We recently had the privilege of interviewing Giacomo Bernardelli, CEO and Founder of Casinetto Trading LLC. Giacomo’s professional journey began in the investment banking division at Morgan Stanley, where he honed his analytical and financial expertise after which he ventured into the startup realm.
As the leader of Casinetto, he prioritizes long-term objectives and aligns his team to drive sustained success. With his distinctive approach, coupled with exceptional products, Giacomo distinguishes Casinetto within the industry. In this insightful interview, the CEO shares his professional journey and visions for the industry.
Spark Behind The Journey
We started the interview by asking, “What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, how did you get your start?”
Giacomo Bernardelli shared, “I began my career in the investment banking division at Morgan Stanley, where I honed my analytical and financial skills. After five years, I transitioned into the startup world. Although my first venture was unsuccessful, it taught me the importance of having the right business partners and team dynamics.
These experiences have shaped my leadership style. At Casinetto, I focus on long-term goals and align the team towards our continued success. We have created a client-centric culture with dedicated account managers who actively participate in industry events to foster connections and stay updated on trends. This approach and high-quality products set us apart in the industry.”
A Day At Giacomo’s Worklife
We were curious to learn about the duties fulfilled by Giacomo Bernardelli at his workplace daily. So, we asked, “Can you describe a typical day in your work life and highlight any key responsibilities?”
Giacomo Bernardelli shared, “My day kicks off early, starting with a quick review of our financial performance to stay on top. I then meet with our sales, marketing, and operations teams to discuss current projects and ensure we’re all on the same page. A big part of my day involves connecting with our clients and partners, whether through in-person meetings or virtual calls.
Building and maintaining these relationships is vital. I also spend time with our team, offering guidance and keeping everyone aligned with Casinetto’s goals.
On the strategic side, I’m always looking ahead. This includes exploring new markets, like our recent move into Saudi Arabia, and working on plans to improve our infrastructure and technology. My primary responsibilities are driving company growth, ensuring our customers are happy, and fostering a collaborative and motivated team.”
Growth Of The Food Supply Industry
To gather Giacomo Bernardelli’s perspective on the evolution of his field, we inquired, “How has your industry evolved since you began, and what significant changes do you see in the next 5 to 10 years?”
Giacomo Bernardelli replied, “Since I started, the food supply industry has embraced e-commerce and digital marketing, transforming how we reach and engage customers. There’s also been a strong shift towards sustainability and traceability, with more demand for ethically sourced products.
In the next 5-10 years, I expect the food industry to undergo significant changes. Digital transformation will streamline supply chains and enhance transparency, while sustainability efforts will reduce carbon footprints and promote eco-friendly sourcing. Personalized offerings will emerge through data insights, and e-commerce will continue to grow. Moreover, stricter regulations will prioritize food safety and quality, driving industry-wide compliance.
The industry is moving towards a more digital, sustainable, and customer-centric model, and Casinetto is well-prepared for these changes.”
Adaptability Amidst Challenges
Challenging phases are an inevitable part of every business path. To learn how Giacomo Bernardelli overcame the obstacles in his professional path, we asked, “What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in your career, and what strategies did you use to overcome them?”
“One major challenge was transitioning from investment banking to the startup world. My first venture failed due to team dynamics issues, which taught me the importance of having the right partners and a cohesive team culture.
To overcome this and other challenges, I focused on:
- Building the Right Team: Prioritizing cultural fit and shared values when hiring.
- Learning from Failure: Using setbacks as learning opportunities to refine my leadership and decision-making.
- Adaptability: Embracing change and finding innovative solutions to industry challenges.
- Long-Term Focus: Staying committed to our long-term goals, even when facing short-term setbacks.
- Seeking Mentorship: Gaining insights and guidance from mentors and industry experts.
These strategies have helped me navigate challenges and position Casinetto for growth and success.” Giacomo shared.
Defining Moments In Giacomo’s Career
To learn more about the events that sparked growth in his career, we asked Giacomo, “Can you share any standout moments or experiences that have significantly shaped your professional path?”
Giacomo Bernardelli replied, “A standout moment for me was launching Casinetto’s e-commerce store in 2017. This pivotal shift transformed our business and opened new growth opportunities. These moves led to several key impacts on our company, which include:
- Market Expansion: Reached a broader audience beyond our traditional B2B clients (Horeca), tapping into the direct-to-consumer market.
- Enhanced Customer Engagement: Direct customer interaction allowed us to gather feedback and tailor our offerings.
- Operational Efficiency: Streamlined ordering and fulfillment processes, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
- Brand Visibility: Increased brand awareness and recognition in both the consumer and hospitality sectors.
- Adaptation to Trends: Positioned us as a forward-thinking company, embracing technological advancements and evolving customer preferences.
Launching the e-commerce store diversified our revenue streams and reinforced our commitment to innovation and customer-centricity, shaping Casinetto’s growth and maintaining our competitive edge.”
Empowering Excellence
We further asked, “What is your leadership style, and how do you foster a positive and productive work environment for your team?”
Giacomo Bernardelli responded, “My leadership style is transformational and hands-on. I focus on setting clear, long-term goals and aligning the team to achieve them. I believe in being approachable and supportive, ensuring everyone feels valued and heard.
I prioritize open communication and encourage collaboration to foster a positive and productive work environment. I also recognize and celebrate achievements, big or small. By creating a client-centric culture and providing ongoing training and development opportunities, I help my team stay motivated and engaged. This approach drives success and builds a strong, cohesive team.”
Redefining Businesses: Impact Of AI
We ended the session by asking, “What steps is your organization taking to integrate AI and other emerging technologies into its operations, and what are long-term goals for your career and organization?”
“We’re actively integrating AI and other emerging technologies to enhance our operations. For instance, we’re using AI for demand forecasting, which helps us manage inventory more efficiently. We also implement data analytics to personalize customer experiences and optimize our supply chain. Our e-commerce platform benefits from advanced algorithms that improve user experience and streamline order fulfillment.
In the long term, we aim to become the leading supplier of high-quality ingredients in the UAE and KSA. We aim to continuously innovate and adapt to industry trends, ensuring we provide our clients with the best products and services. I aspire to lead Casinetto through this transformation, fostering a culture of innovation and growth and maintaining our commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction.” Giacomo concluded.
Follow Giacomo Bernardelli on LinkedIn.
Find Casinetto on LinkedIn and visit their website http://www.casinetto.com/
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