By Darren Gilbert

And if that isn’t enough, he already knows where he’s going. “I don’t know if it is too broad of a dream, but my 15 year goal is to be at the forefront of media, internationally,” confesses Acquisto. A bold declaration, it doesn’t sound foolish when coming from his lips. After all, here is a guy who has already sold his first company and recently started working with Lumico Content Specialists, who incubated a business of his.

Anyone reading that can appreciate the fact that he has a lot to teach anyone interested in making it big. And he is not smug or disinterested in handing out advice and helping others either. In fact, he is more than willing to part with it: “The biggest piece of advice that I can impart is to just believe in yourself.”

“If you can wake up in the morning and you know that you really enjoy something, go for it,” he says. Now, of course that doesn’t mean that you should simply jump in and think that your enjoyment of something will eventually see you prosper (although that can happen sometimes). Rather, you need to be clever in how you approach it. As Acquisto points out, this is where you also need to be brutal.

“Are you competent at what you do?” he asks. Just this one question can cripple anyone with no self-belief or at least very little of it. If you’re one of them, there is a silver lining to Acquisto’s words: If you don’t have the skills or feel like you are not capable enough, you must surround yourself with people who are. Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Inc. has something similar to say; “Try never to be the smartest person in the room.” It’s a sure-fire strategy to better yourself.

However, there is more to it than simply finding the right people. It’s also about ensuring that you remain relevant and aware of the changing world around you. It’s how Acquisto has managed to move from a young and ambitious TV presenter to an associate of a digital content agency with big plans. He has sage words: If you are interested in making a name for yourself, it’s important that you don’t get trapped.

You’ll be surprised by how often this happens. And I’m not referring specifically to one industry – it happens everywhere. “A lot of youngsters who break into the industry find themselves getting very comfortable in that space. They don’t have that drive or energy to change things,” says Acquisto. “This is the way it is and this is how it’s going to be and I’m being paid a certain amount per month – why leave?” It’s a thought pattern that is dangerous for anyone looking to make their mark.

“Always have your mind open to new opportunities and take everything,” says Acquisto. “You must take an opportunity that comes your way, work it and find the right path. That is what a creative is. If you have some inkling towards music, drama, art – something like that – you are not going to enjoy doing accounting, law or being a doctor.”

But don’t think for one moment that it won’t be tough. If you want something, you need to work for it. And that means putting in the time and effort to make it work. Fortunately for Acquisto, he doesn’t have this particular problem. It’s more an issue of finding the time. “The biggest issue for me is staying focused. I am so excited about everything that I do. But I also don’t want to burn out.”

One reason behind this admission is the fact that he has no daily schedule. Now, while this little titbit of information may make it appear that Acquisto doesn’t have control over his day, he’d be quick to correct you. “It’s all about what you create for yourself. All of my jobs – I am in charge of them. In fact I wouldn’t pick up any project unless I know I can handle it.”

And this is how anyone else looking towards making it big, be it on TV, on radio or even as an entrepreneur needs to think. “Everything is on you. If you mess up, it’s your fault. And although it is a lot of pressure, it’s also extremely exciting and liberating,” says Acquisto. You create this for yourself and it’s your empire to build.

At 23-years-old, it’s difficult to argue that Acquisto has built an empire just yet. However, he is well on his way. And one thing is certain – if he continues on his current path, within 15 years’ time, there will be no doubt that he will have reached the forefront of international media.