What if the key to building a global career isn’t talent or timing…

But your ability to stay curious, adaptable, and true to yourself, no matter the noise around you?

Today on The SMARTA Podcast, we’re diving into a conversation with someone who has shaped the global entertainment landscape from every angle, from Sony Pictures Iberia to Movistar Plus+ to Huawei Technologies.

My guest, Maria Valenzuela, has generated over €2 billion in international deals, built award-winning teams, launched global content, and now leads Brisa Media, her own international production company. She also teaches at IE University and speaks five languages, bringing a rare global perspective to creativity, leadership, and career growth.

What You’ll Learn

• How to negotiate with fairness, reliability, and integrity
• The truth about AI’s impact on content and creativity
• The skills young professionals must develop right now
• How to turn a creative vision into a viable global business
• Why curiosity is the “battery” for success
• Why it’s okay not to have your passion figured out at 17
• How to stay true to your path in a fast-changing world

Maria Valenzuela is a global media executive with 20+ years of senior leadership experience across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. She has served as SVP at Sony Pictures Iberia, General Manager at Movistar Plus+ International, and Global Head of Video Strategy at Huawei. She is the founder of Brisa Media, a multilingual professor at IE University, and a leading expert in content strategy, co-productions, AI in media, and international entertainment.

Find her work here:

🔗 Brisa Media – https://brisamedia.com (or preferred link you provide)

In this episode:

00:00 – Welcome

01:00 – 3 Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss

02:17 – How to Build Long-Lasting Global Collaborations

04:10 – What Thinking “Beyond Borders” Teaches Young Professionals

05:43 – How AI Will Transform the Media Industry

09:18 – The Skills Young Professionals Need Today

10:37 – What Maria Looks for in Her Ideal Student

11:52 – Turning Creative Vision Into a Global Business

14:14 – What Audiences Want Across Cultures

16:21 – The Role of Curiosity, Adaptability & Lifelong Learning

17:37 – How Learning Languages Becomes a Superpower

19:09 – Advice to Maria’s 17-Year-Old Self

20:18 – Hot to Balance Creativity With Financial Independence

21:52 – Books That Changed Maria’s Life

23:42 – How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

26:10 – A Challenge for the Listener: Why Do You Want This?

27:18 – Maria’s Final Message

28:31 – Thank You

🎄 GIVEAWAY NOTE

I’m running a Christmas giveaway with a finance & self-development book, details will drop in the next episode. Stay tuned. Follow my Instagram to stay up to date to any updates and news!

If you learned something new from this episode, double-check that you’re subscribed for more weekly conversations that fuel growth, clarity, and leadership from the inside out. Also, rate this podcast 5 stars as it’s what helps me grow the show!

📺 Watch on YouTube: The SMARTA Podcast Playlist

🌐 Learn more about Sonia Marta: www.soniamarta.com

📖 See Sonia’s books: www.soniamarta.com/books.

📲 Follow Sonia on Instagram @soniamartaauthor and connect via linktr.ee/soniamartauthor