Every week, interesting personalities from the world of finance and beyond share their personal preferences in our section Backstage.

What do you do first in the morning?

I read the first few pages of several daily newspapers... and then coffee takes control. That's my ritual to start the day.

What is the pest part of your job?

Seeing people and projects grow. When a strategy developed together with the team translates into tangible results, that is the most rewarding moment.

A moment that changed your life?

In 1990, the decision to start my career as an entrepreneur; in 2020, joining a leading group in digital transformation and securing our first international mandate. Understanding how different cultures and approaches enrich decision-making was pivotal for my management philosophy.

What cars do you own? Which is your favorite?

A classic limousine and a sports car. My favorite? The sports car—blistering acceleration, though enjoyed in moderation to limit the environmental impact.

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

Take more risks, ask for feedback more often, and invest early in professional relationships—they are your most valuable asset.

What are you particularly proud of?

Having built teams that don’t need their boss every five minutes. Autonomy is the true litmus test of leadership.

What do you do when you have doubts?

I look for data first, then for opinions that challenge my own. That’s the best way to avoid getting trapped in an echo chamber.

What is your favorite wine?

A Swiss Pinot Noir: elegant, precise, and surprisingly competitive. A perfect metaphor for Switzerland itself.

What projects are you currently working on?

Expanding our presence in the Swiss market and rolling out a number of digital initiatives designed to take us where clients want us to be—before they even ask.

What do you admire in other people?

The ability to engage, to listen, and to communicate a vision. Having clear goals, pursuing them consistently, and staying true to one’s values—even under pressure.

What would be the biggest surprise for someone who had to take over your job for a day?

Realizing that I spend most of my time not with numbers, but with the people who make those numbers possible.

What is your personal drive?

To leave something behind that lasts longer than a single quarter—be it a project, a team, or a professional relationship.

What are you afraid of?

Noise that drowns out important signals. In markets and in life, that is a constant risk.

Your favorite watch brand?

I appreciate the balance between technical precision and understated design, which is why I particularly like Swiss brands such as IWC.

Is there an unfulfilled dream you would still like to realize?

A sabbatical year to travel around the world with my family—light backpack, even lighter mind.

Your best investment?

Education. The compound interest of knowledge outperforms almost everything else.

Massimo Fumagalli is Country Manager at Var Group and entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience in the IT industry. He is an expert in digital solutions, corporate transformation, and the development of high-potential teams. Fumagalli has founded and led several companies, fostering innovation, resilience, and a strong client-centric culture.