John Elkann Quotes

Powerful John Elkann for Daily Growth

About John Elkann

John Elkann, an Italian-American businessman and author, was born on September 15, 1970, in New York City to Susanna Agnelli and Umberto Agnelli. His family background played a significant role in shaping his life and career, as they were part of the powerful Agnelli dynasty that dominated Italy's political and industrial landscape for decades through their control of FIAT. Elkann spent much of his early life moving between New York City and Turin, Italy. He earned a degree in literature from Brown University in 1992 and went on to study film at the New York University Tisch School of the Arts. However, it was his love for literature that eventually led him to pursue a career as an author. In 2008, Elkann published "Like Family: The Secret Life of Agnelli," a critically acclaimed biography about his family's complex and turbulent history. The book shed light on the private lives of the Agnelli family members, providing unique insights into their relationships, ambitions, and personal struggles. Elkann also serves as the chairman of Exor N.V., a multinational holding company controlled by the Agnelli family's holding firm, and as the CEO of Juventus F.C., one of Italy's most successful football clubs. His position within the Agnelli family business empire and his literary talents make him a unique figure in both the business and literary worlds. Throughout his life, Elkann has shown an uncanny ability to navigate the complexities of his family history and the public spotlight with grace and intelligence. His work continues to captivate readers and offer insights into one of the most influential families in modern Italian history.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The best things in life aren't things."

This quote by John Elkann underscores the notion that experiences, relationships, and personal growth are more valuable than material possessions. It implies that true happiness and fulfillment derive from non-tangible aspects of life such as love, friendships, learning, and self-discovery, rather than from accumulating wealth or acquiring physical objects.


"Life is a journey that requires courage."

This quote emphasizes the need for bravery in living life. The journey we call life is filled with challenges, uncertainties, and decisions to be made. Courage here implies not only facing fear but also taking risks, stepping out of comfort zones, and having the determination to continue moving forward despite obstacles. Essentially, it underscores that a meaningful life often demands courage.


"The power of dreams is greater than the power of reality."

This quote suggests that the inspiring, transformative potential of dreams, aspirations, and imaginative thinking exceeds the tangible, physical aspects of our current reality. It implies that dreams can propel us beyond the confines of our present circumstances, driving us to strive for a better future and instilling hope where there seems to be none. Essentially, John Elkann emphasizes the significant role of dreams in shaping human potential and progress.


"Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds."

This quote emphasizes that success isn't solely defined by achievements or results, but rather by the obstacles overcome and the resilience displayed in pursuing goals despite facing significant adversity. In other words, it suggests that the true measure of success lies not only in what one achieves, but also in the character, determination, and courage demonstrated throughout the struggle against overwhelming odds. This perspective underscores the value of perseverance and tenacity in the face of challenges.


"To live without risk is to never truly live at all."

This quote suggests that a life devoid of risks is one that lacks authenticity and vigor. Embracing risks, challenges, and uncertainty is essential for personal growth, self-discovery, and living a meaningful life. By taking calculated risks, we challenge ourselves, expand our horizons, and gain valuable experiences. The absence of risk implies complacency and stagnation, which can hinder us from realizing our full potential as individuals. However, it's crucial to remember that the key to a fulfilling life lies not in reckless abandon but rather in thoughtfully evaluating risks, learning from failures, and persisting despite fear or uncertainty.


I wish Rupert, Robert, and their hugely talented News Corp team continued and growing success in all they do, deploying News Corp's extraordinary skills and potential to the huge opportunities of a relentlessly more digital world.

- John Elkann

Growing, Wish, Skills, Robert

I learnt not to be desperate in bad times and am learning not to be bullish when times are good.

- John Elkann

Bad, Desperate, Times, Bullish

Avoiding the all-too-typical divisive trappings of a takeover and creating instead a shared transnational culture - this is one of the most important lessons learned from combining Fiat and Chrysler to create FCA.

- John Elkann

Divisive, Transnational, Trappings

There are no doubts in the value of Juventus. Many things, such as the new stadium, have strengthened the club.

- John Elkann

New, Doubts, Things, Stadium

I think there is empirical evidence that if you look at family controlled businesses, they actually outperform in terms of results and also valuations, the broader market.

- John Elkann

Think, Evidence, I Think, Broader

We think the ownership culture is very important, so we like to invest in businesses whose leaders are also owners.

- John Elkann

Think, Like, Very, Businesses

Della Valle is worried about RCS? RCS is a company that is doing well; I don't think that Della Valle is worried about this.

- John Elkann

Doing, Think, About, Worried

Under our stable and committed ownership, PartnerRe will continue to develop as a leading independent global reinsurer.

- John Elkann

Independent, Will, Committed, Stable

As long-term business builders, we invest our permanent capital and deploy management skills in support of talented leaders and companies with global potential.

- John Elkann

Business, Builders, Capital, Deploy

It's my experience at Fiat and, now, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles that when there is a very strong CEO, it's a good thing to be chairman.

- John Elkann

Strong, Very, A Good Thing, Chairman

The 500X and Jeep Renegade are very different cars, but they are manufactured in the same plant and share R&D, which reduces the total investment required by 1 billion euros. That is why I'm convinced that the industry needs and will see more consolidation in the future.

- John Elkann

Why, Industry, Very, Consolidation

Components are important in the evolution of cars, and there is increasing need for electronics.

- John Elkann

Important, Need, Components, Increasing

We are convinced of the huge potential that still lies ahead and particularly in 'The Economist''s ability to seize the many development opportunities linked to the digitisation of the media industry.

- John Elkann

Development, Ahead, Still, Linked

We have been told many times that we have become too big, but these are things that only someone who has no idea of the size of the competition can say. We are too small.

- John Elkann

Small, Big, Been, No Idea

My biggest satisfaction was to learn, inexperienced as I was, that it is possible to find ways out of the deepest difficulties.

- John Elkann

Learn, Ways, Biggest, Inexperienced

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