We’ve pitched ideas to CEOs, held keynote talks, and worked with major brands. Yet we often feel more seen, understood, and respected in a crowded cosplay hallway than in a sleek coworking space.
Sounds dramatic? Maybe. But if you’ve ever been part of a fandom or a geek community, you’ll know what we mean. In cosplay circles, it’s okay to show up as someone else and, paradoxically, that makes it easier to be yourself. You don’t need a polished elevator pitch or a power suit. You need passion. And heart. And a shared love for the things that made you feel less alone growing up.
In fandom spaces, you’re not asked what you do, but what you love
There’s something incredibly freeing about introducing yourself not with your job title, but with “I’m currently obsessed with Baldur’s Gate 3 and this is my 5th Astarion cosplay.” No judgment. Just connection. And suddenly, you’re deep in a conversation about character arcs, armor builds, or the emotional fallout of that scene. Try leading with that in a typical networking event. You’ll likely get polite smiles and then get mentally filed away as „the quirky one.“ Actually, maybe they’ll know the Oratrice Mecanique d’Analyse Cardinale, because they googled THAT TikTok-Sound. But will they admit to that? Doubtful.
Cosplay communities tend to be more inclusive by default
Of course, no scene is perfect. But we’ve found geek spaces to be more diverse, more neurodivergent-friendly, more queer-affirming, and more forgiving of those who don’t follow a “traditional path.” Maybe it’s because many of us had to build our own worlds when the real one didn’t feel welcoming. Maybe that’s why we’re better at making space for others.
In business settings, there’s often an unspoken rulebook: look confident (but not too confident), talk results (but be humble), stand out (but fit in). It’s exhausting. Especially if you’ve spent a lifetime navigating spaces that weren’t built for you in the first place.
What if business spaces felt more like fandoms?
Imagine walking into a strategy meeting and being met with curiosity instead of competitiveness. What if we asked each other, “What lights you up right now?” instead of “What do you do?”
What if showing your passion didn’t feel risky—but expected?
The takeaway
We’re learning to bring more of our „con selves“ into business life. To wear our passions on our sleeves (sometimes literally—hello, fandom merch). To lead with curiosity and kindness. To find our people by being ourselves.
Because the truth is: communities that feel safe are the ones that see you fully—and let you stay. And that’s something we want to build. In business. In content. And beyond.
