Building bridges, breaking barriers: Luanny’s journey from a Brazilian family legacy of resilience to leading Berlin’s creative scene.

Luanny is the COO of the Berlin Music Commission and a force for change. Born in Brazil and raised in Hamburg, she’s navigated contrasting worlds and emerged as a cultural leader determined to reshape the future of Berlin’s creative and music scene.

In this episode, Luanny unpacks what it means to "take your seat at the table, even if you aren’t invited."
She shares her family’s inspiring legacy of resourcefulness, her journey from aspiring singer to advocate, and why culture isn’t a luxury, it’s essential.

From funding cuts to rising rents, Berlin’s creative ecosystem faces enormous challenges.
Luanny’s mission?
To keep the city’s cultural heartbeat alive by fostering diversity, resilience, and sustainability.

This conversation will inspire anyone looking to claim their space and spark change in their community.

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[0:00 - 1:02] Claiming Your Seat: Meet Luanny

• Get to know Luanny, CEO of the Berlin Music Commission, and her powerful journey from Brazil to Germany.
• Why her story is a testament to resilience and taking your place at the table—even when it’s not offered.

[1:03 - 6:40] A Spatula with a Story

• Luanny shares the story behind her special spatula from Brazil—a symbol of family, resourcefulness, and heritage.
• How her grandfather, who couldn’t read, created a system to succeed in his job, inspiring Luanny’s approach to problem-solving.

[6:41 - 7:55] The Power of Gathering

• Why the dinner table holds more than food—it’s a place for connection, problem-solving, and belonging.
• How Afro-Brazilian culture taught Luanny that gathering together can create meaningful change.

[7:56 - 10:56] Life Between Two Worlds

• Luanny reflects on her dual identity—Brazilian warmth meets German precision—and how this shaped her leadership style.
• What made Berlin’s cultural energy irresistible, prompting her move from Hamburg to the capital.

[10:57 - 15:43] Berlin’s Anonymity vs. Community Spirit

• A candid take on Berlin’s sometimes isolating culture and the challenge of fostering neighborly connections.
• Why Luanny believes rebuilding these bonds is key to making the city feel like home.

[15:44 - 21:50] Music as an Emotional Anchor

• For Luanny, music isn’t just entertainment—it’s therapy. Discover how music shaped her upbringing and emotional resilience.
• How she keeps her connection to music alive, even as her career shifted behind the scenes.

[21:51 - 29:23] From Singer to Advocate

• Luanny opens up about stepping away from her singing career to focus on creating better conditions for artists.
• How being the eldest of five siblings taught her to build pathways for others.

[29:24 - 41:53] Building Cultural Bridges: The Berlin Music Commission

• How the Berlin Music Commission fosters collaboration, advocacy, and policy change.
• The organization’s work in promoting diversity, sustainability, and economic support for creatives.

[41:54 - 57:54] The Fight for Berlin’s Creative Soul

• Why Berlin’s cultural scene is at a crossroads due to funding cuts and rising costs.
• Luanny’s call for resilience and innovation to protect the city’s creative identity.

[57:55 - 1:05:19] Turning Crisis into Opportunity

• Luanny shares her approach to adversity—using challenges as a way to spark innovation and new ideas.
• How her family’s spirit of resourcefulness shapes her response to tough times.

[1:05:20 - End] The Future of Work and Life Balance

• Luanny explores how generational shifts are reshaping expectations around work and life.
• Why cultural spaces and community are crucial to building a fulfilling life, especially in a fast-paced city like Berlin.

[CTA: Listen to Luanny’s Story]

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