Key Highlights from Our Conversation:

From Dysfunction to Superpower

Stefano's perspective on embracing darkness offers a powerful framework for founders: "I learn to dance with my demons. You can either embrace your demons and they become your superpowers, or you die." His early struggle with obesity at 17 became the catalyst for disciplined physical movement, creating mental strength for entrepreneurship. Rather than "fixing" our dysfunctions, we might better understand how they become unique advantages. Every founder's journey begins with some form of pain—the question is how we transform these liabilities into assets.

The Non-Negotiable Daily Practice

"We are a byproduct of habits," Stefano explains about his daily movement: "Will you question to go to the toilet and pee? No, you go." This non-negotiable commitment isn't just about fitness—it creates optimal conditions for leadership. With DNA testing showing the biological age of a 24-year-old at 43, Stefano draws a direct line between physical discipline and leadership capability: "I am responsible to bring the best of myself inside my organization and my family." His approach transforms exercise from a "should" into an unyielding "must," eliminating decision fatigue.

Present-Moment Awareness Through Discomfort

While many entrepreneurs chase productivity hacks, Stefano offers a more profound perspective: intentional discomfort as a pathway to presence. "Being in the present makes you invulnerable. You need those moments of invulnerability because your brain regenerates." Practices like ice baths force complete presence—in extreme pain, you're not thinking about business problems, "you're struggling with life and you're present." This approach reframes wellness practices not as indulgences but as essential mental training that enhances performance.

The Founder's Three-Part Support System

Stefano outlines a clear framework: First, culture creation—write your mission on the wall so "people know what they are fighting for." Second, find your complementary counterpart—someone trustworthy who balances your strengths. Third, prioritize physical optimization—"you cannot climb a mountain with a stone in your boot." This three-part system creates the foundation for sustainable leadership and scaling.

Embracing Failure as Learning Currency

"The only thing that pisses me off at work is when people don't try to do things," Stefano explains. "If they try and make mistakes, I'm very happy about that because they learn by themselves." This approach transforms failure into currency for growth, creating an environment where experimentation flourishes. Just as muscles grow through controlled stress, organizations grow through calculated risks.

My Personal Reflections:

I met Stefano many years ago, he was the accountant of one of my companies in HK. But I recently re-met him in another context, in a more private sphere, and we found so much in common. He too is a strong biohacker and believer in the power of Habits. He’s probably the master of habits, to the point that he was able to fully rewire his body and mind to success.

I love Stefano’s perspective on long-term compound actions, rather than the fake “quick wins” that the majority of people out there are trying to sell us. He’s a true “modern monk,” as he likes to define. His routines are “monastery-like,” but he’s the living proof that they do work indeed. I hope anyone feeling stuck in negativity and pain can get the needed inspiration to get unstuck and, if you are interested in participating in upcoming retreats Stefano and I are planning in South East Asia, do reach out to me!

Here a pic of Stefano and me at his Kapuala Resort, ice bathing like true biohackers!