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Luciano de Vries: Leadership Lessons From Global Business Ventures

As an entrepreneur and founder of multinational companies in food production, logistics, sustainability consulting, and more, Luciano de Vries has extensive experience navigating diverse business cultures. With operations across Europe, Africa, and North America, it’s no wonder de Vries has cultivated adaptable leadership strategies, overcome operational obstacles, and learned how to expand productively into unfamiliar territories.

How does he navigate all these sectors and cultures? Luciano de Vries makes it sound so simple. He says to hire people who are “hungry to learn, no nine-to-five mentality. They always must be a good fit with the team. Of course, there can be arguments and people don’t need to align always. But they must accept each others’ opinions and look for solutions. Create a team where everyone wants the best for the company. The vision of how to reach it can differ, but always be constructive.”

Luciano de Vries — His Climb to the Top

Luciano de Vries first ventured beyond his native Netherlands as a young college student eager for new experiences. While still studying tax law at the University of Groningen in his native country, he began promoting events; it was a perfect gig for a gregarious, ambitious entrepreneur-in-training. During a school break in Spain, he was hired to do a similar job — and a career was born.

While other students were partying, he was scoping out the scene for business opportunities — and learning he had a knack for seeing and filling holes in the market. Within 20 years, his empire included enterprises in real estate, event promotion and planning, transportation, and more across Europe and expanding into the United States. 

Now the CEO of Gaet Holding and the director of Bayswater Capital, he emphasizes leadership fundamentals over cultural overhauls. 

“I don’t think there is a need to change if your way of leading is through leadership. If you lead by example and work hard, people will follow you. Of course, it can never hurt to read into different cultures. But if you make sure that you also relax with people and find out more about them and their culture, it can go well. 

“The international teams in my case are all locally led by independent directors. On a group level, we work with advisory boards that help each other. And once a year, we go on a trip all together.“ 

This balancing act — anchoring in personal leadership style while adapting to local preferences — enabled de Vries to drive global cohesion. Direct managers are local experts who intrinsically understand cultural nuances and can contextualize high-level directives for regional teams.

Luciano de Vries’ 3-Step Recipe for Success

Luciano de Vries’ global business journey imparts several seminal lessons for multi-national success:

Hire and develop intelligent local leaders rather than transplanting one blanket headquarters mindset into all markets. Regional experts intrinsically grasp market nuances.

Invest time connecting with global team members and partners abroad to build trust and alignment. This guards against fragmented cultural silos across geographies.

Remain flexible in adapting to different regional business practices while staying grounded in the core leadership values underlying the global company vision. Blend the best of both worlds.

By living these global business principles, de Vries built an adaptable leadership style driving growth across continents. His journey highlights how cultural awareness, operational agility, and a people-first mindset can unlock success in even the most foreign business landscapes. In his book, it’s all about communication.

“Lack of communication or lack of the right communication is when people don’t know what the other is doing or how much work a task is or what the responsibilities are. If you give them a look into each others’ jobs and roles for, let’s say a day, that really helps people. That’s how good communication can start.”

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Ilhéu da Vila In Azores islands | danielkordan

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The sun likes to go to all my favorite tourist destinations.

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Bayswater Capital Executive Luciano de Vries Navigates Business Ethics

“Good policies and sticking to them is key,” he says.

As a global entrepreneur, Luciano de Vries endeavors to stand out for his conscience as much as his business acumen. Where trendy CEOs tout social responsibility as an accessory, de Vries burrows ethics into his organizational DNA.

“There’s no need to prioritize integrity if it was always there,” he shares. “Good policies and sticking to them is key. You need to find out your own company values and align them with your goals. It may take some time, but then there is guidance embedded. This is what often is missing from companies, and therefore people sometimes have to prioritize it in a hurry.”

Still, the CEO of Gaet Holding and the director of Bayswater Capital acknowledges that even purpose-led leaders inevitably encounter ethical gray zones as emerging ventures push boundaries. Luciano de Vries declines to share specifics on past dilemmas he may have faced, but he stresses that when difficult choices surface, he filters options through questions like: “Does this align with our founder’s vision for responsible business? Who could be negatively impacted and how permanent might those consequences be? What tradeoffs between ethical factors are at play?”

By examining dilemmas through an integrity lens, sound judgment often reveals itself. No single perfect answer may exist, but the compass can point in a specific direction.

Luciano de Vries: Make Tech Easy To Use’

Unlike some entrepreneurs racing headlong into disruption for disruption’s sake, Luciano de Vries urges innovators to build humanistic technology. “Make tech easy to use and make it support people and their causes,” he insists. “Use it to let people have more free quality time.”

And, he adds, “find the best tech to invest in.”

In his view, automation and artificial intelligence should enable human potential, not replace it. Tech tackling access inequality or climate crisis makes sense. Applications serving only vanity and excess do not.

But don’t assume Luciano de Vries is an anti-artificial intelligence Luddite. He’s enthusiastic about the great leaps in tech — when used judiciously.

“Chatbots are doing a lot of heavy lifting and are acting as the most perfect Google assistant there can be,” he says. “You just need to learn how to communicate with them and then they save a lot of time. Just use it as an assistant, don’t let it do all the work. People will notice.”

In all, Luciano de Vries’ hard-earned wisdom models how next-generation changemakers can anchor business growth in conscience rather than compromise it. Tech with purpose over hype. People before profits. And integrity not just when convenient, but coded into the first principles of disruptive ventures destined to better the world. Values-first leadership never goes out of style.

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Initiation Well Location: Sintra, Portugal

A pair of wells, called the Initiation Wells, spiral down deep within the earth, like inverted towers. The wells were never used to collect water. Instead, they were part of a mysterious initiation ritual within the Knights of Templar tradition.

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Couvent abandonné. Viana do Castelo, Portugal

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Luciano de Vries: Navigating International Business and Fostering Innovation

Seasoned entrepreneur Luciano de Vries has a knack for navigating the complexities of international business and fostering innovation. As the CEO of Gaet Holding and the director of Bayswater Capital, he has carved a niche for himself in the competitive global business landscape. With a keen eye for emerging trends and a passion for making a difference, de Vries has pushed the boundaries of what is possible, leaving an indelible mark.

Born and raised in Rotterdam, de Vries’ journey into entrepreneurship began at a young age. Surrounded by the vibrant culture the city is known for, he was inspired to chart his own path. Armed with determination and a thirst for knowledge, Luciano de Vries embarked on a journey of exploration, seeking opportunities to turn his ideas into reality. His early experiences laid the foundation for his future endeavors, instilling in him a passion for entrepreneurship that would drive his success in the years to come.

“Good policies and sticking to them is key,” he shares. “Also, find out your own company values and align these with your goals. It may take some time, but then there is guidance on the subject. This is what often is missing.”

Luciano de Vries: Set a Good Example

Throughout his career, de Vries has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to diverse cultures and business environments. His ventures span different countries and industries, requiring him to master myriad challenges along the way. When asked about his approach to dealing with international teams and partnerships, he emphasizes the importance of leadership and cultural understanding. “I don’t think there is a need for change if your way of leading is through leadership,” he explains. “By leading and setting a good example, people will follow you.”

One of the defining characteristics of Luciano de Vries’ style is his unwavering commitment to ethical practices. He believes that businesses have a responsibility to make a positive impact on society and actively integrates sustainability practices into his ventures — and a lot of that depends on support staff. What does de Vries look for in a new hire? “Hungry to learn, no 9-to-5 mentality,” he says. “And they always must be a good fit with the team. Of course, there can be arguments and people don’t need to align always. But they must accept each other’s opinions and look for solutions.“

In addition to his business acumen, Luciano de Vries is passionate about leveraging technology to drive innovation. He recognizes the transformative power of emerging technologies and encourages young entrepreneurs to embrace them. “Make tech easy to use and supportive of people and their causes,” he advises. “By investing in the right technologies, we can create solutions that improve lives and drive positive change.”

Looking ahead, de Vries remains focused on continuing his journey of growth and innovation. With a diverse portfolio of ventures and a steadfast commitment to his values, he is well-positioned to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. 

“Artificial intelligence together with blockchain interests me for future possibilities and growth,” he told Ideamensch. “I do think there are potential drawbacks to that combination, but there’s a lot of money to be made there.

“It’s important to stay informed in this area and know what the latest updates on it are. At the bare minimum, I think people should understand AI and blockchain. Otherwise, you will for sure lose out on a major opportunity in the near future.”

Luciano de Vries’ entrepreneurial journey serves as a testament to the power of vision, determination, and innovation. His ability to steer through the complexities of international business while staying true to his values is a testament to his leadership and resilience. As he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, his impact on the business world is sure to be felt for years to come.

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Boys enjoying the last days of summer in Porto, 2023 instagram

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Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Lisboa

Portugal

fotos cjmn

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Luciano de Vries: Building Strong Teams

META: Gaet Holding CEO Luciano de Vries climbed to the top of the ladder by assembling expert teams skilled in collaboration.

In the dynamic business world, the ability to build and lead strong teams is often the differentiating factor between success and failure. Luciano de Vries, the CEO of Gaet Holding and director of Bayswater Capital, an entrepreneur known for his multi-industry success, understands this principle well. With a diverse portfolio of ventures spanning different countries and cultures, de Vries has honed his skills in team management and leadership.

The No. 1 quality he looks for in a potential employee? “Hungry to learn, no 9-to-5 mentality,” he says, noting that they must be team players. “Of course, there can be arguments and people don’t need to align always,” Luciano de Vries adds. 

“But they must accept each other’s opinions and look for solutions. Create a team where everyone wants the best for the company. Visions how to reach it can differ, but always [be] constructive.”

Luciano de Vries: ‘Leading Through Leadership’

His approach to team management is rooted in the philosophy of leadership. Luciano de Vries believes that effective leadership transcends cultural boundaries and requires consistency in behavior and work ethic. "I don’t think there is a need for change if your way of leading is through leadership," he remarks.

He emphasizes the importance of setting a good example and working hard, asserting that people will naturally follow suit. Additionally, de Vries highlights the value of understanding different cultures and fostering personal connections with team members to facilitate effective collaboration.

Ethical practices form the cornerstone of Luciano de Vries’ business ethos. He strongly emphasizes promoting ethical behavior within his organizations, citing the importance of adherence to company values and policies. “There is no need to prioritize ethical practices if they have always been integral to the company culture,” he explains. He stresses the significance of aligning company values with business goals and emphasizes the role of leadership in upholding ethical standards. Luciano de Vries’ commitment to ethical practices underscores his dedication to creating a work environment built on trust, integrity, and respect.

Investing in Technology

As an advocate for innovation, Luciano de Vries recognizes the transformative potential of emerging technologies in driving business growth. He advises young entrepreneurs to make technology user-friendly and supportive of people's needs and causes. He believes that investing in technology that enhances efficiency and quality of life can yield significant returns for businesses, especially artificial intelligence. “AI together with blockchain interests me for future possibilities and growth,” he noted. “I do think there are potential drawbacks to that combination, but there’s a lot of money to be made there.

“It’s important to stay informed in this area and know what the latest updates on it are. At the bare minimum, I think people should understand AI and blockchain. Otherwise, you will for sure lose out on a major opportunity in the near future.”

Luciano de Vries’ insights on technology and building strong teams offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business leaders alike. By prioritizing ethical practices, fostering a collaborative environment, and embracing tech innovation, businesses can cultivate teams that drive success in today's competitive landscape.

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An assortment of hand painted Portuguese tiles

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      PR Contact: 

             Luciano de Vries

                                                                                                                                         hello@gaetinvestment.com

Luciano de Vries Makes Significant Donation to Local Animal Shelter in Loule, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal, April 2024 - Luciano de Vries, a renowned serial entrepreneur and business executive, has made a substantial donation to Animal Rescue Algarve, a local pet shelter in Loule, Portugal. In addition to his financial contribution, de Vries and his associates have collected donations from friends and family, raising €4,950 to purchase food and other essential items for the shelter's dogs.

De Vries, who has long supported the shelter, is committed to improving animal welfare in Portugal. He and his girlfriend have been fostering dogs, taking in seven over the last few months, and providing them with temporary care and love.

"We noticed when we arrived that animal welfare here is a bit different," de Vries said. In the Netherlands, and it's the same in the USA, pets become a part of the family. People treat them very well. Here, in Portugal, they are used for guarding. They are usually kept on short leashes in the sun without water."

Driven by his passion for animal welfare, de Vries has worked closely with local shelters to identify areas where he can make a difference. He aims to provide one-time financial support and help improve the shelters' operations, marketing strategies, and lead generation to ensure long-term sustainability.

De Vries' dedication to animal welfare is just one facet of his multi-dimensional career. As a successful entrepreneur, he founded companies across various industries throughout Europe and the United States, including real estate, transportation, and event planning. Currently, he serves as the Director of Bayswater Capital and the CEO of Gaet Holding.

For more information about Luciano de Vries and his philanthropic efforts, please visit https://lucianodevries.com/.

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About Luciano de Vries

Luciano de Vries is a serial entrepreneur and business executive who has found success across a wide variety of industries in the United States and Europe. Born in the Netherlands, de Vries has built a career around identifying unfilled market needs and quickly finding ways to supply them. In addition to his business ventures, de Vries is passionate about philanthropy, focusing his efforts on animal welfare and relief efforts for the people of Ukraine.

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Lisbon (by Evgeny Matveev)

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Fények és árnyak. És igen, van, amikor ilyen kék az ég.

📌 Alfama - Lisboa

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From Grassroots to Global: The Luciano de Vries Story

Like all international business moguls, Luciano de Vries is a busy man. As the director of Bayswater Capital and the founder of nearly a dozen other profitable ventures, he’s constantly on the move. So it may come as a surprise that the hard-charging business mogul wasn’t always on the move. 

His first foray into capitalism was working at summer camps and his family’s grocery store. Looking at him then, you would be hard-pressed to predict that the skinny kid who was stocking shelves would grow up to be a serial entrepreneur with businesses across several continents. 

So how did he get here?  

Starting Small

The first clue that something was different about de Vries came from during his job. Even as a teenager, he felt a powerful pull to clocking hours. 

“Back then, when I was about 11 or 12 years old, I held a minimum-wage job, perhaps at a campsite, in hospitality, or at a supermarket. In fact, I was more likely to be found at work than at school. I never really felt a strong connection to formal education.”

At 19, he left his hometown for Groningen University to study tax law. He used his sociable personality to make money by organizing and promoting events. The work came naturally to him, so it made sense to try it full-time during summer break—and that’s when everything changed. 

He took a job with an established entrepreneur who promised to pay him by commission, instead of the hourly wage de Vries had always known. 

“I traveled to Spain and sold tickets on the Costa Brava for various events. It was then that I realized the appeal of earning my own money. I discovered that the harder I worked to invite more people, the more money I could make,” he said. 

The compensation was a revelation. The added cash incentives drove de Vries to redouble his efforts. His work ethic was quickly noticed by his boss, who took him under his wing and educated him in the art of business. As a condition of work, he required de Vries to read business books and deliver reports on their content. 

After a few years working in Spain (and finishing his university studies), de Vries felt the call to go into business for himself. 

Naturally, he began with sales. 

The Beginnings of an Empire

Working in the events promotion business for more than half a decade left de Vries a thorough understanding of the business. Together with friends, he founded a company for event supplies.

"Initially, we were a team of five. We already had sales experience, so that part came quite naturally," de Vries explained. "I often refer to it as the 'honeymoon phase' of doing business. You're involved in every aspect, everything seems enjoyable, and you're having a great time."

However, the honeymoon couldn’t last. The business was growing and changing. The original team needed to hire more people to satisfy the demand. De Vries had connections across Europe, so he leaned on the expertise of those he’d met. 

"In the early stages, our growth was rapid, ranging between 50 and 100% per year. Back then, when we were smaller, our own expertise was enough. For instance, I handled tax and general law, while others took care of marketing. We managed quite well initially, but eventually, we reached a point where the complexity demanded external advisors and lawyers," he explained. "For specialized fiscal advice, we brought in professional accountants with deeper system knowledge. We started hiring both internally and externally, seeking individuals with the right expertise. While the knowledge level varied, except for the highly skilled professionals needed for complex cases, we expanded our team to meet our growing needs."

Branching Out

As he professionalized and grew the company, de Vries began to view things from a new perspective. After noticing how his company became more efficient and effective with a few tweaks, he began to see problems in the businesses around him. 

When his company was facing supply chain issues caused by a poorly run trucking company that couldn’t move product in time, de Vries had a flash of inspiration. Instead of relying on other businesses, he could simply start his own. 

So he tried it out. Then he tried it again, and again. He became adept at spotting inefficiencies in other businesses and used that knowledge to fill in the gaps in the market. Whenever he noticed that a company was becoming inefficient due to its size or strategy, he would start a competitor to pick up the slack.

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Luciano de Vries: Mastering the Art of Multi-Industry Success

Luciano de Vries epitomizes the quintessence of entrepreneurial dexterity, his saga of success stretching across a constellation of industries and continents. As the visionary co-founder of Gaet Investment Holding, de Vries’ narrative unfurls not as a predestined pursuit of business dominance, but as a serendipitous foray into the entrepreneurial realm, driven by an innate talent for sales and a pragmatic response to market demands.

The tale of de Vries is marked by an exceptional ability to identify and capitalize on market inefficiencies, a skill that has enabled him to cultivate a diverse portfolio of thriving businesses. From real estate to transportation, event planning to financial management, his ventures are united by a common thread — a strategic embrace of delegation and multitasking as indispensable ingredients for commercial triumph.

In reflecting on his journey, de Vries shares, "The essence of my ventures lies in the ability to foresee market trends and swiftly adapt. Each enterprise we've nurtured stemmed from recognizing an opportunity where others saw an impasse. Our growth strategy has always been about agile adaptation, leveraging each company's strengths to support and fuel the others."

His ascent from a law student to an entrepreneurial juggernaut was not a product of youthful ambition but an evolutionary process driven by adeptness and opportunity. "I never envisioned myself at the forefront of an industrial tapestry," de Vries muses. "It began with a simple job that evolved into a relentless pursuit of efficiency and growth. Every new venture was a natural progression, a step further in mastering the complex dance of supply chain and demand."

The strategic proliferation of de Vries’ empire is a testament to his philosophy of addressing inefficiencies head-on. He recalls a pivotal moment, stating, "We confronted a glaring inefficiency with a logistics provider — a scenario that could've stunted our growth. It was a defining moment, a catalyst that propelled us to innovate. Our solution was to internalize the service, transforming a challenge into a profitable new avenue."

Navigating the complexities of expansion, de Vries emphasizes the significance of understanding human psychology and the limitations that come with it. "Founders often fall prey to the illusion that they can be omnipresent within their companies. This misconception can stifle growth," he explains. "The art of leadership is knowing when to take a step back and let expertise guide your operations."

In his sage-like approach to business growth, de Vries has distilled his methodology into a replicable science. He stresses the importance of a meticulous, standardized strategy, particularly when confronting the legal and regulatory landscapes of international markets. "We approach each new market with a rigorous legal framework as our foundation. It’s the groundwork upon which we build our marketing strategies and customer relations," he asserts.

"Adherence to a well-conceived plan has been the cornerstone of our international success," Luciano de Vries remarks. "It is a delicate balance of leveraging legal compliance as a springboard for marketing, discerning where demand surges, and allocating our resources to capture and nurture these markets effectively."

As his story continues to unfold, Luciano de Vries’ multifaceted approach to business serves as an emblematic guide for aspiring entrepreneurs. It is a narrative that transcends the mere accumulation of wealth, illustrating a profound understanding of market dynamics, the judicious deployment of human capital, and the power of a visionary leader to orchestrate a symphony of industry-spanning success.

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