We were lucky to catch up with Gabriel Middlebrook recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Gabriel, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re very focused on here – improving our ability to make decisions. Everyday, we’re faced with decisions that can impact the future of our careers, businesses, relationships and more and so one of the most impactful areas for personal development, in our view, is decision-making. Can you talk to us about how you developed or improved your decision-making skills?
I developed my decision-making skills through a combination of life experiences, relentless determination, and trusting the process, no matter how uncertain it seemed. One of the most pivotal periods for me was battling cancer. Facing life-altering decisions about my health and future gave me a unique perspective on prioritization and understanding what truly matters. I learned that every choice, no matter how small, can have a ripple effect, and approaching decisions with both courage and clarity is vital.
Beyond personal struggles, my entrepreneurial journey with Plinkd played a significant role in honing my skills. Every day, I’m faced with decisions that directly impact the platform, our team, and our future. From choosing the right developers to deciding when to pivot or stay the course, I’ve learned to weigh the risks, trust data, and, most importantly, listen to my intuition. I also surround myself with a strong support system of mentors, advisors, and team members who provide perspective and guidance when tough calls need to be made.
Ultimately, I believe decision-making is about staying grounded, embracing failure as a stepping stone, and learning to act even in uncertainty. Each decision, whether right or wrong, contributes to growth, and that’s the foundation for building both character and success.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am the Founder and CEO of Plinkd, a revolutionary platform designed to transform the way people connect with local businesses and each other. At its core, Plinkd bridges the gap between discovery, engagement, and authentic social interaction. What sets us apart is our commitment to creating a seamless, one-stop experience—whether you’re a user looking to explore new places or a business aiming to attract and engage your target audience.
The most exciting aspect of Plinkd is how it allows users to showcase their unique lifestyles—just as they already do—while directly supporting local businesses. Whether you’re tagging your favorite restaurant, sharing a special event, or capturing a memorable night out, Plinkd enables users to tell their stories in a way that not only reflects their individuality but also uplifts the communities they live in. By turning everyday moments into meaningful connections, we’re creating an ecosystem that thrives on authenticity and mutual value.
On top of that, we’re working on something groundbreaking—the Plinkd Coin. This will be the world’s first lifestyle cryptocurrency, revolutionizing how businesses and users interact in the digital age. Through this system, businesses can engage users more effectively, and users can earn rewards for their interactions, likes, shares, and more. It’s about creating a new economy where everyone benefits.
As for what’s next, we’re expanding rapidly. From growing our partnerships with businesses, colleges and accelerator programs to gearing up for feature launches like AI-driven insights and tools, Plinkd is on the cusp of redefining the social and business landscape. We’re excited to invite everyone to be a part of this journey—unlock your lifestyle, support local, and be part of something that’s changing the game. The future of connecting, earning, and living is here, and it’s called Plinkd.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities were instrumental in my journey: resilience, vision, and adaptability. Each played a unique role in shaping my path and continues to guide me as I lead Plinkd into the future.
Resilience is at the core of everything I’ve achieved. From working 150-160 hours a week to fund my vision to battling cancer while building Plinkd, I learned that setbacks are simply setups for comebacks. The advice I’d give to anyone starting their journey is to cultivate a mindset that embraces challenges. Life won’t always go as planned, but if you can view adversity as an opportunity to grow, you’ll always find a way forward. Journaling your journey and reflecting on past wins—even small ones—can help you build this resilience over time.
Vision is what keeps you going when the road ahead is unclear. For me, Plinkd wasn’t just an app—it was the future of how people connect, live, and support their communities. My advice to others is to stay clear on your “why.” Why are you doing this? Who are you serving? What impact do you want to create? When you root your vision in purpose, it becomes your compass. Take time to dream big, set goals, and continuously revisit that north star when you feel lost.
Adaptability is the bridge between resilience and vision. The journey of building Plinkd required pivoting through multiple developers, redesigning systems, and rethinking our roadmap at every turn. The market changes, people come and go, and circumstances evolve—you have to be ready to pivot without losing sight of your bigger goals. My advice here is simple: stay open-minded and always listen to feedback. Surround yourself with diverse thinkers and be willing to challenge your own assumptions. In this fast-moving world, adaptability is the key to staying relevant.
To anyone early in their journey, I’d say this: don’t rush the process. Build resilience through experience, nurture your vision with purpose, and embrace adaptability by staying curious and open to change. These three qualities will not only guide you but will also become the foundation for your success.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely, collaboration is at the heart of what we’re building with Plinkd. Our vision is ambitious—creating a platform that redefines how people connect, live, and support their local communities. To achieve this, we’re looking for passionate and innovative partners who believe in this vision and want to be part of building the future.
We’re particularly interested in collaborating with:
1. Local Businesses – Plinkd thrives on fostering connections between people and their communities. We want to work with local businesses—restaurants, cafes, bars, fitness studios, and more—that want to connect with customers on a deeper level and showcase their unique offerings.
2. Influencers & Creatives – Individuals with a knack for storytelling and a genuine connection with their audience. If you love sharing experiences and believe in supporting local businesses, we’d love for you to amplify Plinkd’s mission and help us inspire others to explore, connect, and engage.
3. Tech Innovators – Developers, engineers, and data scientists who want to help us refine our platform and create cutting-edge features, like the Plinkd Coin ecosystem and AI-driven solutions. Collaboration with tech-forward minds will help us bring these ideas to life.
4. Investors & Mentors – Those who see the potential in Plinkd’s mission and want to support its growth. Whether it’s through funding, advice, or mentorship, your contributions can help us scale and make a global impact.
5. Community Builders – Organizations and individuals who believe in empowering people and fostering a sense of belonging. Whether you’re involved in tourism, community events, or social causes, let’s work together to create meaningful connections.
If you’re reading this and feel like your values align with ours, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you have a collaboration idea, want to join the Plinkd journey, or just want to chat, feel free to connect with us through support@plinkd.com or our instagram page: @plinkd. Together, we can build something truly revolutionary—one connection at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Plinkd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plinkd?igsh=YTVodTkyZWFqdTV1
- Twitter: https://x.com/plinkd?s=21
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
