Lucky to Be Here: Building Lives & Careers Abroad

Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal, C.P.C.
  • 5.0 (3)
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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. FEB 18

    Building the American Life (And A Family of Seven): Marta Spirk’s Moves Between Brazil and the U.S.

    In this week’s episode of Lucky to Be Here, we embark on a journey from Brazil to the United States, back and forth, to dive deeper into the trade-offs we navigate to find and to honor our own voices and stories with Marta Spirk.  Marta Spirk is a professional singer, TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and speaking coach who helps established business owners transform their message into a powerful signature talk. By blending storytelling techniques with strategic coaching, Marta empowers her clients to inspire audiences, amplify their impact, and unlock new income streams through speaking engagements. She does that with her coaching programs, keynotes, podcast, and her award-winning book “The Empowered Woman: The Ultimate Roadmap to Business Success”. Throughout our conversation, Marta opens up about her life experience, discussing the cultural influences that shaped her desire to live abroad, the challenges she faced during her multiple transitions by herself and with her family, and how her experiences as an immigrant and a mother of triplets have informed her work in empowering others through storytelling and coaching. The conversation delves into the complexities of identity, family dynamics, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Marta to help others articulate their unique stories and find their own voice after succeeding at embracing her own. You can find Marta Spirk on: Instagram: Instagram.com/martaspirk LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/marta-spirk Keywords Marta Spirk, international journey, cultural transition, entrepreneurship, storytelling, personal growth, motherhood, coaching, language learning, career development, international moves Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Marta Spirk 02:12 Marta's Journey from Brazil to the US 07:03 The Influence of American Culture on Marta 13:04 Life-Altering Decisions: Marriage and Moving 18:30 Navigating Challenges of Moving Abroad 21:13 Pursuing Education in a New Country 23:26 Returning to Brazil: New Beginnings 25:28 Cultural Adaptation and Family Dynamics 27:46 Navigating Relationships and Motherhood 29:42 The Challenges of Raising Triplets 33:33 Adjusting to Life in America 35:01 Building an Entrepreneurial Mindset 39:06 Creating a Business from Personal Experience 43:44 The Value of Storytelling in Business 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. 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.

    49 min

  2. FEB 4

    Turning Discomfort into Stepping Stones: Elena Hoffer’s Path from Germany to Sweden

    Elena Hoffer is the co-founder and CEO of Alma.Me, helping PhDs transition from academia to industry. She earned her PhD in Medical Sciences from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and is passionate about empowering early-career researchers in their careers beyond academia. With a LinkedIn community of over 125,000, she shares insights that inspire PhDs to thrive beyond academia. In this episode, Elena shares more about her journey as a researcher and entrepreneur, detailing her experiences as an international student and PhD candidate. She discusses overcoming language barriers, adjusting to a different culture, learning about careers beyond academia and eventually going from academia into industry as the founder of Alma.me, a platform aimed at helping PhDs navigate their career transitions. Elena emphasizes the value of discomfort and feeling supported along the way to turn her experiences into the growth that she experiences at each new stage.  You can find Elena Hoffer on social media at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenahoffer_phd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-hoffer-/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PostPhDirections Keywords PhD transition, career development, academia to industry, international students, entrepreneurship, language barriers, personal growth, career exploration, mentorship, life sciences Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Elena Hoffer and Her Journey 03:44 Cultural Exploration and Language Challenges 10:56 Transitioning to a PhD: The Academic Journey 15:15 Navigating the PhD Application Process 23:02 Understanding the PhD Experience in Sweden vs. the US 24:34 Long-term Planning and Housing Challenges in Stockholm 26:49 Navigating the Housing Market: A Cultural Comparison 33:21 The Journey of Self-Discovery: Career Exploration During PhD 40:39 Transitioning from Academia: Embracing New Opportunities 44:52 Building Alma.Me: The Birth of a New Venture 51:13 Reflections on Growth: Advice to My Former Self 55:06 Career Development Resources 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. 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.

    55 min

  3. JAN 21

    Meeting Halfway at the Other End of the World: Gisela de la Villa’s Path into Kiwi Life

    In this advice-packed episode of Lucky to Be Here, we talk to Gisela de la Villa. Gisela is a multi-hyphenate who hails from Argentina, but has become a part of the Wellington fixture. She works in the tech space and is involved not only in that realm, but also performing arts, dogs, and where to get a good hot chocolate. She can speak lots of languages and also laughs at your jokes. She has done a lot of things despite being young (because being under 40 is young), and she's an expert at multitasking with a smile on her face and a song in her heart. During our conversation, Gisela shares her journey from Argentina to New Zealand, detailing the analytical and emotional processes behind her decision to relocate (and offering a fantastic blueprint for your own decision-making and planning). She discusses the challenges of navigating the visa system, the importance of building networks even before you need them, and the adjustments she made to embrace her new life in New Zealand. Gisela reflects on the immigrant experience, the emotional distance from family, and the beauty of her new home. She offers insights and advice for college students and junior professionals, and for those considering a similar move, emphasizing the importance of preparation, flexibility, and genuine connections. You can connect with Gisela de la Villa and continue following her own journey on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/giseladelavilla.  Keywords International students and workers, immigration process, New Zealand, relocation, emotional journey, visa process, networking, life abroad, multicultural, personal growth, career development, college, conferences Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gisela de la Villa 01:59 The Decision to Move Abroad 07:01 Emotional Aspects of Relocation 16:37 Preparing for the Move 21:45 Reflections on Future Moves 26:16 Navigating Life Changes and Relocation Decisions 27:26 The Visa Journey: Challenges and Insights 33:25 Job Search Strategies for Immigration 38:28 Building Networks: The Key to Success 45:52 Embracing Life in New Zealand 49:40 Reflections and Advice for Future Migrants Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our video episodes in your inbox, along with our career development 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. Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces. Produced by AGV Services LLC.

    54 min

  4. JAN 7

    An Academic Career, A Family Affair: Sebastián Vallejo Vera’s Journey in the U.S., Mexico and Canada

    Dr. Sebastián Vallejo Vera is Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science at the University of Western Ontario, where he studies gendered and racialized barriers to political spaces. He is also a dear friend and collaborator I have had the pleasure of being classmates and working with for many years now since graduating from University of Maryland, College Park.  In this conversation, Dr. Sebastián Vallejo Vera shares his journey through academia, sharing the challenges faced by international students, the impact of family decisions on career paths, and we dive into a discussion of the evolving nature of academia as an industry. He reflects on the importance of support systems, the invisible labor within academic institutions, and the need for structural changes to improve the academic landscape. Sebastián emphasizes the value of humility, learning from criticism, and the necessity of bridging gaps in knowledge for international students navigating their careers. You can learn more about Dr. Sebastián Vallejo Vera and stay up to date with his work visiting his website, www.svallejovera.com.  Keywords academia, Fulbright, political science, international students, academic career, challenges, structural changes, insights, reflections, North America, United States, Mexico, Canada, research, social sciences Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sebastián Vallejo Vera 06:24 The Journey of Academia and Family Decisions 12:31 Navigating Financial Realities as an International Student 19:41 Academia as an Industry vs. Institution 26:34 Navigating International Job Markets 28:24 The Invisible Labor in Academia 30:13 The Academic Industry and Its Challenges 35:57 The Balance Between Work and Life in Academia 42:38 Reflections on Academic Trajectories 46:39 Advice for Future Academics Subscribe to our newsletter for news, updates, and access to our video episodes on our YouTube channel. Follow AGV Services LLC on LinkedIn and Instagram to learn more about how we support bold career explorers across countries through coaching and community. Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces. Produced by AGV Services LLC.

    53 min

  5. 12/27/2025

    Anatomy of a Bold Move: Heart, Complexity & Faith (Special Solo Episode)

    In this special solo episode, Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal discusses the concept of bold moves in life and career transitions. She emphasizes that bold moves are built on three key factors: heart, complexity, and faith. Each factor plays a crucial role in navigating significant changes and making informed decisions. Throughout the episode, Dr. Analía provides practical questions and resources to support you in your journey towards making bold moves. 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.  Book your call to join AGV Lab for Career Explorers and the winter edition of our coaching program, From Here to Clear here.  Keywords bold moves, career transitions, personal growth, coaching, life decisions, inspiration, goal setting, strategic planning, self development, personal development, professional development Some of this episode’s takeaways are:  Bold moves are built from within. Understanding your values is crucial for bold moves. Complexity in decisions requires strategic planning. Faith is essential when taking risks. Reflect on what drives you in your bold moves. Seek inspiration and role models to guide your journey. 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 Subscribe to our newsletter for news, updates, and access to our video episodes on our YouTube channel. Follow AGV Services LLC on LinkedIn and Instagram to learn more about how we support bold career explorers across countries through coaching and community. Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces. Produced by AGV Services LLC.

    13 min

  6. 12/20/2025

    Special Solo Episode - A Year in Review and A Mindful Approach to Charting Our 2026 Goals

    In this special solo episode, Dr. Analía Gómez Vidal discusses the distinction between strategy, planning, and setting habits and routines for career explorers as we wrap up the year and prepare for 2026. She emphasizes the need for adaptability in the face of uncertainty and offers creative strategies for setting goals for the upcoming year. Throughout the episode, she walks you through a set of prompts to reflect with her on what your 2025 has been, and what you want to carry with you into the year ahead.  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 Subscribe to our newsletter for news, updates, and access to our video episodes on our YouTube channel. Follow AGV Services LLC on LinkedIn and Instagram to learn more about how we support bold career explorers across countries through coaching and community. Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces. Produced by AGV Services LLC.

    15 min

  7. 12/10/2025

    Carmen Fleitas’ Global Career beyond Vision Boards: From Paraguay to Thailand, and in between

    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 Subscribe to our newsletter for news, updates, and access to our video episodes on our YouTube channel. Follow AGV Services LLC on LinkedIn and Instagram to learn more about how we support bold career explorers across countries through coaching and community. Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces. Produced by AGV Services LLC.

    46 min

  8. 11/26/2025

    Starting in Indonesia to Make the World Your Playground: Mutiara Alam on Her Homecoming

    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 Alem 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 Subscribe to our newsletter for news, updates, and access to our video episodes on our YouTube channel. Follow AGV Services LLC on LinkedIn and Instagram to learn more about how we support bold career explorers across countries through coaching and community. Sponsored by Creative Colony Spaces. Produced by AGV Services LLC.

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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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