An ode to network optimisation & monetisation (a short story about a music hub)

Four years ago, Georges Perot, the visionary behind HEMI - Hub for the Exchange of Music Innovation, invited me to mentor for this European initiative supporting artists and music professionals in Central and South Eastern Europe. I had some mentorship experience, but HEMI was a pivotal step. As I prepare for the Linecheck Conference in Milan, I have been reflecting on my journey. We’ll meet for a farewell to HEMI next week after three transformative years: mentors, mentees, and partners celebrating a period defined by network growth, optimisation, and monetisation. It’s also a time to recognise the mentees, who now carry invaluable skills, insights, and connections.

Over nearly five years of mentorship, I often ask: who is the mentee, really? HEMI has taught me as much as I’ve shared. Mentoring nine outstanding HEMI participants, joining my first advisory board, connecting with music tech startups, and learning from fellow mentors have broadened my perspective and sharpened my skills. HEMI has expanded my network and led to involvement and collaboration with HEMI Music Awards, Music Estonia, Music Tech Europe Academy, Athens Music Week, MESO Events, Music Innovation Hub, Eastern European Music Academy, and more. Not to mention the friends I've made. Mentoring has become central to my freelance business—sometimes monetised directly, other times through volunteering, where the returns go beyond the financial. I’ve refined my moderation and curation skills, which I showcased by coordinating last year’s Athens Music Week programme with Chris Hocking, Georges and the Team.

This journey continues. I now mentor for the Big.Ass.Kids Autumn Internship Programme, Music Estonia's AMP Development Programme, and most recently, I have joined the Help Musicians Co-Pilot Mentoring Programme, a partner of PRS for Music and The Ivors Academy .

If this isn’t network optimisation and monetisation, what is?