A mosaic of Identities
My name is Valérie MacCarthy — its accented “é” hints at my French roots, while my last name proudly echoes my Irish heritage. As you might have guessed, I don’t belong to just one place. Growing up in New York City with a French mother and an American father, I’ve always been immersed in a dynamic fusion of cultures. This mix shaped my life in profound ways, allowing me to navigate diverse environments with ease but also leaving me with a sense of not quite fitting in anywhere — what some might call “imposter syndrome.”
Breaking the Mold
Perhaps this is why I’ve always resisted being boxed into a single identity or career path. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats: from a professional opera singer for over two decades to the founder and leader of an international jewelry brand, to serving as an interpreter for the Italian government. These varied experiences deepened my understanding of people across different fields and ignighted my desire to foster personal and professional transformation.
Empowering Growth Through Coaching
This desire to support others eventually led me to the world of coaching. Today, I coach a diverse range of executives from across the globe, helping them navigate the complex and demanding corporate world. I also work with individuals facing personal challenges, helping them overcome the obstacles that are holding them back from living their best lives.
The Art of Authentic Expression
As a coach, I’ve worked with performers and public speakers to reconnect with their emotions and express themselves authentically on stage, and I’ve had the privilege of coaching thousands in the art of public speaking.
A Multilingual and Multicultural Perspective on Success
Fluent in English, French, and Italian, I’m an ICF-certified, CPCC, and LCP-certified coach, drawing from a rich blend of experiences to guide my clients toward success.
More about me
Turning Struggles into Strengths
Growing up in the ’80s, I was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 10 — a challenge that wasn’t well understood at the time. My school, not believing in the condition, convinced me I was lazy or even “stupid,” which sent me into a deep period of self-doubt. While it was painful, I now believe that those difficult years shaped who I am today. The frustration, time, and the right support eventually led me to realize that I was capable and intelligent. From that moment forward, I refused to let anything hold me back — the sky truly became the limit.
