From Venezuelan Roots to Icelandic Entrepreneurial Heights: Valenttina's Story

Valenttina Griffin is a Venezuelan-born, Iceland-based entrepreneur who previously lived in Norway and has worked across Icelandic sectors including tech, data management, and banking. In this interview, she shares contrasts between warm- and cold-climate cultures, her move to Iceland in 2004, Valenttina's entrepreneurial journey, and what helped her learn Icelandic quickly. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Save 25% on Your Stay in Reykjavik (valid through May 2026) The "In Bed with" Series is sponsored by Center Hotels. Use my code ATI25 to save 25% when you book a stay at any of the 9 Center Hotels in downtown Reykjavik. https://www.centerhotels.com/en ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Time Stamps: 00:00 Meet Valenttina 01:18 Venezuela Roots 02:38 Warmth and Space 05:19 Norway Exchange 08:33 Learning Icelandic 11:02 Moving for Love 11:54 Family Abroad Mindset 14:48 Culture Shock Moments 16:44 Work Across Cultures 18:51 Money and Overdraft 23:21 Curiosity and Careers 26:52 Pilot Training Detour 29:53 Women Tech Iceland 35:21 Recognition and Generations 39:02 Foreign Women Challenges 43:21 Integration and Talent 44:02 Integration Budget Cuts 45:03 Tourism Boom Origins 48:43 UGrow Recruitment Model 53:38 Seasonal Staffing Gaps 54:50 Hotel Growth Concerns 56:40 Catering To New Tourists 01:02:38 Neuroscience And Behavior 01:06:09 Reinventing Your Career 01:09:06 Boundaries And Self Trust 01:14:48 Family Culture Differences 01:17:39 Winter Blues And Snowbirding 01:21:32 Women In Tech Community 01:22:34 Favorite Icelandic Word 01:24:38 Science Tangent And Farewell