Tuesday was a truly special day. A few months after graduating, I returned to university—but this time, not as a student, but from the other side of the desk!
I was invited to take part in a lecture on “Athlete Influencer Marketing” at the University of Bergamo, where I had the opportunity to share my journey and experience as an athlete working in the world of social media.
During the session, we explored various aspects of influencer marketing, with a particular focus on the role of the athlete-content creator. We discussed topics such as the creative process, authenticity, transparency, and engagement, reflecting on how different types of content shape the relationship with one’s community.
I shared my personal path, the choices that led me to collaborate with brands whose values align with mine, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics of campaign creation—balancing briefs, trust, and creative freedom. We also touched on important but often overlooked aspects, such as legal and contractual issues, which are rarely visible to outsiders but crucial in this field.
We didn’t shy away from discussing the challenges either: from inauthentic engagement to the toxicity of certain digital environments.
It was an honest and stimulating conversation, full of great questions and curious minds. Most of all, it was a chance to give a behind-the-scenes look at a profession that’s often misunderstood, yet increasingly central to modern brand communication.
A huge thank you to the University of Bergamo for this enriching opportunity and for welcoming me back to its classrooms—with a new perspective, but the same passion.
