MilliOnAir | Exclusive Interview
#POSITIVITY
with PHIL HELLMUTH
Edited by Editor at large Laurie Stone
POKER phenomenon PHIL HELLMUTH is the author of #POSITIVITY- an inspirational which is giving sensational advice to millions of people around the world. In his brilliant exclusive column for Milli-On-Air Global Magazine, Phil asks a series of positive questions to a celebrity from the world of business, entertainment or sport. Here he puts the #POSITIVITY questions to entrepreneur NICCOLO DE MASI, 39, who lives in San Francisco, California and is co-founder and chief executive officer of dMY Technology Group – a newly-listed company that aims to bring expertise and capital to unlock the value potential of fast-growing mobile app businesses. NICCOLO is also the chairman of GLU MOBILE, a leading creator of mobile games.
Niccolo
De Masi
Why is Positivity as opposed to negativity important to you.....
Those who believe they have a chance at getting something done, do. Those who don’t, won’t even attempt it. They say ‘luck’ is preparation meets opportunity. Without a positive mindset one is not open to opportunities. This creates an unvirtuous, self-fulfilling prophecy where one’s ‘luck’ is likely to always be poor.
What is your earliest memory of an act of positivity.....
My mother, Michelle, did a phenomenal job raising my brother and I. She was always there for us and ensured we were supported in all that we did – school and beyond. I think everyone’s self-esteem is driven by early foundational love and care and I am grateful for my childhood.
Who has had the most positive influence on your life and why…..
My father, Domenico, is the most positive person I know – he is an enduring influence to this day. He always sees the glass as half full and not half empty and believes every challenge is both surmountable and a learning experience. He is my constant inspiration for approaching everything in life with positivity.
Which positive person from history would you like to meet.....
Sir Winston Churchill. Incredible determination and positivity to overcome the Battle of Britain, Blitz and at, one point, lead Britain as the only member of the Allies actively in the war. Worth reading Andrew Roberts’ new biography of him – the positivity from someone who was nearly killed multiple times in WWI and WWII is staggering.
What is the most positive piece of advice you pass on to people you meet.....
Tenacity and persistence matter more than innate talent. If you want something badly enough try, try and try again.