OverviewFX is an educational trading company with an active client portfolio of more than 500 students in different parts of the world. Ruggero Catalano Rossi Danielli, Co-founder of OverviewFX and a Bloomberg certified and top worldwide trader, tells us more about how he founded his business at the age of 16 and his advice to others looking to climb the corporate ladder.
Describe your current job role.
I am a full-time forex trader, entrepreneur and real estate investor. In 2016 I started trading as I was interested in the market, fluctuations and figures. Trading very quickly became my passion so a few years later, I founded my company OverviewFX, to share my passion with others and help everyone reach their goals. I also keep a close eye on real estate to expand on my property portfolio.
What would you describe as your most memorable achievement?
Founding my business at the age of 16, while I was still in high school and making my first €10,000 in a month soon after, forming part of the 1% of people who have the highest monthly earnings in Italy.
What style of management philosophy do you employ with your current position?
I have always tried and I am still trying to create not only more roles to provide more people with jobs, but also an environment where people can trust each other, create memories, reach their actual goals and be celebrated by a group of people who are on the same path for success. When people are happy at their place of work, it shines through in everything they do. Since people and their skills are the foundation to any successful business, it is really important that our team feels comfortable and happy where they spend the majority of their time.
What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry?
As an operating forex firm, we are well versed with all the biases and challenges that surround our roles and industry professionals. Over the years, the word ‘forex’ has started to scare many people due to the continuous scams and false advertisements online selling people a ‘dream’ without the necessary tools to help them achieve it. The most significant investment in our trading industry is investing time and resources on personal knowledge to become an excellent trader that actually yields an earning. To do well at something, you have to understand it. So many people start trading not knowing anything and say they will learn on the way. It’s really important to understand what you are doing before you start, else you will endure a lot of financial loss which will demotivate you and even cause you to stop trading permanently. You must formulate a plan of action that you follow through with and stick to; and ensure you study and learn as much as you can about the industry and markets. Our programme does just that. We give traders a safe space to learn, grow and develop their ultimate trading skills to become the successful people they are today, enabling them to share their knowledge and wisdom with others wishing to achieve the same.
If you could go back and change one career decision, what would it be?
It might sound cliché, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I am a big believer that everything happens for a reason, so If I were to change anything no matter how small, I might not be the person I am today. We each have our own journey that leads us to exactly where we need to be.
What advice would you offer somebody aspiring to obtain a C-level position in your industry?
Climbing the corporate ladder or starting out as a junior C-level is not easy. It requires a lot of patience, sacrifice and dedication, both in trading and within running a business. Time is the most essential element to consider. It takes time to aqquire the proper knowledge to achieve your goals and reap the financial rewards. What you do with your time can be the difference between your business succeeding or your business failing. In a market that is also unpredictable and ever-changing, you need to be able to handle loss, along with all the curve balls life throws our way, and carry on.
What behaviour or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?
Persistence and perseverance. I never give up and I always push myself to do better. As humans, we constantly want ‘more’, so I strive to achieve again and again.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
Motivation will not exist forever. Initially, you will be motivated and your productivity will reflect the same. You need to find a way to stay motivated and positive. This happens by leading a healthy balanced lifestyle – enough time with friends, family and doing things you love to inspire, motivate and encourage your mindset for continuous growth, productivity and creativity.
What changes to your job role have you seen in the last year and how do you see these developing in the next 12 months?
My role is extremely hands-on and has become more and more involved. Since we are still in the start-up phase, I am very involved in all aspects of the business. As the company grows and expands, I need to be able to adapt with it. The following year’s goal is to expand even more, growing to at least 25-50 employees within the company, and to open the first trading floor in Dubai or London. Thereafter, our three-year plan is to expand the business to more than 90 countries across the globe. To achieve this type of growth, I hope to be more focused on bigger projects and as our workforce expands, share a lot more tasks with them to give them a sense of ownership and responsibility, so I can continue to focus my energy on our three-year expansion plan.