A Glimpse Into the Life of Magdalena Ponurska, a Leadership Expert
Here is a poignant story of a Polish Migrant who arrived in the US at a young age with a $50 bill and a dictionary thicker than her hopes, in her own words.
I published this interview on Medium and my website, too, for further visibility. Please feel free to engage in the platforms you read this story.
Non-members can read this story here.
Behind every writer, there’s a story — poignant, joyful, or both.
Dear readers and writers, in this episode of my interview series, I want to introduce you to a leadership coach with a big heart who interviewed many leaders and featured many writers by empowering them. Today, I decided to spotlight her and give a glimpse into her poignant yet inspiring life from her own words.
I met MAGDALENA PONURSKA in 2023 when she joined my publications on Medium as a writer. After reading several insightful, inspiring, and uplifting posts, I connected with her on other platforms. She then became a collaborator and joined my freelancing and health/wellness networks on Substack as a founding member.
Magdalena works as vice president for an alternative education company and as a philanthropist who established charity organizations to help others. She is a strategy and leadership consultant. I found her humble and a lifelong learner, never publicly discussing her impressive background but focussing on the capabilities of others.
Meet MAGDALENA PONURSKA
Hi Magdalena, Tell us a bit about your life story.
Hi Dr Mehmet, thank you for this lovely opportunity. Let me paint a picture for your audience to show where I was coming from.
At age 14, a doctor looked me in the eye and said I’d spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. Can you imagine hearing those words as a child?
My world shattered. But somewhere deep inside, a defiant spark ignited. The rebel in me roared, “I AM GOING TO PROVE YOU WRONG.”
What followed were:
2 grueling surgeries, one brush with near-death experience (NDE) itself.
3 years of relentless pain and physical therapy.
1 year of lonely homeschooling.
Confined to my bed, I found solace in the pages of books. They became my escape, my companions, my teachers. I devoured stories of courage and resilience, of heroes who overcame impossible odds. One character in particular resonated with me — Mary Lennox from The Secret Garden.
She faced loneliness, neglect, and the loss of her parents, but she overcame these challenges by discovering the secret garden and learning to connect with nature and other people. Her unwavering spirit fueled my own.
I clung to the belief that if she could triumph, so could I. Words became my lifeline, a source of strength when I felt utterly alone. I started writing, pouring my fears and hopes onto the page, discovering the healing power of expressing myself.
And you know what? I DID prove him wrong! I walked. I danced. I even climbed mountains.
At 21, fresh off the boat from Poland, I arrived in America clutching a crumpled $50 bill and a dictionary thicker than my hopes. My English? Nonexistent. My confidence? It was shaky at best.
My first job?
Nannying three adorable little whirlwinds aged 4, 6, and 8. Talk about a crash course in English! They were my pint-sized professors, merciless with their giggles at my mispronunciations but overflowing with patience and encouragement.
Looking back, it was more than just learning a language. It was a lesson in resilience, in adapting, and in the universal language of laughter.
My biggest transformation happened when my 14-year-old son asked me while waiting for a third surgery to get his lungs working again: “Mom, am I going to die?”
At that moment, my world shifted on its axis. The fragility of life, a concept I’d always known intellectually, suddenly became a visceral reality.
Fear gnawed at me. Fear for my son’s well-being, fear of the unknown, fear of my inadequacy in the face of such a profound question. Yet, beneath the fear, a wellspring of love and determination emerged.
I began to write. I wrote about our fears, our hopes, and our beliefs. I wrote about what it means to live in the face of mortality. I wrote to heal, to connect, to make sense of the chaos.
Through writing, I discovered a newfound strength, a resilience I never knew I possessed. It became my lifeline, my sanctuary, my way of transforming pain into purpose.
These experiences taught me the raw, untamed power of our mindset. It taught me that we are capable of far more than we can imagine. And it taught me the profound healing power of words.
Through reading and writing, I found solace, strength, and a way to process the trauma. I discovered that words could be a lifeline, a source of connection, and a catalyst for transformation.
What are your hobbies, or what excites or entertains you?
My mind thrives on stories, so I devour books, losing myself in worlds crafted by words. I chase the thrill of live music, feeling the bass rumble through my chest, connecting with the raw emotion of the performance.
I explore hidden cafes, seeking the perfect cup of coffee and the quiet hum of creative energy. I find immense joy in long walks through nature, letting the rhythm of my steps clear my head and spark new ideas.
I love the challenge of learning a new language and unlocking different perspectives and cultures. Ultimately, I am energized by the pursuit of knowledge and the creation of meaningful connections.
What are the top three books that affected your life?
This is a really hard question for me because I’m an avid reader, and I read at least 1 book a week, but I will try my best. The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho ignited my passion for storytelling. I chased my personal legend, realizing words could weave dreams into reality.
Second, “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott taught me the power of small, consistent steps. I learned to quiet the inner critic, embracing the messy process of creation. It instilled the courage to write, even when fear whispered doubts.
Finally, “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl revealed the resilience of the human spirit. It showed me that even during chaos, meaning exists. I understood that writing isn’t just a craft; it’s a way to illuminate hope and connect with the profound depths of human experience.
Why do you write on Medium?
I write on Medium because I crave connection. I pour my thoughts onto the digital page, seeking readers who resonate with my words.
I love exploring diverse topics, sparking conversations, and witnessing ideas take flight. I build a community, engage with curious minds, and refine my craft through constant feedback.
The platform fuels my passion for storytelling; I find joy in weaving narratives that inform, inspire, and entertain. Ultimately, I write on Medium to connect, learn, and leave a lasting impact.
Do you write on other platforms like Substack?
I write on Substack.
My newsletter is called Courage to Create, and it explores themes of creativity, writing, and personal growth. It offers insights into developing a writing habit, embracing vulnerability, and finding success on platforms like Substack.
Courage to Create | Magdalena Ponurska | Substack
Practical tips, motivation, and challenges that blend science, positive psychology, and emotional intelligence…www.magdalenaponurska.com
The content includes articles on topics ranging from overcoming creative blocks to reinventing oneself and reframing perspectives.
Additionally, the Substack provides resources like writing challenges and book recommendations for personal and professional development. Ultimately, it aims to build a community of courageous creators.
What I love and appreciate about Substack is that it allowed me to build my own tribe and connect with people who have similar passions and are committed to making a difference in the world.
What are your values as a writer?
I value courage; exposing the messy, imperfect truths that resonate deeply takes guts. I prioritize empathy, striving to understand and articulate the human experience with sensitivity.
I reject superficiality; I dig for the heart of the matter, where real meaning resides. I honor clarity, aiming to make complex ideas accessible. I embrace imperfection, knowing that vulnerability is not a weakness but the birthplace of creativity.
I believe in the power of words to heal, inspire, and transform. I write to connect, illuminate, and remind us that we are all enough in our beautiful brokenness.
How do you connect with your readers?
It’s about tapping into the core of what makes us human.
I don’t just write; I listen. I listen to the unspoken needs, the underlying desires, the questions that linger in the hearts of those who read my work. I believe that every reader, every person, yearns to feel understood, to feel seen, to feel like their story matters.
So, how do I connect?
I start with empathy. I put myself in their shoes. I ask myself, ‘What are they feeling? What are they hoping for?’ Then, I craft stories and messages that resonate with those emotions. I aim to create a sense of shared experience, a feeling that we’re in this together.
It’s not about dictating or lecturing. It’s about creating a conversation. It’s about igniting a spark of recognition, a moment of ‘Yes! That’s exactly how I feel!’ When my words touch a reader’s heart, when they inspire a shift in perspective, that’s when I know I’ve truly connected.
I believe in the power of stories to bridge divides and foster understanding. I believe that every word has the potential to make a difference. And I believe that by connecting with readers on a deeper level, we can create a world where everyone feels heard, valued, and inspired.
Why did you join ILLUMINATION, and how do you find it so far?
I joined Illumination because it is a digital space that allows me to read and follow topics and ideas that resonate with me and allow me to go deeper into subjects that I’m interested in.
I’m very grateful for this space, which is filled with innovative, creative ideas that stimulate and allow for deep thinking and deep connections.
I met you and was inspired by your servant leadership. Then I met many supportive writers like Aiden, who is innovative and out-of-the-box thinking and creations, and Mandy Liu for deep and vulnerable sharing of her journey as ex-Meta.
It is great to connect with like-minded writers and readers through ILLUMINATION.
What are some stories or writers that you want to highlight and why?
I like Veronica Llorca-Smith 🍋who has done an incredible job building her community via collaboration, mentoring, and supporting others. Her authentic, vulnerable, open ways of sharing are a breath of fresh air in digital writing.
Meet 4 Subtack Bestsellers Who Write About...Not Substack
Substackers who managed to become Substack Bestsellers by monetizing their passion. Vision, strategy and insights to…veronicallorcasmith.substack.com
I liked a story by Kathy Wu Brady: she does a fantastic job mentoring and coaching others in leveraging the power of networking and the mindset that is needed for that.
Your Younger Self Would Kill to be You
If you are always looking forward, expecting the future will solve everything, try this unexpected mindset shift to…www.kathywubrady.com
Kat Nieh brings a fresh and unique perspective to burnout prevention and does a fantastic job reminding her readers of ways and ideas on how to lead a more balanced life.
You know you're doing too much-So why can't you stop?
Nope, it's not a discipline or time management issue. It's something deeper.www.soulfueled.co
And Janet Ridsdale brings a wealth of experience, brilliant ideas, and ways to integrate gratitude into daily living.
Rewire Your Brain For a Better Life
Neuroplasticity in Actionjrnowwhat.substack.com
In Substack, I also like Sarah Fay, who has an incredible gift of teaching, and her guidance and ideas about how to be successful on Substack are priceless!
What are the success factors for you as a writer and a leader?
For me, success begins with why. Why do I write?
I believe stories have the power to connect us, to move us, and to inspire us to be better. My success hinges on my ability to tap into that power, to find the heart of a message, and to translate it into words that truly resonate.
It’s not just about crafting grammatically correct sentences; it’s about understanding the human experience. It’s about empathy. It’s about feeling what the reader feels.
I succeed when I can bridge the gap between a business and its audience, when I can help a person’s story find its voice, or when I can bring clarity to a complex idea.
My success is driven by these core elements:
Authenticity: I believe in writing with genuine passion and integrity. If I don’t feel it, how can I expect the reader to?
Connection: I strive to create a connection with the reader to make them feel understood and valued. It’s about building trust through words.
Clarity: I believe in simplifying complex ideas and making them accessible to everyone. The most powerful messages are often the simplest.
Purpose: I write with a purpose: to make a difference, to inspire action, and to leave a lasting impact. It’s not just about filling a page but filling a need.
Listening: Before writing, I listen. I listen to the client’s vision, I listen to the audience’s needs, and I listen to the story waiting to be told.
Ultimately, my success is measured by the impact my words have on others. Did they feel something? Did they learn something? Did they take action? If the answer is yes, then I know I’ve done my job. I’m not just a writer; I am a conduit. I am a voice for those who need to be heard.
What do you recommend to the new writers?
When I think back to when I first started, the sheer mountain of ‘how-to’ advice was overwhelming. But honestly, the most impactful lessons weren’t about grammar rules or SEO. They were about something deeper. So, if I could whisper a few truths into the ears of new writers, here’s what I’d say:
First, I’d tell them to listen. Really listen. Not just to the words people say, but to the unspoken emotions, the subtle nuances that make a story resonate. I’ve learned that the most powerful writing isn’t about filling pages; it’s about capturing the essence of a human experience. I listen to my clients, I listen to the world around me, and I listen to my own heart because that’s where the real stories live.
Second, I’d urge them to find their voice. It’s so easy to get caught up in mimicking the styles of writers we admire. But your unique perspective, your individual cadence, that’s your superpower. Don’t be afraid to experiment, to break the rules, to write what feels authentic to you.
Third, and this is crucial, I’d tell them to embrace the messy process. Writing isn’t always glamorous. There are days when the words just won’t flow when you stare at a blank page and feel like a fraud. But those are the days you push through. You write anyway. You allow yourself to be imperfect. Because even the most polished prose starts with a rough draft. I’ve learned to love the chaos of creation.
And finally, I’d remind them that their words have power. They can inspire, they can heal, they can change the world. Don’t underestimate the impact you can have. Write with intention, write with passion, and write with a deep sense of responsibility. Because the stories you tell matter.
What are your plans as a writer or as a professional?
As a writer, I plan to continue building my village on Substack, inspire, move, and delight my readers.
I’m obsessed with running challenges, so I will expand on that so my readers can experience transformation in their lives and take action right away rather than keep saying, “I will do it tomorrow.”
On a professional level, I’m in the process of creating an online university for people who are ready for a 2nd, 3rd, 4th career and want to do that pivot without getting into additional student debt and need guidance on what direction to go into, and need the opportunity to try out the new career before committing to it, and need to go through up-skill or re-skill.
Here is a sample of how Magdalena uplifts others:
Why Dr. Yildiz’s Servant Leadership Gives Me Hope
The soul of a digital shepherdwww.magdalenaponurska.com
Many thanks to MAGDALENA PONURSKA for opening her heart and giving us a glimpse into her inspiring life. You can connect with her on Linkedin, Substack, Medium, and Illumination Slack Workspace.
Thank you for exploring her stories and sharing them in your network.
Health and well-being are essential to me and my readers. Therefore, I focus on it by writing and curating insights from other writers, practitioners, and thought leaders.
I am pleased our Health and Wellness Network was selected as a bestselling publication on Substack. Thank you for your wonderful support to grow this network. These funds will go to our Substack Mastery Boost Pilot program to empower writers, readers, and editors of the program who keep the community vibrant. I wrote a story about this on Medium to guide freelance writers yesterday. To celebrate this milestone, I am providing a 50% discount to free subscribers who want to support our work and help this community grow fast.
Thank you for being part of our joyful and exciting journey.
I publish my interviews with writers in the following section:
https://drmehmetyildiz.substack.com/s/interviews
For his great help with publishing my interviews on multiple platforms, many thanks to Aiden MC, owner of the Illumination Gaming publication on Medium and the webmaster ofilluminationgaming.com.Aiden is a brilliant media expert and shares his insights on Substack in his publicationTechnology, Gaming, Movies, and Social Media.
Thank you for making the time to interview me. It’s been such a delightful experience and I’ve learned so much from you!