Career Journey: From Film Subtitling to International Journalism
“Sometimes, the best journeys begin by chance,” Isabelle Kumar reflects as she recounts her path to becoming an award-winning international journalist. In her early 20s, Isabelle believed she had found her calling in film subtitling, combining a passion for foreign cinema with an ambition to improve translations. However, she soon discovered it wasn’t her true passion, nor her strength.
At a crossroads, fate intervened during a casual conversation at a party, where she learned about CNN’s internship program. Driven by determination, Isabelle spent six months persistently calling CNN’s newsdesk, despite lacking a formal journalism degree. Her persistence paid off, and she landed an internship. “From the moment I started, I knew I’d found my place,” Isabelle shares. “The fast pace and meaningful work drew me in, despite the initial challenges.”
Life took an unexpected turn when Isabelle’s first child, Eli, was diagnosed with a severe condition involving constant seizures. This led her family to relocate to France in search of better care. Professionally, Isabelle joined Euronews in 2003, a decision that marked the beginning of a transformative career. With her CNN experience, she quickly rose to prominence, landing high-profile interviews, including one with Pakistan’s President Musharraf during the search for Osama bin Laden.
Balancing a thriving career with the demands of raising a child with disabilities wasn’t easy. Isabelle admits, “Professionally, it was exhilarating; personally, it was exhausting. But Eli’s struggles grounded me and kept my moral compass intact.” Over the years, Isabelle has used her experiences to drive change, including founding a school for people with disabilities—a story she humbly promises to share another time.
Memorable Moderation Experiences: The Humanity Behind Power
Over the years, Isabelle Kumar has interviewed some of the world’s most influential figures, from heads of state to cultural icons. Her tenure as host of The Global Conversation provided a front-row seat to the spectrum of humanity behind public personas.
One particularly surreal experience involved interviewing Romania’s Prime Minister, who was under corruption accusations. “The paranoia was palpable,” Isabelle recalls. “His staff inspected our makeup brushes for toxins, fearing we might poison him!” Despite the chaos, the interview itself turned out to be subdued, yet the experience left an indelible mark.
On a lighter note, her interview with Karl Lagerfeld revealed a side of the fashion icon few had seen. “At 83, Karl was reflective, funny, and vulnerable,” she recounts. Despite strict instructions not to mention his famous cat, Choupette, Karl couldn’t help but share his affection for her. “It was a touching glimpse of both his companionship and an underlying loneliness.”
For Isabelle, preparation is key to such moments. “I’ve always battled imposter syndrome, but hard work and research gave me confidence. These encounters taught me that powerful people are just as flawed and human as the rest of us.”
On Being a Female Leader in Media
As a trailblazer in journalism and moderation, Isabelle Kumar understands the unique challenges women face in the industry. “Kindness isn’t a weakness,” she emphasizes. “It’s essential for building meaningful connections, whether in interviews or while moderating.” She also underscores the importance of confidence, recalling her journey of overcoming feelings of inadequacy.
Her global experiences, particularly in regions like the Middle East, have shown her the significance of representation. “In Saudi Arabia, I saw women stepping into new opportunities, and it reminded me that just being visible and approachable can inspire others.”
Isabelle’s advice to aspiring female journalists is simple yet profound: “Stay curious, stay determined, and never underestimate the power of being yourself.”
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