The courage of one’s own ideas: an interview with Oscar Di Montigny

It is a hot and humid morning, the type that makes you wish it were already
evening. The bus, after making its slow and lazy path through the city
center, deposits me in front of the hotel where I have my appointment. I
pass beyond the huge lobby, full of golden mirrors and red sofas. At the
end of the a the hall, in the shadows of large chinese vases eastern jars,
awaits Oscar Di Montigny – an international success manager, who is at the
same time an instigator and advocate of Economics 0.0, a new a
sustainable economy proposal, where business combines with Philosophy,
finance with art and science.

At hand, I have a copy of his latest book New Heroes.

As he greets me, I wonder why someone so highly paid spends his time
promoting and spreading ideas and concepts of high social value – more akin
to those of a free thinker than a manager.

What motivates a person – who on a daily basis deals with cold numbers – to
speak about common good, values ​​and heroes? It is this curiosity and
desire to go beyond the usual stereotypes of men in finance which prompts
this interview. And honestly, at the end of the discussion, I leave the
lobby with its golden mirrors and red sofas happy to have met a man who
loves to think and go beyond the conventions and compromises imposed by
society.

Oscar, in an era increasingly dominated by technology and
globalization, is there still room for heroes? Who are the heroes of
our times and our society?

The heroes of our times sacrifice each day to do something good and useful
for people close to them, or the wider community without asking for
anything in return. There is hunger for new heroes, people who put love and
gratitude first, beyond all selfishness and individual interest.

But beware. We must not think that this committment is exclusive to saints.
Anyone can be a new hero. And we can all be lucky enough to meet in our
daily lives these new heroes. Heroism is not something abstract or ideal
that is above our own strength, but on the contrary it is a seed planted in
each of us, real, true, always ready to sprout. All you have to do is
nurture it daily with love and conviction to transform the seed into a lush
plant that can provide its rich fruit for humanity.

We must learn to use family values to guide us in making contributions that
will benefit everyone. Only in this way will we live eternally, through
those parts we have donated to others.

There is an affirmation in the book that has particularly impressed me.
“The real revolution is no longer in change but in the speed of this
change.” In this ongoing race, however, do we risk losing sight of true
values ​​and our roots? Perhaps even heading in the wrong direction?

Some years ago, I was lucky enough to meet Tara Gandhi, the granddaughter
of Mahatma Gandhi. Tara told me that her grandfather always said to her:
“It’s not the speed that makes the difference, but the direction.” And its
not old social systems, political or economic structures, ideologies, or
big corporations that provide direction. Who is it then? It is us, only we
do. All people with good intentions who want to leave a trace of good in
this world. It is the normal man who makes a daily commitment to the
community as the new guide of our time. This is the true great revolution
of today. It is no longer the time of mini gods like those of classical
Greece, the medieval prophets, or populist leaders of the 20th century. The
new heroes paving the way are normal people.

How important is it for a company today to create culture and share
values ​​beyond selling products?

Is critical. A company today that only aims to sell a product and service
would go bankrupt. Times have changed and businesses have to learn to
create and disseminate a culture of values ​​to go beyond the narrow fence
of their business interests. The goal is to make a contribution to a
sustainable economy – what I call Economy 0.0. – where philosophy, art and
science meet and harmonize with business to offer not only a product but
also community good. I can give an example. Some time ago, I devised and
launched

Centodieci

, a platform that offers free ideas and tools to help build a culture of
human and social values ​​and to train knowledge and skills. Investing in
culture always produces social value and competitive advantage, which is
the goal that a modern company should always aim for. Through Centodieci, for example, we offer stimuli and reflections on how
technology is increasingly impacting our society, our living habits, but
also our values ​​and roots. This can be good or bad. It’s not up to me to
decide. My job is to guide and help people reflect on making the most
righteous and successful choices. Helping people ask questions and try to
get answers. If I succeed in this endeavour, even if it is minimal, every
day I will be more satisfied with it because I will also contribute to
building a small part of the common good in my own.

Note

Oscar Di Montigny is an international manager and advocate of the
principles of Economics 0.0. He is the author of the blog:


Riflessioni per il Terzo Millennio.