Empowering Colombian Students in London: Leadership, Growth Mindset, and Resilience

I love what I do.

There’s something truly special about connecting with people—empowering, motivating, and reminding them of their own strength, resilience, and potential. Last night, I had the privilege of doing just that at the General Consulate of Colombia in London, where I spoke at an event dedicated to scholarships and life in the UK for Colombian students.

It was a night of learning, reflection, and inspiration, where we explored some of the biggest challenges and opportunities that come with studying and building a life abroad.

Leadership, Growth Mindset, and Emotional Resilience

Leaving home to study in another country is a huge step—one that comes with uncertainty, challenges, and incredible personal growth. In my talk, I focused on three key areas that can make all the difference in navigating this journey:

Leadership Challenges: Many students find themselves in leadership roles, whether academically, professionally, or personally. We talked about the difficulties that come with stepping into leadership, the imposter syndrome that can sometimes creep in, and the importance of self-trust and adaptability.

- The Power of a Growth Mindset: When facing obstacles in a new country, the way we think about challenges matters. Do we see difficulties as roadblocks or as opportunities to learn? A growth mindset helps us embrace setbacks as part of the process, making resilience our greatest tool for success.

- Emotional Resilience & EFT Tapping: Moving abroad, studying, and balancing life’s pressures can be overwhelming. I introduced Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Tapping, a powerful tool to help regulate stress, anxiety, and sadness. By learning simple, effective ways to calm the nervous system, students can take control of their emotions and move forward with clarity and confidence.

A Reminder: You Are Already Resilient

One of the most important messages I shared last night was this: If you are here, it’s because you have already overcome challenges to get to this point. Your journey is a testament to your hard work, courage, and determination.

We also discussed the importance of defining success on your own terms. In a world full of external pressures, it’s easy to get caught up in expectations from family, society, or even ourselves. I encouraged everyone to pause, reflect, and ask: “What do I truly want?” Because success isn’t about following a pre-set path—it’s about creating a life that aligns with your values, well-being, and vision of work-life balance.

A Heartfelt Thank You

I’m deeply grateful to Sonia Olaya from Colombia Nos Une for the invitation, to Andres Stiven Bautista Martínez for leading a meaningful discussion with thoughtful questions, and to everyone who shared their stories, dreams, and challenges with me. You are all truly inspiring!

It was also a pleasure to connect with fellow coaches like Yasmily Barrios Teran. Something exciting is already brewing for 2025—watch this space!

This work fulfills me because it has transformed my own life, and I am committed to helping others experience the same growth, resilience, and empowerment.

To all the Colombian students in the UK: You are capable, you are strong, and your journey is just beginning. Keep going—you’ve got this!