Doing The Right Things in Business, Growth Hacking, Ai & Marketing

In 1999, I stepped away from higher education and embarked on my professional journey in the world of print design. At that time, the digital revolution was just beginning to reshape our world, and I recognized the internet as the future’s canvas. With a blend of intuition and foresight, I pivoted my focus and devoted myself to mastering the intricacies of the web.

Embracing the rigors of self-education, I invested countless hours into understanding the mechanics of online spaces, from coding languages to user experience. My commitment to learning paid off, allowing me to ride the wave of digital transformation with confidence and skill.

At the age of 25, with a foundation of knowledge and a vision for what lay ahead, I made the pivotal decision to step into the realm of self-employment. This marked the beginning of an enduring entrepreneurial chapter, where I would not only apply my skills but also grow them, leading to the establishment of my own companies and a robust career marked by innovation and leadership in the digital domain.

The year 2006 was a milestone in my professional saga, marking the launch of my inaugural enterprise: a comprehensive agency specializing in web design, development, SEO, and print services. At that time, the digital landscape was still in its embryonic stages, a frontier rich with opportunity for those with the vision and tenacity to seize it.

My first venture quickly proved to be a remarkable success, generating a modest turnover in its initial year—a testament to the burgeoning potential of the web and the public’s readiness to embrace it. The rapid growth necessitated swift adaptation; I found myself scaling the business, bringing on staff, and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

As the leader of my burgeoning agency, I adopted a policy of reinvestment, channeling every ounce of profit back into the firm. This strategy wasn’t merely about expanding our footprint but also about deepening our capabilities, refining our services, and securing a competitive edge in the fast-evolving digital market. Year after year, we didn’t just grow; we evolved, always staying one step ahead in an industry where change is the only constant.

After a rewarding yet intense period immersed in the digital realm, I found myself at a crossroads, grappling with burnout. It was then that I chose to reinvent my professional path and dive headfirst into the uncharted waters of the entertainment industry. With no prior experience but a wealth of marketing acumen, I set my sights on a new challenge: to create and grow what would become the preeminent live entertainment agency in Barcelona.

Harnessing my marketing expertise, I curated a diverse array of live comedy, music, and radio shows, filling every night of the week with vibrant performances. This bold move forced me to confront and overcome my reservations about public speaking as I took to the stage almost nightly, playing the dual roles of host and producer.

The rapid success of our events necessitated an expansion to accommodate the burgeoning demand. In a few short years, our reputation for excellence reached international shores, attracting renowned American comedians eager to perform in Barcelona. Our collaboration with comedy icon Jim Gaffigan marked a significant milestone, culminating in the production of two television specials for Amazon Prime and Netflix.

Buoyed by this wave of success, we ventured further, investing in the culinary and nightlife scene with a pizzeria and an entertainment bar, both of which quickly became staples in the heart of Barcelona. My journey through the entertainment industry not only tested the limits of my versatility but also allowed me to leave an indelible mark on the city’s cultural landscape.

At the pinnacle of our success, our team had grown to 37 employees across our ventures. Then, the unthinkable happened: Covid-19 struck. We were ready to expand, but the pandemic had other plans. Our operations in live entertainment and food & beverage, once thriving sectors, were among the hardest hit. With lockdowns in full effect, the bar’s doors shuttered, and the stage lights dimmed indefinitely. The financial hemorrhage was swift and unforgiving.

The gains we had worked so hard to accumulate were wiped out in what felt like an instant. The crisis forced my hand; I had to make the agonizing decision to close businesses that I had built from the ground up. It was a battle for survival.

In the face of this adversity, I had to pivot—returning to the roots of marketing and development. I channeled my focus into writing software designed to help others expand their social media presence. This initiative blossomed into a new success story, generating a huge turnover, a testament to resilience and adaptability.

Yet, the toll was more than financial. The stress precipitated a personal crisis at what was already a tumultuous time, with a baby on the way and the loss of my business empire. I was navigating through the darkest period of my life, and my mental health suffered gravely. The subsequent diagnoses of ADHD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and PTSD shed light on many of my past challenges. But through this crucible, I found strength, and it forged a new path forward.

Today, I stand at the forefront of AI and automation, applying these powerful tools to revolutionize my business practices. I’ve developed bots that operate tirelessly, providing efficiencies that have redefined what’s possible in my professional endeavors. These bots haven’t just replaced the need for a larger workforce; they’ve unlocked a new realm of potential.

Now, as I embark on this next chapter, I do so with hard-won wisdom and a commitment to innovation. The journey has been fraught with challenges, but each has shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today, ever-evolving and ready to face the future.