Dr. Ola Van Steen’s journey is one marked by resilience, transformation, and a steadfast pursuit of purpose. Born and raised in Iraq, her early years were filled with the usual routines of youth until a devastating outbreak of war forced her to leave her home and relocate. It was an experience that altered the trajectory of her life, propelling her into a series of challenges and opportunities that would eventually shape her into the professional she is today. Driven by her passion for helping others, Dr. Ola pursued a career in medicine, facing numerous trials along the way, including adapting to new environments, navigating cultural differences, and continuing her medical studies despite immense uncertainty.
Upon settling in a new country, Dr. Ola resumed her education and later began working as a doctor in Dubai. She thrived in the medical field, dedicating her life to saving lives and supporting critical care and acute medicine patients. Achieving the position of consultant was a significant milestone for Dr. Ola—one that she accomplished in the United Kingdom, far away from the familiarity of her homeland. “Moving to the UK without any family or friends nearby was one of the toughest decisions I had to make,” she recalls. “But it was also one of the most defining experiences of my life.”
While medicine provided a sense of purpose, Dr. Ola was not fully satisfied. The healthcare system’s constraints began to weigh on her, and she gradually realized that her personal values of growth, freedom, and independence were not being fully met in her role as a medical professional. This internal conflict eventually led Dr. Ola to a bold decision: to step away from medicine entirely. “Walking away from a well-established career in medicine wasn’t easy, but I knew I had to be true to myself,” she says.
Her career shift into the travel industry was unexpected but transformative. Dr. Ola’s desire to build a global franchise in the travel sector came from a deeper calling to empower professionals worldwide. She wanted to offer others the opportunity to earn an income while simultaneously improving their well-being through the freedom and joy of travel. Despite having no prior business experience, Dr. Ola embarked on her entrepreneurial journey with sheer determination and a strong sense of purpose. “I wasn’t certain how it would all unfold,” she admits. “But I trusted my instincts and took things one step at a time.”
Early challenges were plentiful, as Dr. Ola navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship. “Self-belief was one of the biggest obstacles,” she shares. “It’s hard to keep going when you’re not sure if you have what it takes.” To overcome her doubts, she sought guidance from mentors and surrounded herself with a supportive community of entrepreneurs who encouraged her growth. Dr. Ola credits these individuals with pushing her beyond her comfort zone and helping her realize that success is often a byproduct of consistent effort and unwavering belief in one’s vision.
Currently, Dr. Ola is focused on scaling her travel business further, aiming to help 50 more professionals set up and expand their travel enterprises by the end of 2024. Her broader goal is to support 10,000 professionals over the next five years—a goal she is well on her way to achieving. “I want to empower others to create wealth and well-being through the travel industry,” she explains. “It’s about more than just income; it’s about the freedom to design your own life.”
When asked about the most inspiring figures in her career, Dr. Ola finds it challenging to pinpoint just one. Instead, she notes that several mentors have influenced her path at different stages, whether through personal interactions, books, or even social media. “I’ve always sought out people who represent where I want to go,” she says. “The people you surround yourself with can either lift you up or hold you back. I choose to be around those who encourage me to think bigger.”
Dr. Ola attributes her persistence not to motivation alone but to discipline—a principle that keeps her moving forward, even in the face of setbacks. “Motivation can be fleeting,” she reflects. “But discipline is about doing the work even when you don’t feel like it.” She maintains her focus through gratitude, constantly reminding herself of the progress she has already made and the reasons behind her work. “It’s important to stay connected to your ‘why,’” she says. “That’s what keeps you grounded when things get tough.”
Throughout her career, Dr. Ola has learned many valuable lessons. One of the most impactful has been the realization that while many people desire success, few are willing to put in the necessary work. “This was eye-opening for me,” she says. “I’ve always been someone who follows through on what I say I’ll do. It’s surprising how many people want a luxurious lifestyle but only put in the bare minimum effort.” This understanding has shaped her approach to work, making her more selective about whom she collaborates with and ensuring that she remains committed to her own growth.
Dr. Ola’s definition of success has also evolved over time. Early on, she equated success with material wealth—luxury cars, designer labels, and other symbols of financial achievement. However, her perspective has shifted toward a more holistic view of success. “Now, success for me is about having the freedom to spend my time as I wish,” she explains. “It’s about prioritizing my health, enjoying peace of mind, and creating enough wealth to help others.” This change in mindset has allowed Dr. Ola to focus on what truly matters to her, both personally and professionally.
When asked what advice she would give to her younger self, Dr. Ola’s message is clear: “Make a decision and take action. Don’t waste time overthinking or doubting yourself. The experience, whether good or bad, will contribute to your growth.” She firmly believes that every failure and success along the way has been essential to her journey, reinforcing her belief that things happen for a reason and at the right time.
Looking to the future, Dr. Ola envisions a legacy that extends beyond personal success. She hopes to be remembered for the positive impact she has had on people’s financial futures, creating opportunities for generational wealth. “I want to be a role model for women, especially those who don’t often see themselves represented at the top,” she shares. “By making a place for myself, I hope to inspire other women to do the same.”
In her own words, Dr. Ola’s journey is about transformation, resilience, and a commitment to living a life of purpose. Her story serves as a reminder that even the most unexpected paths can lead to fulfillment and impact, provided one has the courage to take that first step.
