In this episode of the Nomad Summit Podcast, Christoph sits down with Valeria “Lera” Pitiakova, the founder and creative force behind The Nomad Magazine, for an inspiring conversation recorded in Funchal, Madeira. Together they explore how a bold decision to leave everything behind in Ukraine led Lera to build one of the most respected media projects in the digital nomad world.
From Ukraine to the World – The Leap That Started It All
Ten years ago, Lera made a life-changing decision: she quit her job, her relationship, and her stable life in Ukraine with only $2,000 and a return ticket she never used. Without any digital skills, she found her way to one of the first coworking spaces for nomads in Koh Lanta, Thailand.
There, she stumbled into the community that would change her life forever. A volunteer position turned into a crash course in remote work, new friendships, and the realization that location independence was more than just a lifestyle trend – it was a new way of living and creating.
Living in an Office in Hong Kong – and Finding Freedom in Bali
Lera’s first remote job took her to Hong Kong, where she lived in a small shared office – literally rolling up her mattress each morning to make space for work. She was embarrassed to share those days at the time, but now looks back on them as a key chapter in her story.
After months of struggle, she moved to Bali and suddenly felt free. With a small budget and a big sense of independence, she built a new rhythm for herself – a balance between adventure and stability that would later fuel her creativity and confidence as an entrepreneur.
From Nomadic Exploration to Purposeful Creation
After a decade on the road, Lera began to feel that her “bucket of experiences” was full. The constant travel that once gave her energy now inspired her to focus on something more lasting. That’s when The Nomad Magazine took shape – first as an idea, then as a passion project that quickly grew into a community-driven publication celebrating the people, stories, and ideas that define the nomad lifestyle.
Today, the magazine has found its home in Madeira, where Lera has settled with her husband. The island’s tranquil rhythm and strong creative community have made it the perfect base for a project that connects nomads around the globe.
The Birth and Growth of The Nomad Magazine
The spark for The Nomad Magazine began years earlier, during a Nomad Cruise pitching event. Encouraged by friends, Lera shared her vision for a media platform that could capture the real stories of nomads – beyond social media stereotypes. The idea took off immediately.
Since then, the magazine has grown through persistence, late nights, and support from the nomad community. With beautifully designed print issues distributed at coworking spaces and nomad events worldwide, The Nomad Magazine has become a tangible symbol of what this lifestyle stands for—connection, creativity, and curiosity.
The Challenges Behind the Dream
Lera’s path hasn’t been without hardship. Balancing a demanding full-time job in a U.S. company while building the magazine nearly led her to burnout. She worked before and after her day job, sacrificed weekends, and often doubted whether it was worth it. But a mentor from the publishing world helped her find structure and confidence, guiding her through the most difficult stages.
Now, as she transitions into running the magazine full-time, she reflects on how the toughest moments became her greatest teachers.
The Power of Community and Collaboration
Throughout the conversation, both Lera and Christoph highlight the importance of community, trust, and long-term collaboration within the digital nomad world. Their own connection – Lera’s magazine supporting Nomad Summit’s relaunch in Athens, and Christoph being one of her first advertisers with his main business NOMADS.insure – illustrates the shared spirit that keeps the nomad ecosystem thriving.
As Lera puts it, this community is built on openness, mutual support, and the desire to help each other live life on our own terms.
A Full-Circle Moment
From volunteering in Thailand to leading a global magazine from Madeira, Lera’s story captures the essence of the digital nomad movement. It’s not just about travel – it’s about personal growth, resilience, and creating something meaningful.
Her journey reminds us that freedom is not just about where you go, but what you decide to build along the way.
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