Eligio Sgaramella is the CEO of Iperdesign. Eligio is a thought leader, influencer, visionary, and successful entrepreneur. Eligio provides the leadership and energy that has inspired the creation of Iperdesign. Eligio Sgaramella joins other leading CEOs and Founders taking part in our Leader Roundtable Interview Series. The DotCom Magazine editorial team has recently awarded Iperdesign with our Impact Company of 2019 award. We are delighted to have Eligio join us for our Leader Roundtable Interview.
Eligio, thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy day for this interview about your company, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
1. Eligio, please tell us about Iperdesign.
Iperdesign is an award-winning digital branding agency with offices in the US and Italy. Our core business is focused on delivering strategic marketing and versatile digital solutions for dynamic organizations. We unify smart, effective technology and beautiful design to produce remarkable digital branding across various media. Our clients range from start-ups to multinational corporations. Some of the clients that trust our work and experience are: Dow Jones, The Wall Street Journal, Dale Carnegie Training, Abbvie, Abbott, EY, etc…
2. How did you come up with the idea for Iperdesign?
Iperdesign started from a simple idea, 20 years ago. My business partner Nicola and I wanted to create a bridge across the Atlantic that introduced Made in Italy products to the US market. Mainly in fashion, food, and furnishings. We were collaborating with small to mid-size Italian companies then, eventually, we started to acquire US clients.
3. What is the key to your company’s success?
Creative strategy, smart technology, clean design and a bit of love… ah… and espresso helps too.
4. Many of our readers are just starting to build a company. What advice can you give entrepreneurs just starting out with a new venture?
It might sound like a cliché, but I even tell this to my team: Put some love and passion in what you do and people will start noticing. The “love” I’m talking about is what you find in the little unexpected details, from the design to the production and the customer care.
5. For other entrepreneurs seeking to build a business as successful as yours, what advice can you give them when times get a little challenging?
We have a saying in Italy: “Anche al più duro inverno segue la primavera” which translates roughly “Even the hardest winter is followed by spring” so things eventually will flourish but only if you stay true to your mission, know your limits and don’t over-extend. Sometimes it’s ok to limit your venture to one thing (product or service) as long as it’s done with that crazy, almost maniacal passion that makes you unique.
6. How do you make sure your customers will become raving fans of your company?
We always treat our customer with the respect we would give to our friends. We give honest opinions even if sometimes it might affect our business, and I think that is what our clients appreciate about us.
7. In today’s fast changing business environment, how do you stay abreast of things?
By learning and improving our skills every day… constantly evolving.
We’ve been experimenting and learning new technologies to refine our skills. When in the early 2000s we opened the office in Rome, we were one of the first business to adopt Skype to communicate across the ocean. After the first iPhone was launched in 2007 we worked closely with Dale Carnegie Training to develop their first app. The app was so successful that reached #1 on iTunes under the business category.
8. What is your “Why”? Why do you get up in the morning, and how do you keep yourself at peak performance to lead Iperdesign?
Why? Because life is a little better with products that are designed with a little love and with people in mind.
9. Can you recommend a book that has had an influence in your career? How did it influence you?
Brand Sense: Sensory Secrets Behind the Stuff We Buy” by Martin Lindstrom.
I still use it for reference when I work on a branding project. This book made me think differently on how to approach the brand experience strategies we develop for our clients.
10. What makes a great leader?
A great leader inspires and motivates people. I try to do that every day.
Eligio Sgaramella, thank you so much for participating in the DotCom Magazine Leader Roundtable Interview Series. We very much appreciate the time you spent helping our readers learn more about what it takes to build a great company and become a great leader. We wish you, your family, and of course Iperdesign, nothing but the best.
Thanks again!
