Blooming After 50: Nicoleta Olaru on Reinventing Success and Dreams

At 19, Nicoleta Olaru arrived in Germany with nothing but a suitcase and a heart full of dreams. From learning a new language one word at a time to building a thriving career across multiple countries, her journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Today, Nicoleta is on a mission to empower women over 50 to reclaim their confidence, pursue new ventures, and redefine what success looks like in this vibrant chapter of life. Through her initiative, Blooming Business 50+, she proves that it’s never too late to turn experience into action, fear into freedom, and dreams into reality.

“It’s never too late — it’s only too early to give up. You’re not starting from zero; you’re starting from experience.”

You came to Germany at 19 with just a suitcase and big dreams. What kept you going in those early years?

What kept me going was an inner fire — the deep belief that life can be built from nothing if you keep showing up with courage and curiosity. I came from Moldova, alone, without money or support, and I didn’t even speak German. Every day I learned one new word, made one small step, and kept visualizing the life I wanted to create. There were moments of fear and loneliness, but I turned them into fuel. That mindset — to transform uncertainty into growth — still defines me today.

What made you fall in love with working in People & Culture?

Because people are the heartbeat of every business. Early in my career, I realized that the true power of a company lies not in its strategy, but in its culture — in how people connect, communicate, and create together. I fell in love with helping others unlock their potential and seeing what happens when trust and purpose replace control and fear. That’s when organizations truly bloom.

You’ve lived and worked in different countries. What has that taught you about people?

That we are all driven by the same universal needs: belonging, meaning, and respect. Whether in Germany, Belgium, China, or the U.S., I’ve seen that cultural differences are only the surface. Underneath, we all want to be seen, valued, and part of something bigger. Living across cultures taught me empathy — to listen beyond words and lead with understanding rather than judgment. The cultural differences are crucial and their understanding is the foundation for a successful leadership.

What inspired you to start Blooming Business 50+?

It came from both my professional insight and my personal calling. I’ve seen so many brilliant, experienced women lose confidence after 50 — even though they carry decades of wisdom and resilience. I wanted to create a space where they could reignite their dreams, build businesses, and support each other in rewriting what success looks like in this chapter of life. Blooming Business 50+ is more than a mentoring program; it’s a movement for second beginnings.

Why do you think so many women over 50 hesitate to start something new?

Because society often tells them their best years are behind them — which is completely wrong. Many internalize that message and start doubting their relevance or digital ability. But once they reconnect with their purpose and see other women doing it, something magical happens. They remember who they are. My mission is to turn hesitation into action and fear into freedom. The aim of my “Pitch in Podcast by Blooming Business 50+” is to inspire by talking with successful women.

You often talk about empathy and intuition as key to leadership. What does that mean to you?

Empathy and intuition are what make us truly human — and that’s what AI will never replace. Leadership today is not about hierarchy or control; it’s about connection. When we lead with empathy, we build trust. When we trust our intuition, we make authentic, wise decisions. Together, they form the invisible architecture of a healthy culture.

What’s one piece of advice you give to women who feel “it’s too late” to chase their dreams?

It’s never too late — it’s only too early to give up. You are not starting from zero; you are starting from experience. Everything you’ve lived through has prepared you for this moment. The world needs your voice, your story, your ideas — now more than ever. The motto of my company is “Success doesn’t know any age” and this is what I truly believe!

Change can be hard. How do you help people move through it with confidence?

By helping them reframe fear as growth. I remind them that every big transformation begins with uncertainty. Every Chrysis is a change for a new beginning. Change isn’t about losing who you were, but about becoming more of who you are meant to be. Through my mentoring program I guide women to find clarity, self-trust, and practical steps — because confidence is built through action.

What are you most proud of in your journey so far?

That I built everything from scratch — a career, a life, a vision — without losing my humanity. I’m proud of the people I’ve empowered, the teams I’ve transformed, and the women who found their courage through Blooming Business 50+. But most of all, I’m proud that I never stopped learning and being open to new paths.

“When women over 50 rediscover their purpose, they don’t just reinvent themselves — they redefine what’s possible for all of us.”

What’s your vision for Blooming Business 50+ in the years to come?

I see Blooming Business 50+ growing into a global community — a living network of women who create, collaborate, and change the narrative about aging, success, and purpose. I envision local chapters, retreats, and an academy where knowledge meets empowerment. My dream is that one day, when people hear “50+,” they immediately think: bold, brilliant, blooming.