We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Teodora Valentino a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Teodora, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Confidence and self-esteem are deeply personal topics for me. I grew up in a time and society that encouraged me to stay quiet, avoid attention, and not aim too high. For a long time, that shaped how I saw myself. I struggled with low confidence and self-esteem, and the fear of making mistakes was paralyzing.
Even when I accomplished something professionally, I never felt like it was enough or that I was good enough.
The turning point came when I began working on my personal development. I realized that confidence doesn’t come from waiting until you feel ‘ready’ or ‘perfect’—it comes from doing. I had to face my fears, push past the perfectionism, and start taking action. I began building my own personal brand and doing the very things I had procrastinated on for years.
Now, I use those lessons to help other women who are struggling with the same fears I once had. It’s incredibly fulfilling to watch them grow in confidence and step into their own power.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a marketing consultant specializing in personal branding. My passion lies in helping women, especially those in the midst of a professional transformation, build a personal brand that authentically represents them online—primarily on LinkedIn.
Many of my clients are mid-aged women who have transitioned into coaching or consulting after years in other industries.
What excites me most about this work is witnessing the moment they realize the power of personal branding. Many of these women struggle with imposter syndrome and fear stepping into the spotlight.
My goal is to help them find their own voice and a comfortable way to express their authentic self online. And dispel all the misconceptions about personal branding- it is not about self-promotion or revealing your personal life. It’s about showcasing your expertise and connecting with potential clients in a genuine and authentic way.
What makes my work fulfilling is the transformation that happens—not just in their business but in their confidence. Seeing women own their stories, step into their power, and build a personal brand that attracts clients while staying true to themselves is incredibly rewarding.
I’ve just launched my 5-week program, Personal Brand (Re)Start, where I guide women step by step in creating a magnetic personal brand. The program helps them position themselves effectively on LinkedIn, boosting their visibility and attracting the right clients who align with their values and expertise.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
When I look back, I would say, resilience, optimism, and empathy have been instrumental in my journey.
Yes, I’ve faced numerous challenges, but each difficulty presented a valuable lesson, and the ability to bounce back stronger was crucial. I’ve come to understand that setbacks aren’t failures—they are just lessons and possibility to grow.
The second quality is my optimism- I’ve always believed that everything happens for a reason, and this belief has shaped my perspective. Even in tough situations, I’ve been able to maintain a positive outlook and to deal with challenges with hope and confidence.
Optimism fuels persistence, and it helps you see the bigger picture when times are tough.
And don’t forget- positive thinking is contagious, and it draws opportunities and like-minded people toward you 🙂
Lastly, empathy and strong communication skills have been also critical. The ability to listen, understand, communicate thoughtfully and show care for people, have opened countless doors for me. For me the strong and authentic relationships are the foundations of a happy and fulfilled life.
For those starting out, I advise embracing adversity and using it as a catalyst for growth. Develop a positive mindset and don’t be afraid to make mistakes!
And most importantly, invest in relationships. Build authentic connections with others, listen attentively, and communicate thoughtfully. People are your greatest asset, and the more you care for them, the more opportunities will come your way.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned to stop and take a breath. Meditation, mindfulness, walk in nature – I make it a priority to schedule these moments of stillness throughout the day. It’s amazing how just a few minutes of mindfulness can reset your entire mindset.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that less is more. I’ve become much more mindful about cutting back on things that don’t serve me, like endless scrolling on social media.
When I start to feel overwhelmed, I remind myself that I have the power to choose—what I focus on, how I spend my time, and how I react. It’s so liberating to realize that you have control, even when life feels chaotic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://teavalentino.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tea.valentino.marketing/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teavalentino/
Image Credits
Yana Vydavska
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