Wealth has almost as many definitions as there are people in the world. To bring a fresh take on this profound subject, we reached out to Alpian’s Head of User Experience and Design, Antonio Mancini.
Besides leading a team of professionals dedicated to the design of Alpian’s intuitive interfaces, Antonio takes an active interest in Alpian’s brand development. For this interview, he was kind enough to meet us at a film and photography shoot for Alpian’s upcoming brand launch.
Hi Antonio! Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us on such a busy day! The term “wealth” makes many people think of finances. From your perspective, how important are your finances when it comes to your wealth?
Finances are an important part of wealth, I believe. I’m not saying money buys happiness. But I think having your finances in order helps you design your life better. It provides predictability and stability, which are foundation stones to explore what brings you joy and fulfillment. Isn’t that happiness?
For me the definition of true wealth is about time. Why? Because we spend time focusing energy on what matters.
Interesting! Is that how you define true wealth?
Well, for me the definition of true wealth is about time. Why? Because we spend time focusing energy on what matters. I spend time with my family and my dog. I spend time traveling and doing all the things I’m passionate about.
What’s the best thing you ever bought?
It’s hard to think of all the things I’ve bought, but the thing that comes to mind immediately is my snowboard. I am a very active snowboarder. It’s the passion I spend the most time on. Of course, I do own different snowboards. But I recently bought a really nice one. I can’t wait to go snowboarding again. It’s the best!
That does sound amazing. Now, if someone handed you 50 CHF right this moment, for no reason at all – what would you do?
50 CHF? It doesn’t seem like a lot of money, but I think I will spend it with my friends and family, maybe on a few drinks and some dinner. The key is to enjoy the time together. Like I said before, time together is the most important thing. And for that, 50 CHF is probably enough!
Beautifully said. Now to flip the question, what if you lost all your money tomorrow. What would you do?
Honestly, I would be very upset in the beginning. But I know myself. I think that I would start from scratch and try to rebuild what I lost. (Antonio points to a plant close to us) Like this plant, you know it grows, it dies and then you can replant it again, and then it grows again.
That’s a great analogy and a very uplifting thought! Do you believe that there is something like a Swiss understanding of wealth?
Not really, no. I believe the natural differences in people – from their upbringing, their values, and experiences – guide them down different paths. No two people are the same when it comes to wealth. That’s why I don’t think we should put all Swiss people in one bucket because we are all different. We all have different ways of thinking, acting and reacting, investing, and even managing finances.
What is something that irritates you about the conversation around wealth?
I think the question is linked to the previous one. While we all have different definitions of wealth, they are all valid to us. It is subjective. The problem is when I speak to people who believe that their way of defining wealth is the only right way. And that I should follow their way too! They want to try to make me feel the same way about wealth. And, as I said, I think that is wrong because we all have a different way of seeing things in life, and that extends to how we think about wealth.
Today, gaining access to knowledge is easier than ever before. However, knowledge without action is no use. My advice is to learn by doing because the right moment is always ‘now’. You should not wait.
What do you wish you knew about money and wealth 10 years ago?
That’s a good question. I think even 10 years ago, I had a good understanding of money and wealth. But I just didn’t apply that knowledge in time. Today, gaining access to knowledge is easier than ever before. However, knowledge without action is no use. My advice is to learn by doing because the right moment is always ‘now’. You should not wait.
Great advice! Speaking of which, what do you wish every child learned in school about wealth?
I think it’s very important that topics of wealth are discussed from an early age. It doesn’t have to be only from school. It could be introduced at the dinner table as well. And it can start with fundamental matters like what savings mean, what investing means, and how they can be applied to their lives and futures.
Thank you, Antonio, for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights into this fascinating topic!
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