Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure, offering the promise of new experiences and opportunities. However, along with the excitement comes unique challenges, particularly for expat partners who often find themselves navigating unfamiliar territory personally and professionally. In a recent conversation, we delved into the three “I’s” that shape the expat experience: Identity, Isolation, and Influence. Identity: One of the fundamental challenges expat partners face is maintaining a sense of identity in a new environment. The familiar roles and routines they once had may no longer apply, leading to feelings of disorientation and loss. As one participant highlighted, the influence they once held may diminish as they adapt to their new surroundings. However, finding ways to redefine […]

Finding a job in Zurich and other expatriate hubs can be challenging, especially for migrants, refugees, career returners, and professionals transitioning into new industries. As a hiring manager, recruiter, or someone with influence in your network, you have the power to make a difference. Creating a more inclusive and supportive job market benefits individuals and organizations by attracting a diverse talent pool and fostering innovation. Working in Global Mobility, Leadership, and Career Coaching with Lifestyle Expats, I’ve seen firsthand how structural barriers and biases affect talented professionals. That’s why I advocate for a systemic, inclusive, and agile hiring approach aligned with my Global Coaching Approach. Here are 17 concrete ways to support job seekers in Zurich and beyond. 1. Increase Visibility of […]

Moving to a new country can be an exhilarating adventure, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. As an expat, you may navigate unfamiliar environments, deal with language barriers, and cope with homesickness. Amid all these changes, it’s easy to neglect your mental well-being. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help expats prioritize self-care and maintain their mental health while living abroad. This guide covers everything from practical tips on finding local support systems to strategies for managing stress and anxiety. Whether you’re a seasoned expat or just starting your journey, we believe that taking care of your mental well-being is essential for a fulfilling and successful expat experience. So, grab a cup of tea and […]

Afsheen Ismail-Wey has spent over 20 years asking the same question in different rooms: what actually makes people – and the organizations they work in – trust each other enough to grow together? That question took her through senior Talent and Organization roles at Abbott Laboratories and Mondelez International, where she led talent strategy across dozens of countries and rebuilt performance systems following the Kraft/Cadbury merger. Ten years ago, she took that question independently, founding Phoenix, a leadership and HR advisory practice now based in Zurich, working with Pharma and FMCG clients across Change Management, Transformation, Talent Management, Culture, Organization Effectiveness, Coaching, and DEI – work that has driven double-digit gains in engagement and Net Promoter scores for her clients. […]

If you’ve ever felt like you had to “just get on with it” after a significant life transition, traumatic event, or a series of micro-challenges—especially while living abroad—you’re not alone. Many lifestyle expats carry invisible emotional weight that builds over time: unresolved grief from losing their home culture, a tough repatriation, chronic uncertainty, or even high-stress corporate transitions. But here’s the good news: Coaching—when done well—can help you overcome the lasting impact of trauma, build sustainable resilience, and reconnect with your purpose. And no, this doesn’t mean diving into your childhood or treating mental health disorders—that’s the domain of therapy. Let’s get honest about what coaching can and cannot do—and how it might be the missing link in your expat […]