From Language Lover to CEO: Leyla’s Bold Dubai Journey
At just 14, Leyla Baymaganbetova took her first English class. What seemed like a simple academic milestone quickly became a life-defining moment. “I didn’t just fall in love with the language,” she reflects. “I fell in love with who I became in English.”
This transformation—what linguists call a “linguistic persona”—unlocked a new version of herself. One that was braver, smarter, and freer. That version of Leyla didn’t stop at grammar drills or vocabulary lists. She was on a mission.
Born and raised in Russsia, Leyla poured herself into mastering English. Her dream? To study in the United States. Through grit and determination, she not only achieved that dream but expanded far beyond it. She earned a degree in Linguistics from Russia and another in Art History in Philadelphia, USA. Then, she went on to train as a language teacher in Europe before eventually settling in Dubai.
But Leyla’s journey didn’t follow a traditional path. And that’s exactly what makes it inspiring.
Teaching to Thriving: The Dubai Chapter Begins
In Dubai, Leyla initially taught Russian to government officials, including the Dubai Police and the Dubai Health Authority. She also taught English to beginners. Her students came from diverse backgrounds, but her mission remained the same: to help people find their voice and confidence in a new language.
Then the pandemic hit. Like so many others, Leyla faced an unexpected career pivot. She and her then-husband, despite having no business background, launched a startup together. No MBAs. No deep-pocketed investors. Just ambition, trial and error, and a willingness to learn.
Within two years, their company hit $2.5 million in annual revenue.
Leyla realized that it wasn’t fancy credentials that made the difference—it was her ability to communicate. Not just to speak clearly, but to connect. To lead. To sell an idea. That realization gave birth to her current venture: Klaster.
What Is Klaster?
Klaster is a Dubai-based communication coaching company that helps professionals—from interns to executives—speak with clarity, confidence, and influence. Leyla’s approach is simple: Communication is not a “soft skill,” it’s a power skill.
In less than a year, Klaster secured major partnerships with PwC Academy, DMCC, and other big names. They’ve coached regional directors at Careem, partners from the Big Four firms, and even government leaders.
“It doesn’t matter how brilliant you are at your job,” Leyla explains. “If you can’t communicate it well, your value gets overlooked.”
But the success didn’t come easy. Dubai’s market is intensely competitive. Leyla describes it as both a challenge and a blessing. “It forced us to refine our message and prove our value. Eventually, we found our niche—especially with consultants, who are now a big part of our client base.”
Making Communication Accessible for All
While many communication training programs are expensive and exclusive, Leyla is determined to change that. “Communication tools shouldn’t just be for keynote speakers or CEOs. Everyone deserves access to these skills—regardless of their title or budget.”
That vision is shaping Klaster’s next big move: building a learning management system (LMS) that caters to both individuals and businesses. In addition to the LMS, they’re developing a peer-to-peer digital platform that extends their in-person community into the online space.
It’s not just about teaching—it’s about empowering.
A Voice That Inspires
Leyla’s story resonates because it’s real. She wasn’t handed her success—she built it, one bold step at a time. From a teenager learning English in Russia to a respected entrepreneur in Dubai, her journey is proof that passion, communication, and persistence can change your life.
She’s not afraid to talk about her challenges. Starting a business during a global crisis. Navigating a male-dominated industry. Finding her footing in a new country. Every obstacle became a lesson. Every setback, a redirection.
And now, she’s using her voice to uplift others.
Advice to Her Younger Self
When asked what advice she’d give her younger self, Leyla smiles and says,
“Follow your passion. The rest will fall into place.”
It’s simple, but powerful. And it’s advice that so many need to hear—especially young women looking to carve their own path in a fast-paced world.
Through Klaster, Leyla is not just teaching communication. She’s teaching courage. The courage to speak up, to be seen, and to lead.
What’s Next for Leyla and Klaster?
Leyla and her team are currently in the process of fundraising to expand their LMS and community platform. Their goal is to serve both B2B and B2C clients, helping professionals across industries speak with more confidence, clarity, and impact.
With an impressive track record of growth, elite partnerships, and a loyal client base, the future looks promising. But Leyla is keeping her feet on the ground. For her, it’s not about fame or money—it’s about mission.
“Communication isn’t just a soft skill. It’s a power skill. It can open doors, change careers, and shift the way the world sees you. It certainly did that for me.”
Follow Leyla’s Journey
For those looking to follow her work, Leyla shares insights, tips, and behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram at @klaster.me , LinkedIn and her website klaster. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or simply someone looking to improve how you express yourself—her content is full of value.
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