Lily Patrascu’s story is a remarkable example of self-belief, reinvention, and courage. Arriving in London with just 100 euros in her pocket, Lily’s journey began as an au pair, but her determination to create a better life led her to become a bestselling author, international speaker, and mentor to thousands. Her work proves that anyone—regardless of background—can transform their future with the right mindset and confidence. At Humans of Fuzia, we proudly share Lily’s inspiring story with our global community of over 5 million individuals who believe in He for She and She for She, working together to uplift, empower, and amplify women’s voices worldwide.
Tell us a little about your journey and what inspired you to start.
I came to London with just 100 euros to work as an au pair—a very affordable babysitter, basically. It was fun for a while, but deep down, I knew I wanted more from life. I was at a crossroads, unsure where to turn, much like many people going through life transitions today. That’s when I decided to write my first book, Meet the Nanny. Becoming an author changed everything—the way people perceived me, the opportunities that came my way, and my own sense of worth. Since then, I’ve written multiple books for myself and others, and I’ve seen firsthand how publishing can open doors and transform lives.
What has been a proud moment or major achievement for you?
I’ve had many proud moments, from speaking in front of hundreds of thousands worldwide to training others to share their message. But one of my most meaningful milestones was organizing my first event, with around 20 to 40 people. I was terrified, feeling like a rabbit pretending to be a lion. But years later, watching the video, I realized I was so much better than I thought. It taught me that we often underestimate ourselves—we’re doing better than we believe.
What challenges did you face along the way, and how did you overcome them?
My biggest challenge was my lack of confidence. Without confidence, it’s impossible to succeed, and it took me years to develop it. Even after intense practice—rehearsing speeches 300 times—I still judged myself harshly, feeling like I wasn’t good enough. Another challenge was perfectionism. I believed everything had to be flawless, which made the learning process so hard. Over time, with continuous practice and the support of my partner, Harry, who created the Speakers Are Leaders program, I learned to speak with confidence, despite fear. Today, we’ve trained over 10,000 people globally and reached over a million online.
What are your thoughts on women in leadership today?
You have to empower yourself—no one will do it for you. If you’re not being given speaking opportunities, create them. Organize your own events, launch a podcast, start speaking online. But beyond that, invest in public speaking and empowerment training. It’s the fastest way to unlock your potential and become unstoppable. I’ve missed countless opportunities in the past due to fear, even when I had the skills. I want others to learn from my mistakes—raise your hand, show up, and claim your space.
What advice would you give to aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs?
Step up, speak up, and empower yourself. Get as much training as you can and show up on social media. I spent years hiding behind others, supporting them while holding myself back due to fear of criticism and imposter syndrome. Even today, you won’t find many videos of me talking about my expertise. That was my way of hiding. But I encourage women to share their unique knowledge—there’s no one else like you. The world is waiting to hear what only you can offer.
“There’s something unique and beautiful you know that the world is dying to hear—don’t be afraid to share it.”
Connect with Lily Patrascu:
You can connect with Lily on LinkedIn.
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