Building Amazon and Beyond.. lessons in leadership, purpose and decision-making with Diego Piacentini.

In this month's episode, Joe McCarthy sits down for a thought-provoking conversation with Diego Piacentini, a global leader in the technology and business world whose journey from Apple to Amazon, to Government to Investor is nothing short of extraordinary. Recorded at Islandbridge’s offices in London, this conversation takes you behind the scenes of some of the most influential companies of our time.

Diego's story is one of ambition, innovation and the relentless pursuit of purpose. From shaping Apple’s global expansion, to leading the rise of Amazon, Diego has seen it all. His transition from the private sector to a public service powerhouse as Italy’s Commissioner for Digital Transformation highlights his versatility and dedication to societal impact. Today, he’s a respected investor, board member, and mentor, shaping the future of entrepreneurship and innovation across the globe.

You'll learn:

• What sets exceptional leaders apart.
• The invaluable lessons from Amazon.
• The unique challenges of moving from tech to public service.
• Why data-driven decisions are game-changers.
• Secrets to building and leading top-performing teams.
• How to balance high professional aspirations with personal fulfilment. 

Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome to High Net Purpose

00:27 – Meet Diego Piacentini: From Silicon Valley to Civil Service

02:02 – Finding Purpose Through a Global Career

02:45 – His Early Move to the U.S. & Big Ambitions

05:14 – Climbing the Ranks at Apple and Amazon

12:41 – What Great Leaders Know About Risk

13:36 – Inside Amazon: Innovation, Obsession & Scale

21:16 – Data Over Ego: The Discipline of Truth-Seeking

28:04 – Culture Eats Strategy: Building Mechanisms That Work

30:27 – Who You Hire Matters: Missionaries vs. Mercenaries

34:40 – The Amazon Lesson: Separate Emotion from Execution

37:52 – Why He Left Big Tech to Digitize a Nation

45:45 – From Operator to Investor: Applying Big Tech Playbooks

52:07 – Balancing Drive with a Meaningful Life

55:35 – Advice for the Next Generation of Leaders

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