I don't remember exactly when I first dreamt of being a speaker on a TED stage. It was at least 15 years ago. I didn't rush the process; I simply kept the wish alive.
In May 2020, I met a two-time TEDx speaker, a genius who became my life partner: Matthew Cross.
In 2019, I attended TEDx Cluj-Napoca with my friend Luciana Sara. Then in September 2023, Matthew and I were guests at TEDx Baia Mare, thanks to the kind invitation from Ciprian Borșan. Yes, I confess that by then my wish to speak at TEDx had grown stronger and stronger.
It was November 2024 when I discovered TEDx Copou through an Instagram post by Mrs. Doina Cepalis. Copou is in Iași, the beautiful Romanian city (second largest by population) where I graduated from university.
Since I became an entrepreneur in 2017, I've got used to knocking on doors without fearing rejection.
And believe me, I've received plenty of "No's" since I left the corporate world…
This time the Universe conspired in my favor, and I received a magical "Yes" from the organizers of TEDx Copou Women after I put myself forward as a potential speaker.
So, my dream became reality on November 15th, 2025.
After 20 years, I returned to a transformed Iași to speak about human metamorphosis.
The night before the talk, my emotions were through the roof of the Unirea Hotel where we stayed. I slept only about two hours. Thank God I had two strong supporters with me: Matthew and my sister. Plus, my friend since kindergarten, Laura who came to see me presenting, too.
Another blessing was the Universe responding to an intention I set some days before the event: to be one of the first speakers on stage. And sure enough, I was the opening speaker!
The first minutes on the famous red dot were full of emotion, yet with each word I felt empowered and in my element. The grandeur of the Aula of the renowned University Library in Iași, with all its history, was a gift for all of us — both speakers and audience.
Words cannot adequately express the myriad warm feelings running through my body and soul. Not to mention the honor of having in the front row the amazing Romanian actress Maia Morgenstern, who deserved an Oscar for her role as Mother Mary in Mel Gibson's movie The Passion of the Christ. She even gifted me with some “Bravos”.
Thanks to the brilliance of the organizers, we speakers had the opportunity to answer two questions from the audience on stage.
Bravo, Ioana Gamen & Team!
Another unique touch was having a live portrait painted by the very talented artist Dan Ursu while each of us spoke.
