“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
“In 2019, I moved to Australia for my master’s in marketing, landing in Sydney with big dreams. This wasn’t my first adventure abroad; I had also studied for a Master of Arts in Paris which made me understand the business
“At 10 years old I started my 1st business. A card-making company. Without fail, I would finish my homework before the final bell, just so I could spend my whole afternoon creating handmade cards. I had a strict ‘no money
“From a young age, food was at the heart of everything in my life. I started baking as a child and even sold my creations as a teenager. But it wasn’t just a hobby—it was a passion that kept growing.
“I moved to Australia from the “Manchester of India” in March 2007. At just 20, newly married and stepping into a whole new world, I was eager yet overwhelmed by the culture shock. Navigating life in Australia back then was
