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I recently had the chance to sit down for an interview with an incredible woman someone who’s not only deeply inspiring but has also overcome countless battles in both her personal and professional life. This wasn’t just any interview; I’m lucky enough to also call her a close friend.
Her story is powerful, raw, and full of resilience. Keep reading to learn what she’s working on now, how her journey began, and maybe just maybe you’ll find the spark to start something new or push through a challenge of your own.
This is the story of Milica Smudja.
I'm Milica Smudja, a marketing and communications leader with over 15 years of experience across brand strategy, digital marketing, and customer engagement in the leisure and tourism sectors. Currently, I serve as the Director of Marketing and Communications at Al Barakah Holding, where I lead the brand vision for Al Qana, one of Abu Dhabi’s premier waterfront destinations. My work is focused on using creativity, data, and storytelling to shape meaningful brand experiences that connect with people and inspire growth.
Today, I lead 360° marketing and communications strategies, focusing on building impactful brand experiences across every touchpoint from digital to on-ground. What I love most about my work is understanding consumer behavior and using those insights to craft campaigns that not only capture attention but create lasting emotional connections. For me, marketing is not just about promotion it’s about psychology, storytelling, and shaping how people feel, think, and engage.
I was always drawn to storytelling, design, and psychology. I’m inspired by how ideas influence culture and behavior. Building brands from the inside out felt like the perfect intersection of strategy, emotion, and creativity.
This wasn’t always the exact job I dreamed of, but the foundation was always there. As a child, I was fascinated by TV commercials I would watch them closely, study the messages, the music, the emotions they evoked. I didn’t have the language for it back then, but I was drawn to storytelling and the power of ideas. Over time, that fascination evolved into a deep passion for marketing and brand strategy.
A typical day starts with a morning walk with my dog, Hannah, followed by 30 minutes of quiet reflection and planning. I find that starting the day with intention helps set the tone for everything that follows. After that, I head to the office where I focus on strategy, team collaboration, and creative execution. In the evening, I go to the gym I truly enjoy exercising because it keeps me strong, healthy, and mentally clear. That balance between structure and movement is key to how I stay focused and energized.
The most exciting part is seeing an idea take form and watching someone light up with self-belief. The most challenging part is managing timelines and energy when everything feels urgent learning to prioritize is key.
Curious, introspective, driven. I had a deep desire to understand the world and my place in it, but I often felt like I was in between versions of myself.
Yes confidence is not a constant, it’s a practice. I overcame it by building competence, keeping promises to myself, and surrounding myself with people who reflected back my strength, not my doubts.
You don’t need to prove you’re enough just learn to use what you already have.
You are allowed to take up space, change your mind, and become more than one thing in this life.
I dreamed of being independent, creative, and respected. It came true but not in a straight line. The path was full of pivots, and that’s what made it powerful.
I zoom out. I remind myself that discomfort is part of growth, and fear often means I care. I act anyway action builds trust with yourself.
Yes. Many times. It taught me that failure isn’t the opposite of success it’s part of it.
I review my wins big or small and remind myself how far I’ve come. Confidence needs evidence.
Success used to mean achievement. Now, it means alignment living in integrity with my values, energy, and contribution.
A fun fact about me that not many people know is that I speak Japanese. I actually graduated in Japanese language and literature, and it’s a part of my life that still influences how I see communication, culture, and attention to detail.
I don’t have one specific song, but I’m a big fan of acid jazz. The genre’s smooth grooves and vibrant energy always lift my mood and boost my confidence. There’s something about that blend of jazz, funk, and soul that inspires me to feel both calm and empowered.
My teenage role model was Nikola Tesla and he still inspires me today. His visionary thinking, relentless curiosity, and dedication to innovation continue to remind me of the power of imagination and perseverance.
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That I created a life I designed myself by trusting my instincts and not rushing the timeline.
You’re not behind you’re becoming. Enough isn’t something you earn; it’s something you realize.
Start keeping promises to yourself no matter how small. It builds self-trust, and that’s the root of confidence.
I schedule both. Ambition fuels me, but I’ve learned that rest is part of the work. Without it, I lose clarity and joy.
Everything you’re searching from outside already lives inside you.
You don’t need to be fearless to lead you just need to move forward even with the fear. You already have what it takes.
