In this episode of Career Sparks with Val, host Val is joined by her former colleague and friend Fabian Schreibert, Client Relations Executive at Deloitte.

They talk about what it takes to move from sales in a startup to consulting in a large firm, how to pitch yourself when changing careers, and how to balance personal and professional goals as an expat and parent.

Fabian brings thoughtful insights, practical tools, and a grounded approach to building a fulfilling career abroad.

Key takeaways:

• Own your transferable skills: when switching industries, focus on how your existing skills solve the problems of the new environment.

• Create a personal business case: whether in an interview or a pitch, clearly show how your experience adds value to the company’s goals.

• Know what energizes you: don’t confuse what you’re good at with what gives you energy. Sustainable careers are built on both.

• Balance evolves with life: career ambition and family life can co-exist. It’s about clear priorities and shared ownership at home.

• Visibility matters: doing good work isn’t enough—make sure the right people see it and understand your impact.

• Find a sponsor: a manager or leader who champions your growth can open doors you can’t access alone.

• • Track your wins: keep a running list of accomplishments to boost confidence, prepare for reviews, and guide your next steps.

  
  

  Fabian’s journey is a powerful example of how you can pivot industries, grow your career with intention, and still prioritize what matters most in life.

  🎧 Tune in now

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  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Val on Linkedin!⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🤝

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Spark Coaching with Val on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠visit the website⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Here you can book a free 15 minutes clarity call with Val.⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✨

  
  

  Original music by Renato Šoša

  Recording and producing by Valeria Kadelski

In this episode of Career Sparks with Val, host Val talks to Monica Matei, Experience Designer and Founder of Ceremonica, whose powerful events invite people—especially expats—to explore identity, belonging, and transformation through intentional connection.

Monica shares how creating The Foreigner’s Journey helped her reclaim her own story as an expat—and why experiences have the power to change how we relate, not only to others but also to ourselves.

Key takeaways:

• Experience design is emotional architecture: it’s about intentionally shaping how people feel, not just what they do.

• The expat experience creates a "third culture": living between identities can feel disorienting but is also full of creative possibility.

• Holding space requires strength: facilitators must do their own emotional work to guide others without centering themselves.

• The “in-between” is a powerful space: being a foreigner isn't a limitation, it’s a vantage point rich in perspective and innovation.
• Find your people: when considering a career path, finding other people who share the same passions can build the support you need.

• Experiment first, integrate later: try small creative steps, reflect, and build from what you learn.

• You can create your own path: Monica didn’t find her role; she created it by combining passions, people, and purpose.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about building community, designing meaningful events, or simply navigating life between cultures.

🎧 Tune in now

Ceremonica's website is here.

Follow them on Instagram, here.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Val on Linkedin!⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🤝

⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Spark Coaching with Val on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠visit the website⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.

⁠⁠⁠⁠Here you can book a free 15 minutes clarity call with Val.⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✨

Original music by Renato Šoša

Recording and producing by Valeria Kadelski

In this episode of Career Sparks with Val ✨, host Val reconnects with ⁠Luca Brogin, Learning and Development Lead Europe at Allianz Technology, to trace his remarkable career journey across industries, countries, and functions.

Starting from a background in finance, Luca has transitioned through media and now leadership development and upskilling in the fast-paced world of fintech.

Together, they explore how to thrive in times of change, especially as an expat navigating different cultures.

Key takeaways:

• Career pivots are more common and possible than ever: you don’t need to start over to start again. Look for overlap and use curiosity to explore new directions.

• Learning & development is a strategic force: once seen as a support function, L&D is now central to helping organizations and individuals stay future-ready.

• Hard skills meet human skills: in an AI-driven world, data literacy and digital fluency must go hand in hand with emotional intelligence, resilience, and collaboration.

• Mindset is everything: moving from a fixed to a growth mindset opens the door to career reinvention, better teamwork, and lifelong learning.

• Expat experiences build perspective: living and working across cultures helps dismantle assumptions, strengthen empathy, and spark innovation.

• Curiosity unlocks opportunity: networking, asking questions, and stepping out of your “team bubble” can open doors you never knew existed.

• Don’t settle for stuck: if you can’t find meaning or motivation in your role anymore, it’s okay to leave. Change may be the beginning of your best chapter yet.

Whether you're interested in pivoting careers, or looking to find inspiration for which skills to double down on, this episode is for you!

🎧 Tune in now

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⁠⁠⁠Connect with Val on Linkedin!⁠⁠⁠ 🤝

⁠⁠⁠Follow Spark Coaching with Val on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠visit the website⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.

⁠⁠⁠Here you can book a free 15 minutes clarity call with Val.⁠⁠⁠ ✨

Original music by Renato Šoša

Recording and producing by Valeria Kadelski

In this episode of Career Sparks with Val ✨, host Val sits down with ⁠Maria Askew⁠, Head of the MA in Theatre for Community and Education at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London.

Maria is a multi-hyphenate creative: director, facilitator, performer, writer, and educator.

They explore Maria’s journey from performer to purpose-driven educator, how she integrates her skills across disciplines, and what it means to lead with creativity in a diverse community.

Key takeaways:

• Theatre as a tool for change: when used in facilitation and education, theatre becomes a powerful method for communication, empathy-building, and problem solving.

• Creative skills are transferable: skills from the arts—like storytelling, collaboration, and embodiment—are valuable across fields like healthcare, education, and corporate training.

• Portfolio careers with purpose: you don’t have to choose one path. A career built across disciplines can be both intentional and deeply fulfilling.

• Facilitation over instruction: learning environments thrive when knowledge is co-created. Facilitators can inspire reflection, vulnerability, and shared growth.

• Embrace cross-pollination: blurring boundaries between disciplines can lead to innovation and deeper understanding.

• Celebrate diversity and plurality: working across cultures, ages, and backgrounds brings richer outcomes. True collaboration depends on difference, not uniformity.
• Sustainable careers in the arts: community, collaboration, and advocacy are vital for creating long-term, meaningful opportunities for artists and creatives.

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⁠⁠Connect with Val on Linkedin!⁠⁠ 🤝

⁠⁠Follow Spark Coaching with Val on Instagram⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠visit the website⁠⁠ to learn more.

⁠⁠Here you can book a free 15 minutes clarity call with Val.⁠⁠ ✨

Original music by Renato Šoša

Recording and producing by Valeria Kadelski

In this episode of Career Sparks with Val ✨, host Val sits down with ⁠Jesse Edge⁠, Sales Engineer at Tattile and Co-Founder & Co-Owner of DJM Sports Management.

Former professional footballer turned sales professional, he talks about his transition out of sport, adapting to new cultures, and how mindset and curiosity have fueled his second career.

Key takeaways:

• Transferable skills are real: how you can still transfer your existing skills from fields that may appear very different, such as sports and office work.

• Adapting to new cultures: what to keep in mind when facing big changes such as moving to a different country and confronting yourself with a new culture.

• From planning to doing: how to turn your plans and "good intentions" into actions and become the protagonist of your own story.

• Learning to learn again: the importance of blending real life experience with formal education, and how it's ok to retrain to pivot careers.

• Mindset over mastery: a curious, open mindset can be your biggest asset in learning, connecting, and growing in a new career or field.

• The value of starting over: your next chapter might be even more fulfilling than the first, and how you can still allign your passions with work in a different way.
• The importance of relationships: people around you can help you go through big changes, support you and even open new opportunities for you.

If you're navigating a big career change, or looking to adopting a more positive, action-driven mindset—this episode is for you.

Tune in now!🎧

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⁠Connect with Val on Linkedin!⁠ 🤝

⁠Follow Spark Coaching with Val on Instagram⁠ or ⁠visit the website⁠ to learn more.

⁠Here you can book a free 30 minutes clarity call with Val.⁠ ✨

Original music by Renato Šoša

Recording and producing by Valeria Kadelski

In this episode of Career Sparks with Val ✨, host Val chats with her best friend Giulia Scialino, Senior Global Content Marketing Strategist at Velux, to talk about navigating a career in content, transitioning from leadership to individual contributor roles, and managing difficult conversations at work.

Giulia shares how she built her career from student assistant to Head of Content, her experience working internationally, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Key Takeaways:

• Transitioning from leadership back to individual contributor: how to navigate this shift and what you gain from both roles.
• Dealing with stereotypes as an expat: the importance of speaking up when workplace jokes or assumptions cross the line.
• Finding creativity in a corporate setting: how to stay inspired and keep content fresh when working in structured environments.
• Passion vs. profession: not all hobbies need to become jobs—some are best kept for personal fulfillment.

• Adapting to different career phases: what matters most to you at 25 might not be the same at 35, priorities shift, and so should your career choices.
• Managing difficult conversations at work: how to stay calm, de-escalate situations, and communicate assertively.
• Leadership is a learning process: becoming a manager comes with challenges, balancing authority with kindness is key.

If you're transitioning into or out of leadership, trying to find creativity or simply having a hard time navigating worplace conversations, this episode is for you.

Tune in now!🎧

You can check Giulia's photography IG account, here.

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Connect with Val on Linkedin! 🤝

Follow Spark Coaching with Val on Instagram or visit the website to learn more.

Here you can book a free 30 minutes clarity call with Val. ✨

Original music by Renato Šoša

Recording and producing by Valeria Kadelski

In this episode of Career Sparks with Val✨, host Val sits down with Luca Nexø Malpiedi, Head of Revenue at TechOps Services, to talk about his journey through international moves, career growth in sales, and the evolution of leadership and work culture.

They discuss the changing perception of sales, the decision to pursue leadership vs. staying an individual contributor, and how work culture has shifted across generations.

Key takeaways:

• Growing up internationally: Luca’s international upbringing shaped his adaptability, resilience, and leadership style, influencing his career in sales and management.
• The changing face of sales: sales has evolved from a transactional role to a consultative, solution-driven profession, challenging outdated stereotypes.
• Individual contributor vs. manager: career growth doesn’t always mean managing people—thriving as a specialist can be just as valuable as moving into leadership.
• The generational shift in work culture: unlike past generations who prioritized stability, today’s professionals seek purpose, flexibility, and continuous learning.
• Career longevity vs. change: staying in one company for years isn’t a sign of stagnation—growth can come from evolving within the same organization or moving industries.
• Work-life integration over balance: for millennials, the line between work and life is blurred, making it essential for companies to support employees as whole individuals, not just workers.
• The value of dreaming beyond work: having personal aspirations—even those you may never pursue—can provide motivation, creativity, and a sense of fulfillment beyond career success.

If you’ve been looking to grow your career in sales, or have been in doubt on whether to move away from it, this episode is for you.

Tune in now!🎧

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Connect with Val on Linkedin! 🤝

Follow Spark Coaching with Val on Instagram or visit the website to learn more.

Here you can book a free 30 minutes clarity call with Val. ✨

Original music by Renato Šoša

Recording and producing by Valeria Kadelski

In this episode of Career Sparks with Val ✨, host Val chats with Simone Engbo Hansen, Global Content Lead at Precis, who shares her journey from studying rhetoric to becoming a content marketing leader.

They discuss career evolution, leadership, solopreneurship, and finding purpose at work.

Key takeaways:

• Know yourself: self-awareness is key to understanding what career path suits you best—whether as a leader, specialist, or entrepreneur.
• Solopreneurship isn't for everyone: while it offers freedom, it also comes with uncertainty, pressure, and financial fluctuations.
• Leadership requires balance: managing people isn’t just about strategy—it’s about empathy, support, and helping others grow.
• Company culture matters: the best workplaces empower employees by offering flexibility and valuing their contributions.
• Working internationally broadens perspectives: engaging with different cultures fosters personal growth, adaptability, and better communication skills.
• Danish work culture can feel reserved: but that doesn’t mean people are unapproachable—building connections takes time and understanding.
• Hard work > luck: career growth isn’t just about opportunity—it’s about skills, perseverance, and taking ownership of your path.

If you’re considering a career shift, leadership role, or entrepreneurship, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in now!

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Connect with Val on Linkedin! 🤝

Follow Spark Coaching with Val on Instagram or visit the website to learn more.

Here you can book a free 30 minutes clarity call with Val. ✨

Original music by Renato Šoša

Recording and producing by Valeria Kadelski

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Career Sparks with Val✨, host Val chats with Mohammad Kolahdouzan, about his journey from hospitality to tech, career transitions, and the challenges of building a career as an expat in Denmark.

They discuss navigating uncertainty, the power of networking, and what it truly means to step into leadership.

Key Takeaways:

• Reinventing your career is possible: by identifying transferable skills and strategically networking, Mo successfully transitioned from hospitality to customer success.
• Networking is key: building relationships, attending events, and using LinkedIn opened doors for Mo in a completely new industry.
• Stepping outside your comfort zone leads to growth: moving abroad presents challenges, but it also accelerates professional and personal development.
• Adapting as an expat: from cultural shifts to job-hunting challenges, Mo shares how he navigated the realities of working in a new country.
• Leadership is about support: moving from an individual contributor to a leadership role means shifting focus from personal success to empowering others.
• Persistence pays off: job searching in a new field or country can be tough, but consistent effort and strategic positioning lead to unexpected opportunities.
• Define your own career path: careers aren’t always linear. Being intentional about your next step can help you create the future you want.

If you're an expat navigating your career, considering a career switch, or looking to step into leadership, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

Tune in now! 🎧

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Connect with Val on Linkedin! 🤝

Follow Spark Coaching with Val on Instagram or visit the website to learn more.

Here you can book a free 30 minutes clarity call with Val. ✨

Original music by Renato Šoša

Recording and producing by Valeria Kadelski

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Career Sparks with Val✨, host Val chats with Patricia Iordache, Senior Manager at Velux, about her journey from Romania to Denmark, career transitions, and what it takes to thrive as an expat in the workplace.

They discuss the pressure of proving oneself as an expat, the importance of choosing a fulfilling career, and why taking risks is essential for growth.

Key takeaways:

• The expat drive: living abroad fosters resilience, ambition, and a strong desire to succeed. Expats often feel the need to prove themselves, but that drive can be a career advantage.
• Career exploration: if you’re unsure of your next career step, focus on job descriptions rather than titles. Look for roles that match your skills and interests rather than limiting yourself to predefined paths.
• Challenging stereotypes: expats often face misconceptions about their backgrounds, but addressing and educating others about cultural diversity can create positive change.
• The power of small gestures: a kind word or compliment can have a lasting impact—whether in personal interactions or in the workplace.
• Rethinking career choices: we spend most of our lives working, so why not “sell your hours to the highest bidder” in terms of purpose and fulfillment?
• Overcoming fear of career change: Ask yourself: What’s the worst that can happen if I take this step? And what’s the cost of staying where I am?

If you’ve been feeling stuck in your career, unsure of your next move, or just need a boost of inspiration—this episode is for you.

Tune in now!🎧

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Connect with Val on Linkedin! 🤝

Follow Spark Coaching with Val on Instagram or visit the website to learn more.

Here you can book a free 30 minutes clarity call with Val. ✨

Original music by Renato Šoša

Recording and producing by Valeria Kadelski

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.