In this conversation, Brett Dashevsky, Head of Content Creators at Kickstarter & Founder of Creator Economy NYC, discusses the rise of the creator economy and the importance of connecting with people behind brands. He shares his personal journey in the creator economy and highlights the value of providing meaningful content and building a strong community. Brett emphasizes the shift from following institutions to following individuals and the need for brands to humanize their marketing efforts. He also discusses the importance of shared beliefs and values in building true community. Brett discusses the importance of building a community and creating value in the creator economy. He shares his motivation to be part of something bigger than himself and the satisfaction he finds in impacting multiple people through his community-building efforts. Brett emphasizes the significance of soft skills in the creator economy, such as connecting with people, negotiating, and pitching oneself effectively. He also highlights the role of consistency and momentum in achieving success and the value of kindness in building relationships and networks. Lastly, Brett discusses Kickstarter's focus on helping content creators bring their ideas to life and the potential for creators to diversify their revenue streams. Takeaways The creator economy has experienced significant growth, with more individuals embracing content creation and monetization opportunities. People are increasingly connecting with individuals behind brands, seeking authenticity and personal connections. Providing value and building a strong community are essential in the creator economy. Humanizing brands and showcasing shared beliefs and values can foster stronger connections with audiences. Building a community and creating value are essential in the creator economy. Striving to be part of something bigger than oneself can be a powerful motivator. Soft skills, such as connecting with people and negotiating, are crucial for success in the creator economy. Consistency and momentum are key to achieving success in the long term. Kindness plays a significant role in building relationships and networks. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 02:09 - The Rise of the Creator Economy 04:16 - Personal Journey in the Creator Economy 09:05 - The Shift to Following People, Not Just Brands 10:21 - Motivation for Connecting with People Behind Brands 13:18 - The Importance of Humanizing Brands 20:18 - Building True Community 23:03 - Facilitating Many-to-Many Connections 25:53 - Shared Beliefs and Values in Community Building 30:43 - Building a Community and Creating Value 31:49 - Striving to Be Part of Something Bigger 36:23 - The Importance of Soft Skills in the Creator Economy 40:05 - Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated 45:38 - Consistency and Momentum in Success 52:37 - Kickstarter's Role in Supporting Content Creators 58:23 - The Role of Kindness in Building Success