We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alex Martucci. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alex below.

Alex, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Well, it all began with a serendipitous opportunity that presented itself while I was in Barcelona in September 2020. A friend of mine asked me to accompany him to take delivery of his new yacht, and what was initially planned as a short trip turned into an eye-opening experience that set the wheels in motion for my business.

During my extended stay in Barcelona, I took the opportunity to explore marinas and engage with various individuals in the maritime industry. It was during these interactions that I began to notice a common trend: the level of digitalization in marinas and across the maritime industry was lacking worldwide.

This realization sparked my curiosity, and I embarked on a journey to travel the world, visiting marinas and connecting with shipowners, captains, and other players in the maritime industry. My aim was to understand the extent to which technology was being utilized and identify the gaps that existed.

As I collected information and connected the dots, a clear picture emerged. There was a tremendous untapped potential for technology to transform the maritime industry. This realization fueled my passion to bridge the gap and leverage technology to its fullest potential in this sector.

With a clear vision in mind, I set about assembling a team that would help me bring this idea to life. I sought out a diverse group of individuals, blending experienced partners from my past ventures with fresh, brilliant minds who shared the same passion for innovation.

Together, we worked tirelessly to develop a minimum viable product (MVP) that would address the digitalization challenges in the maritime industry. We collaborated closely with IBM Switzerland, who provided invaluable support in implementing their components, particularly for the Internet of Things (IoT) in ports and marinas.

Having successfully delivered the MVP, we are now actively engaged in fundraising efforts to propel our business forward. We are grateful for the support and interest we have received so far, as it validates the need for our solution and enables us to further develop and expand our offerings.

The journey from discovering the opportunity in Barcelona to launching our business has been a whirlwind of experiences, discoveries, and collaborative efforts. It all started with a simple trip that evolved into a deep dive into the maritime industry’s digital landscape. From there, we built a dedicated team, developed a viable product, and now find ourselves on the cusp of making a significant impact in the maritime technology space.

Alex, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My professional story starts in 2004, when I joined the motorsport industry while working in the World Rally Championship and the Formula 1, but back in the days, the digital impact and the audience on those organizations was mildly effective, TV was playing a bigger role for the distribution of content and technology was more of a technical part for the development. Nevertheless, those experiences I lived until 2009 helped me to grow on a personal level. I built an interest in cultures, people and traveling, and I also started to get noticed by people in the marketing industry. In 2010, I decided to move to the U.S.A. I joined a shipping company, working there improved my strategic marketing approach to business, but it also made me fall more and more on love with America.

This experience gave me the opportunity to know the right network that led me to join the best technological digital platforms in 2012. I started to work for the biggest social media platform in the world, completing my personal skillset with digital advertising and data and helping the platform to grow exponentially in Europe via a very impactful step-by-step process for both people and businesses.

This part of my life brought me to Curlad, which is the combination of all the experiences I’ve lived in Web1, Web2 and of course, nowadays, in the Web3.

Curlad, Inc is an international digital partner that wants to be at the service of the companies of today and tomorrow and to help building businesses that connect all the areas that the digital transformation has brought to us.

Curlad, Inc is also working on new projects in the marine sector, developing new technological solutions that will help to digitalize ports, boats, and yachts on a global scale. This is the reason why I chose Miami.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

One valuable piece of advice for managing a team and maintaining high morale is to carefully select team members who are not just motivated by monetary gains but also genuinely believe in your project. Finding individuals who are passionate about the work and aligned with the vision is crucial. When team members are personally invested, they are more likely to contribute their best efforts and maintain high morale throughout the journey.

In addition, as a CEO or team leader, it is essential to understand the dynamics of working on software development sprints. These sprints can be intense and challenging, which makes finding the right balance and knowing when to step in and provide guidance crucial. Being actively involved allows you to support your team, provide valuable input, and ensure that everyone stays on track. However, it’s also important to strike a balance and avoid micromanagement, as it can hinder creativity and motivation. Trusting your team members’ expertise and allowing them the autonomy to make decisions fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment.

Regularly acknowledging and appreciating your team’s efforts and achievements is another effective way to boost morale. Recognize individual and collective accomplishments, celebrate milestones, and show genuine appreciation for their hard work. This not only boosts morale but also reinforces a positive work culture and encourages team members to continue performing at their best.

Lastly, fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment is essential. Encourage teamwork, foster open communication, and create opportunities for team members to learn and grow. Provide avenues for professional development, such as training programs or workshops, and encourage knowledge sharing within the team. When team members feel valued, supported, and have opportunities for growth, their morale and overall performance are likely to thrive.

In summary, selecting a team that believes in your project, finding the right balance of involvement, and creating a positive and supportive work environment are key factors in managing a team and maintaining high morale. By focusing on these aspects, you can create a motivated and engaged team that drives the success of your business.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

While there are undoubtedly many valuable books, videos, and resources available to enhance management and entrepreneurial thinking, I believe that the most impactful learning comes from the act of doing. Leonardo da Vinci’s book is indeed a remarkable work that offers insights into the mind of a brilliant innovator, but the real power lies in taking action and gaining firsthand experience.

In the ever-evolving world we live in, there are unwritten rules, nuances, and intricacies that can only be fully understood and mastered through practical experience. No matter how many books one reads, nothing can replace the lessons learned from navigating the real challenges and complexities of running a business or pursuing an entrepreneurial venture.

The process of taking action, facing obstacles, making mistakes, and learning from them is akin to writing your own book. Each step, each experience, becomes a chapter in your personal journey. It’s in the realm of action where true growth and transformation occur.

While books and resources can provide valuable guidance and insights, they should be viewed as complementary tools rather than the sole source of knowledge. Embracing the power of action allows you to develop your own unique perspective, discover your strengths and weaknesses, and cultivate the skills necessary for success.

So, my message would be to encourage aspiring entrepreneurs and managers to embrace the process of doing. Don’t be deterred by the notion that you need to read every business book or consume every piece of content before taking action. Instead, dive into the world of entrepreneurship and management with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. Your journey will become the book that reflects your experiences, growth, and the lessons you’ve learned along the way.

Remember, while knowledge from books and resources can be valuable, the true power lies in the practical application and continuous learning that comes from actively engaging in the world of business and entrepreneurship.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ymarinas.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ymarinascom/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ymarinascom
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ymarinas
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ymarinascom

Image Credits
Alberto Caldani Photographer