Culture of the Possible Interview with Ernesto Bertarelli
Dear all,
First, a big thank you to everyone who has subscribed to "MOMENTUM."
This past weekend, I’ve been reflecting on the America’s Cup. While sailing may not resonate with everyone, if we look beyond the stunning images of boats cutting through the water, there’s a deeper story. It embodies innovation, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of improvement. It's about seeing and seizing opportunities in the face of challenges.
These teams aren't just sailors; they are high-tech design organizations, constantly pushing the boundaries. Take Alinghi Red Bull Racing, for example – they operate like a startup, driven by communication and collaboration.
Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Ernesto Bertarelli for Schweizer Illustrierte. During the interview, he spoke about the "Culture of the Possible" – a mindset of always looking for potential, even in adversity.
Let’s dig a little deeper.
Team New Zealand has been competing for over 30 years, continually improving and adapting. Similarly, Luna Rossa Prada has been in the game since 1997. Their journeys have been long and filled with ups and downs, much like the rapidly changing world we all navigate today.
In photography, I see this parallel. Every day I face changing conditions – armed with just a few tools: my thoughts, my imagination, and the desire to create something meaningful. After 15 years in photography, this mindset has become second nature.
The key question I ask myself daily is: What’s special here? Where are the possibilities? Am I seeing the positive side? Do I have the right perspective?
If you missed it, here’s the full article in English:
If you missed it, here’s the full article in English:
I Promote the Culture of the possible
He won the America’s Cup in 2003 and 2007, bringing the trophy to Europe for the first time. Now, at 58, Ernesto Bertarelli is building a new generation of Alinghi.
What motivated you to return to compete in the America’s Cup with Alinghi?
Several factors – first and foremost, the boats! When I saw the initial designs of the AC75, I was pretty skeptical, but as soon as they took flight on their foils in 2020 during their first sailing session, I was amazed. The technology of this new boat class is revolutionary. The progress we’ve seen in just two America’s Cup cycles is incredible. Then there was the opportunity to start fresh with a prestigious partner like Red Bull. The late, great Dietrich Mateschitz, founder of Red Bull, and I developed a fantastic relationship, rooted in a shared vision of excellence in sports. Alinghi’s expertise in the America’s Cup, combined with Red Bull’s technical teams and communication, creates a synergy I wanted to capitalize on. Since Alinghi’s first win in Auckland in 2003, a lot has happened. Sailing in Switzerland has been supported, whether through nurturing young talent sailing Alinghi’s D35, GC32, or TF35, or through Swiss Sailing. Now we are in the midst of a true “Alinghi Generation.” The kids who woke up in the middle of the night 20 years ago to watch us race in New Zealand are now onboard “BoatOne”!
What is your role in this campaign?
As Chairman of the Board, my primary task is to listen to people and trust them because they are far more experienced than I am in their respective fields. With my experience in management and leadership, and the lessons I’ve learned from two successful America’s Cup campaigns and the defeat in 2010, I can offer the team valuable advice. I aim to empower all our team members to be the best version of themselves. I’m also there to make tough decisions when a problem needs to be solved.
Why are you so committed to sailing?
I’ve been sailing since I was very young. When we vacationed in Italy, my first taste of freedom wasn’t on a Vespa, but on a sailboat. It gave me a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility toward the sea. It also taught me that the direct path isn’t always the fastest. Sailing isn’t just a great sport, it’s a life lesson. In competitive sailing, you have all that combined with the camaraderie of shared journeys. Moreover, it’s one of the few ultra-high-tech team sports, which fascinates me. And of course, the experience of lifting the America’s Cup is quite addictive!
Your motto?
Whatever challenge you face, lasting success is only achieved if it’s based on certain values. For me, these are values passed down over generations, and ones I want to pass on. They remain central to how my company, B-Flexion, invests and how Alinghi Red Bull Racing operates. At the core are: integrity, perseverance, performance, responsibility, and the “culture of possible,” which I have always promoted.
I wish you all a successful week full of possibilities
Jürg
