In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, hosts Andrew Romeo and Anthony Sapountzis are joined by Marco Iannitto, Founder of TechDel Consulting, to explore his remarkable journey from engineering supercars at Ferrari to advising businesses around the world. Marco shares his experiences working on iconic vehicles like LaFerrari and the 812 Superfast, the lessons he learnt about product development, teamwork, and leadership, and how those insights now shape his approach to business consulting. From navigating the unique challenges at Ferrari and Rimac, to embracing risk management, goal-setting, and operational excellence, Marco offers a wealth of practical knowledge for anyone seeking to build resilient teams, bring innovative products to market, and scale businesses with purpose and precision.
Marco begins by recounting how he unexpectedly entered the automotive world through Ferrari, working in the company’s elite testing department. Initially sceptical about the industry, he quickly found himself inspired by Ferrari’s unique blend of startup agility and corporate discipline. Marco explains how low-volume, craftsmanship-driven manufacturing at Ferrari allowed for greater flexibility, innovation, and attention to detail—qualities that made the development of vehicles like LaFerrari particularly challenging yet deeply rewarding. His passion for the craft and the dynamic environment turned what started as a detour into a career-defining chapter.
Reflecting on his role at Ferrari, Marco discusses the demands of full vehicle integration and testing, covering every aspect from mechanical components to advanced software systems. He draws parallels between building a supercar and founding a startup, both requiring a deep understanding of every moving part. Marco shares how success at Ferrari was never about individual heroics but about cohesive teamwork, mutual trust, and a calm, solution-focused mindset. These principles became cornerstones of his philosophy, shaping his approach to leadership and problem-solving across industries.
The conversation then turns to how Marco’s experiences at Ferrari prepared him for the fast-paced world of Rimac, where he helped develop cutting-edge electric hypercars. He speaks candidly about facing imposter syndrome and how adapting to a resource-constrained, entrepreneurial environment honed his strategic thinking and resilience. Marco highlights the importance of balancing ambition with pragmatism, knowing when a product is “good enough” to launch, and gathering continuous user feedback without overengineering. These lessons have become essential in his work helping businesses achieve product-market fit and operational success.
Marco shares his belief that the key to building great teams is passion, cultural alignment, and a shared sense of purpose. Whether at Ferrari, Rimac, or within startups, he stresses that communication naturally follows when teams are truly connected by a common goal. He also reflects on the evolving landscape of engineering and technology, where mindset and adaptability are increasingly as important as technical skills. Selecting the right people—those who fit the culture and embrace the mission—remains at the heart of building high-performing, innovative teams.
Today, through TechDel Consulting, Marco applies the insights gained from his career to advise organisations across Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. He focuses on helping businesses accelerate product-market fit, optimise operational structures, and make proactive, informed decisions that minimise costly risks. By breaking big goals into manageable, rewarding steps and reverse-engineering strategies from the desired outcome, Marco empowers businesses to scale with clarity and resilience. His journey from the test tracks of Maranello to the boardrooms of global companies offers a powerful reminder that passion, purpose, and strategic precision are the true engines of success.
Topics Covered
- Marco’s journey from Ferrari and Rimac to TechDel Consulting
- Engineering excellence: full vehicle integration and testing at Ferrari
- Startup lessons from developing LaFerrari and electric hypercars
- Balancing ambition, risk, and pragmatism in product development
- Recognising when a product is “good enough” to launch
- Building high-performing, culture-driven teams
- Managing risks proactively rather than reactively
- The role of passion, purpose, and cultural alignment in team success
- Adapting to new environments and overcoming imposter syndrome
- Strategic goal-setting and reverse-engineering roadmaps for success
Important Time Stamps
- What It’s Really Like to Build Supercars at Ferrari (0:07 – 8:20)
- How Ferrari’s Team Culture Built More Than Cars (8:21 – 13:22)
- Why Building a Ferrari Is Just Like Launching a Startup (13:23 – 20:23)
- Why Comfort Zones Kill Dreams — Marco’s Story (20:24 – 31:23)
- Ferrari’s Formula for Building World-Class Teams (31:24 – 34:34)
- Ferrari vs Rimac: Two Cultures, One Secret to Success (34:35 – 43:47)
- Goal-Setting, Risk Management, and Roadmaps: Ferrari Lessons for Startups (43:48 – 50:25)
- Scaling Smarter: Marco’s Secrets to Operational Growth (50:26 – 52:56)
