CreativeMornings/Berlin Team Interview – 5 questions with MARTINA - on Partnerships, Guanxi & CREATE

Martina Beszedesova is one of our Partnerships leads at CreativeMornings/Berlin. She is a freelance event producer, driven by creating meaningful connections and discovering unique spaces in the city.

Having lived 15 years in Asia, one of her inspirational superpower is speaking Mandarin Chinese, and in our conversation she also shared about the Chinese concept of guanxi, which beautifully reflects the philosophy on building long‑term, trust‑based relationships. 

Outside of work, she prioritizes spending time in nature or exploring new creative skills through workshops and courses. For Martina, this month’s global theme CREATE means intentionally connecting the dots in both life and work.

1. Dear Martina, as part of your CreativeMornings/Berlin role in partnerships, what part of your work drives you the most?

I'm driven by the intersection of meaningful connection and urban discovery. I love the "scavenger hunt" of finding partners where a barter with our community feels like a natural fit. It’s about more than just a venue; it’s about a mutual exchange where both the space and our community benefit from the shared energy. At the end of the day, curiosity and the opportunity to facilitate cultural exchange in the city are what keeps me going. 

2. Having lived in Asia and working on so many international projects, how have these experiences shaped the way you build collaborations today?

Spending 15 years in Asia during my most transformative years taught me that relationships are the foundation of every successful project. I often think about the Chinese concept of guanxi - the idea of deep, reciprocal, and long-term relationships/obligations. This has shaped my "network-first" approach; I don’t see partnerships as transactions, but as authentic human connections built on trust and mutual respect. Having worked across EMEA and APAC, I’ve developed a high degree of adaptability and emotional intelligence, allowing me to bridge cultural gaps and create impact-driven collaborations that feel genuine rather than forced. 

3. What else can we usually find you doing in your free time?

I’m a firm believer in the power of "unplugging" to recharge. You’ll usually find me off-grid and in nature, taking long walks with my dog or travelling to somewhere new with my partner. However, my curiosity doesn’t have an "off" switch - when I’m not outdoors, I’m usually feeling crafty and joining a local workshop or taking an online course. I’m a lifelong learner; there’s always a new skill to pick up or a new way to see the world. 

4. What’s a small thing that makes a big difference in your day?

It’s the simple joys: a slow morning with my partner, a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, a bit of sunshine, an unexpected message from an old friend, or a small act of kindness. Those moments of micro-connection provide the best fuel for a busy day. 

5. This month’s theme is CREATE — what does this word mean to you in the context of how you created your work and life?

To me, creating is the ongoing process of connecting the dots. I view my life as a work in progress, where I’m constantly balancing adventure and stability, or spontaneity and purpose. In my professional life, I "create" by bringing people together to foster collaboration and design brand experiences that leave a lasting impression. I believe in creating with intention. Whether I’m building a relationship or producing a global-scale activation, I’m focused on sustainability and social impact. For me, "creating" isn't just about making something new - it’s about creating a positive, long-term legacy. 

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Interview conducted by Aida Mola from CM Berlin