Giovanni Ansaldo, founder of Gio. Ansaldo & C. at the age of 33, is a historical figure of great depth: a man with multiple interests and passions, ranging from art to engineering, he is characterized by a strategic and courageous vision that led to becoming a pioneer of industrial innovation. It was Cavour who saw Giovanni Ansaldo as the ideal entrepreneur for his skills and energy, making him the operational arm of his strategic-industrial design aimed at laying the foundations for a modern economic development for unified Italy, transforming it from agricultural company to industrial company. Looking at his work, we can still draw inspiration from it today, capitalizing on his teachings and experiences to build an equally productive and innovative future.