Building Amazon and Beyond.. lessons in leadership, purpose and decision-making with Diego Piacentini.

In this month's episode, Joe McCarthy sits down for a thought-provoking conversation with Diego Piacentini, a global leader in the technology and business world whose journey from Apple to Amazon, to Government to Investor is nothing short of extraordinary. Recorded at Islandbridge’s offices in London, this conversation takes you behind the scenes of some of the most influential companies of our time.Diego's story is one of ambition, innovation and the relentless pursuit of purpose. From shaping Apple’s global expansion, to leading the rise of Amazon, Diego has seen it all. His transition from the private sector to a public service powerhouse as Italy’s Commissioner for Digital Transformation highlights his versatility and dedication to societal impact. Today, he’s a respected investor, board member, and mentor, shaping the future of entrepreneurship and innovation across the globe.You'll learn: What sets exceptional leaders apart.The invaluable lessons from Amazon.The unique challenges of moving from tech to public service.Why data-driven decisions are game-changers.Secrets to building and leading top-performing teams.How to balance high professional aspirations with personal fulfilment. Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome to High Net Purpose 00:27 – Meet Diego Piacentini: From Silicon Valley to Civil Service 02:02 – Finding Purpose Through a Global Career 02:45 – His Early Move to the U.S. & Big Ambitions 05:14 – Climbing the Ranks at Apple and Amazon 12:41 – What Great Leaders Know About Risk 13:36 – Inside Amazon: Innovation, Obsession & Scale 21:16 – Data Over Ego: The Discipline of Truth-Seeking 28:04 – Culture Eats Strategy: Building Mechanisms That Work 30:27 – Who You Hire Matters: Missionaries vs. Mercenaries 34:40 – The Amazon Lesson: Separate Emotion from Execution 37:52 – Why He Left Big Tech to Digitize a Nation 45:45 – From Operator to Investor: Applying Big Tech Playbooks 52:07 – Balancing Drive with a Meaningful Life 55:35 – Advice for the Next Generation of Leaders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.