The Art of Forgiveness and Authentic Leadership with Luca

In this member spotlight, I sat down with Luca, a vibrant part of The Pearl Works community whose work explores the powerful intersection of leadership and forgiveness. Luca discovered The Pearl Works as more than just a coworking space; it became a place of authenticity and connection. From founding the world’s first forgiveness-based wellness platform to supporting nonprofit leaders and teams with strategic growth, Luca’s approach is as refreshing as it is inspiring.

Dana: How did you discover The Pearl Works and what inspired you to join?

Luca: I had walked past many times but hadn’t quite clocked what this place was. I’ve been working from home since 2020, and when I discovered the space, I was in a phase of expanding how I engaged with the broader community.

I looked into local coworking and loved the vibe here immediately. It’s like coming into someone’s home. The space feels cultivated with purpose. I felt that I could be authentically myself here.

Dana: Tell us about the work you do.

Luca: Right now, I am focusing on human wellness through the lens of forgiveness. I am actually in the process of building and launching the world's first forgiveness-based wellness platform.

More generally, my work supports people as they level up, whether that’s individuals, teams, or entire organizations. For example, I support nonprofit teams through their strategic planning process to create actionable outcomes. I see every interaction holding both the macro and the micro – the professional and the personal – at the same time. My work is to help people navigate that so they can see the version of themselves they truly want to be.

Dana: What has the path been like leading up to this work?

Luca: It’s felt like jumping from lily pad to lily pad; it hasn't been a straightforward path. Ten years ago, if someone had told me I was going to write a book about forgiveness and found a technology-driven startup, I wouldn't have believed them. But here we are. I wrote the book Forgive For You and am now founding YFFY | You Forgive For You as a social platform and forgiveness marketplace.

Dana: What are some key lessons that inform your approach?

Luca: Paying attention to the impact I’m having on others. I listen to what is said and pay attention to what resonates. A quote from my book is: "Smart people learn from their own mistakes. Wise people learn from the mistakes of others." All of my adult life, I’ve been learning from myself and from others what it truly means to live in forgiveness. Many people are so attached to resentment, but I’ve found that what you get from forgiveness far outweighs what you get from resentment. It’s simply good for you to forgive.

Dana: Fill in the blanks: "At first I thought ____, and then I realized ____."

Luca: [Laughs] This is the first thing that popped into my head: At first I thought Santa was real, and then I realized that people are the real magic.

Dana: What is your favorite kind of treat?

Luca: Anything chocolate. All the chocolates. Alora’s chocolate torte, for example . . . ah-mazing!

Dana: What is currently bringing you the most energy and inspiration?

Luca: Dreamers and doers. People with big ideas who are passionately and irrationally moving forward to bring their dreams to life.

Dana: What is your favorite spot within walking distance of The Pearl Works?

Luca: That’s a hard one! My 3rd favorite is the Stevenson House garden, 2nd is Alta Bakery, and 1st is definitely the ocean.

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Luca’s journey reminds us that personal and professional growth rarely follow a straight line. For many of us, it's a winding path of curiosity, reflection, and the courage to grow. Whether supporting organizations with strategic direction, building a global movement of forgiveness, or simply savoring chocolate, Luca embodies the values of The Pearl Works: purpose, authenticity, and being deeply human.

For more forgiveness, inspiration, and connection, find Luca on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heylucaoake/

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