[Podcast Episode #10] Who Do You Ask For 1 Million? - Power in Proximity: How Strategic Relationships Define Success
Episode #10
What would you do if you needed a million dollars tomorrow? For most entrepreneurs, this scenario represents a nightmare. For Cris Auditore, it was simply a matter of making one phone call to a trusted friend who wired the money within 24 hours—with no contract.
In this episode Cris and Philip explore how building authentic relationships across different wealth categories creates opportunities and opens doors for entrepreneurs seeking funding and support. They examine the power of proximity and trust that enables million-dollar favors without contracts, while emphasizing that true connection happens when you genuinely value people rather than approaching relationships transactionally.
Some topics covered are:
- Raising €1M in 24 Hours Through One Relationship
- Strategic Relationship Tiers by Wealth Level
- Authenticity as the Root of Trust
- How to Befriend the Wealthy
- Mother Teresa’s Model for Universal Connection
- Relationship-Building in Transactional Industries
- Turning Deals Into Relationship Opportunities
- And more…
Episode Summary
There’s a question that quietly exposes the architecture of one’s life: Who would you call if you needed a million euros—by tomorrow?
No pitch. No business plan. Just a single call—and trust that the money will arrive.
For Cris Auditore Zimmermann, this wasn’t a hypothetical. Between two major property acquisitions, he found himself needing one million euros—fast. And with one call to a trusted friend, the funds landed in his account within 24 hours. No contracts. No guarantees. Just relational equity built over years of integrity.
That story isn’t remarkable because of the amount. It’s remarkable because of what it reveals: proximity, trust, and the power of relational wealth. These principles, rooted deeply in the legacy of the Medici family, are at the heart of how Cris lives—and teaches—business today.
In the world of entrepreneurship, access to capital often becomes the fork in the road between progress and stagnation. Most founders work tirelessly on product, pitch, and profit. But few invest in the relational architecture that allows for real leverage. The Medici knew this centuries ago. They didn’t just fund buildings—they funded people. Artists. Philosophers. Kings. Popes.
Their brilliance? Building bridges at every level of society—from serving the poor to dining with the powerful.
This is what Cris calls “building your house.” Not the physical one, but the house of trust and influence that supports your vision when everything’s on the line. Who in your network can you call for €10? €10,000? A million? The answer reveals the true strength of your relationships—not your contact list.
And the key? Authenticity. Cris often says, “You become friends with a billionaire the moment you don’t want anything from them.” The affluent are used to being approached for favors. Real connection begins when you see them as people, not providers.
Mother Teresa embodied this better than anyone. She held the hands of the dying in the slums and also met with presidents and powerbrokers around the world. She knew that to move mountains, you need proximity in both the palace and the streets.
For business owners, this isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a framework. Categorize your relationships, not by wealth, but by depth. Invest in people with no strings attached. Play the long game. Because when your house is in order, and your reputation is built on trust, one phone call can change everything.
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Principles of success based on the life of Cosimo de’ Medici by Cris Auditore Zimmermann
