Lucky to Be Here: Building Lives & Careers Abroad

Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C.
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Biweekly

Hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C., Lucky to Be Here is a podcast that showcases the lives and experiences of those who took the leap and navigated big life and career transitions across countries. They share their stories, lessons, and advice to show us what is possible and what it takes to define and live their idea of success across borders. Because doing life on our own terms requires intentionality and a lot of work, sometimes invisible work, but we build it one day at a time. We are more than just lucky to be here. Lucky to Be Here is a production of AGV Services LLC. To learn more about our work, visit https://www.agvservicesllc.com

  1. 23h ago

    We Don’t Quit: Veronica Sepehr on Career & Immigration from Ecuador to Canada and the U.S.

    Veronica Sepehr has developed a career that truly embraced pivots across industries and countries, having covered from academia to corporate research to UX to product operations to now Canadian immigration, and I am very excited to discuss with her her own story, as well as her perspective as an immigration lawyer on navigating lives and careers across countries. If there is one throughline in her story, she shares it clearly: “We don’t quit.” Veronica shares her journey moving from Ecuador to rural Canada first, coming back to her home country and deciding to pursue a Ph.D. back in Canada later on. From there, and ever since, she has experienced first hand what is to navigate immigration, career pivots, and building a life abroad across countries. Now, she is a registered Canadian immigration professional, supporting others who, like her, want to build a life and career in Canada.  Listen to our episode to find out more about Veronica’s experience, including her advice on what helps ground her throughout the ups and downs, and build each step in her life along with her husband and family. You can find Veronica on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicasepehr/ and work with her through her company, Westdale Immigration by visiting its website https://westdaleimmigration.com/ and booking a consultation at https://tidycal.com/westdale  Keywords immigration, career pivots, Canada, Ecuador, United States, international students, resilience, cultural adaptation, professional growth, global perspective, family, immigration law, bureaucracy Chapters 00:00 Veronica's Background and Education Journey 06:35 Initial Motivations for Moving Abroad 10:03 Adjusting to Life in Rural Canada 11:53 Experiences with Racism and Cultural Preconceptions 15:26 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 18:54 Returning to Ecuador and Cultural Reverse Shock 21:30 Building Independence and Financial Stability 24:21 Finding Home and Family Support 28:02 Reflections on the Immigration Journey 33:07 Leveraging PhD Skills in the Workforce 37:23 Parallel Between PhD and Immigration Challenges 43:47 Future Aspirations and Career Pivots 47:31 Advice for Future Immigrants and International Students Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/LuckyToBeHere for free to receive our episodes in your inbox and our newsletter with career development reflections and resources, including career events. Subscribers also get access to live chats with Analía and behind-the-scenes updates.  Visit AGV Services LLC at https://www.agvservicesllc.com  to learn more about how we support you in your career exploration and growth across countries through coaching and community, including our membership AGV Lab for Career Explorers. Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC. Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

    50 min

  2. May 27

    Boy Scout on a Mission to Serve: Erick Gonzales Rocha’s Path from Bolivia to Japan and Switzerland

    What started as hopping on a bus in Cochabamba became a life and career focused on international public service. Erick Gonzales Roach is a development economist with a Ph.D. from Kobe University and experience in international organizations; he resides in Geneva, Switzerland, where he works as an Economics Affair Officer.  Erick shares his inspiring journey looking for new opportunities and horizons that led him to become an international student, and eventually a professor, in Japan, until his most recent move to Geneva, Switzerland. He highlights the importance of perseverance, cultural adaptation, and strategic planning throughout his experience in international education and career development. He also shares practical insights on scholarship applications, cultural integration, and building a global career in public service. He is also a firm believer of the importance of sharing and opening spaces for more professionals from the Global South in development and leadership.  Keywords international education, scholarships, Bolivia, Japan, Europe, public service, cultural adaptation, perseverance, career development, global south, boy scouts Structure 00:02 – Welcome and Erick’s background intro 01:17 – Early influences and service-oriented motivation 02:23 – The Japanese scholarship as a life-changing opportunity 03:43 – Navigating the application process and cultural adaptation in Japan 04:51 – Thoughts on choosing Japan and language priorities 07:19 – The drive to generate real impact through education and development 08:45 – Asian growth models versus Latin American development 10:43 – The structured process of studying in Japan as an international student 13:05 – Cultural shocks and how he bridged Latin American, Japanese, and European perspectives 16:26 – Moving to Japan and initial impressions 18:23 – Facing challenges with a goal-oriented mindset 20:50 – Lessons learned from setbacks, stress, and acceptance 22:20 – Comparing education systems and resilience training 27:09 – The role of identity, competition, and self-acceptance 33:48 – The decision to leave Japan for Europe and new opportunities 35:05 – Embracing life balance and cultural enrichment in Switzerland 37:15 – Living in Europe and cultural integration 41:23 – Surprising elements of his international public service career 44:21 – Persistence and perseverance as vital qualities 47:44 – Advice to his younger self and future international students Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/LuckyToBeHere for free to receive our episodes in your inbox and our newsletter with career development reflections and resources, including career events. Paid subscribers also get access to live chats with Analía and behind-the-scenes updates.  Visit AGV Services LLC at https://www.agvservicesllc.com  to learn more about how we support you in your career exploration and growth across countries through coaching and community, including our membership AGV Lab for Career Explorers. Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC. Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

    50 min

  3. May 13

    A Two-Year Plan Turned into A Life Abroad: Adapting to the Unexpected with Florencia Colella

    What may start as a short adventure to try something different might become the journey of a lifetime, or at least over a decade. That is what happened to our guest in today’s episode, Florencia Colella after she accepted a Fulbright scholarship. Florencia is a financial facilitator in agri-food systems. She fosters conversations around economic issues among farmers, academics and other public and private organizations. She was also a Fulbright recipient to pursue graduate studies in the US, where she has since lived on and off for over a decade.  Florencia shares her journey from Argentina to the United States starting as a Fulbright grantee for a two-year program, and navigating cultural differences, immigration challenges, and building a life abroad along the way. Throughout the conversation, we touch on several practical insights for international students and immigrants, including the financial system and the importance of building a credit score, and the role that having built a local community played when sorting out moving back and forth.  Keywords international students, immigration, cultural adaptation, US visa process, life abroad, Fulbright scholarship, cultural differences, community support, visa challenges, personal growth, bicultural relationships Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Florencia Colella 02:28 Journey to the US: The Fulbright Experience 04:18 Cultural Adaptation and Belonging 10:58 Navigating Relationships Across Cultures 13:22 The Reality of Migration and Job Offers 17:23 Settling in the US: Challenges and Community Support 26:36 Life in Fremont: Family and Stability 38:01 Reflections and Advice for Future Migrants Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/LuckyToBeHere for free to receive our episodes in your inbox and our newsletter with career development reflections and resources, including career events. Paid subscribers also get access to live chats with Analía and behind-the-scenes updates.  Visit AGV Services LLC at https://www.agvservicesllc.com  to learn more about how we support you in your career exploration and growth across countries through coaching and community, including our membership AGV Lab for Career Explorers. Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC. Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

    40 min

  4. Apr 29

    The Pivots of The Bold Ph.D.: Gertrude Nonterah on Her Non-Linear Path to Success

    We may have an idea or goal in mind, but the conditions might not work in our favor. The key? Keep what drives you top of mind and adapt. The barriers may make it hard but you can still thrive. That is at the heart of today’s episode with Dr. Gertrude Nonterah. Dr. Gertrude Nonterah has a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology. She's a scientific communications professional by day and shares post-PhD career insights for those seeking careers outside academia. Gertrude recently published a book called Navigating the P.I.V.O.T., which is a handbook for PhDs and academics looking to pivot to fulfilling careers outside the ivory tower. Gertrude shares her inspiring journey from international student to successful science communicator, highlighting the importance of self-discovery, strategic networking, and financial planning (and guilt-free ambition!) in building a fulfilling career outside academia. We discuss the importance of being proactive about your career development from the beginning, and how adapting with creativity can still offer a fulfilling career.  You can find Dr. Gertrude Nonterah and her work, including her book Navigating the P.I.V.O.T. on her website at https://theboldphd.com/. Keywords career development, international students, PhD, science communication, networking, financial planning, career pivot, US immigration, personal branding Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Gertrude Nortra 04:08 Navigating Career Pivots 06:47 The Reality of Academia 09:53 International Student Challenges 12:46 Finding Stability and Self-Discovery 15:48 The Birth of The Bold PhD 22:07 Navigating the Transition from Academia to Industry 25:10 The Power of Personal Branding 28:17 The Importance of Early Career Development 31:18 Embracing Vulnerability and Community Support 38:44 Advice for Future PhDs: Start Early and Value Money Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/LuckyToBeHere for free to receive our episodes in your inbox and our newsletter with career development reflections and resources, including career events. Paid subscribers also get access to live chats with Analía and behind-the-scenes updates.  Visit AGV Services LLC at https://www.agvservicesllc.com  to learn more about how we support you in your career exploration and growth across countries through coaching and community, including our membership AGV Lab for Career Explorers. Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC. Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

    46 min

  5. Apr 15

    Building La Vie En France: Osvaldo Sosa Echanis Living a Decade-Long Dream

    Sometimes our immigration journey starts long before we even step foot in a new place. This week, we explore this with Osvaldo Sosa Echanis, who set himself the goal to move from Argentina to France and invested a decade into preparing to achieve it (and then some). Osvaldo Sosa Echanis is a Project Manager & Business Operations professional with 10+ years of experience in SaaS Solutions, Customer Care, and Business Development. He is originally from Argentina and has since moved to France, where he is now a citizen. Osvaldo shares about the cultural challenges, language learning, and personal growth he experienced along the way. He discusses the importance of preparation (and the risks of overpreparation), the adjustments required in his career, and the evolution of his identity as he integrates into French culture. Osvaldo emphasizes the significance of values in navigating relationships and adapting to a new environment, reflecting on how these experiences have shaped him into a better version of himself. You can find Osvaldo Sosa Echanis on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sosaechanis/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sosaechanis  Keywords cultural adaptation, moving to France, language learning, career transition, personal growth, bicultural relationships, expat experience, French culture, identity transformation Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Osvaldo's Journey 06:47 Cultural Curiosity and Language Learning 12:32 Preparing for the Move to France 18:54 Career Adjustments in a New Culture 27:23 Navigating Relationships and Community 35:08 Personal Growth and Identity Transformation 40:03 Values and Mindset Shifts in a New Culture Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/LuckyToBeHere for free to receive our episodes in your inbox and our newsletter with career development reflections and resources, including career events. Paid subscribers also get access to live chats with Analía and behind-the-scenes updates.  Visit AGV Services LLC at https://www.agvservicesllc.com  to learn more about how we support you in your career exploration and growth across countries through coaching and community, including our membership AGV Lab for Career Explorers. Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC. Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

    43 min

  6. Apr 1

    A Year Around The World with Nicole Moreno-Deinzer

    Many of us have imagined what it would be like to build a life around the world. This week, Nicole Moreno-Deinzer shares her experience undergoing a project by herself, for herself: spending a full year across the world.  Nicole Moreno‑Deinzer is a serial entrepreneur, storyteller, and digital nomad from California who earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from San Francisco State University and later completed an MBA in Marketing at Mills College. She founded Epifania Culture Magazine™ and co‑founded A La Mode Branding to help BIPOC women build bold personal brands, and her work has been featured on multiple platforms and at events such as the ALT Summit and Romance Writers of America Conference. As she turns 40, Nicole is traveling abroad for a year, continuing to write, work with clients, and inspire others to live with joy, authenticity, and purpose. Nicole shares her journey as a digital nomad and entrepreneur, discussing her decision to travel abroad for a year. She reflects on her upbringing, the cultural perspectives on travel, and the planning and logistics involved in her journey. She highlights the importance of self-discovery, the challenges of balancing work and travel, and the emotional labor of explaining her choices to family and friends. She offers practical advice for aspiring travelers, encouraging them to pursue their own paths and experiences. You can find Nicole Moreno-Deinzer and follow the rest of her journey on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/justnicoleco and YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@justnicoleco, and learn more about her work at https://justnicoleco.com  Keywords travel, digital nomad, personal growth, entrepreneurship, cultural perspectives, year abroad, planning, logistics, work-life balance, self-discovery, Latino culture, emotional labor, travel vlogging Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nicole Moreno-Dynecer 07:02 The Journey Begins: Nicole's Story 14:03 The Idea of a Year Abroad 21:57 Planning and Logistics of Travel 29:51 Cultural Perspectives on Travel 36:56 The Itinerary: Countries and Experiences 44:02 Balancing Work and Travel 51:03 Challenges and Surprises 56:02 Advice for Aspiring Travelers Join our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/LuckyToBeHere for free to receive our episodes in your inbox and our newsletter with career development reflections and resources, including career events. Paid subscribers also get access to live chats with Analía and behind-the-scenes updates.  Visit AGV Services LLC at https://www.agvservicesllc.com  to learn more about how we support you in your career exploration and growth across countries through coaching and community, including our membership AGV Lab for Career Explorers. Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC. Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces.

    58 min

  7. Mar 18

    Learning (and Living in) Geographies of Global Inequalities with Kern Mangan-Walker

    Kern Mangan-Walker is a 34 year old New Zealander. They are currently studying their masters of Geography of Global Inequalities at Freie Universität Berlin in Berlin, where they moved to 2 years ago. As part of attempting to make enough money to survive there, they have found themselves becoming bartender, assistant mushroom farmer, grant writer, organiser, video podcast editor, and youth worker. They are currently researching how communities respond to these new landscapes of precarity we collectively face. In the past they have been involved with the founding of several social enterprises including turning recycled plastic into furniture using 3D printing in New Zealand and early learning technology in Australia. They have also worked in philanthropy NGO fundraising for 10 years. In this conversation, Kern shares their journey from New Zealand to Berlin, exploring themes of global inequalities, the circular economy, and the challenges of being an international student. Kern discusses their academic background, the importance of community support, and the realities of navigating life in a new country, including language barriers and bureaucratic hurdles and surprises. They reflect on their experiences with precarity and the motivation to contribute to meaningful change through research and community engagement. You can find them on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kernmanganwalker/ or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/circularexplorer.  Keywords Global Inequalities, Circular Economy, Language Barriers, Community Support, Student Life, Entrepreneurship, Precarity, Social Change, New Zealand, Berlin Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kern Mangan-Walker 01:11 Journey to Berlin and Circular Economy Exploration 03:19 Academic Background and Shift to Global Inequalities 06:57 Cultural Differences and Language Challenges 12:11 Navigating Life as an International Student 15:02 Challenges of Starting a Business in Germany 19:04 Coping with Setbacks and Finding Support 22:53 Community and Connection in Times of Change 28:00 Reflections on Precarity and Motivation 32:02 The Importance of Asking for Support 34:20 Building Community and Finding Purpose 37:03 Achievements and Future Aspirations Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our video episodes in your inbox, along with our career development reflections, resources and events every Wednesday. Follow AGV Services LLC on LinkedIn and Instagram to learn more about how we support you in your career exploration and growth across countries through coaching and community, including our membership AGV Lab for Career Explorers. Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces. Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC.

    44 min

  8. Mar 4

    Finding Frecuencia Francia Through Microstories, From Venezuela to the World

    Francia is an Entertainment Attorney by day and a multi-hyphenate Artist away from the desk: Singer-Songwriter, Actor, Model, TV Host, Voice Actor, Dancer, and Yogi. Francia discusses his early life, the challenges of immigrating at 14, and how his diverse experiences across various countries shaped his identity and career. He emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, resilience, and the power of community in overcoming obstacles. He highlights the significance of homecoming, both in terms of his cultural roots and his personal growth through art and self-exploration. Francia delves into his transformative experiences in Italy and South Africa, where he discovered his passion for music and storytelling. He recounts how a silent meditation retreat led to profound personal revelations, including reconciling with his father and leaving a corporate law job to pursue his artistic dreams. Throughout the conversation, Francia emphasizes the importance of being a lifelong learner, the value of genuine expression in art, and the power of connection with others. This episode is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the journey of finding one's true self. You can learn more about Francia (including his documentary about Magdalena!) on his website, https://franciacanta.com/hola, and on all social media platforms as @FranciaCanta. You can also listen to his latest song, dedicated to Magdalena, at https://empire.ffm.to/magdalena. Keywords Francia, immigrant story, homecoming, self-advocacy, art, music, resilience, personal growth, meditation, storytelling, South Africa, biking, Italy, Venezuela Chapters 01:03 Francia's Journey: From Venezuela to the U.S. 03:40 The Impact of Moving: Escaping Trauma and Finding Home 07:59 Navigating the Education System: Breaking Barriers 12:28 The Power of Advocacy: Shattering Ceilings 17:01 Unexpected Opportunities: Studying in Italy 24:36 Returning to the U.S.: Embracing New Challenges 27:24 Lifelong Learning: The Journey Continues 28:13 The Power of Curiosity and Enoughness 31:45 Navigating Career Milestones and Reflections 35:33 The Catalyst for Change: Meditation and Self-Exploration 39:17 Embracing Creativity During COVID Lockdown 43:27 The Healing Power of Music and Art 46:43 Facing Fear and Embracing Ambition Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our video episodes in your inbox, along with our career development reflections, resources and events. Follow AGV Services LLC on LinkedIn and Instagram to learn more about how we support you in your career exploration and growth across countries through coaching and community, including our membership AGV Lab for Career Explorers. Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces. Lucky to Be Here is hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C. and produced by AGV Services LLC.

    56 min
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About

Hosted by Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C., Lucky to Be Here is a podcast that showcases the lives and experiences of those who took the leap and navigated big life and career transitions across countries. They share their stories, lessons, and advice to show us what is possible and what it takes to define and live their idea of success across borders. Because doing life on our own terms requires intentionality and a lot of work, sometimes invisible work, but we build it one day at a time. We are more than just lucky to be here. Lucky to Be Here is a production of AGV Services LLC. To learn more about our work, visit https://www.agvservicesllc.com

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