Paolo, you strongly believe that entrepreneurs and freelancers benefit more from supportive communities than from platforms alone. What do you mean by this, and how do you address this need in your work each day?

You’re absolutely right—I’m a huge advocate for the idea that entrepreneurs and freelancers need real support and genuine communities, not just platforms. Platforms are everywhere today, offering gigs, leads, and quick transactions, but they often treat people like commodities, focusing on volume over value. They connect freelancers to clients, sure, but there’s very little beyond that—no meaningful engagement, no opportunities for growth or connection beyond the next job or project. It’s a system that feeds off transactions, and while it’s convenient, it’s ultimately shallow and unsustainable.

What I’m arguing for is something deeper: support systems that don’t just help you land a gig but actually nurture your growth as a professional and as a person. Entrepreneurs and freelancers are out there navigating uncertain waters, often alone, with no roadmap and no safety net. Platforms don’t address that isolation; they don’t provide the kind of mentorship, collaboration, or emotional support that people really need. Communities, on the other hand, offer something invaluable: connection, shared wisdom, and the power of collective growth.

Think about it: when you’re part of a community, you have people to turn to when things go wrong, mentors who can share their hard-earned lessons, and peers who inspire you to push your boundaries. You can learn from others’ successes and failures, collaborate on projects, or simply find comfort in knowing you’re not alone. A strong community gives you a sense of belonging and a network that lifts you up, not just an algorithm that assigns you jobs. Communities are where you grow your skills, discover new opportunities, and build authentic relationships that can transform your career.

In my daily work, I live and breathe this belief. I’m always trying to foster connections between people, to facilitate conversations that go beyond “How do I get the next gig?” and instead ask, “How do we all grow together?” This might mean hosting networking events, offering mentorship programs, or creating spaces where people can openly share their struggles and their breakthroughs. I emphasize the importance of peer support, where people help each other succeed, rather than competing in a zero-sum game for clients or attention.

For freelancers, I focus on helping them build their own ecosystems of support—whether it’s through joining professional networks, attending workshops that go beyond just technical skills, or finding accountability partners who keep them motivated. I encourage people to engage in communities where they can be both a student and a teacher—where they can learn from others but also contribute their own expertise.

For entrepreneurs, I stress the importance of surrounding themselves with other like-minded visionaries, people who understand the emotional rollercoaster of building something from the ground up. I make it a point to connect entrepreneurs to potential collaborators or even just offer a space where they can brainstorm ideas and talk through challenges. Because let’s face it: the entrepreneurial journey is tough, and platforms don’t care about your sleepless nights or the anxiety of meeting payroll. But a community does.

Every day, I’m looking for ways to build bridges, not just provide services. I encourage the freelancers and entrepreneurs I work with to invest in relationships, to contribute to their communities as much as they take from them. When you lift others up, you’re creating a culture of mutual support that’s infinitely more powerful than any algorithm-driven platform.

So, how do I answer this belief in my daily work? By always putting people first. By being a connector, a supporter, and a builder of spaces where real, transformative connections can happen. Platforms may provide gigs, but communities give you the foundation to build a meaningful, sustainable career. And that’s what I want for everyone: not just survival, but thriving through connection.