Hello friends,

My first blog post.  They say the first is always the hardest. ‘They’ seems to know what they are talking about.

My name is Marco Leoncelli and I would like to introduce myself to you.  Which is a slightly daunting prospect for someone who does not typically look for public attention. Anyway….

Other than the 2.5 years spent living in the UK and France, I have lived my life in Australia.  So, I have been fortunate to reside in a country where air and water are clean and crime rates (especially gun-related crime), relatively low.  Yes, there is a price to pay for these positives – we are an incredibly over-regulated people (big-time nanny state) and the cost of living has become increasingly challenging over the last 10 years. Costs up – wages stagnant.

However, Melbourne coffee is some of the finest you will find anywhere in the World.  I suspect that may be the real reason Melbourne is consistently ranked amongst the top most livable cities in the World.

I am of Italian decent which means an appreciation for great food, though I am not at all a foodie. Simple, quality ingredients prepared by Mum or Nonna (R.I.P) smash anything I could find in a Michelin star restaurant.  Homemade spag Bol, lasagne and especially cappelletti in brodo (consult the book of Google). O-M-G.

Being a good Italian boy, I cherish family and friendship and have been spoiled throughout life by being surrounded by countless great examples of each.  When I need a hand, I always have someone to call upon.  In return, I try to ensure I return the favour whenever my help is needed.

That is how it works in My World – good karma.

Being Italian also means having a passion for objects (ideally red) which have wheels attached to them.

Cycling has always been a part of my life, with a bias towards mountain biking.  My 1991 Gary Fisher Supercaliber is still in serviceable condition, though rarely used as I upgraded to a super mack-daddy, dual-suspension, disk braked, carbon framed yeah baby ride 4 years ago.  I have no regrets.

Obviously, a man is not a man until he owns more bikes that he needs.  So, I purchased a cyclocross bike not long after joining IBM in 2015.  When the motivation is there, I use this for the 27km commute to the office, giving me that ‘superior to my fellow man’ feeling that cyclists love.

However, I feel safer riding off-road where there are fewer highly considerate Australian motorists shouting words of encouragement such as “Gid awf da road ya farkin cyclist c…”.

When motivation fails me, (which is all too often), I am carried to town in one of my other passions.  An Alfa Romeo (Italian. Remember?).

As an impressionable 8-year-old, my Godparent’s Son would take me for the occasional ‘spirited’ drive on local, twisty roads in his classic Alfa.  Overdosing on the glorious sounds and perfume of that wonderful little engine, left me with a lifelong addiction to the sumptuous creations which carry the cross and serpent logo.  I have no regrets.

My pride and joy is a burgundy 1971 Giulia 1750 GTV (Gran Turismo Veloce).  It is in pretty good nick.  We have travelled throughout much of Victoria together and enjoyed the thrills of amateur motor racing, collecting a few trophies along
the way.

Alfas make great race cars, due to factory engineered qualities – advanced technology and safety features, sporty handling and the ability to become lighter over time (a rusty Alfa joke).

If you like cars and have never driven one of these beauties, find one and have a go.  They really are great fun and offer a unique experience.

My other Alfa is a daily driver.  A red (yay!) 159 3.2l V6 Ti.  It is also a beautiful thing. A practical car which loves fuel more than Australians love beer.

There are other passions in my life but I will write about these some other time, or this post risks becoming rapidly boring – assuming it is not so already.
Hang with me a little longer if you can.

Professionally, I have been in technology sales for just shy of 20 years. Prior to that, I enjoyed time as a photocopier technician and occasional cocktail bartender (I still mix a mean cocktail).

If you would like to know more about where my professional journey has taken me, please visit my LinkedIn profile here.

Right now, I am thoroughly enjoying my time with IBM, where I am fortunate to work with very, very talented people.  Without question, many of the industry’s finest minds.

I look after a number of clients across banking, insurance, resources and utilities, throughout Australia and New Zealand.  I strive to make their existence more efficient, innovative, profitable and pleasurable.

Throughout my career, I have been extremely fortunate.  Earning a decent living, discovering lifelong friendships and helping clients and colleagues.  I like to help people.

Working with many great (and not so great) clients, managers and colleagues taught me amazing skills and life-lessons.  They helped me become better at what I do.  And I continue to learn every single day – a true gift.

My professional education has been varied, plentiful and far more effective than any government provided foundation (Australia’s education system is not at all like Finland’s – no offence).

Speaking of which; I was very fortunate recently, to take part in a one-day course on advanced social media skills, delivered by Andrea Edwards – The Digital Conversationalist

Thank you, IBM for arranging this.  Really. Thank you!

Andrea also provided some one-on-one coaching and asked me about myself –values, interests and passions.  We then discussed what Marco ‘knows and believes’, which may be of interest and benefit to others and who those ‘others’ may be?

The time spent with Andrea gave me the confidence and inspiration to have a crack.  BTW, the above is not a paid endorsement.  It is a personal endorsement.

So I said, “What could possibly go wrong?”
Well. I may be crap, but who knows?

As I continue to post my thoughts in the future, perhaps someone might learn a little about how to become a better professional, land that job, differentiate themselves, ensure loads of people turn up to your funeral, bikes, cars, wristwatches or how not to be a crap person.

Let’s find out.

So here we are.  Post #1.

Who wants a margarita?  Cheers!

Until next time. Thanks for all the fish.

Marco.