Out of Comfort, Into Creativity — What Moving to Milan Taught Me About Change, Growth & Flexibility

In July, we decided to spend a few months in Milan. It seemed like one of those adventures that everyone should experience at some point in their life: sun, design and aperitivo. A short break to gain some perspective. In reality, however, it meant four weeks of packing, sorting, organising, finding a subletter for our apartment and saying goodbye to Hamburg.

What most people don’t know is that: I had actually lived in Milan once before, over ten years ago. Back then, it wasn’t a particularly good time. The city felt too loud, too fast and overwhelming. I never really felt like I belonged. So the idea of moving back wasn’t exactly my dream. But this time was different. The decision came from partner, Max. We’d been talking for a while about living abroad, changing our perspective and finding new inspiration — maybe even rediscovering a sense of lightness.

Italy made sense. He wanted to learn the language; I already speak it. And Milan — well, it was a strategic choice: it's international, creative and well-connected. So, we did it. We took a week-long road trip from Hamburg to Stuttgart and then down to Milan. On our very first night in the new apartment, I realised this might have been a terrible idea. Standing there amongst unpacked boxes with a thousand thoughts racing through our heads, we both felt like throwing everything out of the window. Instead, we decided to sleep on it and give it a fair chance.

Four weeks later, our doorman knows us by name; we've found our favourite restaurants; we go to the local market every Tuesday and Saturday; and Leila happily chases squirrels in the park. What once felt foreign now feels familiar. Somewhere between drinking espresso and checking emails, I realised that this city had something to teach me.

Something about change. Something about growth. And, most of all, it has taught me about flexibility.

1. Change is the Best Creativity Booster

Change is uncomfortable. It stirs things up, raises questions and forces you to adapt. However, it is also a way to start thinking creatively again.

Milan is a city of contrasts: past and future, chaos and beauty, speed and indulgence. Old palazzos with fading façades stand next to minimalist glass buildings. This tension between old and new inspires me every day. It reminds me that creativity never comes from balance, but from friction.

If you’re looking for creative energy, embrace change — in your thinking, your environment and your processes. Innovation happens when you allow yourself to change, even when it feels uncomfortable at first.

2. Out of Comfort, Into Growth

I thought I was settled in my thirties — grounded, organised and confident in my routines. And then came Milan — again.

It's a city I already knew — one I thought I had long left behind. I speak the language and I’m half Italian, but the north of Italy has its own energy. The pace instantly reminded me of my time in London — thrilling at the time, but exhausting when you’re trying to build a business and maintain your peace of mind.

What did I learn? When doubts arise, I no longer try to fight them — I simply let them exist. I’ve learned to accept things first before trying to control them. Through that acceptance, growth naturally follows.

Now, four weeks in, our doorman greets us by name, Leila (our dog) runs wild in the park and we grab our morning espresso at Anna's — to be honest, I don't even know the name of her café, but we started chatting with her, she introduced herself to us, and ever since, we just got used to say: “Let’s go to Anna’s”.

In my eyes, growth begins when you stop trying to control. Accept before you act. The ability to adapt without losing yourself is the same mindset that drives a business forward.

3. Flexibility Is Your Entrepreneurial Edge

I’m convinced that flexibility isn’t just a skill; it’s a mindset.

Things run differently in Milan than in Hamburg. Office hours, communication and mentality all move at a different pace and have their own logic. At first, I tried to 'do things right', as I was accustomed to doing. But I quickly realised that control doesn't work here. Adaptation does.

I’ve learned to think differently, let go of perfectionism and embrace a more flexible approach — without losing focus. The result? I feel calmer, more present and, ironically, more productive.

In a world that changes every day, flexibility isn’t optional — it’s essential. It's not rigid planning that sustains entrepreneurs in the long run, but the ability to evolve.

Final Thoughts

Milan wasn't a fresh start — it was a second chance.
It was an opportunity to experience the city in a new way. It was also a chance to see myself differently.

Change isn’t a risk; it’s a reminder.
A reminder that you’re never really “done”.
That you can reinvent yourself again and again.

It's something I've often discussed with friends, such as during my last retreat in Ibiza and recently with someone who works in the art world. The key is to take it one step at a time, let go of perfectionism (it only holds you back) and trust the process of stepping into the unknown.

That’s where you expand. That’s where you grow.
Whether it's in life or business, growth comes from trust, not control.

With love and trust from Milan ❤️
xx,
Lisa