Lucky to Be Here: Building Lives & Careers Abroad

Lucky to Be Here is a podcast that showcases those who took the leap to build lives and careers across countries. They share their stories, their lessons, and their advice to show us what it means, and what it takes, to build a life and career abroad.

What does it really take to make a bold move: whether relocating to a new country, shifting careers, or reinventing your life internationally? In this special solo episode, Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal breaks down the framework behind career transitions (even if you are not abroad). She explores three pillars that underpin every bold move: heart (your why), complexity (the systems and obstacles you'll face), and faith (the trust required to move forward). Perfect for international career advice seekers and anyone considering their next life transition.

Some of the resources mentioned in this episode include our Year In Review Prompts workbook here, and the Multi-Year Planner template, which you can download here. 

Keywords

bold moves, career transitions, personal growth, coaching, life decisions, inspiration, goal setting, strategic planning, self development, personal development, professional development

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bold Moves

02:25 Defining Bold Moves

04:39 The Heart of Bold Moves

06:59 Understanding Complexity in Bold Moves

09:17 The Role of Faith in Bold Moves

11:13 Conclusion and Summary

Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC.

Visit our website https://www.agvservicesllc.com/luckytobehere to join our newsletter and receive our episodes in your inbox with career development reflections and resources for your own career exploration and professional development.

Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

© 2025 AGV Services LLC. All rights reserved. 

Lucky to Be Here is a podcast that showcases those who took the leap to build lives and careers across countries. They share their stories, their lessons, and their advice to show us what it means, and what it takes, to build a life and career abroad.

In this solo episode, Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal breaks down the often-blurred lines between strategy, planning, and habit-building for career explorers navigating life transitions abroad. As we close out 2025 and chart our path into 2026, discover why most professionals struggle with goal-setting, and the practical framework that actually works when you are building a career and life across countries. Perfect for anyone relocating or reinventing themselves, internationally or not.

Download the Year In Review Prompts workbook here to follow along during this episode and continue working on your own after listening. 

Another resource included in this discussion is the Multi-Year Planner template, which you can download here. 

Book your call to join AGV Lab for Career Explorers and the winter edition of our coaching program, From Here to Clear here.

Curious to read previous newsletters, including our earlier discussion of strategies and habits that work for us? You can find our newsletter archive at https://agvservicesllc.kit.com, and find our Strategies for Us newsletters starting here: https://agvservicesllc.kit.com/posts/strategies-for-us-strategies-habits

Keywords

career coaching, goal setting, planning, personal development, career transitions, reflection, strategy, bold moves, success, end of year reflection

Some of this episode’s takeaways are: 

Uncertainty is a constant in the process of implementing your strategy.

Reflecting on the past year helps inform future goals.

Creative goal-setting methods can inspire direction and action.

Awareness of your goals guides your actions over time.

Flexibility is key in adapting to changing circumstances.

Chapters

00:00 Reflecting on 2025: A Year in Review

06:35 Setting Goals for 2026: Strategies and Insights

12:59 Defining Your Strategy: Preparing for the Future

Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC.

Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/LuckyToBeHere for free to receive our episodes in your inbox with career development reflections and resources and to connect in between episodes. Subscribers also get access to behind-the-scenes updates and live chats with Analía. 

Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

© 2025 AGV Services LLC. All rights reserved. 

Lucky to Be Here is a podcast that showcases those who took the leap to build lives and careers across countries. They share their stories, their lessons, and their advice to show us what it means, and what it takes, to build a life and career abroad. 

Carmen Fleitas is an Advocacy and Communications Expert working at the United Nations, with over eight years of international experience spanning Latin America and Asia. She has worked in international organisations and non-profits, focusing on sustainable development.

In this episode of 'Lucky to Be Here', Carmen shares her journey of navigating career transitions across countries, starting in Paraguay where she was born and raised, and moving through Taiwan, Panama, United Kingdom, and now in Thailand. From her initial aspirations of becoming a diplomat to her eventual shift towards human rights and communications, Carmen discusses the importance of trusting oneself, continuous learning, and building a supportive network to navigate pivots within pivots. She reflects on her experiences living in different cultures, the challenges of reverse culture shock, and the significance of community in overcoming obstacles. Carmen also provides valuable insights for those aspiring to work in international development, particularly within the UN system, emphasizing the need for language skills and grassroots experience.

Keywords

career transitions, international relations, human rights, cultural adaptation, personal growth, networking, UN careers, self-belief, education systems, reverse culture shock

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Carmen Fleitas

03:43 Carmen's Journey: From Paraguay to the UN

06:13 Career Pivots: From Diplomacy to Human Rights

09:14 Navigating Career Transitions

12:05 Cultural Adaptation: Returning to Paraguay

15:32 Grounding Through Family Support

17:40 Contrasting Educational Experiences

20:36 Personal Growth Through Education

22:20 Empowerment and Agency in Career Development

23:45 Manifestation and Belief in Timing

24:42 The Journey to International Opportunities

27:50 The Power of Community and Networking

31:09 Advice for Navigating Challenges

33:43 Cultural Adaptation and Open-Mindedness

39:04 Career Insights in International Development

Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC.

Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/LuckyToBeHere for free to receive our episodes in your inbox with career development reflections and resources and to connect in between episodes. Subscribers also get access to behind-the-scenes updates and live chats with Analía. 

Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

© 2025 AGV Services LLC. All rights reserved. 

Lucky to Be Here is a podcast that showcases those who took the leap to build lives and careers across countries. They share their stories, their lessons, and their advice to show us what it means, and what it takes, to build a life and career abroad. 

Mutiara Alam is a certified coach and global educator who equips students and professionals to become visionary leaders through immersive global experiences and transformative coaching. Her methodology blends practical leadership training with deep cultural intelligence, translating potential into purposeful impact.

In this conversation, Mutiara shares her journey of exploration and self-discovery starting in Indonesia and throughout international experiences. She discusses the challenges and obstacles she faced, particularly in navigating bureaucracy and cultural differences. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity, resilience, and the sense of worthiness that comes from embracing change. Mutiara also reflects on her homecoming and the new relationship she has developed with her hometown, as well as her initiative, Berani Penasaran (Courageously Curious), aimed at promoting experiential learning across countries.

Throughout the conversation, she shares practical advice for those pursuing a global focus in their careers, and one or two BTS suggested songs based on Mutiara’s own journey as a BTS fan: Magic Shop and Mikrokosmos.

You can find Mutiara on Instagram at @coachmuti. You can also learn more about her work at https://www.andselfcare.com/c-club and https://www.beranipenasaran.com

international education, personal growth, overcoming obstacles, self-discovery, cultural exchange, career development, curiosity, homecoming, mentorship, global focus, Indonesia

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mutiara Alam

02:57 The Journey Begins: Curiosity and Education

06:41 Overcoming Obstacles: The Bureaucratic Maze

14:35 Long-Term Experiences: Cultural Reflections and Identity

19:27 Self-Discovery: The Real Gift of International Education

21:49 The Pressure of Achievement and Self-Worth

23:44 Navigating Worthiness and Boundaries

24:15 Practical Advice for International Students

26:25 The Journey of Homecoming

30:14 Reconnecting with Community and Self

33:19 Courageously Curious: An Educational Initiative

37:05 Finding Your Purpose and Moving with Intention

39:21 Embracing Change and Self-Acceptance

Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC.

Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/LuckyToBeHere for free to receive our episodes in your inbox with career development reflections and resources and to connect in between episodes. Subscribers also get access to behind-the-scenes updates and live chats with Analía. 

Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

© 2025 AGV Services LLC. All rights reserved. 

Lucky to Be Here is a podcast that showcases those who took the leap to build lives and careers across countries. They share their stories, their lessons, and their advice to show us what it means, and what it takes, to build a life and career abroad. 

José Luis Delgado is an economist with over 10 years of international experience in financial analysis, management control, accounts receivable, and foreign trade. He is an economics researcher and advisor to local governments in Argentina and the private sector in Turkey.

He is actively involved in media in Argentina and Turkey. He speaks English, Turkish, Russian, and Slovak.

In our conversation, José shares his extensive international experience, discussing his journey from Argentina to Turkey and beyond. He reflects on the cultural differences he encountered, the challenges of being a foreigner, and the importance of language and cultural integration throughout his multiple moves. Jose emphasizes the value of family and community upon returning to Argentina, and offers practical advice for those considering a move abroad.

You can find José Luis Delgado on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-delgado-tr/.

Keywords

international experience, cultural differences, living abroad, Argentina, Turkey, language integration, expat advice, family, community

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jose Luis Delgado

00:58 Journey of Moving Abroad

04:14 Cultural Expectations and Experiences

06:45 Differences in Treatment as a Foreigner

09:37 Navigating Student and Work Environments

13:08 Language and Cultural Integration

16:56 Cultural Exchange and Connection

17:52 Perceptions of Argentina Abroad

23:14 Embracing Change: The Decision to Move

24:55 Navigating New Beginnings: Adjusting to a New Environment

28:03 Resourcefulness in Transition: Lessons from Abroad

30:07 Returning Home: The Value of Community and Family

33:01 Cultural Reflections: Surprises in Returning to Argentina

38:24 Practical Advice for Moving Abroad: Preparing for the Journey

Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC.

Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/LuckyToBeHere for free to receive our episodes in your inbox with career development reflections and resources and to connect in between episodes. Subscribers also get access to behind-the-scenes updates and live chats with Analía. 

Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

© 2025 AGV Services LLC. All rights reserved. 

Lucky to Be Here is a podcast that showcases those who took the leap to build lives and careers across countries. They share their stories, their lessons, and their advice to show us what it means, and what it takes, to build a life and career abroad. 

Dr. Charlie Hunt is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Boise State University. He's the author of two books about the U.S. Congress, the co-host of the "Scandalized" podcast on the NPR Network, and he writes the Substack newsletter "You Are Here" about the intersection of place, politics, and poetry. More recently, Charlie and I started a side podcast called “Poetry Nook”, where we explore poetry and what it means to us from different angles. You can find our discussions once a month as part of his newsletter, You Are Here.

In this conversation, Charlie shares his journey through career transitions within academia, the significance of place in shaping identity, and the challenges of public engagement in academia. He discusses the importance of community and home, reflecting on how these concepts have evolved in his life. Charlie also offers practical advice for aspiring creatives within and beyond their 9-5 jobs, emphasizing the need to trust one's instincts and the value of starting from a blank slate.

You can find out more about Charlie on his website, read and watch his newsletter You Are Here on Substack and follow him on Instagram at @charliehunt.

Keywords

political science, career transitions, identity, home, community, public engagement, creative writing, personal growth, podcasting, newsletters

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Charlie Hunt

02:04 Charlie Hunt's Journey: From Writing to Political Science

10:19 The Importance of Place in Politics

16:15 Defining Home: Familiarity and Community

24:47 Finding Spaces for Creative Expression

25:11 Building Community in a Digital Age

27:36 Navigating Career Challenges and Creative Expression

32:21 The Importance of Support Systems

36:49 Lessons Learned and Advice for Others

40:18 Embracing Impermanence and Authenticity

Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC.

Visit our website https://www.agvservicesllc.com/luckytobehere to join our newsletter and receive our episodes in your inbox with career development reflections and resources for your own career exploration and professional development.Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

© 2025 AGV Services LLC. All rights reserved. 

Lucky to Be Here is a podcast that showcases those who took the leap to build lives and careers across countries. They share their stories, their lessons, and their advice to show us what it means, and what it takes, to build a life and career abroad.

Veronica Bianchini is a Senior Strategic Customer Success Manager. Veronica was born in Argentina, in a multi-cultural household of first generation immigrants. After graduating as a Political Science major, she transitioned to a career in Market Insights. She has been living in London for the past 10 years, where she has worked in Market Research, Consulting and now Tech.

In this conversation, Veronica shares her journey of moving from Argentina to London, exploring the motivations behind her relocation, the cultural challenges she faced, and the personal growth she experienced. She discusses the importance of redefining success, the value of networking, and the lessons learned from her experiences abroad. Veronica emphasizes the need for resilience and an open mindset in navigating life as an expat, ultimately encouraging listeners to embrace change and pursue their goals with confidence.

She also generously shared a couple of resources that helped her understand UK culture better. These are:

• Very British Problems (book, Insta, X)
• Watching the English (book)

You can find Veronica on LinkedIn and on Medium.

Keywords

expat life, cultural challenges, identity, success, networking, personal growth, career transitions, living abroad, resilience, opportunities

Chapters

00:00 Veronica's Immigrant Story

04:08 The Search for Identity and Belonging

07:03 Cultural Challenges of Being an Expat

10:00 Redefining Success in a New Country

13:10 Lessons from Different Cultures

15:55 The Joys of Achievements Abroad

18:47 Practical Steps to Home Ownership

21:52 Defining Personal Success

24:36 Navigating Regrets and Decisions

27:47 Building Networks and Relationships

30:34 Advice for New Expats

33:56 The Value of Mentorship

36:41 Final Thoughts and Advice

Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC.

Visit our website https://www.agvservicesllc.com/luckytobehere to join our newsletter and receive our episodes in your inbox with career development reflections and resources for your own career exploration and professional development.

Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

© 2025 AGV Services LLC. All rights reserved. 

Welcome to Lucky to Be Here, a podcast about building life abroad and career transitions across countries. In this episode, host Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal shares the personal story behind the show, her background as a coach and immigrant, and why international career advice and moving abroad stories matter so much. This is the perfect introduction if you're considering a move, navigating relocation, or simply curious about what it takes to build a life internationally.

Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC.

Visit our website https://www.agvservicesllc.com/luckytobehere to join our newsletter and receive our episodes in your inbox with career development reflections and resources for your own career exploration and professional development.

Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

© 2025 AGV Services LLC. All rights reserved. 

Every other Wednesday, Lucky to Be Here showcases stories of big leaps to build a life and career across countries.

Join Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C., founder of AGV Services LLC and an expert in big, bold life and career transitions herself, and our guests to discuss together insights from immigrant professionals on what career transitions abroad really require, from relocation planning to cultural adaptation. Whether you're relocating to a new country, seeking global career advice, or exploring life transitions abroad, discover the universal truths behind moving abroad stories that actually work.

Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC.

Visit our website https://www.agvservicesllc.com/luckytobehere to join our newsletter and receive our episodes in your inbox with career development reflections and resources for your own career exploration and professional development.

Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

© 2025 AGV Services LLC. All rights reserved.