The Gondola Tilt
Gondolas are designed to tilt. They are not symmetrical, they’re not perfectly balanced, and they’re not trying to be. That tilt is intentional. Without it, the pilot would lose control, and the boat would become unstable.
Here is the part most people miss: The tilt is what makes the gondola work.
And honestly, that is a better picture of real life than the idea of “work-life balance.” People love to talk about balance like it is some perfect fifty-fifty split. Anyone who has ever built something meaningful knows that is a fantasy.
-Success requires seasons where you lean harder into your work.
-Family requires seasons where you lean harder at home.
-Purpose requires seasons where you shift again.
It is never even. It is never symmetrical. And it is not supposed to be.
Here is the real lesson: You do not need perfect balance to build an extraordinary life. You need the right tilt.
Know what matters in the season you are in, lean into it unapologetically, and stop pretending a perfectly balanced life is the goal.
Gondolas don't float straight, and neither do successful people. They build the tilt that keeps them steady and moving forward.
Joe Altieri is the Inventor and former CEO of FlexScreen. His product – the world’s first and only flexible window screen - was featured on ABC’s hit show, Shark Tank, where he hooked a deal with the proclaimed “Queen of QVC,” Lori Greiner.
BY JOE ALTIERI
A third-generation entrepreneur, Joe Altieri, is the inventor, founder, and former CEO of FlexScreen.
During his 20+ years in the window industry, Joe recognized the inherent problems with old-style aluminum window screens and personally dealt with constant customer frustration. Always an outside-the-box thinker, he knew there had to be a better way, so he set up shop in his garage and got to work. After years of trial and error, FlexScreen, the world's first and only flexible window screen, was born.
As the first "new" idea in an old industry, FlexScreen quickly gained international attention and earned multiple awards. Most notably, FlexScreen was catapulted to the forefront when Joe appeared on ABC's hit show, Shark Tank™, in January 2020. Three of the five Sharks battled for a piece of FlexScreen with Lori Greiner, the Queen of QVC, ultimately winning the deal. Since that first appearance, Joe has appeared on Shark Tank twice more in update segments highlighting the meteoric rise of FlexScreen in the window industry, with Lori Greiner stating, "I actually think that FlexScreen may wind up to be one of the best and most successful products in Shark Tank history."
In February 2025, FlexScreen was acquired by RiteScreen - the largest independent manufacturer of window screens in America. What started as an idea in Joe's garage has become a true American Dream success story.
Joe is a firm believer in giving back and is generous with his resources and time. He has been honored and recognized as one of Pittsburgh's Volunteers of the Year. He lives in Pittsburgh with his wife, Alisha. They have four children, seven grandchildren, and one very pampered Cane Corso.
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A highly accomplished, decorated leader with decades of experience, Joe is a sought-after thought leader and speaker. For bookings, speaking engagements, podcast guest spots, general inquiries, or just to say hello, please complete the form, and someone will be in touch!