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

  _____________________________________

  
  

  ⁠⁠⁠⁠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.

_____________________________________

⁠⁠⁠⁠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

_____________________________________

⁠⁠⁠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