Meet Benedetto Motisi

We had the good fortune of connecting with Benedetto Motisi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Benedetto, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Over time, my work-life balance has evolved significantly, particularly as I’ve embraced the digital landscape and, more recently, the revolutionary potential of AI. For those of us who work in digital, but also for many others, AI isn’t just a tool for efficiency—it’s an opportunity to reimagine how we balance work and personal life.

One of the key benefits I’ve experienced is the flexibility that comes with remote work. I remember the exhausting days of commuting—especially in a city like Rome, where the thought of navigating traffic could feel soul-crushing. Transitioning to working remotely saved not just time and money but also a significant amount of mental energy.

That said, remote work comes with its own challenges. The line between “work mode” and “personal time” can easily blur. I’ve learned the importance of setting boundaries—closing the laptop at a reasonable hour, stepping away from my workspace, and prioritizing activities that recharge me.

AI, I believe, is the next step in this evolution. It’s helping us automate repetitive tasks and refocus our energy on what truly matters—whether that’s in our professional projects or personal growth. Instead of being enslaved to screens and deadlines, we now have tools that can create space for more meaningful work and, more importantly, a richer personal life.

I like to see work-life balance as a dynamic process, not a fixed destination. It’s about continuously assessing what works best for you and adjusting as life evolves. For me, this mindset has been key to staying motivated and fulfilled.

I’ll admit, there were years when I found myself overworking, often stuck in repetitive and operational tasks because there really weren’t many alternatives. It wasn’t sustainable, and it took a toll. But with AI now at my disposal, I’ve been able to shift my focus toward the strategic aspects of projects. This allows me to work faster, more accurately, and—most importantly—in a way that promotes a much healthier balance for my mental and physical well-being.

I think this is a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. Conversations around work-life balance are often overshadowed by the “always-on” culture or the glorification of work as a lifestyle. There’s this pervasive idea that constant hustle equates to success, and frankly, it’s exhausting.

Even someone like Elon Musk, known for his relentless work ethic, manages to find time to excel at Diablo IV. Let that sink in—it’s genuinely impressive (and trust me, it’s not an easy game). If someone at his level of intensity can carve out time for leisure, it’s proof that balance is not only possible but essential.

What I’ve realized is that balance doesn’t mean doing less—it means doing what matters. AI has been instrumental in helping me make that shift, freeing me from the mundane and allowing me to focus on areas where I can add real value. And when you’re working on what excites and energizes you, finding time for yourself becomes a natural extension of that process.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Over twenty years ago, I left my small hometown in Sicily to pursue studies “on the Continent,” as we say when referring to mainland Italy, focusing on journalism. Like so many others, I had no real understanding of the challenging realities of that field—challenges that existed long before the rise of AI, which now threatens to deliver a blow that feels less like a setback and more like a near-Fatality.

I eventually shifted toward more business-oriented fields—not entirely by chance, as I was fortunate to have strong role models early on. This pivot allowed me to travel, work in Switzerland, and develop projects in Ukraine, which have continued despite the ongoing geopolitical challenges in the region.

If there’s one skill that has kept me on course, it’s adaptability. Being able to recalibrate and adjust to new circumstances has been my compass in navigating uncertainty. That’s not to say I don’t have fears about the future, but as a Magic: The Gathering card once said, “Only the mad do not know fear.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is an interesting question because I’d first have to decide whether to take them to Sicily, Rome, or Lviv.

Considering my best friend is from Rome and has already visited Lviv, I’d choose my homeland—Sicily—for this trip. 😄

In a week, we could plan an amazing tour starting in Palermo. We’d explore the historic and most authentic spots, like the vibrant markets of Ballarò and Vucciria, and indulge in the most traditional Sicilian food at local, unpretentious places that truly capture the essence of the island.

From there, I’d take them to the smaller towns where I spent my teenage years, showing them beaches mostly frequented by locals—hidden gems that aren’t overrun by tourists. It would be the perfect mix of culture, history, incredible food, and the kind of relaxed, genuine vibe that only Sicily can offer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A big driving force behind what I do comes from the responsibility I feel toward the people who, by the natural order of things, will outlive me. If you’ve ever seen that iconic scene from The Simpsons, where Homer, discouraged by his job, looks at the plaque with photos of Maggie spelling out the words “Do it for her,” then you’ll understand exactly what I mean.

If I were on my own, I’ll admit, my mindset—and consequently my actions—would probably be very different. But that’s not the case, fortunately. And because of that, it’s essential to stay the course and keep moving forward.

Linkedin: https://it.linkedin.com/in/benedettomotisi

Image Credits
for the first no problem, for the rest “by Hotpot”