“You are the most beautiful ship in the world.”

Leadership lessons can stay with us—and help us as business leaders—even decades later. I felt reminded of this idea last week when visiting Los Angeles for July 4th vacation. There at our very own Port of Angeles, I stumbled upon the Amerigo Vespucci, the oldest and most admired ship of the Italian Navy (Marina Militare) still in service, and also the most beautiful. 

In 1962, the American aircraft carrier USS Independence, seeing a silhouette on the radar, asked: “Who are you?” The response was: “Amerigo Vespucci training ship, Italian Navy.” Upon receiving these words, the aircraft carrier turned off its engines, interrupted navigation, and sounded three blasts of the siren in greeting, replying: “You are the most beautiful ship in the world.”

The vessel is in use as a training ship for the Italian Naval Academy, which I attended as a younger Italian man at age 18. The idea of the Amerigo Vespucci was conceived in the late 1920s when the Italian Navy decided to build a vessel for training Naval Academy students. The goal was to create a sailing ship where maneuvers had to be carried out strictly by hand, allowing students to learn the secrets of the sea and wind.

The beauty of the Amerigo Vespucci—with its golden details, aesthetic proportions, and height—remained as stunning as ever. And yes, because of its height, the first test at the academy involved a 10-meter head dive, a challenge I had never faced before, and many either failed or refused, leading to their immediate dismissal. Yet, I persevered.

In 2022, the Amerigo Vespucci sailed by the American aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, which saluted the ship and commented, "You are still, after 60 years, the most beautiful ship in the world." And now, in 2024, standing before this ship once again, I could also say: “You are still, after 30 years, the most beautiful ship in the world.”

So you probably now guessed that the picture on the post is a 30 years old photo of myself when I attended that training to become a Cadet of the Italian Naval Academy. And the ship I stood before was indeed the Amerigo Vespucci, the tall and regal ship of the Italian Navy. 

I’ve since thought a lot about the training I received from this time and how it serves me today. Cadets from the academy undergo rigorous training on the Amerigo Vespucci, including climbing the ship’s masts and running around the academy yard all day—more so if any mistakes were made (I think I set the record for runs in my year :-). This hands-on experience in navigation, seamanship, and the operation of complex maritime systems is a vital part of their education, preparing them for various roles within the Italian Navy.

Seeing the Amerigo Vespucci on July 4th weekend reminded me of the leap of faith I took applying to the Italian Naval Academy. I was 18, as I mentioned, and knew little about everything. Getting accepted into the program felt like a dream.

The intense training was no joke but incredibly rewarding. I learned to navigate, despite never having been on a boat before. I learned leadership from being thrown into a completely new and challenging environment.  I got hands-on experience operating complex and beautiful machinery like the Amerigo Vespucci and working as part of a team. The Naval Academy taught me valuable life (and leadership) lessons like discipline, resilience, and camaraderie.

I learned the importance of pushing through challenges, the power of teamwork, and the significance of integrity in all aspects of life.

These lessons have stuck with me long after I left the academy and have supported my personal life and business ventures. The critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability skills I gained have helped me navigate various business challenges with ease. Additionally, I’ve found my naval training has brought me:

• Discipline and resilience: This improves how I handle setbacks and challenges. I accept rather than resist.
• Stability and strong leadership: I can inspire and manage people effectively, a crucial aspect of any successful business.
• Agility and quick thinking: Swift strategic decision-making, honed through military training, is essential for business leaders to steer their companies toward success.
• High integrity: I bring and invite trust and credibility, both in personal conduct and business practices.

Looking back on my time at the Italian Naval Academy and my professional career, I'm grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped who I am today and continue to guide my thoughts and business decisions.

So, there you have it! My journey from today at the Port of Los Angeles back to 30 years ago at the Italian Naval Academy, and the adventures in between. It was an incredible experience that I'll never forget and one that continues to inspire me, allowing me to navigate the choppy waters that life sometimes throws at us.

"Life's roughest storms prove the strength of our anchors."