As part of our series about how to become known as a thought leader in your industry, I had the pleasure of interviewing Rossella Gatti — Treherne of Alpine Elite.
With a blend of academic credentials in International Business Administration and Politics, Rossella Gatti — Treherne garnered rich experience in marketing and PR within prestigious multinational enterprises before embarking on an independent career in Luxury Lifestyle Management. This transition not only presented a canvas of diverse challenges and opportunities, but also cultivated a nuanced understanding of clients spanning different scales, an ability pivotal in her present role. Today, known for her perceptive insights as an international judge for the Marketing Society’s prestigious ‘Pioneering Spirit Awards,’ she stands as the visionary founder of Alpine Elite, a premier boutique venture delivering Luxury Lifestyle management services and experiences to its exclusive clientele, using bespoke client-centric strategies through tailored solutions.
With roots in Milan, I grew up in London, and am now calling Switzerland home for over a decade. Exposure to different countries, coupled with the attendance of Italian, British, French and American schools, I am lucky to hold a fairly strong international perspective. My journey as a global citizen has instilled in me a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and a unique ability to adapt while honouring local customs. This rich tapestry of experiences has shaped my worldview, highlighting the nuances of different societies. From Italy’s vibrant lifestyle to Britain’s efficiency, and now Switzerland’s harmonious blend of productivity and quality of life, each place has contributed to my balanced outlook. Ticino, in particular, stands out as a prime example of this equilibrium. My life’s path has not only broadened my horizons but also reinforced the value of cultural sensitivity, patience, and gratitude — qualities I consider essential in our interconnected world.
I began my career at Price Waterhouse’s London Headquarters, sharing an office on the 23rd floor with two remarkable colleagues. Our view over London was breathtaking, transforming even the gloomiest days into something beautiful. Yet, my daily commute across London Bridge evoked T.S. Eliot’s “The Wasteland”:
“[…] A crowd flowed over London Bridge, so many, I had not thought death had undone so many. Sighs, short and infrequent, were exhaled, and each man fixed his eyes before his feet[…]”
This stark contrast between my journey and destination became a powerful metaphor for me. It represented the compromises we often make in our professional lives — the daily grind we endure for the promise of something greater.
As I’ve progressed in my career, gaining international experience, I’ve come to appreciate how these early observations shaped my worldview. I’ve found that drawing parallels between education, life lessons, and professional experiences offers a richer understanding of our complex world.
This awareness of societal dynamics, often overlooked in corporate settings, has informed my approach to business and life. It’s led me to contemplate work-life balance, corporate ethics, and the human condition in modern society from a more nuanced perspective.
My journey has taught me the value of self-reflection and critical thinking. I’ve learned to articulate complex ideas through relatable experiences, offering insights on workplace culture, urban life, and the psychological aspects of career progression.
I believe that what has made me stand out, is my ability of weaving together knowledge, personal experiences, and observations, in order to gain fresh perspectives and foresights on the intersections of business, culture, and personal growth. It’s an approach I’ve found invaluable in my own career, and one I’m always eager to share with others.
One of my favourite anecdotes comes from my early days at Price Waterhouse, about a month into the job. In a moment of inexplicable technological mishap, I managed to delete the entire company database! It’s funny to look back on now, but at the time, it was terrifying.
This incident taught me two crucial lessons. First, even the smallest action can have enormous consequences. I burst into my manager’s office, interrupting a meeting, feeling utterly sick with worry. After calming me down, she confirmed that indeed, the database accessed by every single office had been wiped clean by my inadvertent action.
Fortunately, our wonderful IT team was able to restore a backup from the previous day within a few hours. Still feeling responsible, I offered to input all the missing information on my own time, which was greatly appreciated by my colleagues.
This brings me to the second big lesson: honesty and humility. Always own up to your mistakes and offer to make amends. It’s a principle I’ve held dear throughout my career. In contrast, I once witnessed a colleague at another company refusing to take responsibility for an easy and simple mistake, blaming others instead. To me, this demonstrated a missed opportunity for growth and a lack of humility.
These experiences have shaped my approach to problem-solving and accountability in the workplace. I believe that how we manage our mistakes is just as important as our successes in defining our professional character.
There will be several significant disruptions in our industry over the next
five years. AI will revolutionize how we cater to high-net-worth individuals, enabling hyper-personalized experiences and predictive services. We’ll need to redefine luxury, balancing technology with the human touch our clients value.
Sustainability and ethical luxury will become paramount as global awareness grows. We’ll see increased demand for sustainable, ethically sourced products and experiences. This shift may challenge medium- sized businesses, while larger companies and small, streamlined ones might adapt more easily. Developing partnerships with sustainable brands will be crucial.
The focus will continue to shift from material possessions to unique, transformative experiences. This aligns perfectly with Alpine Elite’s niche, as we specialize in creating innovative, growth-oriented experiences that go beyond traditional luxury.
Digital transformation will play a larger role in delivering luxury services, from virtual consultations to blockchain-verified authenticity for goods. Embracing these technologies will be essential for staying competitive and enhancing client interactions without losing exclusivity.
Lastly, geopolitical uncertainty and wealth redistribution will impact our industry. We must be prepared to adapt quickly to emerging markets and shifting client bases. Staying informed about global trends will be key to anticipating and meeting evolving client needs.
Becoming a thought leader offers numerous advantages, both personal and professional. It fosters self-growth by challenging you to continually learn, reflect, and articulate complex ideas. By sharing unique insights, you establish credibility in your field, which can lead to valuable opportunities and network expansion.
In my case, thought leadership aligns Alpine Elite apart in the luxury lifestyle management sector. It’s enhanced my cultural awareness and ability to anticipate industry trends, crucial skills in today’s rapidly changing, interconnected world.
Investing in thought leadership elevates your personal brand and contributes to industry growth. It encourages innovative thinking, sparks meaningful discussions, and can drive positive changes in business practices and societal norms. Moreover, it positions you as an expert in your field, potentially translating into business success and personal fulfilment.
Ultimately, thought leadership is about more than personal gain. It’s about using your expertise and insights to make a meaningful impact, driving progress in your industry and beyond.
One significant challenge I faced in my career was transitioning from a fast-paced job in the city to motherhood in the countryside. After a few years, I felt I was losing my sense of self and professional identity. To overcome this, I leveraged innovative thinking by reimagining my situation as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback.
I decided to pursue a degree in Psychotherapy at my local university, which allowed me to carve out time for personal development while indulging my passion for learning. This creative solution enabled me to balance family responsibilities with intellectual stimulation and career advancement.
For my dissertation, I took an innovative approach by applying traditional psychodynamic theories to society, conceptualizing the state as the “superego.” This led me to conclude that the UK exhibited characteristics of a depressive society. Although initially deemed “too polemical,” my analysis proved perceptive when the UK entered a recession later that year.
This experience taught me the value of thinking creatively and trusting my instincts, even when faced with scepticism. By reframing challenges as opportunities and pursuing unconventional ideas, I was able to overcome personal and professional obstacles while contributing meaningful insights to my field.
I think fostering a culture of innovation starts with creating an environment of trust, continuous learning, and personal growth. I’ve found that being attentive to my team members’ well-being and professional development is crucial. When I notice signs of disengagement or underperformance, I make it a priority to reach out and offer support.
One of the most effective practices I’ve implemented is encouraging and facilitating diverse learning opportunities for my team. This goes beyond traditional professional development courses. We offer a range of options, from academic programs that enhance job-related skills to personal enrichment classes like fitness or creative pursuits. For instance, I recently completed a two-year course in Colour Puncture, demonstrating my commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth. This approach serves to show that we value our team members as whole individuals, not just for their work output. It exposes the team to current ideas and perspectives, which can spark innovation and builds a sense of reciprocity and loyalty, as team members feel invested in. To further encourage creative thinking, we’ve implemented regular brainstorming sessions where all ideas are welcomed without judgment. Ultimately, fostering innovation is about creating a harmonious environment where people feel valued, supported, and free to express their ideas. By investing in our team’s personal and professional growth, we cultivate a culture of continuous learning and creativity that naturally leads to innovation.
I believe that the late Dame Anita Roddick, the founder of The Body Shop, stands out as an exceptional thought leader. Her influence resonates deeply with my focus on Experience Economy Evolution and aligns with the principles of lifelong learning, harmony, and authenticity that I consider fundamental to successful thought leadership.
She was a visionary in Sustainability: Long before it became trendy, Roddick pioneered the concept of ethical consumerism. She recognized
early on that luxury and sustainability could coexist and flourish, a principle that’s now central to our approach at Alpine Elite. Roddick had a remarkable ability to weave compelling narratives around her products and mission. This authentic storytelling created experiences that went beyond mere transactions, embodying the essence of the Experience Economy we strive to cultivate. Throughout her career, she demonstrated an insatiable curiosity and willingness to learn from diverse cultures and experiences. This commitment to continuous growth allowed her to stay ahead of market trends and consumer desires. She seamlessly integrated business success with social and environmental responsibility, creating a harmonious model that proved profitable and purposeful. This balance is something we constantly strive for in the luxury lifestyle sector.
Her passion and conviction were contagious. She didn’t just sell products; she inspired a movement. Her ability to rally people around a cause exemplifies the kind of charismatic thought leadership that truly changes industries. By turning shopping for cosmetics into a sensory and educational experience, Roddick anticipated the shift towards experiential consumption that now defines much of the luxury market. Her approach of thinking globally while acting locally resonates with our ethos at Alpine Elite, where we craft bespoke experiences that connect our clients to global luxury trends while honouring local cultures and environments.
I believe Anita Roddick’s legacy as a thought leader demonstrates that luxury and ethical considerations can not only coexist but thrive together. Her example challenges us in the luxury lifestyle management field to continually innovate, to create meaningful experiences, and to lead with authenticity and purpose. As we navigate the evolving landscape of luxury, Roddick’s pioneering spirit serves as an inspiration to push boundaries and redefine what true luxury means in a conscious, experience-driven economy.
How do you stay informed about the latest trends and developments in your field, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your strategic planning?
I stay informed about industry trends through a comprehensive approach. I regularly engage with sector-specific media and analyse emerging trends, leveraging my membership in The Marketing Society for valuable insights. Attending industry conferences, participating in professional networks like Swiss Marketing, and engaging in discussions with colleagues and clients provide diverse perspectives.
I follow key influencers on social media and read academic journals to stay current with research-backed strategies. This multi-faceted approach allows me to develop hypotheses about how industry changes might impact different sectors and market segments.
I continuously review and adjust my strategic plans to ensure they remain relevant and forward-thinking, incorporating new knowledge into our transformative experiences at Alpine Elite. This commitment to staying informed and adaptable enables us to consistently deliver innovative and cutting-edge solutions in the luxury lifestyle management sector.
Some people feel that the term “thought leader” is overused and has lost its impact. What are your thoughts on this?
While it’s true that the term ‘thought leader’ has become increasingly common, I believe the impact lies not in the label itself, but in the substance behind it. In our information-rich age, many concepts and terms can seem overused. However, genuine thought leadership transcends titles and buzzwords.
What truly matters is the value and innovation one brings to their field. Authentic thought leaders distinguish themselves through insightful contributions, forward-thinking ideas, and the ability to drive meaningful change. It’s the quality of one’s work, the depth of their expertise, and their capacity to inspire and influence others that define true thought leadership.
Rather than focusing on the terminology, I encourage professionals to concentrate on consistently delivering valuable insights, fostering innovation, and making a tangible impact in their industries. In this way, the essence of thought leadership remains powerful and relevant, regardless of how frequently the term is used.
How do you balance short-term business goals with long-term strategic vision, especially in a rapidly changing market?
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, balancing short-term goals with long-term vision requires a flexible approach. I anchor my long-term strategy in my core values and the fundamental purpose of my business. This provides a stable foundation while allowing for adaptability.
Given the significant disruptions we’re experiencing, I focus on setting and achieving medium-term objectives. This approach offers the flexibility to pivot when necessary, allowing us to respond swiftly to market changes while still progressing towards our overarching vision.
By maintaining this balance, we can stay true to our long-term mission while remaining agile enough to capitalize on immediate opportunities and navigate unexpected challenges. This strategy ensures we’re always aligned with our core purpose, yet nimble enough to thrive in an unpredictable market.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? How has it been relevant in your life?
I already shared T.S. Eliot’s quote from “The Wasteland.” This juxtaposition became a powerful metaphor for the compromises we often make in our professional lives.
The quote reminds me to always look up and maintain perspective, even amidst life’s daily challenges. It has inspired me to seek harmony between professional ambitions and personal fulfilment, to continue learning and growing beyond the immediate demands of work, and to engage authentically with the world around me.
Moreover, it has reinforced the importance of resilience in facing life’s complexities. Just as the crowd on London Bridge perseveres, we too must push forward, but not at the cost of losing sight of the broader landscape of our lives and aspirations.
This perspective has guided me in creating a more balanced approach to luxury lifestyle management, where success is measured not just in material terms, but in the quality of life and experiences we cultivate for ourselves and our clients.”
Many influential figures in business and entertainment follow this column. Is there someone you’d love to have lunch or breakfast with? They might notice if we tag them.
What an intriguing question! Given my passion for lifelong learning and engagement, I’m drawn to individuals who challenge conventional thinking and spark meaningful dialogue. One such figure is Dr. Jordan Peterson. His perspectives often evoke strong reactions, including my own — I find myself both agreeing and disagreeing with him on various issues.
A conversation with him would be an opportunity to explore complex ideas, challenge my own assumptions, and potentially find common ground where divergent viewpoints intersect. This aligns with my core value of harmony, as I believe that understanding different perspectives is crucial in our increasingly polarized world.
Such an exchange would not only satisfy my intellectual curiosity but also contribute to my personal growth and ability to navigate diverse viewpoints in my professional life. It’s these kinds of thought-provoking interactions that fuel innovation and deeper understanding in both business and society at large
About the Interviewer: Dina Aletras boasts over 20 years of expertise in the corporate media industry. She possesses an in-depth understanding of growth, strategy, and leadership, having held significant roles at some of the UK’s largest media organizations. At Reach PLC, the UK’s largest tabloid publisher, she served in various director capacities. Additionally, she held leadership roles at The Independent Magazine Group and DMGT. Her extensive knowledge spans editorial, digital, revenue, sales, and advertising.
Upon relocating to Switzerland, Dina took on the responsibility of managing and promoting the international section of Corriere del Ticino — CdT.ch pioneering the English page “onthespot.” She also was the Co-Editor of Southern Switzerland’s first official Italian and English bilingual magazine.
Authority Magazine.
