When I left behind a corporate law career in Connecticut to live and work across countries like China, Singapore, and now Dubai, one lesson became crystal clear: human connection is everything.
It’s easy to get caught up in scaling, technology, and chasing the next big thing, but real impact — the kind that lasts — starts with genuine relationships and unforgettable experiences.
That's why the conversation I had with Angelo Carotenuto, founder of LivTours, resonated so deeply with me. His journey from a solo tour guide in Rome to operating one of Europe’s most beloved boutique tour companies isn't just a story about business growth — it's a masterclass in choosing heart over hype.
If you’d like to hear the full story — including Angelo’s early inspirations, bold decisions, and lessons for today’s entrepreneurs —
watch the full episode below or listen on your favorite podcast platform.
Angelo’s upbringing in Rome, surrounded by centuries of history and art, shaped his worldview early on. It wasn’t technology or scaling strategies that built his career — it was a deep emotional connection to culture, storytelling, and human expression.
From organizing his first international trip for a baseball team at just 17, to studying acting to master the art of evoking emotions, Angelo’s life has always centered around crafting experiences that move people.
When Angelo entered the professional travel world, he noticed something troubling: the industry was obsessed with quantity over quality.
It was efficient — but it was forgettable.
That realization sparked a bold decision: instead of chasing rapid growth, LivTours focused on radical intimacy:
It was a risky move. Profit margins were slimmer. Growth was slower.
But the emotional impact was exponential — and that emotional connection became LivTours’ competitive advantage in a world flooded by AI recommendations, virtual tours, and commoditized travel.
For me, it mirrors the same crossroads I faced building my own ventures abroad:
In a world where technology threatens to replace human touch at every corner, Angelo's story — and LivTours' success — remind us of something powerful:
People don't remember transactions; they remember emotions.
And in business, that's what creates loyalty, longevity, and love.
If you're building a travel brand, a service company, or even just dreaming about your next career move, remember this:
It’s not just about what you offer.
It’s how you make people feel.
And that emotional connection?
It’s the most scalable asset you’ll ever build.
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