Light Up! With Val
Light Up! With Val is a podcast dedicated to lighting up your path to self-mastery, empowerment, and personal transformation, especially if you are going through life transitioning phase.
In each episode you can find some tools, actionable insights, inspiring stories to break through some obstacles, embark on a journey of self-reinvention and finding your true purpose.
This space is created to remind you about your true power and nature of being a creator of your own reality. Through mastering your body, mind and soul you are capable to tap into a version of yourself who is capable to achieve any desired goals in life.
About Valerie:
Valerie V. Kim, serial entrepreneur, international speaker, best-selling author, mentor, world champion athlete.
Driven by her passion for entrepreneurship, Valerie has dedicated herself to creating projects that seamlessly blend creativity, business acumen, and social impact. With an international background, she possesses a unique ability to expand businesses across global markets. Since 2017, Valerie has been on a mission to empower women to achieve mental, emotional, and financial independence, encouraging them to become architects of their own reality. Leveraging her expertise in reinvention and personal transformation, she has guided countless individuals to revolutionize both their businesses and personal lives. Embarking on her own journey of personal growth, Valerie has achieved remarkable success in both her business ventures and athletic pursuits. From spearheading numerous international projects to conducting over 100 interviews with esteemed figures—including A-list Hollywood celebrities and influencers—Valerie has established herself as a world champion athlete and a beacon of inspiration for those striving for excellence.
Valerie is passionate about helping aspiring and fellow entrepreneurs navigate life transitions—whether it's loss, divorce, career changes, first-time parenting, or other major shifts. She empowers them to reinvent themselves, transform adversities into superpowers, and become true champions in both business and life.
Light Up! With Val
Episode 30: Success in the Gulf: Thriving Through Cultural Intelligence And What Western Entrepreneurs Keep Getting Wrong
Today, we dive into one of the most dynamic and culturally layered regions in the world: the Gulf.
From the futuristic skyline of Dubai to the deeply rooted traditions of Riyadh and the strategic diplomacy of Doha—doing business in the GCC requires more than ambition. It demands cultural fluency.
My guest is Corina Goetz, a trusted advisor and expert in Middle Eastern business culture who has spent over a decade helping international companies enter the region with impact, integrity, and deep respect.
Together, we unpack:
- Why your handshake, dress, or choice of words could open doors—or silently close them
- How wasta (relationship capital) works, and how to build trust ethically in the GCC
- The key differences between Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha that brands must understand
- Crucial insights for women entering leadership or entrepreneurship in the Gulf
- Why hospitality isn’t just tradition—it’s strategy
Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or global citizen ready to engage with the Middle East, this episode offers a real-world roadmap to navigating the Gulf with grace and cultural intelligence.
Tune in, take notes, and leave empowered to connect deeper and lead wiser.
Connect with Corina:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinagoetz/
Learn about the Silk Way Roadshow: https://ispeakuplightup.com/the-silk-way-roadshow/
Join us on this unique journey!
Some tools for Entrepreneurs to scale, as well as in-person events to join:
Get my Self-Mastery Journal To Master Your Mind And Shape Your Reality
Join me in IG: https://www.instagram.com/lightupwithval/
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerievkim/