Gianfrancesco brings a sense of Italian sophistication and a no-nonsense attitude to his role as General Manager. Having grown up in Europe and traveled extensively, Gian (as we call him) has no time for mediocracy. A workaholic and tough task-master, Gian also has a charming side that comes out very often.
Tell us a bit about yourself, how did you end up at Isprava?
I am a 39-year-old Italian who has been living in India for the past 10 years, Between Mumbai and Goa; I have been associated with Isprava since the very beginning. I met Nibhrant through a common friend and it did not take me much to fall in love with the company’s values and plans.
What is your role here?
My profile varies- ranging from Operations to Sales. I used to handle our Goa office but I am now looking at setting up our office in the Nilgiris along with other projects.
What is your favourite part of your role?
The best part of my job is to sit alongside the most inspirational, fun and committed team I have ever worked with no matter the seniority.
Tell us a little bit about the culture at the office?
The culture in office is all about sharing, caring and growing. We work with no Ego and we all have the company’s best interests at heart. Nothing else matter.
Were you always inclined toward the luxury space? If so, how do you feel it evolving in India now?
Initially, I was not. However, I had worked in companies before which gave a lot of importance to the client’s touch points. Coming from the hospitality background, I always valued client experience the most. Ultimately, it does not matter what happens behind the office’s closed doors. What really matters is what the client sees and feels.
No doubt, the luxury space in India will grow. The question is what shape this growth will take. There is enough space for the many different ways in which luxury can be expressed. I choose the one that has practicality at the heart of it and personalisation with top quality materials and products.
Are you more a beach person who loves the energy of Goa or the tranquil calm of the lush Nilgiris?
Absolutely beach and more so sea!
What does luxury mean to Isprava?
Luxury to Isprava means taking all headaches, which are normally associated with the process of buying and managing a home from the client’s plate to ours. Managing all their needs professionally and exceeding their expectations in terms of delivery dates, design and post-sales management of their home.
Rapid Fire
What is the first thing you do in the morning?
Check WhatsApp messages coming from work.
What are three things we will find on your desk?
A phone charger, a notebook and if I would be allowed, lots of chocolate!
Favourite vacation spot?
Anywhere I can scuba dive.
A celebrity you would like to have a drink with?
Not sure if celebrity is the right adjective for this person but I would love to meet Allan Watts; a philosopher who lived in the 70’s.
If you could have a holiday home anywhere, where would it be?
Definitely, somewhere coastal. Goa, Andaman, Sri Lanka are the closest to where I currently live, so I would go for one of those.
Favourite TV character?
Lately, I have been watching many comedy shows, so I would have to say Ricky Gervais or Dave Chapelle.