Meet Dilan Lektemur | Global Client Relations Strategist & Social Media Storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dilan Lektemur and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dilan, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk-Taking: Embracing Change for a Fulfilling Life

Throughout my life, I can confidently say that I have always shied away from taking risks. I haven’t embraced risk-taking in the traditional sense; instead, I focused on hard work to build the life I wanted. From a young age, I dedicated myself to studying diligently to gain admission to a prestigious university, ensuring I graduated with excellent grades. This dedication continued as I aimed for prominent positions at leading companies in Turkiye. All of this was achieved through relentless effort and belief in myself, creating a safe, bubble-like existence.

As I approached my 30th birthday, I began to reflect on my life and what I truly wanted from it. I realized that perhaps I should have taken a risk at least once to experience the outcome firsthand. This thought excited me: the idea of doing something for myself without worrying about what others would say. After considerable contemplation, I decided I wanted to look back on my life with memories that made me smile.

I made a bold move: I resigned from my managerial position, rented out my apartment in Turkiye, sold my car, and bought a one-way ticket to America. I am now pursuing my master’s degree in IT, rediscovering myself in the process. I’m dedicating time to activities I love but never found time for amid the hustle of corporate life. Social media has become a primary focus, allowing me to connect with others interested in studying abroad and sharing my experiences.

Reflecting on the first real risk I took—making an impulsive decision to leave everything behind and start anew in America at 30—is both exhilarating and terrifying. However, it has led me to incredible new connections. Every day, I continue to learn and meet fascinating people. Ultimately, I feel a profound sense of peace for having given myself this opportunity.

While the comfort zone can be a safe haven for many, sometimes we need to take risks to understand our true potential. Taking a leap can reveal what we are capable of achieving, and sometimes, that’s exactly what we need to do.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Having spent 8 years in the corporate world as a Client Relationship Manager I honed my skills in building strong, meaningful relationships with clients. These roles helped me develop a deep understanding of how to maintain trust, manage expectations, and ensure long-term business growth. What excites me the most now is the ability to combine that expertise with my passion for social media, where I connect with a broader audience and share stories in a way that resonates globally.

Getting to where I am today business-wise has been a mix of hard work, adaptability, and perseverance. It definitely wasn’t easy. I made the bold decision to leave a successful career in Turkiye and start fresh in the U.S., which was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken. Overcoming this challenge meant stepping out of my comfort zone, learning new skills, and rebuilding my professional network from scratch in a new environment. It required immense focus and determination to re-establish myself while also pursuing further education in IT.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of resilience and self-confidence. At times, when it felt like everything was stacked against me, it was essential to remind myself of the skills and value I bring to the table. Another valuable lesson is the importance of relationships. Whether in business or personal life, surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision and offer support is crucial.

I’m committed to building authentic connections. I’m not just focused on short-term gains but on creating lasting, impactful relationships both in business and through my social media platforms. My brand is built on the values of trust, collaboration, and continuous learning, and I’m always striving to bring those values into every project and interaction. Whether it’s managing client relationships or sharing stories online, my goal is to inspire and empower others to pursue their own paths and take the risks that lead to growth.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve come to enjoy long conversations over different flavors rather than nightlife and parties. Although I haven’t been here long, I already have a few favorite spots. At the top of the list is Black Radish, which is truly a hidden gem. It’s a fine dining restaurant that will satisfy you with its entire menu. If I’m craving Turkish snacks and pastries, Baked Café in downtown is an incredible find.

I also love Love Song Coffee, where I can finish some online work. It’s my safe space, perfect for enjoying a good cup of coffee. In addition, I enjoy taking long walks along the beach, doing outdoor yoga in Mission Bay, and following art events and visiting museums. I want to make sure my friends get to experience these activities as well!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve started to think a bit differently about this. We often attribute our successes to others, saying we couldn’t have done it without them. But I believe we also need to give ourselves the credit we deserve. We all strive to achieve something in our lives, yet I think we don’t take enough pride in our efforts. Therefore, this time, I want to thank myself first, and then extend my gratitude to my family and dear friends in Turkiye who have always supported me throughout this process. They have definitely made this journey much more bearable.

Instagram: @lifewdilan

Linkedin: @dilanlektemur

Youtube: Life with Dilan

Other: Podcast on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: Kendime Dogru