Stephen Riggio

In this insightful conversation, Stephen Riggio, former CEO of Barnes & Noble and a champion of Sicilian literature, shares his transformative journey through family history and personal grief. He discusses the power of literature to connect cultures and the importance of storytelling in understanding one's identity. Riggio reflects on his Italian roots and how rediscovering his heritage became a healing process. He also touches on disability advocacy, emphasizing community support and the vibrant accomplishments of his daughter.

Stephen Riggio, the former CEO of Barnes & Noble, shares his inspiring journey of translating the epic Sicilian novel 'Sicilian Avengers.' Motivated by personal loss and a quest for connection with his Sicilian roots, he brings the story of the Beati Paoli—a secret society fighting injustice in 18th-century Sicily—to English-speaking audiences. Riggio discusses the healing power of storytelling, the challenges of translation, and his reflections on a successful retail career that began with a single bookstore.