One day, I decided to start running. I was 15 years old. It was hard. Uncomfortable. But I kept going, one foot after the other, ignoring the burning in my chest. It didn’t take long before I completed my first marathon. And since then, I’ve run on many different continents. You see, I’m a citizen of the world; I don’t fit into a pigeonhole. I love learning about other cultures, seeing the world from multiple perspectives, and seeking a good story. Not surprisingly, I began my career as a journalist and writer.
I often joke that I could also have been a terrific detective, as research and investigation have always been a vital part of my work since day one. It is one of the tasks I enjoy most, as delving into topics, conducting interviews, and learning new things bring tremendous satisfaction to a curious mind. Then, when I started managing editorial projects, I quickly realized that, even more than the words on a page, I loved the people behind the stories. Human beings interest me: how they live, their passions, their fears, their paradoxes, and how all this resonates with each of us.
Building Bridges
That’s why international relations made sense and opened up a world of possibilities. I take great pride in having traveled to many places, met people with the most diverse backgrounds, connected governments, companies, and experts, and fostered collaboration to create a positive impact, even when the odds seemed unlikely.
Good communication skills? Definitely. No doubt the world would be better if people effectively communicated with one another. Sophisticated diplomacy? Of course, that’s how I navigate multicultural environments and where the magic happens. Strategic and analytical thinking? Yep, that too.
The Power of Strategic Storytelling
I discovered an incredible ability to sell ideas, projects, and brands because I can relate to and understand the values and needs of a specific audience. Call that a specialty. I’m the one who solves problems, finds solutions, and gets things done, especially when the situation is sensitive, conflicts arise, deadlines seem impossible, and everyone loses it. It’s not just oddly satisfying; it lights a fire in me.
Perhaps it’s the strong mindset and discipline of a long-distance runner who can focus on a goal and deal with whatever pain comes along, whether during a race or deep into a project. I learned that obstacles are often good opportunities to learn new skills, which is how digital marketing, SEO, copywriting, and content strategy ended up on my resume.
Human Rights and More
I have been advocating for human rights for many years, professionally and as a volunteer. Working collectively to do something meaningful and create a more just society is the best way to invest my time and talent. I am driven by the purposes I believe in, and this feeling only grows as I move forward in life.
The arts, books, and music feed my soul. I love Asian cuisine, weird movies, climbing high mountains, and dogs. I feel I can achieve anything because I put my all into everything I do. I would love to connect about exciting opportunities, communications, sustainability, human rights, or running.