“My dedication and hard work as a journalist earned me a prominent position in the industry and led to me receiving diplomatic honors from the governments of Colombia and Italy.”
Meet Caterina Valentino, a remarkable figure in the world of media whose journey began at a young age of 9. Over the past 28 years, she has made her mark in journalism, working with renowned channels like Caracol International, E! Entertainment Television, and more.
Caterina’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to various projects, from fashion to business ventures.
Challenges arose, but she trusted her abilities, carving her path with determination. With her inspiring journey, Caterina Valentino shines as a beacon of elegance and expertise in the media world.
As she looks ahead to the future, her passion, determination, and pursuit of excellence remain unwavering.
“Don’t let anyone make you feel down because sometimes, being a woman in this industry is hard, and people try to sabotage you, but my advice is to stay strong.”
A little about your background and how you got started in the media industry.
Caterina Valentino: My journey in the media industry began at the age of 9 when I started working on kids’ shows. As I turned 19, I ventured into mass media and continued my career from there. For 13 years, I worked with Caracol International and later with E! Entertainment Television.
Additionally, I had the opportunity to collaborate with HOLA TV and Antena 3. Throughout my 28-year career, I have also been hosting my radio show. Besides, I have had the privilege of working with esteemed organizations such as EL PAÍS España and Telemundo.
My dedication and hard work as a journalist earned me a prominent position in the industry and led to me receiving diplomatic honors from the governments of Colombia and Italy. I take great pride in my accomplishments and look forward to continuing my contributions to the media world.
As a prominent figure in the media industry, what challenges have you faced, particularly as a woman? How have you overcome these challenges, and what advice would you give to aspiring female journalists?
Caterina Valentino: I have worked as a news correspondent in hard situations like protests, disturbances, and migration crises.
I have even had to wear a bulletproof vest to attend these concentrations to cover the facts – and it is scary, not going to lie. It is not easy for anyone, but you have to love this profession to understand it.
Don’t let anyone make you feel down because sometimes, being a woman in this industry is hard, and people try to sabotage you, but my advice is to stay strong.
Social media has become an integral part of journalism. How do you leverage platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube to engage with your audience and deliver news effectively?
Caterina Valentino: Social media allows you to connect immediately. Twitter, for me, is a perfect platform to share news. IG is for showcasing that VIP part of me where I share everything about etiquette.
YouTube is for delving deeper with longer content, such as interviews, for example. Each platform is unique, and it makes you more effective when you want to communicate something quickly and immediately
What inspired you to become an etiquette expert? And what role does etiquette play in personal branding and professional reputation?
Caterina Valentino: It all started from a genuine need. The topic of etiquette has always intrigued and impassioned me. My uncle, who is an expert in etiquette, taught me valuable tips from a young age, and I’ve carried them with me ever since.Wanting to learn even more, I decided to study at the Galateo Academy in Italy. This way, I could improve my knowledge and share the wisdom of etiquette with others around the world. I feel great joy as my viral reels help people learn in a fun and entertaining way. Business etiquette is important because it gives you a presence in the business world.A firm handshake shows confidence while maintaining eye contact during conversations demonstrates focus and understanding. Body language is vital too, as first impressions matter and you don’t get a second chance.
Can you tell us about your journey in the business world and how you became successful in your field?
Caterina Valentino: I started in the business industry because I always wanted my own brand. But it is funny because I used to be hired as an image or model for these brands and companies.
Then I decided to be my own brand, and I started to design my Accessories line and beachwear line. It was a hard process but exciting.
What inspired you to start your own business, and what were some of the challenges you faced during the early stages?
Caterina Valentino: I have faced a lot of challenges as a newbie in this industry, as there are instances when you think you have everything figured out, but suddenly somebody comes to you and says, “No, it is not right,” and you have to listen.
Can you share an example of a time when you had to make a tough business decision? How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?
Caterina Valentino: When I started my clothing line, it was hard at the beginning because there was a lot of competition.
But I trusted myself and took one step at a time. Gradually, it started to become successful. The key is to trust yourself.
How do you stay ahead of your competition and maintain a competitive edge in your industry?
Caterina Valentino: To stay ahead of our competition and maintain a competitive edge in our industry, we continuously create new collections and capsules, and we entice customers with attractive promotions and sales, which they love.
The secret lies in offering people fresh and high-quality products and experiences.
What are your thoughts on the importance of corporate social responsibility in today’s business environment?
Caterina Valentino: Social responsibility is important because it inspires people. Humanizing your brand enables a faster and deeper connection with the audience.
It conveys the message that people deserve something!
Can you share any upcoming projects or ventures that you are excited about and what we can expect from them?
Caterina Valentino: I have some exciting new projects and ventures on the horizon. Currently, I am working on new collections that are designed with a strong emphasis on quality and excellence, showcasing my dedication to innovation.
I can’t wait for you to see them soon. One of my most thrilling upcoming projects is a talk show in Miami. I am truly excited about this endeavor. Additionally, I am continuously working on my radio show and collaborating with international media in both the US and Spain, which is allowing me to reach a wider audience.
In line with my passion for empowering others, I am also planning a master class. This class will serve as an opportunity for me to share my knowledge and insights on how to empower oneself, enabling others to find their strength and confidence.
I am incredibly grateful to Netflix, VIP, and numerous international channels for the motivation. The best is yet to come, and I am eagerly looking forward to all these exciting ventures and opportunities that lie ahead.
This interview was originally published on ValiantCEO.
