Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu knows a thing or two about reinvention. Three years after capturing the nation’s attention and ultimately winning Love Island, the British-Turkish star has gone from villa drama to the global stage, speaking at the United Nations in New York.
For Cülcüloğlu, who appeared on the Creativity, Innovation & Next-Gen Leadership panel earlier this week alongside leaders from the worlds of finance, philanthropy and the arts, the experience was nothing short of life-changing.
“Speaking at the UN was surreal — definitely a pinch me moment,” she told The Standard. “For me, the key message was that creativity is about how everyone sees the world differently and brings their own, personal vision to life through leadership.
“Leadership isn’t just about having a big platform, it’s about using your creativity to inspire others, to challenge norms, and to show there’s more than one way to succeed. We’re all unique, and that uniqueness is a superpower that can shape how we lead.”
The event, she says, left her inspired not just by her own role but by the people she shared the stage with.
“The panel was so enriching and I walked away with lessons I’ll carry forward in my own journey,” she reflected. “What struck me most was the sense of unity in the room. It was inspiring to see such different, unique voices come together and exchange ideas. That energy was really special.”
For someone who first rose to fame as a reality TV contestant, sitting at the table of global policy-shapers felt like a breakthrough moment.
“Honestly, it was incredibly empowering. Media and entertainment are often seen as less serious than politics, but storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have. Being there as a young woman in media felt like breaking down walls — showing that our voices belong at every table, including the biggest ones.”
Cülcüloğlu, who studied performing arts before turning to television, is keen to stress that her career has always been about more than just the reality shows that made her a household name.
“I’ve grown massively since Love Island. Back then, I was still figuring out who I was. Since then, I’ve built confidence, learned to set boundaries, and found my voice beyond reality TV. Professionally, I’ve evolved from being known as a contestant to being recognised as a creator, an author, and an actress – returning to the career I started in Turkey and am now taking global.”
Her debut book Be Your Own Best Friend, published earlier this year, cemented that evolution. In it she writes about resilience, self-love and the power of carving out your own path — lessons she admits she has had to practise herself.
“After CBB I went through a period of intense public scrutiny. It would’ve been easy to crumble, but I leaned on the same tools I wrote about. I reminded myself that external opinions don’t define my worth, and I focused on building my own sense of identity. In this industry, you’re often defined by what others say about you — so I had to take control of my own narrative.”
That determination is fuelling her next chapter. “Curiosity and resilience have always been my driving forces,” she says. “I’ve never wanted to be put in one box. Every time I’ve faced challenges or criticism, I’ve asked myself: how can I grow from this? That mindset is what’s pushed me into new spaces. Acting was always my first love — I worked in Turkey before Love Island — and now my goal is to return to that, but on a much bigger, international stage.”
She has new television and acting projects in the pipeline, though details remain under wraps for now. What she can share is her excitement about the direction of travel. “What excites me most is the chance to surprise people. I love projects that challenge perceptions and push me creatively. Being on set is where I feel most alive — there’s such magic in bringing a story to life, and I can’t wait to dive back into that world.”
Advocacy will remain a core strand too. “Yes, 100%. I believe the future of entertainment lies in meaningful storytelling — projects that don’t just entertain, but also spark conversation. I want to continue working on projects that highlight issues I care about, while using my platform for advocacy outside of acting. I’m an ambassador for the British Red Cross, and I’ll always be passionate about championing humanity.”
From reality TV contestant to published author, campaigner and now UN speaker, Cülcüloğlu is proving that reinvention can be a career in itself. Or as she puts it: “That balance of art and impact is where I feel my purpose lies.”
