Telma Negreiros: Waves of Inspiration and a Journey of Communication and Courage with Negreiros Communications
Meet TM, founder of Empowering Minds Shaping Futures Coaching & Training by Telma. A powerhouse woman who seamlessly combines her love of surfing with an inspiring career in communication and personal empowerment. In this exclusive interview, she shares her journeyfrom her culturally rich family roots in the Netherlands and Portugal to her past experience leading a successful communications agency, which became a model of innovation, creativity, and industry leadership.
You mentioned NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) as a critical part of your training. How would you describe NLP in your own words, and how does it integrate into your work and personal life?
NLP was the first of many trainings that sparked my journey into personal development, but it was only the beginning. That experience opened my eyes to the incredible impact of consciously shaping our thoughts, habits, and actions. From there, I immersed myself in various disciplines, each adding new layers to my understanding of personal empowerment and growth. Over time, I developed my unique training approach to give others the tools to transform from within. My empowerment training integrates principles that allow people to break free from limiting beliefs, build self-awareness, and create intentional actions aligned with their goals. It’s a holistic method that doesn’t just focus on one aspect of personal development but brings together the best practices I’ve discovered, all tailored to help people harness their potential and lead the life they truly want.
Your NLP training must have given you the ability to "read" people on a deeper level. How has this impacted the way you approach those around you? Can you share an experience where you felt you could truly "see" something surprising about someone that others hadn’t noticed?
I believe women have a sixth sense, an innate intuition that often sees beyond the surface. For me, this intuition has been a guiding force throughout my life. My training only sharpened it, helping me read the room and pick up on energies and motivations that aren’t immediately visible. This was especially powerful when I ran my communications agency; it allowed me to connect deeply with clients and secure accounts. I could sense exactly what they needed, often before they expressed it. One particular moment stands out. I once hired a trainee who had a less-than-stellar record. Despite doubts from my HR colleagues and team, I sensed he was more than what others saw on paper—he had an untapped creative brilliance waiting to be nurtured. Hiring him felt risky, but I trusted my intuition. Over time, he blossomed, exceeded expectations, and became a star in our team. Today, he’s a director at a leading advertising agency. For me, it was a powerful reminder that sometimes, all someone needs is to be seen for who they are.
Your upbringing combined the Dutch heritage of your father and the Portuguese heritage of your mother, creating a unique balance at home. Was there a special family tradition or trait that you feel still shapes your life and work today?
While we didn’t have a specific family tradition, our home was all about blending—mixing elements from Portuguese and Dutch cultures in everything from food to music to how we approached life. Growing up with this fusion, I felt I got the best of both worlds. The Portuguese influence brought a deep warmth, passion, and a strong sense of community, while the Dutch instilled a pragmatic approach, freedom, and inner strength. This combination still shapes how I navigate life and work today. I approach challenges with a strong, practical mindset but never lose sight of empathy and connection. It’s a blend of resilience and heart, which adds a unique edge to how I lead and connect with others.
At just six years old, you created and sold your magazine to family members an incredible idea! If you could speak to that young girl now, what advice might she give you, or is there perhaps an unfulfilled “childhood dream” you still think about today?
I’m still chasing those childhood dreams, though they’ve evolved. But one thing that hasn’t changed is my drive when I’m passionate about something, I don’t just dream it; I make it happen. If little Telma were to give me advice, I think she’d tell me to ease up on myself. I’ve always been my own harshest critic, and sometimes, that little reminder to enjoy the ride would be exactly what I need.
At 27, you founded an innovative communications agency that transformed the market's perception of the integration between PR, marketing, and events. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in establishing the agency, and was there a moment when you realized you were creating a new model that became an industry standard?
Looking back, it’s almost funny I didn’t fully recognize I’d created a new agency model until the copycats started popping up. I’ve always been my own toughest critic, so I never let myself completely acknowledge what a game-changer our approach was at the time. Integrating PR, marketing, and events into a seamless strategy felt natural to me, but it wasn’t until I saw the industry shifting and others adopting this formula that I realized how ahead of the curve we were. One of the biggest challenges was convincing clients that this integrated approach wasn’t just another trend but a way to amplify their brand impact and narrative cohesively. But once the results spoke for themselves, I knew we were onto something genuinely transformative.
Breaking Through and Moving Forward
You began your career in an environment dominated by men, where gaining recognition wasn’t easy. Can you describe a pivotal moment when you “hit the wall,” how you overcame it, and if there was someone specific who became an icon of inspiration for you along the way?
Starting my corporate career at just 19 in the ’90s, before even going to college, was a trial by fire. It was a challenging environment for young women aiming to build a name for themselves. At first, I tried to fit in by brushing off the constant jokes and comments, laughing along, and trying to blend in. But over time, I realized that wasn’t me it was exhausting and unfulfilling.
So, I hit a turning point. I stopped blending in and started standing out as my true self, fully Telma. I spoke up, demanded respect, and pushed back on the culture. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Over time, I earned my place as a respected team member, not by conforming but by being unapologetically authentic. That experience was a reminder that genuine respect comes from staying true to who you are, no matter how hard it gets.
I became my inspiration as I did not have anyone to guide me through this complicated work environment. I almost sound like the Mariah Carey song, Hero... "and you will finally see the truth, that a hero lies in you!"
Is there a message or value you hope to pass down to your children from your work and achievements? How do you feel your personal example affects them, and what would you like them to remember most about you?
I want my son to grow up with a fearless spirit, willing to try whatever sparks his curiosity, and to se success and failure as essential parts of growth. I hope he embraces independence and resilience, along with a sense of purpose that’s true to him and not dictated by the mainstream. More than anything, I want him to remember me as the best mom I could be: someone who stood by her beliefs, lifted others, and stayed warm and kind through it all.
When clients choose to work with you, what core value do you hope they take away from the experience? What key message do you want to leave them with, and is there a particular project or area you’re excited to explore in the future?
When clients choose to work with me, my core goal is for them to walk away feeling deeply empowered. I want them to understand that they hold the tools to shape their own path, and with the right guidance, they can amplify their personal or brand voice in ways they hadn’t imagined. The message I aim to leave is simple but powerful: authentic connection and bold self-belief are game-changers.
Throughout your career, you’ve worked with a wide range of people and projects. How important is it for you to be involved in unique and groundbreaking projects, and are there any new fields or ideas you’d love to collaborate on?
Working with celebrity A-listers, pop stars, football players, and CEOs has been amazing, but what truly drives me is empowering people. I’m a builder at heart—I love creating something impactful from scratch, especially if it means lifting others. Empowerment is second nature to me; it’s authentic, so I’m effective at it. This passion led me to develop my *"7 Steps to Success"* training, designed to give people the tools they need to unlock their potential. Looking forward, I’m excited to collaborate on projects that push boundaries, especially those that merge empowerment with innovative fields like tech or social impact. Building something that leaves a lasting mark on people’s lives is exactly where I want to focus next.
As a surfer, you find balance in both your work and life through the ocean. How do surfing and time in the water affect you personally? Is there a special moment on the board that gave you a life or career insight something that brings you inner peace or strength that others might not understand?
The ocean has a way of keeping me grounded. It’s uncontainable and humbling, constantly reminding me that no matter where I am emotionally—whether I’m struggling, in doubt, or riding high—the sea reflects exactly what I need. Sometimes, it’s a wild challenge; other times, it’s a smooth, easy wave or even a calm, flat stretch. Each time, it has this uncanny ability to reset my mind and bring clarity. There was a moment on the board once, after wiping out on a huge wave, where I realized that life is about leaning into the unknown. You can’t control every wave but can always find your balance again. That’s something I carry into my career and life. The sea teaches resilience, presence, and, most of all, trust in the flow—things that have become central to how I navigate the world.
Looking Forward
When you think about your goals, is there a particular ambition that you haven’t yet dared to pursue something a bit "out of the box"?
How do you plan to integrate it into your life, and is there something you’re especially excited about that might surprise your readers?
For me, “out of the box” isn’t a destination; it’s a mindset. Even in everyday things, I bring a unique, heart-driven touch that’s true to who I am. Everything I do is fueled by a passion to make a real difference, so in a way, my life itself is the “out of the box” pursuit. Here’s something exciting that might surprise you: I’ve written a book, and very soon, I’ll be sharing it with the world! This project holds so much of my journey, and I can’t wait for others to experience it.
Ready to dive deeper into Telma’s journey?
Explore more insights, projects, and connect with Telma Negreiros directly. Follow the links below to stay inspired and empowered by her story and join the conversation
Telma Negreiros | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/telma-negreiros-5383278?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3B0TzcZx%2B7Ru2uYDDrRK8ntA%3D%3D