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's for you. We talk nervous system regulation, self-belief, the story of starting without even a locker on a national team and ending up a World Champion, and what it actually took to rebuild not just the podcast, but the business behind it.

This is also where I share what's next: The Rooms, the magazine, and why sovereignty isn't a one-time decision — it's a practice.

🔗 Curious about joining a Room? Join here: https://jointherooms.com/longevity-room
🔗 Want the self-mastery tools: https://ispeakuplightup.com/scale-up/

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 his journey of self-reinvention, from pivoting away from engineering to embracing his calling on stage. He reveals how structured thinking, drawn from his engineering background, blends with the art of human connection to create powerful communication. Together, we explore why voice and presence are essential leadership tools in today’s digital world, the most common fears that hold people back from speaking, and how to overcome visibility blocks.

You’ll also discover:

• The 4 Cs of impactful speaking and the key questions to ask before stepping on stage.
• How to manage nerves and negative feedback—and even turn them into strengths.
• Practical tips to be more present, confident, and influential in any room.
• Why mastering your voice is not just for executives, but for entrepreneurs, founders, and anyone ready to make an impact.

Lasada’s story is proof that your voice can change not only your career but your destiny. If you’ve been waiting for the moment to step forward, speak up, and light up the room—this episode is for you.

To connect with Lasada: https://www.lasadapippen.com/

Become part of the SilknWay Roadshow:

https://ispeakuplightup.com/the-silk-way-roadshow/

Want to become an international speaker, expand your business and mind, join us for 3-days Business Summit in a breathtaking Cappadocia:

https://ispeakuplightup.com/isulu-summit/

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 business culture who has spent over a decade helping international companies enter the region with impact, integrity, and deep respect.

Together, we unpack:

• Why your handshake, dress, or choice of words could open doors—or silently close them
• How wasta (relationship capital) works, and how to build trust ethically in the GCC
• The key differences between Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha that brands must understand
• Crucial insights for women entering leadership or entrepreneurship in the Gulf
• Why hospitality isn’t just tradition—it’s strategy

Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or global citizen ready to engage with the Middle East, this episode offers a real-world roadmap to navigating the Gulf with grace and cultural intelligence.

Tune in, take notes, and leave empowered to connect deeper and lead wiser.

Connect with Corina:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinagoetz/

Learn about the Silk Way Roadshow: https://ispeakuplightup.com/the-silk-way-roadshow/

Join us on this unique journey!

Some tools for Entrepreneurs to scale, as well as in-person events to join:

https://ispeakuplightup.com/

Get my Self-Mastery Journal To Master Your Mind And Shape Your Reality

Join me in IG: https://www.instagram.com/lightupwithval/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerievkim/