26/08/2026
“Go get married. Don’t bother with this presenting thing.”
That’s what my first speaking coach told me.
Disclaimer ‼️ long video and probably not for the short-attention-span crowd, but for the deeper thinkers
It was 2008. I was young, living in Sharjah, trying to build a life in Dubai and become a presenter.
My English was basic. My accent was thick. I hadn’t finished university. My confidence was fragile.
After our first session, the coach I had already paid told me he didn’t think I had what it took.
I remember thinking: But why not me?
So I insisted.
And that stubbornness became very useful, because he wasn’t the last person to reject me.
For almost two years, producers kept telling me they wanted British, American or Australian presenters.
I kept calling, following up and waiting for the small opportunities nobody else wanted.
Eventually, one opportunity became another.
And slowly, people stopped seeing the Romanian girl with the accent and started seeing the preparation, professionalism and work behind her.
Years later, I built the presenting career I was once told not to bother pursuing.
That experience taught me something I still carry with me:
Someone can look at who you are today and be completely wrong about who you can become.
So if your accent bothers you, your confidence isn’t there yet, or you still don’t feel ready to take up space, work on it.
Just don’t confuse “I’m not there yet” with “I’m not made for this.”
If you want to start speaking but don’t know where to begin, I created a free Speaking Guide I wish I’d had when I started.
Comment “GUIDE” to get it 🤍
