After a short release in cinemas, the biopic arrives on television on Canale 5 in prime time on Sunday 24 November There is still tomorrowI dedicated to Ennius Doris a film wanted by his family after his death, and directed by Giacomo Campiotti. It has the same title as his autobiography (published by Sperling & Kupfer) and presents him as a man of humble origins who built an empire after a dream.
Little Ennio, born in Tombolo (Padua) on 2 July 1940, was destined to help his father in the cow business after the fifth grade. Good kidney disease weakened him and his family decided to let him study. As an accountant he got his first job as a door-to-door salesman at Banca Antoniana di Padova e Trieste (later Antonveneta) in the San Martino di Lupari (PD) branch, where he stayed for eight years.
When he saw that Gianfranco Cassol, his student, was an entrepreneur, in 1969 he started his activity in the field of financial consulting for the company Fideuram. Noticing the difficulties that workers like his father had in having a pension and being able to take time off work to take care of himself, he developed the idea of creating a financial institution that would adapted to ordinary people.
Meeting Silvio Berlusconi, which happened by chance in Portofino, was decisive for the creation of Banca Mediolanumalthough Ennio Dopris was there on holiday with his wife Lina Tombolatro (they married in 1966, their son Massimo was born a year later and Anna Sara in 1970).
An interview with Berlusconi in the monthly magazine made a big impression on Doris Capitalin which the entrepreneur declared: «If anyone has an idea and wants to be an entrepreneur, come and visit me. And if the idea is good we work on it together.”
Ennio Doris had a very ambitious idea, but he didn’t have the capital. So he did everything to get an appointment with Berlusconi and he convinced him. In February 1982, the company Programma Italia was born, the first network in Italy to provide global advice in the savings sector, jointly owned by the Fininvest Group and Ennio Doris. In 1994 Programma Italia SpA changed its name to Mediolanum SpA, which was listed in June 1996 on the Italian Stock Exchange and joined the MIB 30 starting from 1998 onwards.
In the May 1997 the new Banca Mediolanum was born with Ennio Doris as president.
Starting in 1999, For many years, Doris was also the spokesperson for advertising spots in which she acted in the first person by tracing a circle in the sand with a compass.
One of the most significant events in the life of Ennio Doris was also chosen as the opening and closing moments of the film: September 10, 2008after the collapse of Lehman Brothers, Ennio Doris gave a famous speech in front of the investors in the Paleocapa building in Finivest announcing that Mediolanum shareholders, especially small savers, would not suffer the consequences of that terrible crisis, and that he would cover the losses with his own funds.
Having been ill for some time, in March 2020 he donated 5 million euros to the Veneto region for the battle against Covid-19.
He died aged 81 on November 24, 2021 and was buried in Tombolo cemetery in the family chapel.
What key lessons can entrepreneurs learn from Ennio Doris’s journey in the financial sector?
Interview Between Time.News Editor and Financial Expert Dr. Luisa Bianchi
Time.News Editor (T.N.E.): Good day, Dr. Bianchi! Thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss the recent biopic titled There Is Still Tomorrow, which focuses on the life of Ennio Doris, a remarkable figure in the world of finance. What were your initial thoughts about the film?
Dr. Luisa Bianchi (D.B.): Thank you for having me! Watching There Is Still Tomorrow was truly inspiring. The film beautifully captures Doris’s humble origins and illustrates how he transformed his dreams into a reality. His story is not just about financial success but also about resilience and innovation.
T.N.E.: Absolutely! It’s fascinating to see how a young boy from Tombolo, who initially had a health setback, turned into a pioneer of modern finance. The film presents Doris as someone who saw opportunities where others saw challenges. How did Doris’s early life experiences shape his later career choices?
D.B.: Doris’s journey is a testament to the potential of education and perseverance. Early on, he was destined to work within his family’s cow business, but after overcoming health issues, he was allowed to continue his studies. His experience as a door-to-door salesman at Banca Antoniana taught him valuable lessons about customer engagement, empathy, and the importance of financial security—knowledge he later applied when founding Banca Mediolanum.
T.N.E.: Speaking of Banca Mediolanum, the film highlights how a chance meeting with Silvio Berlusconi changed everything for Doris. Can you elaborate on that pivotal moment?
D.B.: That meeting was a turning point for Doris. He had an ambitious idea for creating a financial institution tailored to the needs of everyday people. Berlusconi’s invitation for aspiring entrepreneurs to share their ideas opened the door for Doris. It showcases the importance of networking and recognizing the right opportunities—the ethos of entrepreneurship.
T.N.E.: Doris had the vision but lacked the capital initially. How does this reflect on the broader theme of entrepreneurship, particularly for emerging business leaders today?
D.B.: It emphasizes that a great idea alone isn’t sufficient; access to resources and mentorship plays a crucial role. For many entrepreneurs, especially those with limited funds, building relationships and networking can be just as crucial as having a solid business plan. Doris’s story illustrates that determination, overcoming obstacles, and strategic partnerships can pave the way for success.
T.N.E.: What legacy do you think Ennio Doris leaves behind for future generations in the financial sector?
D.B.: Doris’s legacy is multifaceted. He revolutionized the way banking services are offered to individuals, focusing on accessibility and personal finance education. His story serves as a reminder that with ambition and hard work, individuals can make a significant impact. I believe future business leaders will be inspired by his ability to relate to the common individual and his dedication to improving their financial well-being.
T.N.E.: Thank you, Dr. Bianchi, for sharing your insights on Ennio Doris’s life and the implications of his story for aspiring entrepreneurs. It’s clear that his influence extends beyond just financial success.
D.B.: Thank you for having me! I’m glad to discuss Ennio Doris’s inspiring journey. It’s a story that resonates widely and encourages us all to pursue our dreams with passion and perseverance.