Wednesday 23rd November 2005 AD
ANALYZING THE FERRARI FACTOR

When it comes to the intrusion of big government, there generally seems two types of people; those who are completely oblivious and don't care, and then those who are cautious and nervous and, at times, paranoid to the point of extreme.

"It's a matter of striking a balance."  I had joined my associate Simon on a conference call who was chatting with John, an old client.  John was contemplating a change in the direction of his business, but was becoming increasingly concerned about future government regulation and their meddling in his industry. 

"Its what I like to call the 'Ferrari Factor'," Simon continued.  'Ohhh, this is going to be good' I thought, settling back into the listening position. "The Ferrari what?" John politely enquired.  

My colleague went on to explain the amazing life of Mr. Enzo Ferrari, who, without any formal education, became famous for single handedly building the world's undisputedly most prestigious sports car company and F1 racing team.  During his career at the helm, he steered the company through a World War, radical (& sometimes violent) political swings from fascism to socialism, numerous economic booms and busts, indictments for manslaughter (1), and almost constant government harassment and seizure of assets.

Several years ago, in an interview with Australia's "60 Minutes", George Negus asked Enzo, "in the 39 years you were building Ferrari, the nation of Italy had 38 changes of government.  How did you manage all this turmoil and change of government in relation to the business?"

"We ignored them," replied Enzo Ferrari definitively, . . . "if we didn't we would never have become what Ferrari has become today. You see, government always gives the impression that it is in control of big business, yet secretly it actually bows down to it.  What people forget it that government NEEDS businesses to go forward, prosper and for it to survive itself."  

Without a doubt we are living in a time when government, at least in most of the western world, has become increasingly powerful and aggressive in regulation, control, population monitoring and policing, money flows and taxation.  Many hold the view that as government grows, it progressively usurps all power and, sooner or later, threatens the liberties and freedoms of its people.  In today's world it makes sense to monitor these trends and constantly watch what our governments are up to. 

We need to make wise decisions with this in mind, particularly where the future is concerned.  However, when we analyze the wise old man Ferrari's comments, we see that there are also those times where we need to 'ignore' the distraction of government and get on with the job, whatever our pursuit or enterprise, otherwise we run the risk of never getting anything achieved. 

As with all of life, it's a matter of striking the balance!  

Best Regards  - Philip Judge pjudge@anglofareast.com

(1) In the 1950's the Ferrari racing company experienced numerous
accidents, one of which led to Ferrari's indictment for manslaughter after
one of his drivers lost control of his car and was killed along with
spectators in the stands. Ferrari was acquitted of the charges, and he
"urged strict new safety regulations to protect both drivers and the public"