I’m Giovanni Spitale, but you can call me Spit, which I’m totally cool with as a nickname. Born on December 3rd, 1987, I’ve journeyed through storytelling, philosophy and ethics. My goal? To use my expertise with ideas and stories to positively impact the world.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, a master’s in philosophical sciences, and a PhD in medical sciences. I deal mainly with applied/empirical ethics, bioethics, some moral philosophy.
I like to tell stories, because everything is a story to some degree, and stories are powerful engines to change people’s mind – and thus the world.
Above all, I like to mix things up: to bring my storytelling skills into academia (especially in empirical ethics projects), and to bring my academic knowledge into storytelling (because a good idea and a solid theory can only improve a story).
I got involved in storytelling and bioethics in 2009, when a serious bone marrow illness (no worries – still alive!) made it clear to me that I needed to convince people of the importance of choosing to give something of themselves to others.
In 2010, together with Pietro dal Prà, I started a targeted communication project, Climb For Life, which changed (at least a little) the world of mountaineering.
From 2012 to 2013, I honed my skills as the head of communications for a technical mountaineering apparel company. In 2013, I left a promising career to complete my master’s studies.
Post-master’s, I dabbled in various roles here and there (see: cv) and eventually found my happy place in Zurich, where I made lifelong friends, learned to fly, and earned my PhD.
Additionally, I’m a member of MENSA, the high IQ society. MENSA is an international organization that connects individuals with high IQs, providing a platform for intellectual exchange and activities. Membership in MENSA is exclusive, requiring a score within the top 2% of the general population on a standardized intelligence test. Being part of this society is not just about the recognition of intellectual abilities, but most importantly about being part of a global community that values knowledge, creativity, and a love for learning.
Since December 2022 I moved back home (as you might have noticed) in north-eastern Italy, embracing the schizophrenic balance of working remotely and living where my heart belongs.