The Hidden Power of "Collaborators" - Why They Outperform Employees in the Gig Economy with Ren Capasso
From The Growth Equation by Tristan Wright
April 22, 2026 · 33 min · Episode 68
About this episode
Renato Capasso discusses the advantages of collaborating over traditional employment in the gig economy and shares insights on managing a high-performing team.
In this episode of The Growth Equation , we sit down with Renato Capasso , founder of Online Monkeys, to deconstruct a business model designed for the modern gig economy. Over 13 years, Renato has evolved from a solo freelancer into a strategic leader managing a global network of elite collaborators across the U.S., Australia, and Europe. He shares his unconventional "35% Rule"—paying significantly above market rates to ensure subcontractors operate with a founder’s mindset—and explains how he manages diverse ventures in telehealth and property development without becoming the ultimate bottleneck. The conversation dives deep into the high-stakes world of performance marketing and the discipline required to maintain a high-performing culture. Renato pulls no punches on the importance of "firing fast" and the strategic necessity of saying "no" to toxic clients to protect team morale. From talent scouting in South America to the seamless implementation of AI and SEO , this episode is a masterclass for any founder looking to scale a lean, data-driven, and truly international business. 🚀
People in this episode
Host: Tristan Wright
Guest: Renato Capasso
Topics covered
- gig economy
- business model
- performance marketing
- collaborators
- team morale
- AI implementation
- SEO
Keywords
- collaborators
- gig economy
- business model
- performance marketing
- team morale
- AI
- SEO
- 35% Rule
- toxic clients
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Online Monkeys
Places: U.S., Australia, Europe, South America
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