Michal
Michal Korzonek is not your typical digital nomad. With a background in digital storytelling, group facilitation, and performative arts, Michal blends his diverse passions to empower others to live fulfilling lives on their own terms. Whether through leading retreats, co-creating books about semi-nomadism, or sailing the seas with like-minded adventurers, Michal’s life revolves around fostering community, creativity, and agency. Today, we dive deep into his world to discover what keeps him moving and what it means to build a home—wherever that may be.
Michal, let’s start with the most obvious question. Where are you right now?
Right now, I’m in a small village called Leysin, in the French part of Switzerland. It’s this beautiful place surrounded by the Alps, where I’m staying for a month to work on a book about semi-nomadism. The funny thing is, I’m living this semi-nomadic life while writing about it, which adds a whole new layer to the experience. The views are breathtaking, and the vibe is incredibly serene. It’s the perfect backdrop for our project, which brings together 13 people living here for a month, working on the book for about three hours a day, and playing cards as part of the writing methodology.Cards? That sounds unusual. How does that tie into writing a book?
Yeah, it’s definitely a bit unconventional! The cards are part of this rapid prototyping method we use. For three hours a day, we come together to "play cards" and write. It puts everyone into a flow state where creativity comes naturally, and it really speeds up the whole process. It’s fun, playful, and productive—a perfect mix. We also take time for hikes and activities in between, so it feels like a co-living experiment as much as it does a writing retreat. The book will be done in a month, from idea to print, which is pretty amazing considering we started with no prep.
The book focuses on semi-nomadism, a lifestyle you're deeply invested in. Can you explain what it means and why it resonates with you?
Semi-nomadism is a response to the classic digital nomad life. You know, a lot of people love the idea of constant travel, working from anywhere in the world, but there’s this growing realization that we also need roots—somewhere to return to. It’s not about being stuck in one place, but it’s about having multiple homes, spaces where you feel a sense of belonging. It can be challenging—balancing the freedom of movement with the desire for community—but it’s also incredibly fulfilling. I’ve been through phases of pure nomadism, traveling without a home base, and it was exciting, but eventually, I found that I wanted something more stable. Now, I’m in this space where I have a home in Portugal, but I still move around, creating meaningful connections wherever I go. It’s like having the best of both worlds—travel and belonging.Most people still live more traditional lives, tied to one home and routine—jobs, families, and stability. Why do you think some people want to live a more nomadic lifestyle?
Do you think so? I thought nomadism was quite common these days, but maybe that's just my bubble—haha. The shared characteristic of the people that I come across is a desire to explore, to see what’s beyond the norm. It’s not just about physical travel—it’s a mindset. People who are open to questioning the default path, whether it’s how they live, where they work, or who they connect with, are often the ones who resonate with semi-nomadism. But I also recognize that there’s a barrier to entry. As a European with an EU passport, it’s incredibly easy for me to travel, but that’s not the case for everyone. So yes, there’s a certain privilege involved in this lifestyle, but I think at the core of it, it’s about the mindset more than anything else. It’s about curiosity and the courage to build a life that fits you, not the other way around.
What do you hope to achieve or experience through your semi-nomadic lifestyle?
Well, my big quest for 2025 is about finding the right people, not the right place. I’ve learned that it’s not so much about where you are, but who you’re with. My goal now is to find a group of people to build something long-lasting—a base, maybe multiple homes—but the key is the community. I’ve studied and practiced community-building for years, and the conclusion I’ve come to is that it all starts with relationships. The magic happens when you bring people together to create something, whether it’s a book, a piece of art, or a business. The collaboration process reveals so much about how people work together, and it’s the best way to see if you’re aligned. So for me, the next big step is finding those core collaborators, people with shared values but different perspectives, and figuring out how we can build something sustainable together. It’s like a puzzle where everyone brings their own piece, and together we create something much bigger.What makes you wake up excited every morning?
There’s this one thing that really excites me—it’s creating agency. It’s not just about soaking in inspiration; it’s about knowing that you can actually do something with it. I believe everyone has the capacity to live a life that fits them, and helping people realize that is what drives me. It’s incredibly powerful to see someone wake up to the fact that they can create, that they’re capable of shaping their life in meaningful ways. It’s not easy—there are challenges, but there’s also immense satisfaction in breaking out of patterns. We all live by certain scripts, and while some of them are fine, others are outdated or limiting. Helping people break those patterns and create new ones, that’s where the real value lies."It’s not about where you are, but who you’re with. The magic happens when you bring people together to create something meaningful."
