals across the late 1980s and early 1990s, notably taking gold in the giant slalom and slalom events at the 1988 Calgary Olympics and again at the 1992 Albertville Games. His achievements went far beyond the medals — Tomba redefined what it meant to be a champion, combining raw talent with an infectious passion and showmanship that captured the imagination of fans worldwide.
What made Tomba truly stand out was his relentless pursuit of excellence amidst immense pressure and expectations. He was renowned for his ability to perform when it mattered most, maintaining laser-focus while defying the odds. His successes were as much about mental strength and personal vision as they were about physical skill. Despite the spotlight, Tomba stayed committed to his own definition of victory — not just winning races, but doing so with flair and authenticity.
Relating this to my professional life in marketing, I find Tomba’s journey deeply instructive. Like alpine skiing, marketing is a high-speed, ever-evolving landscape that demands precision, adaptability, and mental resilience. Success in marketing isn’t merely achieving goals but also about crafting a personal brand and narrative that resonates authentically with your audience — much like Tomba’s charismatic presence on the slopes.
Furthermore, Tomba’s example shows the importance of defining your own race. In the competitive field of marketing, it’s easy to get caught up comparing oneself to others or following industry trends blindly. However, Tomba’s career reminds me that true success comes from a clear vision, determination, and the courage to innovate while staying authentic. Celebrating incremental wins and learning from every performance — win or lose — is essential to sustained growth and leadership.
In sum, Alberto Tomba’s Olympic legacy is more than a sports story: it’s a powerful emblem of running your own race, embracing your unique strengths, and relentlessly striving for excellence — principles that continue to inspire me both personally and professionally.
QUESTION: During the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, entertainer and businessman Snoop Dogg used the hashtag #FollowTheDogg and shared his Olympic experiences on social media. My favorite story and related photos were when he and friend Martha Stewart dressed in equestrian clothing and attended the dressage competition. According to reports, Snoop’s involvement was intended to attract a new audience to the Olympics. If you were in charge of the Winter Olympics, who would you invite to attract a new audience, and why?
GIOVANNI CECCHINI: If I were in charge of the Winter Olympics, I would invite a mix of popular digital content creators and social media influencers, especially those passionate about outdoor adventure, sustainability, and lifestyle, alongside prominent figures from the gaming and technology sectors, such as e-sports champions and VR innovators. These influencers bring authentic storytelling and vast global followings on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, which would help connect the excitement and values of the Winter Olympics with younger audiences who might not traditionally follow winter sports.
By combining the engaging power of influencers with cutting-edge technology and gaming culture, the Olympics could offer fresh, immersive experiences that resonate with tech-savvy viewers. This approach would not only expand the Games’ reach but also inspire a new generation to appreciate winter sports through innovative digital engagement and interactive content.
QUESTION: The 2026 Winter Olympics will be the first Olympic Games under the leadership of International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry. She is a former Zimbabwean politician, sports administrator, and former Olympic swimmer and world record holder. She is also the first woman, first Zimbabwean, and the first African to serve as IOC President. According to Reuters, “Kirsty Coventry smashed through the IOC’s glass ceiling in March 2025 to become the organization’s first female President in its 130-year history.” What are your thoughts about this development for the world’s biggest multi-sport organization – and its future?
GIOVANNI CECCHINI: Kirsty Coventry’s appointment as the first female, first Zimbabwean, and first African IOC President is a groundbreaking and inspiring development for the world's biggest multi-sport organization. Her diverse background as an Olympic champion, sports administrator, and politician brings a unique blend of experience, leadership, and perspective that is much needed in today’s global sports environment.
This milestone not only breaks a long-standing glass ceiling but also signals a meaningful move toward greater inclusivity and representation within the Olympic movement. It reflects the evolving spirit of the Games — uniting people worldwide while embracing diversity in leadership.
Looking ahead, I am optimistic that under Coventry’s leadership, the IOC will continue to promote equality, innovation, and sustainability within sports. Her story will inspire countless young athletes and leaders, especially from underrepresented regions, demonstrating that leadership knows no boundaries. This fresh perspective positions the Olympics to evolve in ways that are more global, inclusive, and forward-thinking than ever before.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics will be held right here in Italy, practically at my doorstep, I’m thrilled to share that with FRESCA, we will be sponsoring multiple events and hosting receptions. FRESCA’s commitment to excellence and innovation perfectly complements the spirit of the Games, and I’m proud to be part of such a dynamic brand that elevates every occasion. Having known nearly every venue intimately, I am filled with excitement and pride to see the world’s attention turn to my beautiful country.
A final reminder, as you watch the competitions, make a note on your calendar to swing by #DebbieLaskeysBlog each day through February 22nd for leadership and marketing inspiration. A small interruption to the series will take place on February 20th to celebrate "National Leadership Day," then the Olympics series returns on February 21st. A series recap will be featured on February 22nd. Enjoy the Olympics!
SHARE THIS: Success in marketing isn’t merely achieving goals but also about crafting a personal brand and narrative that resonates authentically with your audience. ~Giovanni Cecchini #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog
Image Credit: Olympics.
Read Giovanni's full article from LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/pulse/heart-italian-tradition-pasta-more-than-cultural-symbol-cecchini-9tlke/
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