We at SIG: meet Valentina Sahmkow

In this edition, we meet Valentina Sahmkow, Digital Ecosystem & Communication Manager, Europe. From Venezuela to Spain, Valentina shares her international journey, her passion for communication, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Tell us a bit about your role at SIG and what brought you to your new country.

I’m Valentina, and I lead Digital Ecosystem & Communication for SIG in Europe. My role blends strategy and storytelling — I shape our communication approach, drive go-to-market campaigns, and bring our brand to life across LinkedIn, events, internal channels, webinars, and more.

I moved from Venezuela to Spain in 2017 to pursue a master’s degree. What I thought would be a short-term academic chapter turned into something much more meaningful. I found opportunities here that truly resonated with me — both professionally and personally — and decided to stay and grow.

What has been the most rewarding part of this international move — both personally and professionally?

Personally, the move helped me discover parts of myself I didn’t know existed. Building a life from scratch in a new culture was challenging but deeply fulfilling.

Professionally, I’ve been exposed to different ways of working and communicating — which is at the heart of what I do. Seeing the impact of our communications spark engagement across the region is incredibly rewarding.

How did SIG support you through the transition, and what role did our global culture play?

From day one, I felt welcomed and included. SIG’s global culture creates a sense of belonging that makes it easier to adapt and collaborate across borders. Working with colleagues from diverse backgrounds has opened my mind and made my work more meaningful.

What advice would you give to a colleague considering a move abroad?

Go for it — even if it feels daunting. Ask questions, make mistakes, and reach out for support. Those are the moments where the biggest growth happens. Each challenge you face will eventually become a stepping stone in your story.

What’s something that surprised you about working in a new country?

How quickly a new city can start to feel like home. With the right people and mindset, the unfamiliar becomes familiar faster than you expect. I’m also constantly amazed at how cultural diversity enriches our work — it fuels creativity and collaboration in unexpected ways.

How has this experience shaped your growth?

It’s made me more resilient and self-aware. I’ve learned not to stress over what doesn’t matter and to celebrate progress, even in small steps. Leading communications across different cultures has also sharpened my ability to adapt and think strategically — it’s been a journey of both professional and personal evolution.