I wish someone had told me about the pages of ‘Monocle’

“I wish someone had told me” is a series of posts that feed into our inquisitive nature at CN&CO. Each week we hear from someone in our network about something interesting or surprising that’s recently happened or occurred to them – or lessons they learnt. These blogs are a way to pay it forward and form part of CN&CO’s belief that the world can be a better place – and we all have a responsibility to make it so. This week’s post is by Gianluca Tucci.

In 2009, someone did tell me, my business partner and friend, Carel, opened the door to this incredible avenue. Monocle magazine isn’t just any publication, it’s a gateway to the world, wrapped in a production style that has resonated with me from the get go. 

The presentation, the writing, the photography, the in-depth exploration of the multifaceted aspects of cities, cultures and global issues—it’s all there, and I can’t recommend it enough.

The magazines are a great way to connect with different parts of the world. They are diverse, rich with content, and will leave you with a sense of accomplishment in travelling with your mind. Each issue is a journey, taking you through the intricacies of a city’s lifeblood—the businesses, the architecture, the people and the design that influence its evolution. 

It’s this exploration that has not only broadened my horizons but has also been a catalyst for my thinking, making most Sunday mornings a (Monocole) past time allowing me to flip through its pages (albeit digitally as their subscription has now adapted superbly to devices – although I highly recommend subscribing to the print editions as well, they make great coffee table books and are not your usual run of the mill magazines).

It’s this aspect that truly reflects Monocle’s dedication to quality, culture, and design, influencing both lifestyle and thought. Over the years, travelling to new cities, for example, Singapore, thanks to Monocle’s content, added to the experience of keeping your eye out for elements or places you would not have found before.

One of my bucket list items is to attend their annual The Chiefs Conference—a gathering that represents the spirit of Monocle in an environment that fosters learning, inspiration, and connection. 

As Carel has always reinforced, make the time to read and draw inspiration from the stories, and views of the diverse people around us.

This is a testament to the power of letting credible global narratives shape our daily thinking and approach. Monocle helps me to appreciate the beauty in the world’s complexity, encouraging a mindset of curiosity and growth.