A 20-question interview with economist turned real estate investor Davide Giardino
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?
“The happiness and success of those closest to my heart.”
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“If you keep your destiny in mind, every moment in life becomes an opportunity to move closer to it.”
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2018?
Technocrats – as at least populists are lying most of the time.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
A simpler life. I miss the routine of going to an office every morning. Am I crazy?
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Assets? Well, in all seriousness, good health for me, my family and my friends.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank.” What’s your view on the state of the financial system?
Who is richer and who is poorer from the latest financial crisis? You’ve got my answer…
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“I am saying it for your sake.”
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Charity often substitutes for the lack of adequate government or international policy which is disappointing. I support a variety of causes including helping children born with congenital diseases and homeless children.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
Shut them off at night.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
My twin brother, a bunch of friends, Isabelle Huppert, Glenn Close and probably Angelina Jolie.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Bucatini with lobster (I always liked bucatini more than spaghetti), gâteau de pommes de terre (cooked the Neapolitan way), a large portion of figs and a torta caprese chocolate cake. I woiuld probably eat it at the Villa San Michele in Capri, Hotel Bel Air or Cliveden House – all places close to my heart for different reasons.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
11am, though not every day.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A Negroni.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
A dear friend of mine throws the most memorable dinner parties. I love how he always selects a group of diverse people who do not know each other, but will create an incredible energy together by the end of the night. It always helps that I’m always the guest of honour!
Who is the most positive person you know?
Maybe me.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Buying French pâtisserie and flowers for myself many times each week.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
“I want it all.”
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A vintage Fiat 500 with a new engine. They are so cute and practical and I don’t need a Maserati to compensate for a lack of personality or something else.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I am still trying to figure myself out.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Fresh flowers.
Davide Giardino is the founder of DGC-Luxury Homes and a licensed realtor at Rodeo Realty – Beverly Hills and Greater LA. He has extensive experience in the real estate advisory and investment business and previously was an economist at several global finance institutions. He describes himself as “a multi-lingual globetrotter” and holds a double degree from Bocconi and USC, an MSc in European political economy from the London School of Economics and a masters in finance from LBS.
Follow Davide Giardino on Facebook at @dgcluxuryhomes and on Instagram at @dgc_la
Facebook: @TheSteepleTimes
Instagram: @TheSteepleTimes
Twitter: @SteepleTimes
He seems like a thoroughly charming gentleman and having looked at his web presence I find he leads quite an amazingly varied life. Other young people should follow suit rather than sitting in front of their computer screens all day long.
Where should a pensioner invest her savings Davide?
We need some interviews with some women please!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Looking for dates here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ethel, dear…don’t worry about this chap, Davide. I expect you were looking forward to lunch at Scotts whilst Davide decided what to do with your Premium Bonds.
I am very happy to advise a dear old thing like you. I have some very good ideas. One, in particular, is giving returns of 30% a year! It’s absolutely risk free.