Storyteller. Author. Coach.

Hey there! Pelin here.

I am a writer, storytelling consultant and mentor – and I believe stories have the power to change us, and the world around us.

Stories are how we make sense of life. They remind us what being human really means.

I honed my storytelling craft in the best possible places — as a writer for publications such as TIME magazine and The Independent and as co-founder of a popular independent film festival and a Sundance Institute-affiliated screenwriting lab for filmmakers. Along the way, I saw just how radically a good story can connect people, even with opposing viewpoints.

On the outside, everything looked great. On the inside, I was struggling with chronic anxiety. Like all good heroines, I went on a quest that led me to Buddhism and meditation, traditional healers in the remote Amazon, systemic constellations training and a solo pilgrimage across Spain. I lost a country to authoritarianism, gained a new one and eventually found joy as a storyteller and coach. 

I’ve taught storytelling at institutions across Europe such as The School of Life, The International School of Storytelling and Escape the City. I’m a BMW Foundation Responsible Leader, a mentor for RESPOND startup accelerator and PLACE, supporting migrant-led innovation in Europe. And I still love working with filmmakers on their scripts.

I work with entrepreneurs, professionals, artists, leaders and creatives. Essentially anyone who wants to live with more purpose, imagination and creativity.