We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Paula Barnes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Paula below.
Hi Paula, thanks for sitting with us today to chat about topics that are relevant to so many. One of those topics is communication skills, because we live in an age where our ability to communicate effectively can be like a superpower. Can you share how you developed your ability to communicate well?
I developed my ability to communicate effectively over many years and across different roles, all grounded in a strong belief that communication is essential in any business. Text messages and emails can easily lose meaning or be misunderstood, so even in today’s age of AI and digital processes, I believe there is real value in picking up the phone and having direct conversations.
About 15 years ago, I Co-Founded a women’s networking organisation, which required strong relationship-building, clear messaging and the ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Around 20 years ago, I taught at college, delivering courses in performance management systems, communication skills and recruiting techniques. Which all derived from my days working in Human Resources, where I built a solid foundation in people management and effective workplace communication.
Living and working in Asia for the past 20 years has further shaped how I communicate. It has taught me to speak more clearly and to be highly aware of language barriers and cultural cues. In some cultures, saying “yes” does not always mean understanding or agreement, or that someone feels capable of completing a task. Understanding the importance of “saving face” has shown me that listening goes beyond words—paying attention to body language, tone and gestures is just as important as verbal confirmation.
So communication has always been part of my business model to some degree. Clearly explaining what is needed takes practice, but the more you learn to speak up and give clear, concise instructions, the more effective and confident you become over time.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My professional focus today is all about helping expats and travellers discover meaningful experiences, connect with people, and navigate life in new cultures. I started writing when my children went off to boarding school and I found myself with a little extra time as a part-time empty nester. What began as a personal outlet grew into a real passion—first through blogging and then through creating content and experiences that others could enjoy.
As my children embarked on their own journeys of self-discovery, so did I. Travel became more than just a hobby—it became a way to explore the world, meet new people, and share stories that inspire others to do the same. The latest part of my work has been hosting women-only trips for those aged 45 and over. These trips are designed for women who want to travel but have no one to go with, or who want to travel solo but feel nervous about doing so. Beyond the travel itself, these trips create a supportive community of women who share a love of exploration and adventure.
Through my brands Truly Expat Travel my media company Singapore Truly. I help fellow expats and travellers make the most of their journeys—uncovering hidden gems, navigating cultural nuances, and connecting with like-minded people. What excites me most is seeing women gain confidence, create memories, and feel fully engaged in their adventures, knowing they’re supported every step of the way.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are adaptability, communication, and a willingness to step outside my comfort zone.
Adaptability has been crucial, especially living and working in Asia for the past 20 years. Understanding cultural nuances, reading body language, and navigating different ways of thinking has taught me that being flexible and open-minded is essential.
Communication, both verbal and non-verbal—has always been at the heart of what I do. Whether it’s writing, leading trips, or building communities, being able to express yourself clearly and listen carefully is key. Understanding that “yes” doesn’t always mean agreement in some cultures, for example, has reinforced the importance of truly paying attention to people’s words, gestures, and tone.
Finally, stepping outside my comfort zone has driven growth at every stage. Starting as an empty nester and turning my love of writing and travel into a business, or launching women-only trips for solo or nervous travellers, all required courage and the willingness to try something new.
For anyone early in their journey, my advice would be:
1. Embrace learning from every experience —even mistakes teach you something valuable.
2. Invest in clear communication—practice expressing your ideas and really listening to others; it will pay off in every aspect of life and work.
3.Push yourself gently outside your comfort zone —start small, but keep challenging yourself to grow. Opportunities often come when you take that first step into the unknown.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The number one challenge I’ve faced—and continue to navigate—is the inherent loneliness of being a travel content creator. Whether you’re a podcaster, blogger, YouTuber, or social media influencer, much of the work is done in isolation. Many days are spent in a room for hours on end—sometimes 14 hours—writing, creating content, and talking to yourself on camera, with no immediate feedback or reassurance that what you’re doing is good work. When you’re starting out, it often feels like you’re trying to do everything on your own, which can be exhausting and, at times, discouraging.
Over time, I’ve learned that building a strong network and collaborating with others is key to overcoming this challenge. The more people you involve—whether through collaboration, hiring support, or simply having trusted friends and colleagues to bounce ideas off—the easier it becomes to manage self-doubt and creative stagnation. Having a supportive circle where you can check in, ask for advice, and celebrate small wins is invaluable. It reminds you that even though much of the work is done alone, you don’t have to navigate it entirely on your own.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.trulyexpattravel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trulyexpattravel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trulyexpat
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulabarrecabarnes/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@trulyexpattravelpodcast
- Other: I also have https://singaporetruly.com/ which has the same social media platforms including https://www.tiktok.com/@singapore_truly https://www.tiktok.com/@trulyexpattravel https://www.instagram.com/singapore_truly/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
