Dusica Ristic, a 39-year-old from Serbia, embodies resilience and determination. Growing up in a small city in southern Serbia, Dusica’s environment was one where thinking outside the box or dreaming big was discouraged. This stifling atmosphere couldn’t contain her spirit. Deep down, she always knew she wanted more from life.
Her story is one of triumph over adversity, a journey marked by breaking free from toxic surroundings and pursuing her dreams with relentless vigour. “People fail in life not because they aim too high and miss but because they aim too low and hit,” Dusica reflects. This mindset propelled her from a small town to the vibrant city of Belgrade, where she began to experience the freedom to express herself and think independently.
Dusica’s childhood was marred by the shadow of her father’s alcoholism, a manifestation of unresolved generational trauma. Living in a home filled with emotional, physical, and mental abuse, she learned the importance of dreaming big and fighting fear. “Living in a toxic environment taught me a lot of things, mostly what not to do in life,” she says. This awareness fuelled her determination to carve out a different path for herself.
Despite the challenges, Dusica’s unwavering belief in herself kept her going. She worked three jobs to pay for her college studies and graduated as an English literature professor. However, it wasn’t until she watched the movie “View From the Top” that her life took a transformative turn. Inspired by Gwyneth Paltrow’s character, who escapes a toxic environment to become a flight attendant and later a pilot, Dusica found a new passion for aviation.
In 2011, she achieved her dream of flying with JAT, and Yugoslav Airlines, becoming the only girl in her cohort without any support or connections. Yet, she yearned for more. Dusica’s aspirations led her to apply for a position with Emirates Airlines. Despite discouraging remarks from so-called friends, she succeeded. On December 5th, 2011, just four days before her birthday, she landed in Dubai, ready to embark on a new chapter as a flight attendant for one of the world’s leading airlines.
Dusica’s time with Emirates was marked by incredible experiences, traveling the world and staying in luxurious hotels. But her journey didn’t stop there. In 2015, she earned her sports pilot license in the USA, adding another feather to her cap. Her passion for flying, coupled with her commitment to personal growth, led her to pursue certifications in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and life coaching at the Robert Simic Institute in Dubai.
Her drive for self-improvement didn’t end with coaching certifications. Dusica also ventured into motivational speaking, studying strategic and motivational messaging under renowned speaker Les Brown. In 2016, she published a children’s book, “Melody Nay Stories,” inspired by the children she met in African orphanages. Her book was featured on the shelves of Kinokuniya in Dubai Mall, earning her the title of Star of the Month at Emirates.
Dusica’s personal and professional journey took a profound turn after becoming a mother. Her dedication to breaking the cycle of generational trauma deepened, leading her to pursue a PhD in psychology. She founded The Fierce Believer Coaching Academy, where she champions four pillars of successful living: Awareness, Healing, Mindset, and Goal Setting. Her work in this field has garnered recognition, further cementing her commitment to helping others overcome their struggles.
Recently signed by Motivate Talent Agency in Dubai, Dusica is a passionate motivational speaker. Her mission is clear: to break the cycle of generational trauma, tackle limiting beliefs, and inspire others to achieve greatness. “We must believe to achieve,” she asserts, a mantra that encapsulates her journey and her message to the world.
Dusica’s upcoming ebook, “Believe to Achieve,” promises to be a beacon of hope for those facing similar struggles. She is also preparing for seminars in the MENA region, eager to share her insights and experiences with a broader audience.
Dubai, which Dusica calls her second home, holds a special place in her heart. It’s where she lived her dreams repeatedly, transforming her life from one of hardship to one of fulfilment. Her story is a testament to the power of belief, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of one’s dreams.
Today, Dusica travels between Serbia and Dubai, balancing her roles as a mother, coach, speaker, and soon-to-be author. She decided to publish a table book of quotes in UAE. Her journey from a small town in Serbia to the skies above the world is an inspiration to all who dare to dream big and fight for a better life.
