Diego Bivero-Volpe: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

The Steeple Times asks nightlife entrepreneur Diego Bivero-Volpe: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?

Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a tough battle.

“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

Get there on time.

Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?

Racism and injustice. I travel quite a bit and I am always taken aback by how prevalent both are everywhere in the world.

Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?

My family. They are all spread out, far away in different corners of the globe. It is difficult to see them often.

What might you swap all your wealth for?

The wellbeing of my loved ones.

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 banking crisis?

I love that quote but sadly it is indicative of how failed the system is. I used to work in the equity derivatives arm of RBS’ investment bank and I can tell you first-hand it is a cowboy’s game, with a lot of cavalier moves being made at the expense of the general public.

What phrase or word do you most loathe?

Racist slurs.

In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?

This is probably true but I think all humans have a primal desire and need to help each other. I personally support Nordoff Robbins and Kids Company, both charities that help and provide support and protection for 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?

Unfortunately I am incredibly addicted to my Blackberry. Thinking about it, I don’t think it one has ever been more than 5 feet away from my in almost 10 years. That is disturbing.

If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?

So many… A random list off the top of my head: All of Led Zeppelin, Marcus Aurelius, Michelangelo, Rodin, Picasso, Piranesi, Buddy Holly, Hobbs, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and maybe Daniel Tosh because he’s hysterical. It would certainly make for quite the journey all around.

If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?

It’s hard to say, I am a lover of food, but I recently have developed a new obsession with steak, so maybe that and a spinach, avocado and mango salad.  In any case, let’s just hope this situation never happens.

What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?

The conventional wisdom would dictate after 5pm. If you are on holiday somewhere sunny, a glass of wine or an Aperol Spritz (if in Italy) with lunch is always acceptable.

A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

Vodka martini, dry, 3 olives.

Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

It’s a toss-up between very close friends and big luxurious bashes thrown by film studios and such. Both have their perks and are fun in different ways.

Who is the most positive person you know?

I am fortunate enough to have quite a few very positive people in my life.

What’s your most guilty pleasure?

Lazing about in Tuscany for 2 weeks every summer, doing nothing but eating pasta and tanning.

If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?

I strongly dislike tattoos.

If you were a car, what marque would you be?

A classic Ferrari.

Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.

I have a masters in journalism and finance.

What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

Lots of pictures of my family, a handmade sculpture made by Amazonian natives and some invites for events this week.

Diego Bivero-Volpe is a partner in Conduit Brands. For more information, go to: http://www.conduitbrands.com
Follow him on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/DiegoB_V