What would you do if you had a six-figure salary? Maybe you’d never cook another meal or indulge in a monthly Thai massage and Soho House membership to relieve the stress that comes with being on your A game.
Here in Good life you no longer have to imagine what life at the top looks like: find real-life inspiration from how the most successful live their lives.
Today Wealth is meeting Alfonso de Gaetano, founder and executive director of the fine wine club Crurated.
The Italian-born entrepreneur started out as a professional soccer player until an ankle injury changed the course of his career. He went from kicking the ball on the field to driving strategy in the boardroom, swapping jerseys and goals for suits and meetings as a management consultant.
20,000,000 dollars
The amount Crurated raised from private investors.
The 47-year-old was a Google CEO for more than a decade before he decided to strike out on his own in 2021 and launch the first blockchain-based high-quality wine community that verifies the origin of every bottle it sells with NFT. It’s already been raised 7.2 million dollarshas amassed more than 5,000 members (65% of whom are under 45) and has grown to a team of 80 to meet demand.
Finances
What is the best investment you ever bought?
My first apartment in Dubai in 2007. Since then the market has been up and down but the rental yield was excellent for 16 years and when I sold it in 2023 the prices skyrocketed.
And the worst?
I started a pizzeria in Lebanon in 2009. It was a small investment that required a lot of work, but the opportunity allowed me to learn from the mistakes I made that will not be repeated in future investments.
“I took on the leadership challenge of building a digital work environment where our entire team works remotely.”
Alfonso de Gaetano
What are your living arrangements like: fancy city apartment or sprawling suburb?
I live on The Palm in Dubai and have since I arrived in 2007. It was very close to our Booz & Company offices and then to the Google offices when I was working there—only five minutes by car. I love that I don’t really have to use my car here, as there are great services and everything I need is within walking distance. It makes me very efficient when I’m in the city.
How do you travel to work?
Crurated does not have a physical office, so there is no need to travel to work. I accepted the leadership challenge of building a digital work environment where our entire team works remotely. Offering full flexibility will be a key differentiator for attracting and retaining talent.
Do you carry a wallet?
Yes, I still use credit cards and have cash on hand – you can’t tip with a card.
What personal finance advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
I am very happy with where I am and the decisions I have made. When I was 20, I studied engineering in Naples while working to support myself. I didn’t save much until I was 30, but it helped me see the world and open my mind, so I spent money traveling, learning English and discovering new cultures.
Which subscription can’t you live without?
Audible is one of my favorite subscriptions. It allows me to spend more time listening to books, especially while on the move between hotels and airports around the world. The platform is extremely well built, fast and has all the key features that allow you to understand how technology can improve people’s lives.
Where is your favorite wristwatch from?
I don’t wear it. I have bought many digital watches but I hate charging them so I ended up not wearing one.
Needs
How do you get your daily coffee?
I always start the day with coffee from my Moka machine so that as soon as I wake up I can make a Neapolitan espresso. My last coffee is after lunch. Never ask me if I want a cappuccino after lunch or dinner.
What about eating on the go?
Since I travel more than 50% of the time, I don’t really have a routine, so it’s hard to say how and where I usually eat lunch. My eating habits are not the best, especially when traveling, but this is a big opportunity for me to improve in the future.
Where do you buy groceries?
I have a handful of specific places I choose to go to find the best products in each category, especially if I’m in Dubai or Naples. It doesn’t matter if it means I have to go to four different stores for four different items, I love to walk whenever I can.
How often in a week do you eat out instead of cooking at home?
I would say I dine out about 70% of the time given my travel schedule. I like to try different cuisines, after Italian cuisine, Japanese and Greek cuisine are my favourites.
“We recently built virtual wine cellars at Crurated, which our clients also have access to, so I love showing off my cellar to my network.”
How Alfonso uses virtual platforms at work.
Where do you buy your work wardrobe?
For the last five years I have been buying most of my clothes from Brunello Cucinelli. I love the quality of the products and their understated luxury style.
Treats
Are you the proud owner of a futuristic gadget?
I also have Meta glasses and an Apple Vision Pro that I asked friends in the US to collect for me. We recently built virtual wine cellars at Crurated, which our clients also have access to, so I love showing off my cellar to my network. I am a big fan of revolutionary technologies, especially Blockchain technology provides an immutable ledger that can be used to verify the origin of every bottle or barrel of wine that leaves the vineyard.
How do you relax from your main job?
Exercising is a great way for me to relax. I’ve been doing a lot of yoga, and I recently started doing Reformer Pilates, which I really enjoy. Having said that, my favorite way to relax is by cooking.
I love turning ingredients into beautiful dishes and flavor combinations, it’s a challenge that requires my full attention. According to my friends, Rigatoni Bolognese is my best dish.
What’s the best treat you’ve bought yourself?
Wellness retreats in amazing locations across Asia. Thailand, India and Bali are my favorite destinations for mental and physical health.
How do you take your notes in a meeting?
I don’t record my meetings. If something is really important, I will remember it. I try to complete my tasks by the end of each day and if necessary, I use email to remind myself of the tasks I need to do.
Take us on holiday with you, what’s next on your holiday list?
I don’t have any vacation homes because I like to visit new places every time I travel. Having said that, I visit Italy every year during the summer — it’s a must.
Capri, Amalfi Coast, Forte dei Marmi and Sardinia are some of my favorite places to enjoy the summer. I also like to spend at least one or two weeks in the Alps every year. I always work a little during the week when I’m on vacation because it’s impossible to switch off completely when you have a start-up, but I try to disconnect on the weekends. This year’s holiday itinerary is Forte dei Marmi, Portofino, Saint Moritz and Positano. I decided not to travel too far this year because I already had an intense year of traveling with work.
Here at The Good Life, you no longer have to imagine what life at the top looks like: find real-life inspiration from how the most successful live their lives.
Fortune wants to hear from European leaders what their “good life” looks like. Get in touch: [email protected]
