018 - Navigating Global Business Opportunities in the Middle East with Corina Goetz

In this episode of the 6 to 7 Figure Women Podcast, hosts Jessica Fearnley and Meghann Conter were joined by Corina Goetz, an expert in Middle Eastern business culture.

Corina shared her insights on the evolving business landscape in the Middle East, where young populations are eager for new products and personal development opportunities. She highlights the region’s openness to global business and the importance of cultural understanding for successful expansion.

We also discussed the potential for international growth and the significance of niche markets, emphasizing the need for women entrepreneurs to embrace global perspectives and support each other in reaching higher business milestones. 

 

What we discussed:

[00:01:12] Introducing Corina and her business growth journey.

[00:04:06] Mindset and self-development during COVID-19.

[00:08:59] Navigating global business and cultural differences.

[00:13:31] The absence of knowledge about the Middle East and the importance of cultural understanding.

[00:16:57] The significance of global development, entrepreneurship, and opportunities in the Middle East compared to the economic challenges in the UK and Europe.

[00:22:59] Understanding and targeting different markets intentionally, and the impact of cultural differences on business.

[00:25:54] Insights into women's business ownership, education, and decision-making in the Middle East, and the misconceptions about the region.

[00:29:48] Generational changes in the Middle East.

[00:33:00] Exploration of various business opportunities in the Middle East, including healthy eating, tourism, and cutting-edge products and services.

[00:35:42] Making connections and practical steps for reaching out and connecting with businesses.

[00:38:45] The mindset challenges faced by women business owners in the Middle East, including the feeling of being misunderstood and the impact of cultural perceptions.

[00:41:30] Social media platforms used by entrepreneurial women in the Middle East for networking and promotion.

[00:44:05] Pricing sensitivities, quality, and exclusivity in business transactions.

[00:51:28] Resources and guidance for women interested in expanding their business globally.

 

Quotes:

“And just to go back to Saudi Arabia… there's so much opportunity there, and it's so exciting because they have such a young population and they are so technologically advanced. I mean, like internet coverage is at 99%. Over 90% of people are on social media, like everything is on social media there. And people know about stuff that we sometimes even don't know here. And they are in this transition phase where they're opening up the country from being very closed and it was really difficult to go, and you couldn't even get a tourist visa, to where you now can get a tourist visa on arrival.” - Corina Goetz

“63% of the Saudis are actually under 30 years old. So they have to get skills, they have to learn things from people that have done different things, you know, like personal development. These are all things that have just such a massive opportunity out there. And I don't think people realize and I think not just in Saudi, but if you look at obviously the UAE and like Dubai is a little bit more advanced with some of these things, but you have Qatar and you have all of these different places that people may never even have heard of, and there is one thing there they want to invest in into their countries, and they have the money to do that. So it's a really great way of expanding your business and looking at new markets.” - Corina Goetz

“When we apply that to the whole global perspective, there are so many places that we maybe haven't even been to or wouldn't think of where there are just these booming markets that really require the expertise that we can bring.” - Jessica Fearnley

“That journey from 6 to 7 figures and surrounding yourself with other women who are impassioned by business growth, who are impassioned by personal growth, and who are in active pursuit and active ‘taking in’ of that information are transforming our lives and transforming therefore our families, therefore our local communities, therefore our national communities, and then the world.” - Meghann Conter

 

Links:

Corina’s website: www.star-cat.co.uk

Corina’s newsletter: https://star-cat.uk/newsletter-8659

Join The Dames virtual roundtable: www.thedames.co/roundtable

Connect with Meghann on LinkedIn

Book a discovery call to work less and earn more: jessicafearnley.com

Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn

 

Guest Bio:

Corina Goetz, founder of Star-CaT, is deeply passionate about the Middle East and the realm of hospitality. With a background in the luxury hospitality sector, she recognised the importance of fostering a comprehensive understanding of the Middle East - its history, culture, and traditions - among companies operating in the region or looking after HNW clients from this part of the world.

Our core mission is to build bridges between the Middle East, specifically the Gulf and the West and dispel stereotypes.