My Dad always seemed to have the appropriate words for every occasion. He could place people and describe situations correctly in a New York second.
This helped him communicate clearly with clients that came into his office every day where he had to explain the latest economic and political developments in Italy. In the midst of considerable chaos and confusion he would put everything perfectly into perspective. Kind of like what military leaders do in a war room with their enlarged maps and mock up battle fields. With one glance you could see everything and understand where everyone was standing.
In one trip to Geneva I went with him into the office of Edmond Safra, 36 years old then, but already poised to become one of the greatest bankers of the 20th century. Speaking in fluent Italian, Mr. Safra asked Dad many questions about the Italian economic situation and would have remained longer had he not had some other urgent commitments. Dad was able to correct Mr. Safra’s view on some points. Before leaving you could tell that Edmond Safra had a high regard for Dad.
That day Dad was ten feet tall not only in my eyes, but also with all those that worked at the Trade Development Bank.
Dad could make something complicated simple and easy to understand thanks to his faithful reading and discussion with other leading men of his time – including the long time Governor of the Bank of Italy, Guido Carli.
His letters too were direct, just like the crow flies: straight to the point. He typed most of them because his handwriting was hard to read.
And so it was that everyone that dealt with Dad always knew what he meant when he spoke.