Global Woman with Mirela Sula
As a global leader dedicating herself to helping women around the world achieve similar success, Mirela Sula, CEO and Founder of Global Woman Magazine and Global Woman Club, leverages her international platform to connect women across borders, equipping them with the tools and self-belief to realise their potential. Her work goes beyond raising awareness— it’s about driving real change, empowering women to step into their strength, unlock their abilities and transform their skills into financial independence. Global in scope and ambitious in vision, Mirela’s leadership has sparked a movement aimed at improving the future for millions of women worldwide. In this special interview, Mirela reveals her inspiring journey and explains her perspective on what it means to truly be a Global Woman.
“We motivate women to dream bigger and release self-imposed limitations. This is where true expansion happens.”
A lifelong love of writing led Mirela to graduate in literature and languages and into the teaching profession, but it wasn’t long before her destiny took an unexpected turn – one that would change the direction of her life. She landed a job at Modern Woman, Albania’s inaugural magazine, launched after the country transitioned to democracy. It was here that Mirela’s journey into the media world began.
Though her career was taking off, Mirela still wrestled with a question many face: what was her true identity, and what was she meant to do with her life? “I think women from every country grapple with the same challenge,” she muses. “None of us fit neatly into one role, but society often expects us to. Life isn’t that simple.”
In a country where the concept of personal development was still emerging, Mirela sought answers in the science of psychology. As she studied, her journalism career was taking off, landing her the role of editor-in-chief at a leading women’s supplement in Albania’s biggest daily newspaper, Panorama. “Those were exciting times,” she recalls. “Being part of a publication that championed women’s voices in a newly free society was exhilarating.”
Even after qualifying in psychology and after the release of her first best-selling book, Mirela was still unclear about which direction to take. Did she have a purpose? Was she a psychologist, a writer or an author? The search for answers prompted her boldest move yet: she was 38 and a single mother when she left Albania and moved to London with her young son, ready to embark on a whole new chapter.
Talk about a leap of faith! And it proved to be far from easy at the beginning. With limited English, Mirela struggled to reestablish herself in journalism, and her psychology qualifications didn’t easily transfer. But her resilience never wavered. “It was a tough time,” she admits, “but I knew I had to keep pushing forward.”
Things finally started looking up when she began working for a charity that supported women who had survived abuse. It wasn’t just a job – it was deeply personal. She, too, had once been trapped in an abusive relationship, and the work resonated in a way that felt almost like fate. As she helped others rebuild their lives, she found herself healing with them.
“Recognising abuse is just the first step,” Mirela shares. “The next is finding the courage and the financial means to leave.” She describes it as a classic chicken-and-egg scenario: “Confidence helps you see your own worth, but it’s only once you know your value that you can ask for what you deserve, including financial independence.”
This insight became the cornerstone of Mirela’s work. “I knew I had to start with what I understood best,” she reflects. “I wasn’t going to reinvent myself in some random field like finance. My gift was storytelling – through writing, through media – and that’s where I began.” It was here, in the world of words, that she laid the foundation for something far greater than she ever imagined.
“Confidence helps you see your own worth, but it’s only once you know your value that you can ask for what you deserve.”
Mirela launched Migrant Woman Magazine, a platform aimed at amplifying the voices of women from around the globe. Everyone loved it but monetising it was hard, and it eventually had to close after a year. With the benefit of hindsight, Mirela admits that the core issue was branding. Many women didn’t identify as migrants and didn’t want to be defined by that label, even if they had moved from another country. It was a powerful lesson and one she took to heart.
“I was determined to try again and spent many sleepless nights thinking about how to fix it. I decided to rename it Global Woman, because then everyone was included, no matter their background or where they came from.” But for Mirela, it was much more than just a name change; it was a shift in vision. She wanted to turn Global Woman into a movement that would help women everywhere to share their stories and life experiences.
“I had no clue at the time that I’d go global within a year,” she says, still amazed by the power that branding and words can wield in shaping perceptions and forging emotional connections. “When Global Woman was born in 2015, I was ready to succeed and understood the importance of getting the brand right – because how people feel about what they see and hear can make or break the vision.”
The shift wasn’t just about aesthetics, although the new, colourful and inclusive look drew plenty of admiration. Mirela knew that to truly grow her vision, she couldn’t do it alone. She admits to being terrible at delegating at that time and wouldn’t trust anyone else with her ‘baby’; she wrote everything herself and micromanaged every detail. “I was exhausted from working around the clock, spending all my energy creating the product and then I didn’t have the time – or the money – to print it,” she admits. “Plus I learned that only 20% of the success is the product itself. The other 80% is marketing and sales – and that wasn’t my strength.”
“When self-love and positive language are at the core of what we do, it spreads naturally across the entire community.”
She brought in writers and experts to support the magazine’s development, while she focused on becoming the face of her vision. “I had to accept that delegation wasn’t a sign of failure but a necessity for success. Trusting others allowed me to get out there, to network – which I’m good at – build connections, and bring Global Woman to life.”
So how did she manage to move from a local brand to a global one? Well, Mirela’s mantra is simple: Get out of the house! “To move from a local brand to a global one, you have to think outside the box and break free from the local mindset. It’s crucial to expand your horizons and tap into wider networks,” she says. “You need to actively connect with new people, surround yourself with like-minded individuals and immerse yourself in new environments. That’s where inspiration, motivation and opportunities for partnerships and collaborations happen.” A firm believer that global success is accessible to everyone, Mirela stresses the importance of personal development and investing in yourself. “Your business will grow in line with your own growth. As your ideas expand, so will your confidence – and with that, others will want to work with you.”
The first Global Woman Club launched in London in December 2016 and has since grown to 30 clubs across 29 countries. Mirela’s philosophy for maintaining a sense of community among such a vast, multicultural audience is, “How you do one thing is how you do everything.” She believes that the key to sustaining a global network lies in fostering a culture of collaboration, kindness and support from the top down. “When self-love and positive language are at the core of what we do, it spreads naturally across the entire community,” she says.
However, she acknowledges that you have to be ready to take risks as challenges are inevitable, especially when handing over leadership reins across different countries. “When you trust and empower, mistakes will happen, and people will bring their own style of leadership. It’s no longer just your vision – it’s about matching energy, values and synergy. If it aligns, it lasts. If not, it’s okay to go in another direction.”
Her hands-on approach has taken her to over 50 cities, launching clubs globally. Some thrive with vibrant communities, while others have had shorter lifespans. For Mirela, it all comes down to finding the right leader who shares the same ethos and vision. “When you find that match, the community flourishes.”
Mirela believes living as a young adult in a developing country, her experiences in London for over a decade and meeting people from all walks of life, as well as her extensive international travels, have given her a sense of perspective about women across the globe and strengthened her belief that, at our core, we are all the same.
“I once thought women in the Western world had more confidence, self-esteem and power. But after visiting so many countries, I found that women everywhere – whether in Albania, Sweden or South Africa – face the same insecurities, fears and challenges.”
Despite these common struggles, she sees a universal connection among women worldwide: “Everywhere I go, I meet women who are driven to invest in themselves and in their families; they want to improve and make a difference. No matter where they come from, women share the same hopes and are aware of the importance of feminine energy and love.” She goes on to emphasise, “At the core, we all face similar internal challenges. External circumstances may change how we approach and solve problems, but deep down, we are united in our experiences.”
“But if you’re serious about driving your business forward, you have to be everywhere. It’s not about liking it – it’s about doing what needs to be done.”
Mirela’s background in media and her success in publishing have played a key role in the rapid rise of Global Woman. Her years as a journalist and editor, coupled with her best-selling books, have provided her with a platform to connect with women around the globe. This visibility in the media has built her credibility and trust, establishing her as a powerful voice in women’s empowerment.
By leveraging her media presence strategically, Mirela has amplified the Global Woman brand, drawing in new members and fostering a vibrant, supportive community. Through interviews, articles and public speaking, she shares her expertise and mission, driving the movement’s expansion worldwide. This steady exposure keeps Global Woman in the public eye, propelling its growth and deepening its impact.
Mirela understands, though, that for many women, stepping into the spotlight and owning their personal brand can feel daunting. “It’s tough to accept that you need to put yourself out there,” she acknowledges. “But if you’re serious about driving your business forward, you have to be everywhere. It’s not about liking it – it’s about doing what needs to be done. Wake up early, dress the part, show up. Get in front of the camera, engage online. That’s non-negotiable!”
She compares personal branding to other essential tasks in business: “It’s not my thing to do accountancy, but when my accountant sends me a to-do list, I still have to tackle it. Branding yourself and investing in your visibility is no different.”
Reflecting on her own journey, she shares, “When I moved to the UK with minimal English, I was terrified, lived in fear of rejection and was constantly apologising for my language skills. But I learned the hard way that pushing through my fears was the only way forward and that my gifts and talents would remain hidden if I didn’t invest in making them visible. I’ve been on stage and featured in the media countless times, but it didn’t start out easy. Confidence grows as your business grows.”
“I see the real impact we’re making as a community of women from around the world.”
When talking about her experiences interviewing influential figures for Global Woman, Mirela says one of her most memorable was with Kim Kiyosaki, an internationally acclaimed advocate for female financial education, who is incredibly humble and authentic and a powerful role model. Of course, there have been many others: Jane Goodall, Elena Cardone, Jack Canfield, Warren Buffett and Deepak Chopra, to name a few. Putting the mother of Rita Ora on the cover of Global Woman Magazine was another deeply special moment.
“When I ask myself what I want to achieve, it’s not just about survival or success – it’s about significance,” Mirela says thoughtfully. “True significance comes when you know you’re contributing, leaving a mark and creating something lasting.”
She continues, reflecting on her journey, “For me, it’s about carrying on the work I love. I see the real impact we’re making as a community of women from around the world. But it’s also about building a legacy, paving a path for the next generation. We’re laying the foundation that will make it easier for those who come after us.”
At the core of Global Woman’s vision is a commitment to inspire women to grow and thrive, while fostering connections across borders. “We motivate women to dream bigger and release self-imposed limitations. This is where true expansion happens. The journey is about understanding that there are no limits to what we can achieve.”
Mirela smiles as she recalls how transformational Global Woman has been for so many. “It’s been incredible to watch women travel, do business together and change their lives. I remember when we held a conference in Dubai two years ago, over 20 women from London came with us. Since then, quite a few have moved to Dubai, all because of the connections and inspiration sparked during that event. That’s what I call life-changing!”
She reflects on another standout moment. “We held a conference in Los Angeles and one of our members from London asked if we had a club there. I said “No, not yet.” She asked if she could start one as she’d love to move to LA. I replied,“But darling, you live in London!” Two months later, we saw Global Woman Club Los Angeles starting with someone who was living in the UK. It’s amazing to witness how one decision, one connection, can spark something so powerful.
That’s the beauty of thinking big.
INTERVIEW BY OLIVIA MAROCCO – EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – BRAND YOU MAGAZINE
Article published in Brand You Magazine – Edition 33
Mirela Sula – founder of Global Woman Magazine, Global Woman Club & Summit
Mirela is an award-winning entrepreneur with an impressive background in psychology, counselling, journalism and teaching. As the founder and CEO of Global Woman Club, which spans 30 cities, and Global Woman Magazine, she has created a global platform dedicated to empowering women and fostering business growth. A global speaker, accomplished author and UN Ambassador, Mirela’s work has been featured by prominent media outlets such as BBC, Sky TV, London Live TV and Brand You Magazine.
Website: globalwomanmagazine.com
Instagram: @mirela.sula_globalwoman
