Power Portrait: Martina Popadakova
By female impact
Tackling Challenges through the “Fake It Till You Make It” Mindset
Martina shares her career challenges, her passion for empowering others, and how the community of like-minded women has played a vital role in her career journey.
Finding a New Path.
Originally from Slovakia, Martina’s pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in Law made her realize that her future did not lie in becoming a lawyer. Eager to explore life abroad and pursue further studies, she chose Denmark as her destination. Martina arrived in Denmark in 2015, working as a dishwasher for a year until she was accepted into her dream Master’s program. During this time, she fell in love with Denmark, its culture, and decided to build her career and life there.
Creating the Empowerment Journey Voluntary Association.
Fuelled by her passion for writing, Martina launched the Empowerment Journey blog in March 2020. Focusing on topics like gender equality, women empowerment, and personal development, the blog became a platform for her to express her thoughts and inspire others. Martina transformed the website into a registered association, turning her words into real-life actions. Although the association does not provide financial stability, it serves as an outlet for her continuous development and a source of confidence. Martina’s dedication to this passion project helped her stay grounded during her extended job search.
Navigating Career Challenges.
With a Master’s degree in International Security and Law, Martina aimed to build a career in human-rights-based organizations in Copenhagen. However, despite conducting unpaid internships and gaining experience in the field, she faced difficulties in securing a full-time position. Adapting to the circumstances, Martina opened herself up to different industries and focused on developing skills in digital marketing and content development. Her perseverance paid off when she landed a new position as the PR and Program Lead at TechBBQ.
“It is never too late to adjust, to change the direction, and for the most part to ever continue to evolve professionally and personally. Because sooner or later- it will pay off.”
Martina Popadakova, PR & Program Lead at TechBBQ
The Power of the Likemined Female Community.
Martina emphasizes the invaluable role of the Career Club DK community in her journey. As a former member of the Advisory Board, she had the privilege of learning from successful career women, being mentored, and receiving unwavering support. The Career Club DK served as a source of hope, motivation, and inspiration, providing Martina with the drive to keep pushing forward. They supported her throughout her job search, encouraged her skill development, and nourished her passion for writing. In fact, Martina’s unwavering energy during challenging times even led her to write a book titled “Turning Thirty – I Have Learned a Little Something.”
Embracing the “Fake It Till You Make It” Mindset.
Martina firmly believes in the power of the “fake it till you make it” mindset. Stepping into new roles or venturing into uncharted territories often breeds uncertainty, but confidence plays a vital role. Martina’s journey with the Career Club Advisory Board, learning from successful women, and receiving their support, has fortified her belief in her own capabilities. She encourages others to embrace this mindset and adjust their paths when needed.
Final thoughts.
Martina Popadakova’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring professionals. Through her determination, resilience, and the support of the community, she overcame career challenges and found success in her chosen field. Martina’s story encourages others to believe in themselves, adapt to new circumstances, and continue evolving both professionally and personally. With the right mindset and support system, anyone can achieve their goals.
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