War-Torn Childhood to Finding Identity and Purpose | Ivana Strbac Alfonso | Gen IQ

Some stories stay with you long after the conversation ends.Ivana’s story is one of them. "The Girl Who Fled a War & Built a Life From Nothing"Born in Bosnia, refugee in Germany, raised Croatian, and now living in Australia, Ivana’s life has taken her across countries, cultures and identities. Her family left Bosnia as refugees, spent years in Germany, and eventually rebuilt their lives on the other side of the world.I had the privilege of spending the last eight days working on this episode, listening to Ivana’s story and then reading her own words about her journey. Her article gave me goosebumps more times than I can count. There was something about seeing the photographs, reading the memories and understanding more deeply what she has carried with her.And yet, what makes Ivana so special is the way she tells her story. Even when the subject is incredibly serious, she finds a way to bring warmth, humour and light into the conversation.This episode isn't simply about leaving one country and building a life in another. It's about identity, belonging, culture, displacement, what we carry with us, and the parts of ourselves we consciously choose to keep.And perhaps, underneath all of it, one question:Where is home?Ivana is on a special journey of her own — one of discovering something deeper about who she is and where she comes from. It was an absolute honour to be part of this conversation.Welcome to Gen IQ — The Podcast I Wish I Had at 16. If you love what we do at Gen IQ and want to help us, Please subscribe to our channel and share. It's totally free 🤗Ivana's Instagram: instagram.com/ivanastrbacalfonsoIvana's Spotify: anchor.fm/balkansisIvana's Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC2_nAju0kk1uhkjqDkUN1zA