Salimatou Balde

Salimatou Baldé is a certified coach in confidence and resilience, an international speaker, educator, and founder of gifted—a transformative space created to help adults navigate identity, purpose, and self-worth.

With 10+ years experience in Learning & Development, she has guided thousands of individuals through personal and professional transformation within the United Nations and private organizations.

Salimatou’s own journey with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), combined with her work as a coach and 14 years of volunteering with NGOs, shaped her deep understanding of what it means to endure, adapt, and rise. These experiences inspired the creation of the gifted model: six pillars of resilience designed to help adults turn scars into strength.

Outside her work, Salimatou finds joy in salsa dancing—Porto and Cuban styles—having danced for over 11 years. She is also a passionate reader of mystery and romance novels, and enjoys traveling between her home in Spain and her roots in France.