Battista Ravanne – Take Control Now Podcast

In this episode of the Take Control Now podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming Battista Ravanne, founder of Gift Media. We talked about his unconventional journey, his trip around the world, Thai boxing, and his vision of entrepreneurship through the lens of corporate gifting.

Who is Battista?

Battista Ravanne is 40 years old, originally from Italy, and lives in Belmont, Switzerland. He is the founder of Gift Media, a communications agency specialising in corporate gifts and personalised textiles. An entrepreneur for over 12 years, he is also passionate about combat sports and the father of a 6-year-old daughter, Uma.

An Entrepreneur from Childhood

Battista always wanted to start his own business. As a child, he sold drawings in his neighbourhood, set up stalls at markets to sell toys, and even picked hazelnuts with a friend to sell them in small bags.

"I always wanted to be an entrepreneur. It's always been what drove me."

At secondary school, he got it into his head that he needed a top-tier education to succeed. After five years of secondary school without graduating, he decided to take a different path: a 14-month trip around the world.

A Life-Changing Trip Around the World

At 21, Battista set off with his savings and a round-the-world ticket. First stop, the United States: Los Angeles, Venice Beach — where he ended up selling incense on the beach — then San Diego for four months to learn English.

Next, Australia, where he did door-to-door sales. Then China, drawn by international trade. There he discovered the Canton Fair and visited factories, even taking a 26-hour train ride to reach the city of Yiwu.

Final stop: Thailand, for six months, to learn Thai boxing. He stepped into the ring, won his first fight in the second round, then lost the next one after breaking his hand — but refused to give up.

"Stepping into the ring is a fight against yourself. It's one of the moments where you're most fully in the present of your entire life."

From Salesman to Entrepreneur

Back in Switzerland with just a few hundred francs in his pocket but unstoppable determination, Battista found a commission-based sales job. After a year and a half, he headed back to Asia to look for opportunities.

That's where he stumbled upon a supplier of personalised USB drives. The idea perfectly combined his two skills: importing and advertising sales. USB Factory was born.

Over the years and with growing client demand, the offering expanded. USB Factory became Gift Media: a promotional products agency that advises businesses on their corporate gifting strategy.

"Give fewer items, but better quality ones that will last longer and reach the right people."

From Soldier to Strategist

Now leading a team of 8, Battista has had to learn to evolve alongside his company. Moving from doing everything himself to managing, coaching, and thinking strategically has been one of his greatest challenges.

He is also a board member of EO (Entrepreneurs' Organization) Suisse Romande, a group of entrepreneurs that has helped him gain perspective on both his business and his personal life.

"If you want to grow your business, you have to become a different person to take it where you want it to go."

His Vision and Advice

• Dare: don't be afraid to take the leap and stumble along the way.
• Surround yourself: join entrepreneur networks, find mentors. You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
• Ask: don't hesitate to reach out to experienced entrepreneurs on LinkedIn. People are always willing to help.
• Evolve: move from being a soldier to being a strategist to scale your business.
• Quality over quantity: in corporate gifts as in life.

His Inspirations

• Brian Tracy: a go-to author on personal development and sales.
• Steve Jobs: an inspiring biography.
• Scaling Up by Verne Harnish: for learning how to grow your business.
• EO Suisse Romande: the first network he recommends to entrepreneurs.
• His mentors: Jean De Wolf (communication and management) and Miles Hopwood (vision and scaling).

Where to Find Battista

• Gift Media — official website
• LinkedIn — his platform of choice
• Instagram — @giftmedia.ch

Conclusion

Battista Ravanne's journey is that of an entrepreneur who never stopped daring. From the neighbourhood where he sold hazelnuts as a kid, to the rings of Thailand, to leading Gift Media with 8 team members — every step has forged his determination.

👉 His message to the world comes down to one word: dare. A powerful reminder that degrees don't make the entrepreneur — but courage, curiosity, and action do.