SALLY TENNANT OBE

Corina and Star-CaT have been super helpful in shaping our business development strategy through their thoughtful masterclasses on Middle Eastern culture, covering the latest advancements and projects in the region. Additionally, they provide beautifully crafted card templates, perfect for sharing with my clients on special occasions.

The cultural awareness this has brought to our communications has deepened our Middle Eastern relationships. Working with her is an absolute pleasure.

SIMON NAUDI, CEO OF CORINTHIA HOTELS

Corina has worked directly and indirectly with us at the Corinthia in London for 11 years. She was part of the hotel’s opening team in 2011 and integral in building our Middle Eastern business. Later on, for the past 7 years, she consulted for the hotel.

Through the years, we have very much appreciated Corina’s input, hard work and commitment. Her relations with HNW individuals and families in the Gulf led to many new, loyal guests who have come to be part of the Corinthia family.

MICHELLE VIAR, FOUNDER THOROUGHBRAND DIGITAL

I cannot recommend Corina enough to anyone who is looking to learn more about the Middle East region and/or expand their business to the Middle East.

We are early in the process, but after just one trip and spending time with Corina there, it is certain she is the right expert resource for us. We will undoubtedly be leaning on Corina more as we look to grow our business in the region in meaningful way.

JANE BLACKWOOD, HR BUSINESS CONSULTANTS LTD

We reached out to Corina to brief employees going to Saudi Arabia, we gave her a short time frame but she did it and hit the brief perfectly.

The employees and team supporting them feel they know what to do and not to do, but also a lot more about the culture and changes.

I would highly recommend Corina, we will be using her again.

TOBY WATFA, DIRECTOR, BLUEBIRD TRAVEL

Corina has a wealth of experience dealing with and providing bespoke concierge services for Middle Eastern clients.

Her knowledge of the region, the various cultures of the Gulf and their business practices is second to none.

TIM DAUM, VELTRACON LIFESTYLE AG

I wanted to expand my business to the Middle East and open a branch in Dubai. In order to better understand the GCC market, their people and the culture, I booked Corina’s online training course. She gave me great insights and I gained knowledge about each specific country, their current political and economical status as well as their vision, the ruling families as well as the Arabic (gulf) culture.

In the meantime, we opened our new office in Dubai and business is doing really well. The course was extremely helpful and I highly recommend Corina’s services for everyone dealing with Arabic clients or intending to do so.

ANNE SCHAEFLEIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HOTELIER

Corina is a true professional offering a balance between fulfilling what can only be described as a cultural ambassadorial role for the GCC region.

Guiding especially Western nationals new to the Gulf region on business etiquette and giving valuable insights is highly valuable for anyone choosing to engage in Middle East.

THOMAS KOCHS, MANAGING DIRECTOR CORINTHIA LONDON

Corina is the ultimate professional. We have been working together personally for 5 years and Corinthia London is proud to have partnered with her and Star-CaT for 10 years. We always felt that our guests from the Middle East Region are in the very best hands, her service is superb and Corina personalises every stay.

In addition Corina is a cultural ambassador and was generous with teaching the teams about the fascinating culture from the Middle East.

MONTEVERDI TUSCANY

Corina provided training sessions at Monteverdi focusing on customer service and Middle Eastern customer care.

She is a real expert on Middle Eastern Culture and Sales and her sessions greatly helped to review our welcoming standards and gave us new ideas on how to improve our service.

We highly recommend her!

ELENA CALVETTI, OWNER ELENA MILANO

Corina taught me so much about Saudi but most of all that business is not just business. You need to take the time to understand the culture and only then can you do business successfully.

It seems so simple yet it is the most important ingredient. Saudi is certainly very different to the West.

Without relationships in the Middle East you are nothing and business is impossible. Star-CaT understands this and teaches you all this from a Western perspective.

ANDREA DARDI, VP WEALTH BARCLAYS

Corina has worked with clients from

the Middle East for a very long time and her knowledge in what it takes to succeed in this market is second to none.

If you want to speed charge your knowledge you should talk to her.

FRANCOIS XAVIER DEPIREUX, CEO LD EXPORT

From the moment we started collaborating, I was impressed by their deep knowledge of the Gulf business landscape, cultural nuances, and industry trends.

Not only did Corina and Star-CaT help me secure a new client, but they also provided invaluable advice and strategic insights that have significantly enhanced my understanding on how to best work with them.

I wholeheartedly recommend Corina to anyone seeking to understand the dos and don'ts + tricks in the Gulf region. Their exceptional skills, dedication, and unwavering support make them an invaluable asset.

EVGENIYA SHEVCHENKO, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MOORFIELDS PRIVATE EYE HOSPITAL

I have been avidly following Corina's posts and advice for a while and was very keen to take advantage of her 'face-to-face' training, which was arranged in 2022 covering the whole of the Middle East.

It's safe to say that I found this training invaluable and was very impressed.

Corina is extremely professional and knowledgeable plus a great communicator!

Would I recommend her and Star-CaT? Definitely, yes!

DR RITA RAKUS

Corina provided several training sessions to our clinic focusing on 5 star customer service and Middle Eastern customer care.

This greatly helped to review our welcoming standards and gave us new ideas on how to improve our service.

DR RICHARD TOWNS

I joined Corina and the Star-Cat team a few months ago with the Middle East Membership, having lived for several years in the Middle East, I was interested to refresh my knowledge and experience.

I must say I have found it extremely informative and very beneficial. Corina's knowledge and experience is 1st class, and explains everything in such a friendly and easy to understand way.

The monthly masterclasses are brilliant and very topical and up to date, and the website is a great resource to find out information about the Middle East region.

I highly recommend Corina for anyone wishing to learn about doing business in the Middle East - you name it, they've got it !

TATIANA DUDYEZ, FOUNDER

As I am establishing my life and business in Dubai, UAE, I was introduced to Corina whose expertise and passion have been instrumental for me.

I love her humanity while being so beautifully professional. Corina is a gem one must have in close proximity when integrating the cultural polarities of the Middle East, personally & professionally. Merci Corina.

NICKY SAKPOBA, FOUNDER PANOBA LTD

I can highly recommend Corina and Star-cat membership for anybody working in the Middle East or exploring business opportunities in the region. As two women expanding our business into Saudi Arabia, my co-director and I have put into practice many of the insights, tips and knowledge shared by Corina during our regular trips to Riyadh and Jeddah. Corina has a vast and very accurate knowledge of Saudi culture, people, hospitality, business protocol and what to expect (or not expect) as a foreign business opening in the country.

And on a final note, it is so great to see Corina’s enthusiasm and passion for Saudi as the place to be right now, whether for tourism or business. I couldn’t agree more!

TEREZA JELINKOVA

Corina has been a fantastic mentor to me whilst doing my industrial placement. I have been taught so much by her in an inspirational and entertaining way, and received a lot of information about the Middle East.

Her passion towards this topic led me to thinking about studying Middle East as a Master degree, and her inspirational posts teach more something new everyday. Thank you Corina, it was a pleasure to work with you.