Oct 19, 2024
Read Time: 3 mins
The Who
What inspired you to become a community practitioner? Was there a specific event or individual that motivated you?
Growing up in a small city in the countryside, I was surrounded by a big community of family, neighbors, and friends. My mother was my biggest inspiration. She was an informal community leader in our city, and I was always amazed at how she balanced work, family, and her constant willingness to help others. She was a gatherer—actively involved in social projects, both formally and informally. Watching her lead with care and purpose shaped my perspective on the importance of community. When you grow up with that, you assume the whole world works this way—until you realize it doesn’t. That realization strengthened my belief in fostering communities wherever I go.
The Why
What role do you think communities play in the future of your business—be it from a brand, talent, innovation, or sustainability perspective?
Communities are the glue that holds everything together. Whether in commercial projects or associations, they inspire like-minded people, motivate collaboration, and help members rely on one another. It’s through communities that we can achieve bigger achievements, giving people a sense of belonging and a way to bring ideas to life. In today’s increasingly isolated world, they make projects work and keep us feeling alive.
For sustainability, one of the greatest challenges we face, individual actions aren’t enough. Real progress comes from collective action and togetherness—that’s where communities truly shine.
The What
Can you share a success story where community cultivation efforts, either inside your organization or across the ecosystem, led to meaningful impact?
During the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, I was working as a community manager for a pan-European network of creative hubs. We launched an initiative to support displaced Ukrainians by creating a database of spaces and cities willing to host them. The database included details about what each space could provide—workspaces, communities, language courses, psychological support, and even accommodation. We matched displaced creative professionals with these spaces, and the response was immense.
This grassroots effort showed the power of fostering a community and helping members see their role in the bigger picture. While we measured results informally, the number of successful matches was incredibly high, proving how impactful collective action can be.
What strategies have you found effective in fostering a culture of collaboration and trust, the key ingredients for communities? How do you maintain and nurture this culture over time?
Consistency and honesty are essential for fostering collaboration and trust. Open communication—free of artificial language—helps people feel connected and valued. Being present and responsive to the community’s needs is just as important. Practically, this means organizing events (both online and offline) to connect people and address their challenges. Between events, staying engaged—connecting members and helping them rely on their peers—builds trust and keeps the community thriving.
The How
How do you manage to keep your community vibrant and engaged? What activities or strategies do you find most effective in maintaining enthusiasm?
Keeping a community vibrant means involving its members. Assigning roles, listening to their needs, and exploring new ways to connect are key strategies. For instance, when we introduced Discord, active members volunteered to set it up. This gave them ownership of the platform and made it a space that benefited everyone.
The Next
What role do you see technology playing in the future of community cultivation? Are there any emerging tools or platforms you are particularly excited about?
I’m more of an analog person and tend to be a late adopter of technology, but I see the value in platforms like Discord for cultivating larger online communities. That said, I worry digital communities can sometimes disconnect people from their local, physical ones, leading to isolation. While technology has its benefits, I believe it’s crucial to balance it with real-world, local connections.
What advice would you give to other leaders looking to adopt a community-powered lens in their organizations? What common pitfalls should they avoid?
The first step is to listen—active listening and empathy are key to empowering your community. When people feel heard and valued, they’re more likely to embrace the mission and contribute meaningfully. A common pitfall is using terms like “diversity” and “inclusion” superficially, without understanding or implementing them properly. Leaders should seek guidance from community leaders or experts to ensure their actions are meaningful. Building communities requires authenticity and real action—not empty words.