Light Up! With Val

The rules around power and money are being rewritten, and most of us are finding out by accident: a new regulation, a changed payment rule, a system that quietly stops working the way it used to. In this episode, I sit down with Judith Juhnke, who left corporate “matrix” thinking behind to build her work around an inner-first model of success: emotional leadership, nervous-system-based decision-ma...

Céline de Almeida has spent 14+ years inside finance, consulting, and high-performance environments — the exact rooms that produce the kind of leaders she now works to help close the gap between success and fulfillment. In this episode, we go after the uncomfortable version of the leadership conversation: why so many companies fail not from bad strategy but from leadership models that quietly holl...

What does it really take to become known, trusted, and influential in a world where everyone is competing for attention? In this episode, I sit down with Mark Stephen Pooler - the Global Profile Builder, founder of MSP News Global and TMSP Agency - to explore the art and strategy of building global influence. Having worked in media, PR, and storytelling, and interviewed people across the business...

Fashion is supposed to be one of the purest forms of self-expression - how we show up, how we move through the world, how we tell the truth about who we are before we say a word. And yet it's also one of the most polluting industries on earth, and one of the most quietly enslaving, chasing trends, chasing approval, chasing a version of ourselves the industry profits from us never quite reachi...

Sandi Saksena on reinventing herself after 40 - and living entirely on her own timeline. Society hands us invisible deadlines: start your career in your twenties, build your business in your thirties, slow down in your fifties. Sandi Saksena ignored every one of them. At 44, with no office skills and no formal business experience, she walked into a room of 50 candidates and walked out with the job...

Before Huta Heris had a formulation, a factory, or a single customer, she had to decide what luxury actually meant, and reject the idea that it has anything to do with time. Her brand is built on transformation, not waiting: impossibly soft textures, subtle fragrance, and active ingredients that work now, not "eventually." In this episode, she traces how that conviction became a business...

After a bit over a year away, Light Up! With Val is back. This episode is different — no guest, just me, unpacking what actually happened during the pause: pivots, a geopolitical curveball, a new market, a relocation, and the slow, non-linear road back to clarity. If you're in a season where you don't know what you're doing — testing, pivoting, still figuring it out — this one'...

What does it take to go from a promising engineering career to becoming a nationally recognized motivational speaker and leadership coach? In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Lasada Pippen, a first-generation college graduate who rose from humble beginnings to transform not only his own life but also the lives of executive leaders and aspiring speakers across the country. Lasada shares...

Join The Silk Way Roadshow 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 bu...

Join The Silk Way Roadshow What if there was one skill that could unlock every door — in business, relationships, and even your health? In this episode, we sit down with Ben Chai — serial entrepreneur, global property investor, TEDx speaker, and master of social magnetism . Raised between worlds and cultures, Ben shares how growing up without a fixed identity led him to discover one of the most un...

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the resilience women are called to embody in today’s world—from emotional endurance to purpose-driven leadership. Joined by Teresa Fracasso, we explore the shifting landscape of women’s needs, the silent battles many face, and how inner strength is cultivated, not inherited. We also talk about the Silk Way Roadshow — our joint project, a multicity platfo...

In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Magda Kay — intimacy expert, Tantra teacher, speaker, and best-selling author — for a deeply honest conversation about how we can heal shame and guilt around sexuality, and how reconnecting with our own sexual energy can lead to more fulfilling relationships, aligned life choices, and lasting partnership. We dive into the emotional roots of disconnection — f...

Get my Self-Mastery Journal To Master Your Mind And Shape Your Reality In a world that conditions us to fit into boxes from birth, it takes courage to break the cycles of expectation and step into a version of yourself that’s truly aligned with your soul’s mission. This talk is a transformative journey through personal truth, emotional healing, and conscious choice—inviting you to release societal...

Get my Self-Mastery Journal  to Master Your Brain and Shape Your Reality What really makes people say “yes” in a world flooded with funnels, automation, and AI? In this powerhouse episode, we sit down with Doug C. Brown , CEO of CEO Sales Strategies and the sales genius behind $960M+ in revenue. From sweeping floors at age 3 to skyrocketing Tony Robbins’ close rates by 143%, Doug brings a lifetime...

Get my Self-Mastery Journal  to Master Your Brain and Shape Your Reality In this raw and soul-stirring episode, we sit down with Karissa Adkins —WSJ Bestselling Author, international speaker, and founder of the Alpha Queen Collective —to go beyond the highlight reel and into the origin story of a woman who redefined power from the inside out. Karissa takes us back to her rock bottom : a time marke...

Get my Self-Mastery Journal: Master Your Mind, Shape Your Reality Hello Spring! And lets talk about LOVE and AWAKENING! In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Rose, a renowned Relationships & Boundaries Coach, to dive deep into the unique challenges high-achieving women face in love. We discuss: How to attract and sustain a fulfilling relationship while building a successful career The bigges...

Get my Self-Mastery Journal: Master Your Mind, Shape Your Reality! In this deeply moving episode I sit down with Patrick "Paddy" Ney—bestselling author, TED speaker, filmmaker, and globally recognized parenting expert. From escaping death to redefining his purpose, Paddy shares how he built an impactful career while staying true to his core mission: creating a better world for future gen...

Entrepreneurs often operate in high-stress environments, juggling uncertainty, visibility fears, and the pressure to succeed. But what if you could rewire your brain to handle stress with more ease? In this episode, Dr. Nafisa Sekandari , a licensed clinical psychologist and award-winning author, shares science-backed strategies to help entrepreneurs manage anxiety, avoid burnout, and boost confid...

Get my Self-Mastery Journal: Master Your Mind, Shape Your Reality Building a thriving community isn’t just about bringing people together—it’s a powerful strategy for business growth. In this episode, we explore the different types of communities, and how they can be monetized effectively. Learn the key traits of successful community leaders, the best ways to engage your members, and how to set th...

In this episode, we dive into the powerful strategies that entrepreneurs can use to be heard, seen, and profitable. Discover the 7 steps to visibility that amplify your impact and income, and learn how to leverage public speaking with intention to grow your business. We’ll explore why visibility is a non-negotiable skill for modern entrepreneurs, the biggest blocks holding you back from being seen...

In this episode, we sit down with Chandra Chappell, founder of Mindful Adaptations , a transformative leader in emotional and mental wellness for children, teens, young adults, and parents. Chandra shares her personal journey of overcoming fear-based emotions and how it inspired her mission to help others build resilience, self-awareness, and inner harmony. We explore the power of aligning mind, b...

Do you feel stuck—whether it’s in your career, finances, or relationships—despite your best efforts? In this episode, we’re uncovering the 7 biggest energy drains that might be holding you back from the life you desire. From suppressed emotions to unfinished business and unhealthy habits, these sneaky culprits can rob you of the energy needed to pursue your goals. Learn actionable solutions to rec...

This illuminating episode delves into Human Design —a transformative tool for self-discovery and personal growth. Discover how understanding your unique design can unlock greater clarity, alignment, and success in your business and life. We explore:  ✨ Why some people reach a massive success and some not.  ✨ Insights into the five main types (Manifestors, Generators, Manifesting Generators, Proj...

Are you navigating life’s challenges—heartbreak, career transitions, or a search for purpose? In this episode, we explore the transformative process of stepping into your power and becoming the architect of your desired reality. Learn how to release limiting beliefs, rediscover self-worth, and create a life aligned with your true purpose. ✨ Key takeaways include: Overcoming fear and pain through...

In this empowering episode, we dive deep into the journey of conscious leadership, exploring how to navigate the complexities of ego, power dynamics, and organizational politics. My guest, Fatima Ibrahim, ICF and ACTP-accredited executive coach, a seasoned professional dedicated to guiding individuals toward their professional goals, with 22 years of experience in HR and people development, includ...