“What I didn’t expect was how much Australia would become a part of me!
I was born & raised in the Netherlands, where I studied Human Geography at the Utrecht University – a field that explores human behaviour in relation to place. During the degree, I started applying my knowledge to the real estate sector. Eager to push my boundaries, I jumped at the chance to work in Sydney Australia for 6 months, despite never having travelled outside Europe.

When I arrived in Australia, I struggled even more with the language barrier than I had anticipated. People told me that, over time, I would ‘pick-it up’ easily, but unfortunately that was not the case for me. During a workshop for young-leaders, I got the tip to join Toastmasters. Determined to improve, I signed-up straight away. I started to get my footing, and soon I was invited to speak at industry events. It’s hard to describe just how liberating it feels when you are finally able to articulate the thoughts and ideas that had been swirling in your mind.

I now work as the Director of Workplace Strategy at Spaceful and have had the privilege of speaking at conferences around the world, sharing my passion for human geography and workplace strategy. Last month, I presented in Chicago and; Singapore, and I’ll be heading to Berlin next month. I am also grateful for the opportunity to have appeared on various TV shows including 9Now (The Today Show), Channel 10 (The Project) and the BBC.

My intimal 6-month assignment to Australia turned into a permanent move. I met my husband, we’ve built our lives here, and developed deep friendships that have become like family.

Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the journey that brought me to Australia – a place where I’ve grown in ways I never imagined. I’m excited for what the future holds in this country that I now call home.” Tica Masuku