Episode 86: Giovanni Benini, Co-Founder at Global Telco Consult (GTC)

Speaker A: Ciao, Tutti and hallo Zuzamm. I'm Giovanni Benini and I'm excited to be a part of Humans of Telecom.

Speaker B: Hey everyone. A very warm welcome to Humans of Telecom, the unplugged podcast. This is your host, Anurag Agarwal. As you all know, this is where we go beyond titles and job roles to uncover the real people behind telecom. Their journeys, their mindset, and the experiences that shape who they are. And today's guest is someone many of you will instantly recognize, a, uh, very well known and respected face in the global telecom ecosystem. With over three decades in the industry, he has worked closely across the entire value chain, from carriers to hyperscalers, building deep relationships and a reputation for trust, insight and consistency. Over the years, his journey has been truly international, with extensive experience across both Europe and the United States, giving him a unique perspective on how this industry operates across markets and cultures. Over the years, he's become someone people don't just know, but rely on for perspective, clarity and experience. Today we'll be diving into that journey, the evolution, the lessons and and the person behind the reputation. So without further ado, please join me in welcoming Giovanni Benigni, co founder at gtc. Giovanni, welcome to the show. Thank you so much for agreeing to be a part of this journey. We'd love to hear more about you. Which part of the world do you belong to and from? Where are you joining this podcast today?

Speaker A: Thank you so much, Anurag, for having me. It's an honor. I'm a vivid listener of your podcast. Always enjoyable to hear known faces from a different perspective. So, um, as the name might give it away, I'm Italian. I was born in Italy in Bologna. Uh, however, I'm currently living in Germany and that's where I'm talking to you now.

Speaker B: So, Giovanni, much as you like listening to familiar faces, but I think you are somebody who the entire ecosystem is familiar with. So I'm hoping this becomes like a super blockbuster, popular episode.

Speaker A: Let's hope so.

Speaker B: All right, so Jio, as I sometimes also fondly call you. So tell us a little bit more about your journey. Yes, you mentioned a bit about Bologna, where your origins started from, but how's, uh, your entire journey been? Have you been traversing too much across the continents? Have you largely been in Europe? Uh, I believe you spent some time in the U.S. i briefly touched upon that it wasn't telecom, which was the start of your career. So how has that entire journey and transition been which leads us to gtc? And how is that experience going for you. So let's hear jio's story firsthand. From jio.

Speaker A: Yeah, um, let me try to summarize a long story into a few sentences and. Well, I studied physics and I was very passionate about learning and discovering what holds the world together. And in my naive youth I dreamt of becoming the next Einstein, only to discover in my masters that as a physicist you do research on such a tiny specific thing that no one, but uh, a very few people in the whole world are interested in. So that was not for me. And I wanted to be much more hands on and got a job at Siemens to build next gen voice switches. And there I had several assignments. I worked on SIP prototypes. In 2000 I got delegated for three years to Boston, Massachusetts and, and I uh, also covered other areas like IPTV and unified communications for enterprises until I changed companies and went into the CPAs and messaging world, including working for OpenMarket out of London for four years, which is now Infobip. And finally, eight years ago, I co founded GTC with Jose Garcia, who by the way has been one of the early podcast joiners of you and actually a very entertaining podcast series as well.

Speaker B: Yeah, absolutely. I remember our, uh, dear Jose, we recorded his episode back in 2023. So yes, it's been absolutely, it's been over three years now I think since we released this episode and that was extremely popular and I'm hoping the same for his co founder. And how's the journey in GTC been? How have you felt the journey firsthand of being a co founder? Uh, has there been a lot of ups and downs you've seen? Um, I know that the industry has gone through so many changes in the last few years, especially the CPaaS and messaging space. So how's that journey been for you? Uh, the entrepreneurial journey. And are there especially any memorable or impactful moments that you'd like to share with us?

Speaker A: Well, I think founding GTC was the best professional decision in my life. I took. Uh, and this is because it's just so wonderful to be able to see so many perspectives. As with every client I do a job for, I get to see the telecom world through their lenses and that creates a fascinating 360 degree view of our industry. And uh, it feels just very rewarding to see happy clients that benefit from that unique perspective that we can offer to them. And it started all with messaging. You already mentioned transitioning and so forth. In fact, what is top of mind right now for our clients is mobile identity and network API APIs that is, um, what keeps our consulting active and exciting.

Speaker B: Yeah, I think the entire experience of working with so many players in the ecosystem, as I said that whether it's hyperscalers or carriers, operators, aggregators, I think you've had your fair share of interaction with the entire gamut of players in this industry. And I think that what a wealth of information you collect. And I think it's thanks to some of the players, such as yourself, which are very actively trying to spear a new innovation and trying to bring new technologies on the forefront and increase its adoption. So, you know, not just an innovation in terms of an idea, but actually helping it germinate into a, uh, true business offering in today's industry. I think that's a job which I've seen you personally, along with Jose, have been very actively advocating, and it's great to see some of the work you've done, and I wish you guys all the very best in this endeavor ahead.

Speaker A: Thank you. And luckily, it's not just me and Jose. We're now over 20 people at GTC, so that's also something we are very proud of.

Speaker B: Absolutely. And now, Giovani, let's move on from talking about technology and telecom and GTC to more about Giovanni the Human. So the human side section. So, firstly, Giovanni, I've said multiple times that you're so very well known and admired and respected in the industry, but please share something with us which we can bring up at a conference when we meet next and say, hey, did you know this about Giovanni? And people would be quite surprised and shocked that this is something which is unknown. So share with us one such facet about your life.

Speaker A: All right, so, well, there was already the notion, uh, I lived in five different countries, Italy, Germany, France, US and uk. And that has its challenges because, um, if I'm asked, are you Italian, Are you German? And it turns out in Italy, I'm the German, In Germany, I'm the Italian. So I'd like to call myself European. But, uh, other not known facts is that I was one of three brothers and I'm the odd one off because both other brothers have become Catholic priests. Um, which, um, makes me kind of the odd duckling. However, for my parents, it's also an advantage that I did not go the same direction in terms of career choice because otherwise they wouldn't have any grandchildren. Uh, and that brings me to the last, uh, thing which most people don't know. And I need to use every opportunity I can. My son has just founded a startup company called helmit.org and that is to help parents with artificial intelligence to secure their children when they enter the social media arena. So looking at WhatsApp, uh, and other channels that no cyber mobbing and so forth is happening, and if it's happening, they get a warning. And that is a brilliant idea I'm super proud of and, uh, worth talking about.

Speaker B: Awesome. And is there any plan of GTC to induct your son also eventually into the larger organization? Because I can see he's sort of already treading on his father's footsteps.

Speaker A: It might be the other way around that, uh, he hopefully becomes a multimillionaire with his startup and I retire and help him.

Speaker B: Absolutely. I think our, uh, prayers and best wishes with both you and your son.

Speaker A: Thank you.

Speaker B: All right, and now beyond this very extremely fun facts that you shared with us, you know, this is something I'll later come to. Two truths and a lie. You could have actually featured it there also. But let's hope you have some interesting factors over there also to share with us. But before that, jio, are there some other passions and hobbies that help you unwind when you want to move on from the world of telecom and cpaas and whatsoever? What else is there that keeps Giovanni from fresh?

Speaker A: Yeah, apart from spending time with my wonderful wife and two adult kids. If they have time for me, that is. I love gardening. And since working from home has started to become a thing, that has helped my garden passion a lot because I can take a short break, mow the lawn, and then continue into the next call. And another thing which currently is really great, every Monday in Munich there is the so called blade night. So major roads are, uh, locked off for traffic and like 10,000 people on inline skates and rollerblades are rolling through the warm, um, summer city of Munich. And so any guests who might come by in Munich recommend, uh, doing that. You can also rent the skates on site. And the last thing that I do quite a bit is table tennis. Three times a week I'll practice. I'm not very good at it because I started too late, but it's a lot of fun and that, uh, keeps me recharged.

Speaker B: Awesome. Uh, once again, I think these are such interesting hobbies and passions to follow. And that does help us move on from the daily rigmarole that I think we all are so preoccupied in. I think that explains why you managed to keep your sensibilities and balance in spite of all the senses stressful conversations I'm sure you have with the entire industry. All right, and now we move to a very interesting section. Giovanni, so, two truths and a lie, and you've not failed us so far. And once again, could you share three very interesting and fun facts about your life? Could be an incident or something that's happened through your life, and we'll try and guess that which of those three is a lie and which two are truth. So can we have such three statements from you?

Speaker A: Of course. That's my favorite part of your podcast. So let me try. Number one, everybody speaks of SpaceX, but what is less known is that I won a national rocket competition in 2018 in the UK. Okay. Number two, I love pushing my boundaries. And in 2022, I bungee jumped from the tallest bridge in South Africa, the Blaukrans Bridge, with a jump height of 216 meters. Ah. And number three, Italians are very romantic. I, however, got married without ever proposing to my wife. Now, to you, Anurag Giovanni,

Speaker B: you never fail, my friend. You know, for all the listeners, I must say Giovanni comes across as this extremely simple person when you interact with him. But now that more and more I'm digging deep into your background, I can see that there is so much more to you than what meets the eye. And I think that's the very intention of this podcast, that, you know, it reveals facets about an individual which we don't encounter in spite of numerous interactions at industry events and meetings. So, all right, you've thrown in a pretty interesting one. So you said that you won a national rocket competition in the uk, you've done bungee jumping in South Africa from the Bloukrans Bridge, and you've married without ever proposing to your wife. Okay, so now let me get that. Um, let's start with the second one. So, a fun fact for me. I definitely have jumped from the Blokrans bridge as well back in 2008. So I know that was a fantastic experience. And I'm going to take a chance and say that you've done that too. So I'm going to say that's true. I'm also going to believe that the physics major in you, which has kept you interested in that profession in your early stages in your career, I'm going to presume that you have won a national rocket competition in the uk and possibly you can give Elon Musk a run for his money in the future. M. And, um, finally, I'm going to hope that the third one is false. And like every true Italian, you also wear your heart on your sleeve. And you have proposed to your now Wife. So I'm going to presume that the third is a lie and the first two are, uh, true. So I hope I'm right out here. What's it.

Speaker A: I would have hoped as well, but, uh, you're not. So.

Speaker B: Okay.

Speaker A: Um, so I'm extremely afraid of heights, so I would never do a bungee jump. And that was the lie. But I did win a, um, rocket competition. The national physics laboratories in the uk, npl, they organize every year a water rocket competition. And with my son, it was like a father son project. We started this, and year by year, we participated three times, uh, perfected the rocket and the launcher. And in third year, we managed to win the whole competition. And that was huge fun and lots of learning into physics again. And unfortunately, um, the thing with my wife is true. And every time we're watching a movie, and unfortunately, there are many movies where there's a wedding scene or proposal scene, I get, like, a kick in my side from my wife because I had failed to do that. And she was waiting until the last day before the wedding that this would happen. And I was just not having that on my radar. And, um, I completely failed there.

Speaker B: Interesting. But then how did you end up meeting your wife?

Speaker A: Well, we were together already for 10 years.

Speaker B: Uh-huh.

Speaker A: And our parents, both parents. Sides, had already given up hope that we would ever get married. But at some point we said. I said, well, maybe we should get married. And she said, yes. And I thought, that's settling it.

Speaker B: That's the proposal.

Speaker A: But not the proposal she was expecting. But. And so we went into the planning and all of that. Um, I felt good. She. Yeah, not so much.

Speaker B: And how. How long has your marriage been now? How many years?

Speaker A: 27 years. So that was not the obstacle to the. To the marriage.

Speaker B: So I guess at least now on the next anniversary which comes up, maybe then at least I can hope that that could still be a moment of saving grace for you and you can try and cover up for the last 25 plus years now.

Speaker A: Let's hope so.

Speaker B: All right, and now we are down to the final question of this section. Giovanni. Uh, so while there are so many interesting facets about your life that you shared, but if there is one thing that you could finally change about your life, what would that one thing be?

Speaker A: So anurag. I'll admit it, I just should have proposed. So please allow me to divert this podcast a bit from the usual format. Uh-huh. And kind of misuse it. Huh. To address one special listener of this podcast. So, dear Connie, With a slight delay of 27 years. Here is finally the proposal ring with the long overdue question, would you marry me still? And, uh, now we can go back to the normal.

Speaker B: I must, at least I must give a round of applause. Wow, that is fantastic. I must say, Jio, I think this is the first time somebody has proposed on the podcast. And, um, that's very interesting. I think it's very interesting how my podcast is bringing about somewhere, this angle of matrimony. Because just very recently, the last guest before you, she also announced on the podcast, her name is Anna Potapova from AB Handshake and she announced that she's getting married this summer. And now by the time the podcast released, she is married. So it's actually interesting that on two consecutive episodes I've had some sort of a romantic story being unfurled out here to the audience. So awesome. Kudos to you on that.

Speaker A: It's your human touch element that really helps.

Speaker B: Absolutely, absolutely. I don't think I could have got a better answer for this question. A lot of guests have actually come up and mention that, uh, no, I think we are fine with the way life has been and I think everything is just how we wanted it to be. But I think you have managed to capture this moment and this emotion so well. So hats off to you on that.

Speaker A: Thank you. And I hope I, uh, will get a yes. And uh, in that case, um, if you don't hear anything, assume it was a yes.

Speaker B: Absolutely, absolutely. Maybe what you can also do is that in case, if your wife is on LinkedIn so this episode gets released on that, and at that time maybe she can actually come by and comment a yes, A big fat yes. And we'll all know, the world will know. Amazing, amazing. Giovanni and Jio, we're having such a wonderful conversation, honestly. But sadly, now we are down to our final question, our, uh, sign off question. So what does being human mean to you? What sort of a human being would you want the world to remember you as?

Speaker A: So I think, I believe that one of the most human desires is to receive appreciation. And I hope that I'll be remembered as a person radiating positivity and appreciation to others around me. And actually, on that note, I'd like to say thank you, dear Anurag, for this wonderful podcast and the opportunity to fix my slight mishap from the past.

Speaker B: Well, I must say, Giovanni, I have interacted with you. I think it's been almost a decade since we've been interacting and I must say that in all these years, There is one thing which I can definitely vouch for, that the industry has seen firsthand not only the knowledge that you radiate, but also the humility and the love and whatever you just mentioned about what being a human means for you, I think you're doing such a fantastic job at that. And I do hope that in the coming years I wish you all the more success and maybe at some point of time you and your son join forces and there's a lot more that you guys achieve. But in spite of all of that, I think your personality and the humility with which you approach everyone and everything around you, I think that's your key hallmark, which will always remain so. Hats off to you and thank you so much. Thank you for the compliments and thank you so much for being a part of today's episode. And thank you for making it so fun and so interesting. I mean, something which I wouldn't have imagined coming out, given that our conversations have generally been so serious and more telecom focused. But thanks a lot.

Speaker A: Always expect the unexpected, I know.

Speaker B: Absolutely. Amen to that. So on that note, thank you so much and I do hope once again, we hope to catch up soon, my friend.

Speaker A: Thank you, Anurag so much. It's again a life changing opportunity to be on your podcast. Thanks again and see you soon.

Speaker B: Thank you. Thanks a lot, Giovanni. And to all our wonderful listeners here, thanks a lot for tuning into the show. We hope this episode gave you a good glimpse of our dear Giovanni Benigni, an Italian from Bologna who's now a truly global citizen based in Germany. As a young dreamer, he aspired to be the next Einstein, even winning a national rocket competition in the uk. But life had other plans. Today he stands as a well known and trusted authority in the telecom world. The odd one out in the family, choosing not to become a Catholic priest, but instead building a powerhouse of telecom knowledge beyond the industry. He finds joy in the simplest of things, gardening, table tennis and rollerblading. A true knowledge powerhouse, yet incredibly humble and approachable. And finally, a fun twist, a dear sporting Giovanni, a romantic at heart, who even proposed to his wife on this very podcast. Safe to say, a brilliant mind with an equally beautiful story. So if you enjoyed today's episode, do stay tuned in because we shall soon be releasing yet another episode and another compelling story from the telecom space.

Speaker A: Space.

Speaker B: And do follow the podcast on your preferred streaming channel. On behalf of humans of telecom, this is your host, Anurag Agarwal signing off. For now, take care.