What would Andreu say?
This is a question I still ask myself whenever I face a new professional challenge.
And I already know the answer:
“Go for it.” 🚀
On 9 September 2026, I gave my final Level 2 speech at Maresme Toastmasters, entitled “Back to University”. The speech was about mentoring, but above all, it was a tribute to someone who changed the direction of my professional life: Andreu Barrabino.
🌱 The person who opened a new door
In 2002, after twelve years working in Advertising and Public Relations, I was ready for a change. I wanted to move towards a profession where I could have a more direct impact on people: education, training and mentoring.
Andreu Barrabino, then Vice-Rector for Communication at Universitat Abat Oliba CEU in Barcelona, gave me an extraordinary opportunity:
to go back to university — not as a student, but as a professor. 🎓
That opportunity opened the door to the world of education and training, which has been such an important part of my professional journey ever since.
But Andreu gave me much more than an opportunity.
He became my mentor.
💙 What makes an exceptional mentor?
Looking back, I realise that Andreu embodied three qualities that, for me, define great mentoring.
👂 Empathetic listening
He listened carefully. He observed. He understood what I needed, often before I was able to express it myself. And, most importantly, he was always available.
🚀 Proactivity
He didn’t simply wait for me to ask for opportunities. He anticipated them.
When I started teaching at the university, he encouraged me to accept new challenges and even proposed new classes. He pushed me beyond my comfort zone and made me believe I was capable of more.
💬 Exceptional feedback
Andreu knew how to recognise people’s strengths and communicate their value. At the same time, he could point out areas for improvement with honesty, kindness and respect.
His feedback didn’t make me feel judged.
It made me want to keep moving forward.
🕊️ A mentor who is still with me
Andreu passed away in 2020.
But, in a way, he is still part of my professional life.
Whenever I have to make an important decision or face a new challenge, I ask myself:
“What would Andreu say?”
And somehow, I can hear him:
“Go for it.”
That simple phrase reminds me of the importance of having people who believe in us — sometimes even before we fully believe in ourselves.
🌟 From mentee to mentor
Completing two Toastmasters levels has now given me the opportunity to become a mentor at Maresme Toastmasters, an English-speaking club dedicated to helping members develop their communication and leadership skills.
For me, this is much more than another achievement.
It feels like closing a circle.
Someone once opened a door for me. Now I have the opportunity to help others discover what they are capable of. 🤝
And this experience has reinforced something I have learned throughout my career as a trainer:
Communication, leadership and other soft skills can be developed.
But growth becomes much more powerful when we have the right person beside us: someone who listens, challenges, encourages and gives us the feedback we need to move forward.
I am deeply grateful to the Maresme Toastmasters community for giving me the opportunity to continue learning, growing and developing the soft skills that have become such an important part of my professional journey.
And perhaps the greatest lesson from Andreu is one I can now pass on:
Sometimes, all someone needs to take the next step is a person who says: “Go for it.” 💫
Thank you Andreu, my mentor Forever!
#MentorAndreuBarrabino #Mentoring #Communication #Proactivity #Feedback
