Maria Sibirtseva’s journey from Ukraine to Cyprus is a story of resilience, reinvention, and community building. As the Head of Content Marketing at Depositphotos and VistaCreate, she has built a diverse career across journalism, technology, and event curation. But her most significant impact in Cyprus has been through her role as the organizer of Fuckup Nights Limassol—a storytelling movement that challenges the way we talk about failure.

A New Chapter in Cyprus

Maria’s arrival in Cyprus was driven by necessity rather than choice. Fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, she initially saw Cyprus as a sunny escape—a place with better weather compared to other options like Berlin. But adjusting to a new country wasn’t without challenges.

“I arrived in winter clothes—fur coat, boots—only to step into 25°C sunshine,” she laughs. But beyond the weather, Maria discovered something even more transformative: a lifestyle defined by work-life balance, a contrast to the intense pace of Kyiv and London, where she previously lived.

Redefining Community and Storytelling

While Maria’s professional role at Depositphotos and VistaCreate involves overseeing global content marketing, her passion for storytelling extends beyond her job title. In 2023, after a whirlwind of presentations across Europe, Maria decided to take a break from public speaking. But an unexpected invitation to share her failure story in Kazakhstan led her to Fuckup Nights—a global storytelling event that celebrates failure.

Inspired by her experience, Maria brought Fuckup Nights to Limassol, creating a platform where local and international voices share honest stories of mistakes, setbacks, and the lessons learned. “I felt Cyprus was ready for this kind of conversation,” she explains. “It’s become more open, more diverse, and more willing to engage with different perspectives.”

The success of Fuckup Nights Limassol has exceeded her expectations, with each event attracting a blend of expats and locals. “We have around 40% Russian-speaking attendees, 40% Greek-speaking locals, and the rest from various backgrounds. It’s a mix that brings incredible energy to every event.”

Learning from Failure, Thriving in Community

For Maria, the impact of these events goes beyond storytelling. They are a reminder that behind every success story is a journey marked by challenges. She recalls memorable stories, from a speaker who forgot to book a food truck and ended up serving food himself, to another who shared the struggle of overcoming burnout.

As someone who has experienced her own setbacks—like giving a public talk where no one showed up—Maria believes that vulnerability is a strength. “Failure is part of the journey,” she says. “It’s what makes us human.”

Building a More Connected Cyprus

Looking ahead, Maria hopes to see more events that break down barriers between different communities in Cyprus. “When I first arrived, it felt like there were separate communities—Greek-speaking, Russian-speaking, international. But the most interesting things happen at the intersection of these cultures.”

Through Fuckup Nights and her other initiatives, Maria is helping to create that intersection, fostering a culture of honesty, empathy, and shared learning. Her journey is a testament to the power of community, the importance of resilience, and the value of embracing change.

“Take it easy, enjoy your time, and don’t be afraid of failure,” she advises fellow expats. “It’s all part of the adventure.”