I recently went one-on-one with with Alessio Lorusso, Founder and CEO of Roboze.

Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?

Alessio: Thank you, Adam, for this opportunity. My journey began very early, with a strong curiosity for technology and a great passion for engineering. I was lucky enough to experience different industries before getting to where I am today, while also facing numerous obstacles. One of the most formative moments was certainly the period in which I was faced with technical and commercial challenges that forced me to review my approaches. Failures were an integral part of the process, teaching me the importance of resilience and adaptability.

Adam: How did you come up with your business idea? What advice do you have for others on how to come up with great ideas?

Alessio: The idea was born from the observation of a specific need in the industrial sector and the desire to overcome the limits of traditional production. I believe that the best ideas come from the combination of practical experience and curiosity for innovation. I would recommend fully immersing yourself in the sector of interest, identifying unresolved issues and looking for solutions that can make a difference.

Adam: How did you know your business idea was worth pursuing? What advice do you have on how to best test a business idea?

Alessio: In the beginning, it is essential to test your idea on a small scale and carefully analyze the results. In my case, the first prototypes and the first collaborations with pioneering customers were decisive in confirming the validity of the project. I would recommend creating a minimal version of the product or service to gather concrete feedback and adapt the offer according to the real needs of the market.

Adam: What are the key steps you have taken to grow your business? What advice do you have for others on how to take their businesses to the next level?

Alessio: The growth has been the result of a combination of factors: continuous investment in research and development, building a competent team, and collaboration with strategic partners. For those looking to grow their business, I would suggest focusing on a clear long-term vision, without neglecting the day-to-day operational details. Particular attention should be given to creating a corporate culture that values innovation and collaboration.

Adam: What are the most important trends in technology that leaders should be aware of and understand? What should they understand about them?

Alessio: Digitalization and automation are fundamental trends, but it is also essential to understand the evolution of materials and the importance of sustainability. Leaders need to be aware of the potential of new technologies, but also of their limitations. It is crucial to have a clear vision of how and why to adopt a certain technology, always with the aim of generating real value not only for the company and customers but also for end users and for the territories in which the company operates, contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive development.

Adam: In your experience, what are the defining qualities of an effective leader? How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?

Alessio: An effective leader must be empathetic, visionary and able to make decisions even in situations of uncertainty. It's crucial to listen to your team and give them space to express themselves. I would advise leaders to invest in their personal development, always looking for new perspectives through continuous training and comparison with other realities.

Adam: What is your best advice on building, leading, and managing teams?

Alessio: Building a solid team starts with selecting the right people: looking not only for technical skills, but also for human qualities that fit the corporate culture. It's important to foster a collaborative work environment where every team member feels valued. Transparency and open communication are key elements for effective management.

Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders?

Alessio: First, don't be afraid to fail; it is part of the growth process. Second, always invest in people and their skills. Third, maintain your long-term vision, but be flexible in how you achieve it.

Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?

Alessio: The best advice I received was to always stay curious and never stop learning, regardless of the successes achieved. It's easy to become complacent, but curiosity is what fuels innovation and continuous improvement.

Adam: Is there anything else you would like to share?

Alessio: I believe that true success lies not only in the results obtained but in the impact we can have on the people and communities we interact with. The future is built together, with a shared vision and a constant desire to improve.


Adam Mendler is an entrepreneur, writer, speaker, educator, and nationally recognized authority on leadership. Adam is the creator and host of the business and leadership podcast Thirty Minute Mentors, where he goes one-on-one with America's most successful people - Fortune 500 CEOs, founders of household name companies, Hall of Fame and Olympic gold medal-winning athletes, political and military leaders - for intimate half-hour conversations each week. A top leadership speaker, Adam draws upon his insights building and leading businesses and interviewing hundreds of America's top leaders as a top keynote speaker to businesses, universities, and non-profit organizations. Adam has written extensively on leadership and related topics, having authored over 70 articles published in major media outlets including Forbes, Inc. and HuffPost, and has conducted more than 500 one on one interviews with America’s top leaders through his collective media projects. Adam teaches graduate-level courses on leadership at UCLA and is an advisor to numerous companies and leaders. A Los Angeles native, Adam is a lifelong Angels fan and an avid backgammon player.

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