There is something inherently annoying about writing with AI and it’s not the em-dash overuse. I think it is the issue that we all sound the same now and it often reminds me of the horrendous clone armies of StarWars or the aligned thinkers and doers in facism (and not the ones in the movies). If we all “sound” the same, we also think the same. In my youth, I spent a lot of time reading about fascism, and there was a famous book called “Die Welle” at the time.  https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Die_Welle_(2008) https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Third_Wave. As a German, we were taught to take over responsibility, challenge the autocratic leaders and say no. We were taught to speak the “truth”, even if that hurts […]

The Expat Hub Job Market: Understanding local hiring cycles and cultural nuances. https://youtu.be/EWRrVLhp-wk Professional Connections: Building your “Social Capital” from scratch. The “Top 20” List: Identifying target companies that align with your mission. The hidden job market, particularly in Switzerland and Germany, consists of positions that are not publicly advertised. Research shows that up to 60-80% of roles are filled through personal networks and informal methods rather than open job listings. Many companies find it more efficient and cost-effective to rely on referrals or internal recommendations to fill roles, especially for niche or highly specialized positions. For example, industries like agriculture, education, and healthcare often use informal hiring channels more frequently than high-tech sectors, where roles are often advertised more […]

The Swiss job market is currently not working for many people, including expats and their partners. Many expats arrive in Zurich with valuable skills, experience, and ambition. Only to find themselves sidelined. They struggle to navigate a system that does not recognize their qualifications, networks that function on outdated assumptions, and recruiters who do not understand their resumes or professional branding. At the same time, job seekers often approach networking with a “taker” or “matcher” mindset, missing the opportunity to build meaningful professional relationships. Role profiles in Switzerland are rigid and narrow—yet paradoxically, companies expect candidates to be Avengers, combining three roles into one. The result? A hiring process that is broken, non-inclusive, and riddled with systemic bias, reinforcing barriers […]

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 […]

Over the last few weeks, I noticed an improvement in the job market and many coaching conversations seemed a bit more cheerful than in November / December 2025 (when everything seemed dark and gloomy). Maybe it’s the additional summer sun, the soccer high or just the fact, that we are seeking an improvement…BUT, I still talk to too many people (especially women), who are unemployed and (even worse) UNDEREMPLOYED. So, if you could do one thing to help another person find a job today, what would it be? Here is a checklist for you. 1. Increase Visibility of Job Opportunities Many job seekers struggle simply because they are unaware of available roles. You can help by: Sharing all job openings […]