Over the last 25 years, Mr. Luca M. Meinardi, CEO of Griven S.r.l., has worked in various market fields, including commercial, PR, marketing, general consultancy, and top management. Since 2004, he has focused his expertise on the lighting industry, where he has had the opportunity to collaborate with world-leading designers and architects. Initially, this experience was gained within top lighting companies and later as an independent consultant. His journey with Griven began in November 2019, when he decided to take on this challenge. Looking back, he is extremely proud of what his team and he have achieved in this relatively short period—a comprehensive company renovation that is still in progress and promises to take them even further.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World’s Leaders and Mr. Luca M. Meinardi:
Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace.
I like to think of myself as an easy-going kind of person. I have always strived to maintain a balanced and well-rounded life, both inside and outside the workplace. I am dedicated to my work and my family (including my beloved dog) and committed to my personal growth, and I deeply value the well-being of the people around me.
Tell us about the inception of the company.
The inception of Griven Srl is a story rooted in passion, innovation, and a commitment to lighting excellence. Griven Srl was founded in 1990 as a family business, and its beginnings were marked by a clear vision and a desire to make a mark in the lighting industry. Over the years, Griven Srl has expanded its product range, entered new markets, and forged strong partnerships with industry professionals, and more recently, also with architects, lighting designers, and consultants. Today, the company stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence in the architectural lighting industry, providing state-of-the-art lighting solutions that illuminate and enhance spaces around the world.
What has made you successful? What do you value?
I think that my success depends on a combination of vision, determination, ethical principles, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. I value integrity, resilience, balance, and the opportunity to make a positive difference in the world. These values have guided my journey toward success and continue to shape my approach to both professional and personal endeavors. Besides all that, I must say that my ideas are often very brilliant!
Which are the major services of the company, and how does the company get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide?
Our company designs and engineers both standard and custom solutions tailored to meet various lighting design needs right here in Italy. We collaborate mainly with Italian providers known for maintaining high-quality standards. One of our standout features is our customization capability. We have the flexibility to either adapt our existing product range to meet diverse and challenging product requirements or swiftly engineer entirely new, bespoke lighting solutions, giving us a unique presence in the market.
What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture?
Building a positive company culture is an ongoing process that requires commitment, consistency, and adaptability. It’s about creating an environment where employees are motivated, engaged, and aligned with the company’s values and goals. By embodying these principles and fostering a culture that reflects them, I aim to build a workplace where people thrive, innovation flourishes, and the company can achieve long-term success.
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company?
Innovative ideas hold immense significance within our company. They are the lifeblood of our organization and play a pivotal role in shaping our future and ensuring our continued success in the highly competitive lighting industry. Innovative ideas are not just welcomed at Griven Srl; they are actively encouraged and celebrated. They are the driving force behind our progress, and we believe that by fostering a culture of innovation, we can continue to provide the best lighting solutions for our customers while contributing to a brighter and more sustainable future.
Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes?
I firmly believe that organizations should prioritize team processes over individual heroics. While individual contributions can be valuable, sustainable success and innovation often stem from effective collaboration and well-defined team processes. Encouraging teamwork promotes a more cohesive and resilient organizational culture, leading to better long-term outcomes and reduced reliance on heroic efforts. We at Griven constantly promote the values that are essential to collaborative work, such as trust, accountability, mutual respect, and fairness. Consider the analogy of a football team: even if you have a prolific goal scorer, if your goalkeeper is subpar, your chances of winning are greatly diminished!
What are your responsibilities as the CEO of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine?
I would resume my responsibility with just two words: sustainable growth, where sustainable refers to human, environmental, and ethical principles.
The happiest part of my daily routine is typically when I see the tangible results of our team’s hard work and dedication. Whether it’s a successful product launch, a positive customer testimonial, a perfectly accomplished project, or witnessing the professional growth of our employees, these moments of achievement and progress bring me great satisfaction and joy. It’s a reminder of the collective effort and commitment that drive our company forward.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
Remember that leadership is a journey, and it’s okay to make mistakes along the way. Continuously adapt and refine your leadership style as you gain experience and insights. Building strong relationships and fostering a positive work environment are keys to your success as a leader.
