<![CDATA[Business Sparks with Val]]>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.

]]>https://www.sparkcoachingwithval.com/podcastRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Sun, 28 Jun 2026 23:38:39 GMTSat, 25 Apr 2026 14:49:42 GMT60Valeria Kadelski - Spark Coaching with Val<p>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.</p>episodicValeria Kadelski - Spark Coaching with Valhello@sparkcoachingwithval.comno<![CDATA[Too many business ideas and no commitment? How to finally choose]]>This episode tackles a common challenge many entrepreneurs face: having too many ideas and struggling to pick one to pursue. Val shares her personal experience, a five-step framework, and practical tips to help you filter your ideas and move forward confidently.

Topics:

  • The emotional and psychological impact of having multiple ideas and how to overcome the fear of missing out
  • Why having many experiences and cultural insights can make decision-making more complex for expats and internationals
  • The importance of testing ideas versus overthinking, with real-life examples from Valeria’s own entrepreneurial journey
  • A comprehensive five-step framework to evaluate ideas based on values, lifestyle, energy, strengths, and reality
  • Practical exercises to score and prioritize ideas, helping to eliminate those that are less feasible or aligned
  • Common misconceptions about passions turning into business ventures and the importance of alignment
  • How to recognize when the timing and context are right for a business idea
  • The role of not choosing — and that indecision — as a valid and sometimes necessary step
  • How to develop a flexible mindset, understanding that business ideas can evolve and change over time
  • An invitation to join Valeria’s coaching program for personalized support in breaking down ideas and taking action

Resources & links:

Connect with Val:

]]>35d8f186-254d-4480-ac78-5d8f94203ec4Wed, 24 Jun 2026 02:30:00 GMT<p>This episode tackles a common challenge many entrepreneurs face: having too many ideas and struggling to pick one to pursue. Val shares her personal experience, a five-step framework, and practical tips to help you filter your ideas and move forward confidently.</p><p></p><p><b>Topics:</b></p><p></p><ul><li>The emotional and psychological impact of having multiple ideas and how to overcome the fear of missing out</li><li>Why having many experiences and cultural insights can make decision-making more complex for expats and internationals</li><li>The importance of testing ideas versus overthinking, with real-life examples from Valeria’s own entrepreneurial journey</li><li>A comprehensive five-step framework to evaluate ideas based on values, lifestyle, energy, strengths, and reality</li><li>Practical exercises to score and prioritize ideas, helping to eliminate those that are less feasible or aligned</li><li>Common misconceptions about passions turning into business ventures and the importance of alignment</li><li>How to recognize when the timing and context are right for a business idea</li><li>The role of not choosing — and that indecision — as a valid and sometimes necessary step</li><li>How to develop a flexible mindset, understanding that business ideas can evolve and change over time</li><li>An invitation to join Valeria’s coaching program for personalized support in breaking down ideas and taking action</li></ul><p></p><p>Resources &amp; links:</p><p></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://tally.so/r/nPxXjb" target="_blank">Apply to the Spark Your Expat Business program</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://calendly.com/spark-coaching-with-val/chemistrymeeting" target="_blank">Book a free clarity call</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sparkcoachingwithval.com/" target="_blank">Free resources on website</a></li></ul><p></p><p>Connect with Val:</p><p></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriakadelski/" target="_blank">Linkedin</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/sparkcoachingwithval/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li></ul><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>no00:19:5916Too many business ideas and no commitment? How to finally choosefull<![CDATA[How my client Line built her consulting business while moving to Spain]]>Tune in to hear Val's client, Line Aasen, a seasoned expat and marketing professional, share how coaching and intentional strategies helped her transition from corporate roles to building her own thriving consultancy business while moving to Spain.

Line Aasen, founder of LA Consulting, is a brand strategist and communications specialist working with startup founders and investors. She has 7+ years of experience across the startup ecosystem from startups, agencies, incubators, startup competitions and VC funds. With LA Consulting, Line helps companies establish their minimum viable brand and refine their positioning, as well as building personal brand foundations, and supporting founders to create successful funding and product launches.

Connect with Line:

Topics:

  • Line's background in tennis, international living, and startup ecosystem involvement
  • The influence of mentorship and coaching in career development
  • Breaking down big ideas into actionable goals with coaching tools
  • The role of self-reflection: uncovering true passions
  • Building confidence to transition into freelance entrepreneurship
  • The importance of community, collaboration, and cultural diversity in global work
  • Practical steps for aspiring entrepreneurs: networking, planning, and mindset shifts
  • How coaching enhances clarity, focus, and alignment with personal values
  • Line's current daily routine and lifestyle changes after her career shift
  • Tips for overcoming decision paralysis and embracing bold dreams

Resources & links:

Notes:

This episode emphasizes actionable insights on career transitions, the value of coaching, and building a fulfilling entrepreneurial life. Lina’s story exemplifies transformation through purpose-driven planning and community support.

]]>aa231683-b9f7-4ee4-83cf-b945097167bfWed, 17 Jun 2026 03:00:00 GMT<p>Tune in to hear Val's client, Line Aasen, a seasoned expat and marketing professional, share how coaching and intentional strategies helped her transition from corporate roles to building her own thriving consultancy business while moving to Spain.</p><p></p><p>Line Aasen, founder of LA Consulting, is a brand strategist and communications specialist working with startup founders and investors. She has 7+ years of experience across the startup ecosystem from startups, agencies, incubators, startup competitions and VC funds. With LA Consulting, Line helps companies establish their minimum viable brand and refine their positioning, as well as building personal brand foundations, and supporting founders to create successful funding and product launches.</p><p></p><p><b>Connect with Line:</b></p><p></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/linesaasen/" target="_blank">Line - LinkedIn</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/line-aasen-consulting/" target="_blank">LA Consulting - Linkedin</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.lineaasen.com/" target="_blank">LA Consulting - Website</a></li></ul><p></p><p><b>Topics:</b></p><p></p><ul><li>Line's background in tennis, international living, and startup ecosystem involvement</li><li>The influence of mentorship and coaching in career development</li><li>Breaking down big ideas into actionable goals with coaching tools</li><li>The role of self-reflection: uncovering true passions</li><li>Building confidence to transition into freelance entrepreneurship</li><li>The importance of community, collaboration, and cultural diversity in global work</li><li>Practical steps for aspiring entrepreneurs: networking, planning, and mindset shifts</li><li>How coaching enhances clarity, focus, and alignment with personal values</li><li>Line's current daily routine and lifestyle changes after her career shift</li><li>Tips for overcoming decision paralysis and embracing bold dreams</li></ul><p></p><p>Resources &amp; links:</p><p></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriakadelski/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></li></ul><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sparkcoaching.com/" target="_blank">Spark Coaching with Val</a></li></ul><p></p><p>Notes:</p><p></p><p>This episode emphasizes actionable insights on career transitions, the value of coaching, and building a fulfilling entrepreneurial life. Lina’s story exemplifies transformation through purpose-driven planning and community support.</p>no00:20:0115How my client Line built her consulting business while moving to Spainfull<![CDATA[Leaving tech and building a coaching business abroad (what I'd do differently)]]>In this episode, Val shares her personal journey from corporate roles to becoming a coach and entrepreneur. She discusses the challenges, lessons learned, and practical advice for anyone considering starting their own business, especially in the coaching space.

Topics:

  • Val's career evolution from tech sales to coaching
  • Common pitfalls when starting a business
  • Priorities in the first 90 days of entrepreneurship
  • The importance of support and mentorship
  • Misconceptions about branding and marketing efforts
  • How to effectively find and serve your ideal clients
  • Pricing strategies and overcoming self-doubt
  • The significance of focusing on conversations over visual identity
  • Key steps for a successful startup phase

Resources & link:

Connect with Val:

]]>72c4a1dd-20ea-46ac-8b3b-ef03c39daaecWed, 10 Jun 2026 03:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode, Val shares her personal journey from corporate roles to becoming a coach and entrepreneur. She discusses the challenges, lessons learned, and practical advice for anyone considering starting their own business, especially in the coaching space.</p><p></p><p><b>Topics:</b></p><p></p><ul><li>Val's career evolution from tech sales to coaching</li><li>Common pitfalls when starting a business</li><li>Priorities in the first 90 days of entrepreneurship</li><li>The importance of support and mentorship</li><li>Misconceptions about branding and marketing efforts</li><li>How to effectively find and serve your ideal clients</li><li>Pricing strategies and overcoming self-doubt</li><li>The significance of focusing on conversations over visual identity</li><li>Key steps for a successful startup phase</li></ul><p></p><p>Resources &amp; link:</p><p></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://calendly.com/spark-coaching-with-val/chemistrymeeting" target="_blank"><b>Book a coaching call</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sparkcoachingwithval.com/" target="_blank"><b>Free business coaching resources</b></a></li></ul><p></p><p>Connect with Val:</p><p></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriakadelski/" target="_blank"><b>LinkedIn</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/sparkcoachingwithval/" target="_blank"><b>Instagram</b></a></li></ul>no00:18:2614Leaving tech and building a coaching business abroad (what I'd do differently)full<![CDATA[How to know if your business idea will actually work (before your start building)]]>Explore essential strategies and insights to determine if your business idea is worth pursuing. In this episode, Val offers practical advice on identifying market opportunities, crafting a unique value proposition, and making informed decisions to set your entrepreneurial journey on the right path.

Topics:

  • Why certainty in business success is impossible before starting
  • How market signals can reduce uncertainty
  • The importance of researching existing competition and industry growth
  • Why solving a "must-have" problem is more effective than a "nice-to-have"
  • The significance of your unique angle and personal story in positioning
  • Different business models and their impact on risk
  • How to ground your decision-making in real market data
  • Free resources to evaluate your readiness and next steps

Resources & links:

Connect with Val:

]]>2b28aacc-5947-401a-a2e8-233ee3725403Wed, 03 Jun 2026 03:00:00 GMT<p>Explore essential strategies and insights to determine if your business idea is worth pursuing. In this episode, Val offers practical advice on identifying market opportunities, crafting a unique value proposition, and making informed decisions to set your entrepreneurial journey on the right path.</p><p></p><p><b>Topics:</b></p><p></p><ul><li>Why certainty in business success is impossible before starting</li><li>How market signals can reduce uncertainty</li><li>The importance of researching existing competition and industry growth</li><li>Why solving a "must-have" problem is more effective than a "nice-to-have"</li><li>The significance of your unique angle and personal story in positioning</li><li>Different business models and their impact on risk</li><li>How to ground your decision-making in real market data</li><li>Free resources to evaluate your readiness and next steps</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Resources &amp; links:</b></p><p></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://tally.so/r/zxMb2E" target="_blank"><b>Business Readiness Check</b></a><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://tally.so/r/zxMb2E" target="_blank"> </a>— Link to a quick assessment to clarify your next move</li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sparkcoachingwithval.com/" target="_blank">Spark Coaching with Val</a></li></ul><p></p><p><b>Connect with Val: </b></p><p></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriakadelski/" target="_blank"><b>LinkedIn</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/sparkcoachingwithval/" target="_blank"><b>Instagram</b></a></li></ul>no00:15:1013How to know if your business idea will actually work (before your start building)full<![CDATA[The real question you need to answer as an expat before you build your business]]>In this episode, Val discusses the common mistake of entrepreneurs designing businesses that don't align with their personal lives, and how to intentionally build a business that supports your lifestyle rather than confines it. She shares practical exercises, real-life examples, and mindset shifts to help you craft a sustainable and fulfilling business.

Topics:

  • The importance of aligning your business with your existing life constraints and vision
  • Why choosing a business model just because of safety or familiarity (like consultancy) might not serve your long-term happiness
  • How to assess your life vision and design a business that complements it
  • The significance of understanding your energy patterns and daily routines for business success
  • Practical tools like the R.E.A.D.Y. assessment to evaluate your readiness and clarify your goals
  • Real-world stories demonstrating the importance of lifestyle alignment in entrepreneurship


Resources & links:

Connect with Val:

Remember:

Build your business to support your life, not the other way around.

]]>9caeb430-734e-4c96-9464-168b9af9c13dWed, 27 May 2026 03:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode, Val discusses the common mistake of entrepreneurs designing businesses that don't align with their personal lives, and how to intentionally build a business that supports your lifestyle rather than confines it. She shares practical exercises, real-life examples, and mindset shifts to help you craft a sustainable and fulfilling business.</p><p></p><p><b>Topics:</b></p><p></p><ul><li>The importance of aligning your business with your existing life constraints and vision</li><li>Why choosing a business model just because of safety or familiarity (like consultancy) might not serve your long-term happiness</li><li>How to assess your life vision and design a business that complements it</li><li>The significance of understanding your energy patterns and daily routines for business success</li><li>Practical tools like the R.E.A.D.Y. assessment to evaluate your readiness and clarify your goals</li><li>Real-world stories demonstrating the importance of lifestyle alignment in entrepreneurship</li></ul><p><br /><b>Resources &amp; links:</b></p><p></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://subscribepage.io/ielo1c" target="_blank"><b>R.E.A.D.Y. Assessment</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sparkcoachingwithval.com/" target="_blank"><b>Spark Coaching with Val</b></a></li></ul><p></p><p><b>Connect with Val:</b></p><p></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriakadelski/" target="_blank"><b>LinkedIn</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/sparkcoachingwithval/" target="_blank"><b>Instagram</b></a></li><li><b>Email: hello@sparkcoachingwithval.com</b></li></ul><p></p><p><b>Remember:</b></p><p></p><p>Build your business to support your life, not the other way around.</p>no00:18:0812The real question you need to answer as an expat before you build your businessfull<![CDATA[Why you're overthinking your business (and what to do instead)]]>In this first episode of Business Sparks with Val, Val shares her personal journey from overthinking to taking decisive action in starting her own business.

She offers practical advice for expats and internationals navigating the unique challenges of building a business abroad.

Whether you're hesitant or overwhelmed, learn how to simplify your process and move forward with confidence.

Topics:

  • Val’s personal story of transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship
  • Common barriers: overthinking, fear of leaving a stable income, and needing to feel 'ready'
  • How to break down the big goal of starting a business into small, actionable steps
  • The importance of testing and experimenting rather than waiting for perfect certainty
  • Unique challenges faced by expats and international professionals in building a business
  • The role of external support and community in overcoming loneliness and uncertainty
  • Emphasizing action over passive consumption of information
  • Mindset shifts: from overcomplicating to simplifying your business approach
  • Emotional and practical readiness: why waiting for the perfect moment isn’t necessary
  • Val’s commitment to transparency, sharing her mistakes, and inviting listeners on this journey

Resources & links:

Connect with Val:

Notes:

This episode emphasizes the power of taking small, intentional actions and embracing the journey with honesty and community.

Don’t wait until you're completely ready—start now, learn along the way, and adapt.

Your business is waiting. Go make it real.

]]>b8e95770-55fc-4bd3-a2d4-175eb903b017Sat, 16 May 2026 08:37:02 GMT<p>In this first episode of Business Sparks with Val, Val shares her personal journey from overthinking to taking decisive action in starting her own business.</p><p></p><p>She offers practical advice for expats and internationals navigating the unique challenges of building a business abroad.</p><p></p><p>Whether you're hesitant or overwhelmed, learn how to simplify your process and move forward with confidence.</p><p></p><p><b>Topics:</b></p><p></p><ul><li>Val’s personal story of transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship</li><li>Common barriers: overthinking, fear of leaving a stable income, and needing to feel 'ready'</li><li>How to break down the big goal of starting a business into small, actionable steps</li><li>The importance of testing and experimenting rather than waiting for perfect certainty</li><li>Unique challenges faced by expats and international professionals in building a business</li><li>The role of external support and community in overcoming loneliness and uncertainty</li><li>Emphasizing action over passive consumption of information</li><li>Mindset shifts: from overcomplicating to simplifying your business approach</li><li>Emotional and practical readiness: why waiting for the perfect moment isn’t necessary</li><li>Val’s commitment to transparency, sharing her mistakes, and inviting listeners on this journey</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Resources &amp; links:</b></p><p></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sparkcoachingwithval.com/" target="_blank"><b>Spark Coaching with Val website</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://riverside.com/subscribepage.io/eIAL5q" target="_blank"><b>The SPARK Business Architect ChatGPT</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://luma.com/launchcircles" target="_blank"><b>Launch Circles Business Community</b></a></li></ul><p></p><p>Connect with Val:</p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriakadelski/" target="_blank"><b>LinkedIn</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/sparkcoachingwithval/" target="_blank"><b>Instagram</b></a></li></ul><p></p><p>Notes:</p><p></p><p>This episode emphasizes the power of taking small, intentional actions and embracing the journey with honesty and community.</p><p></p><p>Don’t wait until you're completely ready—start now, learn along the way, and adapt.</p><p></p><p>Your business is waiting. Go make it real.</p>no00:13:4911Why you're overthinking your business (and what to do instead)full