Welcome to our Freelancer Spotlight, a monthly article celebrating the energy, innovation, and independence within our SAM, ITAM, and FinOps freelance community. As we lean into the gig economy through our unique delivery model, we’re embracing the shift toward digitized IT services. This series brings you insights and stories from experienced freelancers and community ambassadors who’ve taken the leap and want to share their journey with others.
Whether you’re already a freelancer or just curious about where this path might take you, let these stories be your guide. It’s all about finding motivation, learning from the experiences of others, and making your own way in the world of independent work.
Embracing Independence: A New Beginning
Many freelancers take the leap from traditional employment to forge their own path, driven by the desire for flexibility and fulfillment. This transition requires courage, creativity, and the ability to build networks that support growth and success.
“Leaving SoftwareONE to build my own consulting freelancer company was driven by a desire for greater autonomy and the thrill of entrepreneurship. Running through a startup accelerator provided invaluable insights and connections. To aspiring freelancers, I’d say: trust your instincts, embrace continuous learning, and never underestimate the power of networking. Your journey is uniquely yours—embrace it fully!”
— Gerhard Behr
Overcoming Obstacles: Learning Through Experience
Freelancers encounter a variety of challenges, from finding clients to managing finances and navigating multiple projects. Each hurdle provides invaluable lessons—whether in time management, negotiation, or self-promotion—and helps build resilience and independence.
“I always had an entrepreneurial fire inside me. Most of my career, I worked for others, but I was drawn to the challenges where I could be on the edge of creating something new or reorganizing things. When an adverse situation gave me the choice to find another job or become self-employed, I chose the latter. I wanted to see what could happen if I put the same energy into something that was mine. With the knowledge and experience I had built, I saw freelancing as an opportunity to grow, meet new people, and discover endless possibilities while getting paid for it. That’s worth the risk.”
— Anderson Oliveira
Freedom and Flexibility: Balancing Life and Work
The freedom to work anywhere and select meaningful projects is one of freelancing’s biggest rewards. Whether it’s traveling the world, balancing work with family, or building a business aligned with personal values, freelancers create a lifestyle that nurtures both personal and professional growth.
“There’s nothing like the responsibility of a newborn son to push you into taking the plunge to go into consulting and start your own ITAM business. That was the push I needed after a decade of being an FTE or general contractor.
I wanted to make a difference and bring ITAM to as many organizations as possible because the benefits are huge! Be passionate, have a personality, and show you know your stuff!”
— David Foxen
The Power of Sharing Knowledge: A Win-Win Ethos
Freelancers thrive not just by gaining knowledge but also by sharing it with others. Mentoring, collaboration, and community engagement are deeply embedded in the freelance culture. Many experienced professionals find that helping others enhances their expertise and broadens their networks, creating an environment where everyone benefits.
“The reason I founded SAM Charter in 2012 was, in part, to bring the value of processes to the fore. Up until that time, I had seen too many organizations think that to make ITAM go away, all they had to do was buy a SAM tool. I own a cooker, but that doesn’t make me Gordon Ramsey! ITAM is a participation sport, and that participation can be governed and improved through process engineering as it is applied to ITAM. Getting companies to be proactive with ITAM through processes is what makes my heart sing!”
— Rory Canavan
Building Community and Network
Freelancers thrive on collaboration and support. While the journey can often feel solitary, communities such as Appstrato Community Hub provide spaces where independent professionals connect, share knowledge and grow together. These networks are vital in fostering a sense of belonging, offering both camaraderie and career opportunities.
“I’ve spent 15 incredible years at ITAM, and it’s been a journey full of learning and growth. Helping clients tackle their challenges has been deeply rewarding. I take great pride in sharing my knowledge to inspire those ready to shape their future. SAM and FinOps are just tools—the real value is in caring for a business like it’s your own. For freelancers in LATAM, the climb is tough, but the success you can achieve is limitless.”
— Cristian Monero
Looking Ahead: The Future of Freelancing
Freelancing is no longer just a trend—it’s becoming a powerful force that reshapes how businesses operate and succeed. Companies now recognize the value of on-demand talent and fresh perspectives, leveraging the expertise of independent professionals to solve complex challenges.
Join Our Community
Freelancers, we’d love to hear your stories! Reach out at community@appstrato.com to share your journey and insights, and get featured in the next month’s spotlight.
