Meet Ana Maria Dibu | Lifestyle Enhancement Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ana Maria Dibu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana Maria, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk has played a crucial role in my life and career. My decision to leave my comfortable government job to pursue coaching and writing two books is a prime example of this. I’ve come to see risk as a necessary part of growth and aligning my work with my deepest values.
For me, risk isn’t about recklessness, but about making calculated decisions that prioritize my passion and desire to serve others over mere comfort and security. When I considered the potential rewards of following my true calling against the possible downsides, I realized that the opportunity to make a more direct impact on people’s lives far outweighed the stability of my previous position.
Taking this risk has led to significant personal growth and opened up new opportunities I never would have experienced otherwise. It’s taught me the importance of preparation and having contingency plans, but also the value of trusting my instincts and being willing to step into uncertainty.
I’ve learned that risks don’t always pan out as expected, but even failures provide valuable lessons. Each risk I take, whether it results in success or setback, contributes to my personal and professional development.
Ultimately, I believe that aligning my risks with my personal values and goals is key. My shift to coaching and writing wasn’t just about changing careers – it was about creating a life that feels authentic and purposeful to me. While it hasn’t always been easy, I can confidently say that embracing risk in this way has made my life richer and more fulfilling.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As a lifestyle coach, I’m most proud of my unwavering commitment to serving people and my core mission: showing that happiness is not only real but also attainable and within easy reach for everyone. My journey to where I am today has been anything but conventional, and that’s what sets me apart in this industry.
My background in government and politics in Romania gave me a profound understanding of people – their motivations, fears, and aspirations. This insight is invaluable in my coaching practice, allowing me to connect deeply with clients and guide them effectively towards their goals.
The biggest risk I took was leaving my established career in Romania to pursue an entirely new path in business and coaching, and doing so in a new country – the United States. This transition wasn’t just a career change; it was a complete cultural shift. While challenging, this experience has been transformative, shaping me into a more empathetic, adaptable, and insightful coach.
These experiences have taught me invaluable lessons:

True fulfillment often lies outside our comfort zone.
Cultural diversity enriches our perspective and problem-solving abilities.
The skills we gain in one field can be powerfully applied to another.
Resilience and adaptability are key to both personal and professional growth.

What sets me apart as a coach is this unique blend of political acumen, cross-cultural experience, and a deep-seated passion for helping people find happiness. I bring a global perspective to lifestyle coaching, combining Eastern European insights with American dynamism.
My coaching style is direct yet compassionate, informed by real-world experience in high-pressure environments. I don’t just theorize about change – I’ve lived it. This allows me to guide clients through their own transformations with genuine understanding and practical strategies.
I want the world to know that my brand stands for authenticity, courage, and the unwavering belief in every individual’s potential for happiness. My story is one of bold moves and big dreams, and I use it to inspire clients to write their own success stories.
In the lifestyle coaching industry, I offer something truly unique: a coach who has navigated the complexities of international politics, embraced radical life changes, and emerged with a crystal-clear mission to help others find their path to happiness. My diverse background allows me to connect with clients from all walks of life, helping them bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting Los Angeles, I’d be thrilled to show them around! I’ve got a perfect week-long itinerary that showcases some of my favorite spots in this vibrant city.
First on our list would be Rodeo Drive. There’s something magical about strolling down this iconic street, window shopping at luxury boutiques, and soaking in the glamorous Beverly Hills atmosphere. We might even treat ourselves to a high-end lunch to really feel like celebrities for a day.
Next, we’d head to El Matador Beach. This is, hands down, one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California. The dramatic rock formations and crystal-clear waters make it a photographer’s dream. We’d time our visit for sunset to catch the breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon.
No trip to LA is complete without visiting the Griffith Observatory. The panoramic views of the city are unbeatable, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to the ocean. We’d explore the exhibits inside, then stick around after dark to stargaze through the public telescopes.
For a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment, I’d take them to The Grove. This open-air complex has a great atmosphere, especially in the evening when the dancing fountain is lit up. We’d grab dinner at one of the restaurants, maybe catch a movie, and end the night with some sweet treats from the Farmers Market next door.
Throughout the week, we’d also hit up some of LA’s world-class museums like the Getty Center and LACMA. For food, we’d sample the diverse culinary scene – from food trucks in Venice Beach to upscale restaurants in Downtown LA.
We’d definitely spend an afternoon hiking in Runyon Canyon for more great city views, and maybe catch a concert at the Hollywood Bowl if there’s a good show on.
To round out the trip, we’d end with a sunset drink at a rooftop bar in Downtown LA, taking in the glittering cityscape.
Los Angeles has so much to offer, from natural beauty to cultural landmarks and everything in between. This itinerary gives a taste of what makes this city so special to me, blending iconic sights with local favorites for an unforgettable week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to several key influences in my life, but first and foremost, I have to give a heartfelt shoutout to my mom. She was the cornerstone in shaping me into the person I am today. Her unwavering commitment to ensuring I received the best education and instilling strong values in me has been invaluable. Of course, my family as a whole played a significant role too. Coming from a prominent family in our area of Romania, they provided a strong foundation and context for my growth.
Beyond my family, there’s a book that truly changed my perspective – “Who Moved My Cheese?” This book taught me a profound lesson: that my truth often lies on the other side of my fears. It posed a question that has become a guiding principle in my life: “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” This simple yet powerful question has pushed me to take risks and pursue my passions.
Lastly, I have to give credit to my husband, Dave. He’s been instrumental in helping me shift my mindset, particularly when it comes to business. His support and different perspective have challenged me to think in new ways and have been crucial in my personal and professional development.
Each of these influences – my mom, my family, this impactful book, and my husband – deserves recognition for the role they’ve played in my journey. They’ve all contributed to shaping my path, my values, and my approach to life and work.

Website: https://www.linktr.ee/anamariadibu

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ana.maria.dibu

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@athena.travels