Paolo Odierna and Lorenzo Lisi blend "Tuscany" and California's innovation, creating global opportunities and projects.
T uscany, with its timeless charm, is not just a land of art, fine wine, and breathtaking landscapes but also a breeding ground for talent capable of conquering the world. Paolo Odierna and Lorenzo Lisi are writing a new success story on the other side of the ocean: California.
Tuscany, with its timeless charm, is not just a land of art, fine wine, and breathtaking landscapes but also a breeding ground for talent capable of conquering the world. Paolo Odierna and Lorenzo Lisi are writing a new success story on the other side of the ocean: California.
The Journey Across the Atlantic
Odierna and Lisi embody the ambition of those who dream big and refuse to be held back by geographical boundaries. With different but complementary paths, they’ve chosen the West Coast as the stage for their talents, bringing with them a piece of Italy and an innovative approach that blends tradition with Tuscan creativity.
Lorenzo Lisi, an adopted American, lives permanently in California and manages administrative and commercial operations in the U.S., handling strategic relationships and field operations. Paolo Odierna, on the other hand, oversees development and international relations, acting as a bridge to bring companies and events to the American market. For years, Odierna has been traveling at a relentless pace, from Hong Kong to Amsterdam, Dubai to Frankfurt, building connections in global markets. Despite this, he never forgets Florence, his headquarters for all Italian companies and operations, maintaining a strong bond with his roots.
When asked why he chose California as the center of his operations, Paolo Odierna explains:
"California represents a land of unparalleled opportunities. It’s a place where ideas find fertile ground to grow rapidly, thanks to its entrepreneurial energy, culture of innovation, and global network. For us, it was a natural choice: this is a window to the future, always with an eye on the rest of the world."
On how he manages to tackle such diverse topics—from soccer to finance, internationalization processes to cinema—while traveling the world, Odierna reflects:
"That’s the secret: the added value I gain from understanding diverse ways of thinking and cultures. This allows me to present every project differently, depending on the audience. As for working across multiple fields, it’s a mental necessity: I have a need to explore and discover new ways of thinking and the secret connections that arise when combining different activities. And I assure you, all my projects are interconnected."
When asked how Americans view Italy, Lorenzo Lisi enthusiastically replies:
"They love us. They’re fascinated by our lifestyle, by the way we appreciate beauty and quality in everything we do. Americans deeply admire the passion and excellence we put into everything, whether it’s food, fashion, design, or anything else. To them, Italy is synonymous with authenticity and excellence."
New Projects: A Vision for the Future
When asked about upcoming projects, Lorenzo Lisi shares some details:
"Opening an innovative venue like Visionarium wasn’t easy, even just to secure the necessary permits, which are entirely new to the American system. But we plan to expand: we’re negotiating and planning to open eight more Visionariums in the coming years. Additionally, there’s a major project for a large culinary marketplace, which is still top secret but in an advanced phase. It’s an investment worth tens of millions of dollars."
Lisi goes on to explain another key aspect of his work:
"I oversee investment plans for foreign clients, whether in pure finance or real estate. One thing many people don’t know is that what you do in America stays in America. If you follow the rules, you’re untouchable. That’s why the U.S. has the highest number of billionaires in the world: the American dream is still alive."
A Bond That Transcends Distance
Despite their success in the United States, Odierna and Lisi have not forgotten their roots. Their work remains infused with the essence of Tuscany: attention to detail, a pursuit of excellence, and a love for authenticity reflected in every project.
Both emphasize how their Italian cultural background sets them apart in a highly competitive international environment like California. "Tuscany teaches you to think outside the box," Odierna says, "and this has allowed us to tackle challenges with a unique mindset."
The Future: A Bridge Between California and the World
The dream of Odierna and Lisi doesn’t stop with their personal growth. They share the goal of transforming California into a global hub, a bridge to the rest of the world. With Lisi managing operations on American soil and Odierna extending influence on a global scale, their project combines Californian innovation with international excellence, fostering cultural, economic, and artistic collaborations.
Paolo Odierna and Lorenzo Lisi represent a new generation of global talent ambassadors, capable of bringing the best of Made in Italy into a dynamic and competitive international context. Their story is an inspiration for those who dream of building a future without geographical limits but with an open and inclusive vision.
California and the world: the journey has just begun.