Amsterdam. Milan. Paris. A work trip with soul.

This month, I traveled with my colleague Ashraf to Amsterdam, Milan, and Paris. Our goal was to explore how makers, designers, and educators across Europe are creating spaces that blend craft, innovation, and community. Three lessons stood out:

1. Constraints fuel creativity.

Clear boundaries, whether in materials, time, or tools, often lead to sharper ideas and more effective outcomes. When conditions are intentional, creativity shows up with clarity and purpose.

2. Learning comes alive through doing.

The most impactful spaces encouraged people to engage, explore, and experiment. When we allow ourselves to be in a state of process, real growth occurs.

3. Space guides behavior.

Every environment we stepped into carried an intention, in its layout, energy, and accessibility. When a space is designed with care, it invites people to collaborate, focus, and take creative risks.

To everyone who welcomed us with open doors and open minds: Merci. Grazie. Dank je.

Vincent Beekman from Cabiner, Hanneke Kramers from Leather Fashion Academy, Joost Alferink from Joost Alferink Design Consultancy, and Yoeri Nagtegaal from Nachtsmid.

Margherita Bocchi and Alessandro Masserdotti from OpenDot Milan, Giovanni Concolino and Jesus Marini Parissi from Moon Rabbit, Mattia Ciurnelli from Superforma, Giulia De Martini and Chiara Guiotto from Talent Garden Innovation School, Sofia d’Alessandro from Poli.Design Politecnico di Milano, Ghina Hneini from Parency, Paul Davet from WoMa – Fabrique de Quartier, and Sara Dsouki.

Let AI write with you, not for you

In the last two messages, we covered:
Step 1: Gather your writing samples
Step 2: Define your brand identity

Now it’s time for Step 3: Generate a LinkedIn article draft using AI.

This step only works if you’ve done the first two.
Your writing samples demonstrate your writing style.
Your brand identity defines your tone, style, and message.

Now? Pick one topic, something you care about, something your audience needs, and feed all that context into GPT.

“Write a LinkedIn article in my voice. Use a [insert tone] tone. Focus on [your topic].

Let AI draft. Then, edit it as you like.

You can explore the complete LinkedIn article process step by step.

A big congrats to Avni Martin

This month, I want to celebrate my friend and brilliant coach Avni Martin on the launch of her new book, Happy Ever After.

It’s on my immediate list to read. It's already a best seller and I'm not surprised. She’s one of those rare coaches who helps people lead with more truth and less noise. You can check out her book here: Happy Ever After on Amazon

Deep Dive Dardahchāt – May episodes

Sometimes the Most Valuable Thing I Do Is Ask One Good Question and Stay Quiet

Being a Dad Made Me a Better Coach. And Coaching, a Better Dad.

Tatiana on the plane

Two and a half hours flew by (literally), and we could have continued for another hour to cover the whole flight from Paris to Beirut.

We talked about design, maker spaces, work, creating things, life, family, planes, travel, and so much more. I may lose track of what we said, but I will never forget how I felt: heard, in the present, and connected to a wonderful soul.

"Let's take a selfie."

I pulled out my phone and snapped this picture on the escalator at the airport in Beirut. I did the generic V sign. She, on the on the other hand, pointed with her index finger. "To remember when we met for the first time," she said.

Tuesdays with Tony: Craft, culture, and the spaces in between