Ever had that moment where it feels like the world’s spinning faster, and everyone around you is racing toward success while you’re still figuring things out? Yeah, we’ve all been there. My journey—from a small town in Italy to studying at top institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Oxford—didn’t start with a grand plan. It started with one big, scary decision: to leave home, move abroad, and chase a dream.
But it wasn’t just about earning a degree or a fancy title. My brother and I were after something more—growth, purpose, and the chance to connect with leaders who could push us further. It wasn’t always easy, and we didn’t always have it all figured out. So, what kept us going? Two things: family values and a mission that actually meant something real.
My grandfather’s favorite saying—“Vai con chi è meglio di te e fagli le spese”—which loosely means, “Surround yourself with people who push you to grow,” became our mantra. We weren’t in it to win a race; we were in it to find people who’d inspire and challenge us to level up. And this mindset became the heart of DreamanDo, a global movement built to share that same energy with the world.
Why Mission and Values Matter (Even When the World’s Moving at 100mph)
Let’s be real: the pressure to succeed right now is intense, especially for Gen Z. According to a report by Deloitte, nearly 50% of Gen Z feels disconnected from purpose, which is why burnout is becoming so common. The reality is, without a real mission and values backing you up, success can feel empty. Trust me, I’ve seen it firsthand.
1. A mission is your compass. It’s the ‘why’ behind everything you do. For my brother and me, our mission was simple: we wanted to excel, but not just for ourselves. We wanted to build something bigger, something that would lift others up along the way. According to research, people with a strong sense of purpose are 2.4 times more likely to feel engaged at work. Your mission keeps you going when things get tough (and they will).
2. Values are your vibe-check. In a world where success is constantly being defined for you, your values are what keep you grounded. For us, it’s growth and passion—the core of everything we do. Studies show that employees whose personal values align with their workplace are 90% more likely to stay with the company. If what you’re chasing doesn’t match your values, it won’t matter how fast you get there—you won’t feel fulfilled.
3. Purpose = no burnout. Ticking off short-term goals without a sense of purpose leads to burnout. But when you have a clear purpose, all the hustle starts to make sense. Studies show that people with a strong purpose in life tend to live longer and report 2x the life satisfaction compared to those who don’t. You’re not just running—you’re running toward something that lights you up.
4. Your people will find you. A strong mission and values don’t just guide you—they attract the right people into your life. Like my grandpa’s proverb taught me, when you surround yourself with people who elevate you, that’s when the magic happens. Studies show that 85% of job opportunities are filled through networking. It’s not just about what you know, but who you grow with.
From Family Values to Global Movement
DreamanDo didn’t just pop out of nowhere. It’s the evolution of everything we learned growing up. Our family values—growth and passion—are the foundation of everything we do. But we took it one step further: we transformed those values into a global community, one that’s all about eradicating inequalities, giving people access to opportunities, and helping them believe in their own potential.
It’s not just about our story anymore—it’s about building a movement. DreamanDo is about creating a ripple effect, where every person who believes in their own growth passes it on to others. Research shows that strong communities increase success rates by 50%. Our family values aren’t just for us; they’re for everyone who joins this community.
The Secret Sauce to Going Global
When my brother and I set off to study abroad, we had no clue how far it would take us. We just knew we wanted to push ourselves, meet people who would challenge us, and step outside our comfort zones. This journey of pursuing excellence wasn’t just about hitting career milestones; it was about expanding our horizons, making meaningful connections, and finding our path as international leaders.
Here’s what we learned along the way—and what you can take with you:
• Don’t grow alone. Find your tribe—the people who inspire you, push you, and help you grow. Surrounding yourself with the right people is key. Growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s all about the energy you keep around you.
• Follow your passion, but with purpose. Passion’s great, but without purpose, it fizzles out. Get clear on why you’re doing what you’re doing, and let that drive you through the tough times.
• Community is everything. Family might have been the start for us, but DreamanDo is about expanding that into a global community of people who lift each other up. Find your community, and you’ll go further than you ever imagined.
• Take that leap. Whether it’s moving abroad, chasing a wild dream, or launching something new, don’t let fear hold you back. Real growth comes when you step out of your comfort zone.
Purpose in a Fast-Paced World: The Key to Not Getting Lost
It’s easy to feel lost when you’re constantly chasing quick wins and comparing yourself to everyone’s highlight reel. Studies show that 1 in 3 young people feel trapped in a cycle of comparison. But here’s the real secret to long-term success: it’s not about how fast you get there, it’s about knowing why you’re doing it in the first place.
At DreamanDo, we’re here to help you figure that out. Our mission is to help people not only achieve their goals but to find meaning in what they do. We believe success is about more than checking off to-do lists—it’s about creating a life that’s aligned with your mission and values, one where growth and passion fuel everything you do.
So yeah, the world may be moving fast, but with a clear purpose, you can move in the right direction—and that’s what will keep you going and dreaming (while Doing).
