Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gabriele Di Sazio. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Gabriele, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
I have a long history of losing myself and forgetting the importance of self-care.
The first step I took to improve the situation was to create a precise schedule, allowing me to reserve some time during the day for activities unrelated to work. Once I implemented this change, I also broadened the range of activities I engaged in.
Working out has undoubtedly been one of the most important practices. It has a positive impact on my overall well-being, clearing my mind and providing me with more energy. I don’t overdo it; typically, I dedicate around 30 minutes to a home workout, followed by long walks while listening to audiobooks (currently enjoying “Homo Deus” by Yuval Noah Harari). Even this simple routine improves my mental health and boosts my motivation.
Reading is another daily self-care activity I prioritize. To be fair, I don’t usually view it as intentional self-care, as I primarily do it out of love rather than a perceived necessity. Nonetheless, it brings a wonderful sense of peace to my life. It offers me tranquility and the joy of discovery while also inspiring my writing. It also presents a challenge. For instance, when I immerse myself in books like “Go Tell it to the Mountain” by James Baldwin, it urges me to go deeper into my own stories and characters, in the attempt (even though I may never fully achieve it) to reach the profound depths found in Baldwin’s novels.
Last but not least, spending quality time with my partner, friends, and maintaining regular contact with my family in Italy is an essential part of my self-care routine. It serves as a reminder that our successes only hold true significance when we can share them with those we deeply care about.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a writer/director from Italy, and I have been living in LA for the past three years. After directing several short films that have been screened worldwide, I embarked on a career as a Dubbing Director for renowned TV shows and movies produced by Netflix, Disney, and Amazon Studios. Within just three years, I have contributed to nearly fifty projects. Notably, “All of Us Are Dead” (Netflix, 2022) emerged as one of the most successful TV shows in Netflix’s history.
Currently, I am in the process of returning to the set to work on my first feature film titled “Altrove,” which translates to “Elsewhere” in Italian. It is an incredibly personal story set between San Francisco and Sicily, my place of origin. The film explores the breakup of a family.
Currently, I am also developing an idea for a TV show, which I hope I will be able to shoot in the next few years.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Stubbornness. Clarity of vision. Honesty.
I believe that stubbornness is crucial, as long as it is accompanied by the other two qualities. If you’re stubborn without having clarity of vision or without being honest, you may end up making misguided choices. However, when supported by clarity and honesty, stubbornness becomes immensely valuable. It empowers you to forge ahead despite the numerous challenges in your path.
Clarity of vision entails having a specific goal and objective. It is essential to understand what you are pursuing and chasing. So many people, knowingly or unknowingly, may attempt to alter that vision. Yet, possessing clarity means remaining focused and aware not only of your goals but also of the motivations behind them.
Honesty, in my opinion, is simply the most vital quality one can possess. Knowing and accepting who you are and who you aspire to be enables you to be flexible with both yourself and others. It fosters kindness, appreciation, and forgiveness.
As for developing or improving these qualities, I’m not sure. However, I would suggest setting aside all your fears and doubts, even for just a moment, and examining what remains. Exploring your traumas, priorities, and dreams can offer valuable insights. Essentially, working on yourself and actively striving to understand your inner workings can be immensely helpful.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
I won’t delve into the details, but during a profoundly challenging moment, my mom, sitting on the floor in tears, looked at me and simply said, “Do not settle, Gabriele.” I was only a child and at the time I was not aware of the reasons behind those words. However, that seemingly unremarkable sentence had a profound impact on me. It shaped my attitude towards my role in the world. It somehow allowed me to not be someone who simply says yes or no, but rather someone who asks why. It sparked within me a quest for answers that were fulfilling and situations that I could genuinely comprehend and accept. It allowed me to embark on a sort of exploration into the reality behind the one I thought was in front of me, delving a little deeper, a little farther.
Contact Info:
- Website: gabrieledisazio.com
- Instagram: @gabrieledisazio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriele-di-sazio/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/gabrieledisazio
