Business Sparks with Val

Valeria Kadelski - Spark Coaching with Val
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You've built a life abroad. Now you're building a business — and nobody prepared you for this part. Join Valeria Kadelski, certified international business coach, expat, and founder of Spark Coaching with Val, as she shares honest lessons from her own entrepreneurship journey and her clients' real stories. In each weekly Wednesday episode, you'll get actionable advice on finding your first clients, pricing your services, selling authentically, and building a business that fits your life — so you can stop overthinking and take first, confident steps. Your business is waiting. Go make it real.

  1. 3d ago

    14. Why more business knowledge won’t always help you, and what to do instead

    This episode challenges the idea that knowledge alone is enough to build a business. Val shares why experienced people often miss the real blocker, and how external perspective can reveal the assumptions keeping progress stuck. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve read, learned, and researched enough but still aren’t getting results, this episode is about the gap between knowing and seeing. Key Topics Val explains why experienced professionals often overestimate what they know and underestimate their blind spots.She shares her own early business experience of consuming podcasts, articles, YouTube videos, and free guides, then assuming she had enough information to move forward.The turning point came when she realized that all the knowledge in the world could not help her spot internal beliefs that were blocking action.She describes the moment she hit a wall: she was doing everything “right” but still not getting clients.Hiring a coach gave her a mirror, helping her see her business from the outside instead of through her assumptions.That outside perspective helped her realize her niche was too broad and not even aligned with what she actually wanted to do.She also uncovered resistance around connecting with people and asking for the sale, something she thought she was already doing.Val gives examples of common blind spots she sees in clients, such as pricing issues that are really about self-worth, or “offer problems” that are actually misalignment problems.She explains how sometimes wanting more education is really a delay tactic to avoid visibility and discomfort.The episode closes with a practical self-check: identify one result you want but are not getting, then ask what assumption you are making about why. Resources & links: Apply to the September cohort - deadline September 3rd Connect with Val: LinkedinInstagram

    14. Why more business knowledge won’t always help you, and what to do instead

  2. Aug 12

    13. From stuck to building: how Niels made his idea real while working full time

    This episode explores Niels' journey, who joined the Spark Your Expat Business group programme earlier this year, from recognizing the need for change, to building and testing his very own business idea. Niels had been sitting on his idea for two years before making it real. His example highlights how taking the first step instead of waiting to feel ready can make a huge difference in what's possible. Key takeaways: Niels introduces himself as someone with many interests who often starts things but struggles to finish them.He explains that his day job left him wanting to build something of his own, rather than only working on other people’s ideas.A major reason he joined the program was accountability, especially the chance to work in a group with other people who were also starting something.He says the 12-week structure helped him steadily build momentum instead of bouncing around between ideas.The process started with purpose: why he wanted to build the app, who it was for, and where he wanted it to be in a year.He found that talking through his idea helped him put his own assumptions into words and discard weaker ones.One major breakthrough was realizing his app is not really a productivity app, but something meant to help people realign with who they want to be.He shares that his original assumption about pricing was to copy subscription-based competitors, but reflection led him to choose a pay-as-you-want model instead.He describes the project as something he is building with his own hands, and says the coaching helped him move it beyond “ideas on a paper.”By the end of the program, he had a basic MVP, initial screens, first testers, and more confidence that the idea could help other people.He says the program gave him a “menu of things” he can return to later for website, positioning, and product decisions.He is now looking for more testers, especially people who feel stuck, demotivated, or want to recenter around what makes sense to them. Resources & links: September cohort - Spark Your Expat BusinessConnect with NielsJoin the waitlist for his app Aspirational Connect with Val: LinkedinInstagram

    13. From stuck to building: how Niels made his idea real while working full time

  3. Aug 5

    12. The loneliness of building a business abroad nobody talks about

    In this episode, Valshares her personal journey with loneliness as an entrepreneur building her coaching business abroad. She explores the emotional challenges of going solo, especially as an expat, and offers practical advice on creating supportive environments and trusting your decision-making process. Key topics: Recognizing the first signs of loneliness when starting outHow external opinions can amplify feelings of isolationThe importance of reframing skepticism from friends and familyEmbracing the uniqueness of entrepreneurial journeys and shared uncertaintiesStrategies for building a supportive community as an expat and solo founderThe significance of surrounding yourself with experienced mentorsCreating intentional environments to foster growth and reduce lonelinessEncouragement to seek out like-minded peers through networking and community groupsNew group coaching programme starting in September, designed for ambitious expats building their own businesses Resources & links: Join tomorrow's Launch Circles community breakfast in CopenhagenApply to the early bird price for September cohort - deadline August 15 th Connect with Val: LinkedinInstagram

    12. The loneliness of building a business abroad nobody talks about

  4. Jul 29

    11. How your money mindset shapes what you charge as an expat

    In this episode, Val explores one of the biggest mindset and business shifts for entrepreneurs: how to price your services with confidence. Drawing from her own experience of undercharging when she started her business, she explains why pricing is not just about numbers — it’s about psychology, self-worth, market context, and the kind of business you want to build. Val reflects on how money stories, cultural background, and moving between countries can shape what feels “normal” to charge. She also shares simple, practical advice for anyone figuring out their rates. Key takeaways: Pricing is a psychological exercise, not just a math exerciseHourly pricing often ignores the true value you deliverUndercharging can lead to lower commitment from clients and from yourselfYour pricing should support the life and business you want to buildYou can always adjust your prices as you grow, you're not locking in forever Resources & links: Spark Pricing CalculatorNEW! Upcoming group coaching program. Early sign-up discount until August 15th, SIGN UP HERE. Connect with Val: LinkedinInstagram If you’re struggling with pricing, revisit your money mindset, research your market, and choose a price that supports both your value and your business sustainability.

    11. How your money mindset shapes what you charge as an expat

  5. Jul 22

    10. How to confidently sell your services when you're not a salesperson

    Are sales in your mind associated with pushy, aggressive behaviors that make you cringe? In this episode, Val shares her journey of transforming her sales approach into a caring, curiosity-driven conversation that feels genuine and aligned with your values. Discover how shifting your mindset can make selling a natural, service-oriented experience. Key topics: The common misconceptions about sales and the typical tough image portrayed in mediaHow to redefine what a salesperson is and eliminate stereotypesThe importance of curiosity over convincing in sales conversationsHow to listen actively and ask open-ended questions to understand client needsStrategies to create conversations that are natural, pressure-free, and client-focusedThe significance of making space for the prospect’s needs and respecting their decisionMoving away from performance to genuine service in salesPractical tips for handling sales calls with clarity and confidenceHow mindset shifts can improve your sales results and reduce discomfortPersonal stories of learning from mistakes and improving sales techniques over time Resources & links: Join the 1:1 coaching program Spark Your Expat BusinessFREE SPARK Business Growth Tracker: a simple business growth tracker that helps you organize your leads, follow-ups, and sales activity so you can consistently move toward paying clients. Connect with Val: LinkedinInstagram Feel free to reach out and start redefining your approach to sales: it's about helping others, not pushing products.

    10. How to confidently sell your services when you're not a salesperson

  6. Jul 15

    9. Building a personal brand from scratch abroad (what I did when starting out)

    In this episode, Val shares how she built a personal brand from scratch after leaving her corporate career, and why personal branding is much more than a logo or color palette. She explains how consistency, clarity, and authenticity helped her create a brand that feels aligned both online and offline. Key topics: Why personal branding is not the same as visual identityHow to define your brand without overthinking your logo or colorsThe role of consistency in making people remember youHow to build a brand that reflects both who you are and who you’re forWhy your brand should evolve as you do Val opens up about the uncertainty she felt after leaving her corporate job and starting a business with a very different identity than before. She shares how she experimented with content, leaned into authenticity, and slowly discovered the themes, values, and visual identity that fit her best. She also explains how she chose her brand colors — blue and yellow — based on the feelings she wanted to communicate: calm, optimism, energy, and directness. Most importantly, she emphasizes that a strong brand is not static; it grows with your experience, your audience, and your values. Resources & links: Get your ChatGPT SPARK Business Architect and let it help you define your business and brandJoin the 1:1 coaching program Spark Your Expat Business Connect with Val: LinkedinInstagram

    9. Building a personal brand from scratch abroad (what I did when starting out)

  7. Jul 8

    8. From confusion to clarity: how my client Naville built a business on her own terms

    In this inspiring episode, Naville shares her transformative journey through Val's program, going from feeling uncertain about her future to confidently launching her own business. She discusses the importance of clarity, taking bold steps, and building a life aligned with personal values and passions. Key topics: Naville's background in software engineering and the contact center industryThe turning point: realizing the desire to create a flexible, autonomous careerHow mentorship and structured programs provide clarity and confidenceThe pivotal role of LinkedIn in expanding her network and client baseBuilding a structured, client-focused business that aligns with her lifestyleOvercoming fears and external doubts about leaving the corporate worldPractical advice for those contemplating a similar career transitionThe importance of investing in yourself and trusting the process Resources & links: Connect with Naville on LinkedinJoin Spark Your Expat Business program here Connect with Val: LinkedInInstagram

    8. From confusion to clarity: how my client Naville built a business on her own terms

  8. Jul 1

    7. How to deal with financial uncertainty when you're building a business abroad

    In this episode, Val shares her honest journey through financial uncertainty when building her business, emphasizing the importance of mindset, practical questions, and accepting support. Whether you're contemplating quitting your job or already on your entrepreneurial path, her insights will help you approach financial fears with clarity and resilience. Topics: The privilege and honesty around financial starting pointsKey questions to assess your real financial situationHow to manage emotional and psychological impacts during lowsPractical steps: saving, accepting help, and strategic investmentsBuilding external and internal structures to handle uncertaintyHow hiring a business coach can help with the process Resources & links: Apply to the Spark Your Expat Business programFree Pricing Calculator - it helps you understand how much you need to earn and what to ask Connect with Val: LinkedInInstagram

    7. How to deal with financial uncertainty when you're building a business abroad
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About

You've built a life abroad. Now you're building a business — and nobody prepared you for this part. Join Valeria Kadelski, certified international business coach, expat, and founder of Spark Coaching with Val, as she shares honest lessons from her own entrepreneurship journey and her clients' real stories. In each weekly Wednesday episode, you'll get actionable advice on finding your first clients, pricing your services, selling authentically, and building a business that fits your life — so you can stop overthinking and take first, confident steps. Your business is waiting. Go make it real.

Information

  • Creator
    Valeria Kadelski - Spark Coaching with Val
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Valeria Kadelski - Spark Coaching with Val
  • Show Website
    Business Sparks with Val