My story

I’m Masha Tarle, a communication skills trainer, coach and strategic communication advisor.

This is my personal story.

Childhood in Croatia

I was born in Zagreb, Croatia, the only girl among four children. Growing up surrounded by brothers taught me early how to hold my own, speak up, and navigate strong personalities—skills I now recognize as the beginnings of my communication career. I spent my childhood in a lively neighbourhood where initiative, confidence, and creativity mattered more than rules. I was always the one launching new “projects,” convincing other kids to join, and discovering that when you communicate clearly, people follow.

A New Continent, A New Perspective

When I was still a child, my parents made the difficult decision to emigrate to Australia. For them, it was a leap into the unknown. For me, it was an early lesson in cultural adaptation, identity, and the impact of communication on belonging. My brothers and I integrated quickly, but I saw how hard it was for my parents to navigate a world that moved faster and communicated differently. It made me aware—long before I became a professional—of how communication can either open doors or close them.

Witnessing Crisis and Leadership Up Close

Returning to Croatia just before the war broke out brought another formative experience: watching a society shift under pressure. My city was spared the worst, but the uncertainty and fear were very real. During this time, my mother built a national NGO to support children who had lost their parents in the conflict. It was my first close-up view of leadership rooted in action, empathy, and clarity of message. My father, however, struggled to regain his footing in a changed environment. Those contrasts taught me what strong communication can build—and what the lack of it can cost. At that time, aged 17, I started my career in front of the camera as a TV presenter.

Spain: Where My Professional Identity Took Shape

At 19, life took me to Madrid, where my mother began her diplomatic career. Spain became a defining chapter. I studied cinema, English literature, and linguistics, and began teaching in companies—my first real contact with professionals who wanted to communicate with more confidence and influence. I discovered I loved the challenge: translating ideas into impact, helping people find their voice, and adapting messages to diverse audiences. These years built the foundation of my method: communication grounded in clarity, structure, and cultural intelligence.

Belgium: Entering the World of Policy, Strategy, and High-Level Communication

After a decade in Spain, I moved to Brussels to broaden my horizons. I completed a Master’s degree in EU Law, joined the European Commission as a trainee, and shifted into communication roles within international organizations and non-profits. Brussels gave me what I had been looking for: exposure to decision-makers, multicultural environments, and high-stakes messages. It was also where I met my husband, started a family, and continued coaching privately—often working with people who needed to speak with more authority, precision, and presence. Over time, it became clear that my strongest impact came from one-on-one and group workshops/courses. Helping leaders communicate powerfully wasn’t just part of my job—it was the work I was meant to do.

Today: Communication Expert for Leaders Across Europe

After 15 years in Brussels, my family and I moved to Spain, where I now work remotely as a Communication Consultant and Coach. I train executives and teams across Europe , professional people who want to communicate with more clarity, influence, and confidence. My international background, combined with years of hands-on experience in leadership communication, has shaped a whole range of ideas and theories that I apply in my work.

Outside of work

I go to the gym, listen to podcasts, chat to people on the street, drink coffee, and raise my kids. I admire people who have principles and people who use their talents to serve others. And I aim to build a life—and a career—driven by purpose, truth, connection and resilience.

Connect with me on Linkedin and let's continue the conversation: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mashatarle/