Money Buys Happiness podcast hosts Ernesto Gaita and Anthony Sorella get candid about growing up in Canada, families, their podcast and their special bond.
Henry Ford once observed, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” This quote encapsulates the journey of Ernesto Gaita, founder of the Neighbourhood Creative marketing agency and Neighbourhood Creative partner and creative director Anthony Sorella, who is also the founder of Money Buys Happiness.
Both men are co-hosts of the Money Buys Happiness podcast, during which they hold meaningful conversations about carrying culture ahead. With 250+ episodes released, the podcast has seen many artists, creators and entrepreneurs sharing their honest success stories.
Speaking about the podcast’s name, Sorella notes that money can be very positive, citing two aspects. If people make money ethically by doing what they love and then put it to good use, it does drive happiness. For Neighbourhood Creative itself the aim is to give everyone the feeling of a neighbourhood where connection is felt.
Having grown up in Toronto as Italian Canadians, both entrepreneurs recognize that their strong values and families play important roles in their success. Gaita’s grandfather’s sacrifices and his family’s constant quest to build a good life have been an inspiration. Gaita also played soccer for many years, which taught him collaboration and being there for his community.
Sorella, too, grew up watching his parents and grandparents work hard every day. Their work ethic and zeal to grow is what motivates him now to continue building on the foundation they set. He says, “I was the black sheep of my family. I didn’t pursue my education and was always determined to do my own thing.” With his undeniable grit, he continued to work hard under all circumstances.
Another thing that both inherited from their Italian families is a refusal to be treated with disrespect, abuse or injustice and to stand up for what’s right.
Years ago, they met through mutual friends. Sorella describes Gaita as being the big fish at that time. From their first meeting, they developed an organic bond. It was their common values and drive to build something big that acted as a foundation for a solid partnership.
From their beginnings as club promoters to becoming successful entrepreneurs, theirs has been a journey of risk-taking and hardships, but what has remained constant is always having each other’s backs.
When asked about what they admire about each other, Gaita says that Sorella is a visionary, while he is an executor. He appreciates his hard work and stubborn attitude to never give up. Sorella credits Gaita with instilling his self-confidence, not just as an entrepreneur but also as a human, holding his hand right from the start and continuing to do so in the most supportive way.
Both men also address the negativity that comes with social media. For them, being authentic and developing a thick skin have always been among their priorities. Sorella says, “I’d rather lose every client than lie and not be true to myself.”
When asked about their favourite podcasts, Gaita adds that, contrary to popular wisdom, his experience of meeting his heroes, sharing a room with people he has looked up to for many years — from Gary Vaynerchuk to Patrick Bet-David to David Grutman — has been nothing short of surreal and deeply inspiring.
Gaita adds that they were both willing to fail to enjoy success. “As you continue to take risks, you get smarter at risks,” and emphasizes trusting your gut feeling. Sorella says that you should remind yourself that things take time, and it’s important to continue learning every day. “As long as you don’t quit, you will never fail.”
