“Lifestyle Expats,” as I tend to call you, are an essential factor in today’s global landscape, and the evidence suggests that the phenomenon is on the rise. Despite a polarized worldview and political efforts to curb immigration while protecting local labor markets, highly-skilled professionals and subject matter experts are now able to access a global job market, particularly visible in “Expat Hubs” such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Dubai, Singapore, and Zurich (A to Z, there are more obviously…) Global Mobility Managers are increasingly involved in recruiting international talent. This makes a lot of sense when you consider that they have the knowledge and skills to address most of the challenges posed by hiring people from other countries. However, since we are […]

Rose petals sprinkled over my neglected Zen Garden, sunflower fields turned brown, and you have started to turn on the lights in the morning again. When you get home from work, you don’t want to sit outside anymore, as it is dark, but you might vaguely remember this feeling you had as a kid when you were playing hide and seek at this time of the year, and it was just a notch better because it got dark at dinner time.  This August was a bit like the “Summer of ‘69”. Finally, out again in the world, listening to “Rock’n’Roll Music” or “Jailhouse Rock.”  Still, my dear, fall is here. We can still have a glass of “Summer Wine,” but […]

Do you know what a “Trottinette” is? They honestly get on my nerves everywhere, but they also seem to be THE mode of transportation of Gen Z, so I assume all of those digital main characters are currently flogging to work with their trottinettes, e-bikes, or the good old 11-Tram in Zurich. When I think of going back to school, I think of refilling ink cartridges, buying notebooks, and getting school books bound in weird yellow plastic covers. Oh, the smells and horrors of those things. Isn’t it so much nicer to just open your MacBook on Monday morning after Yoga class and jump on a Zoom call at 11 AM when you have had your third filtered coffee? This […]

When you feel like you need to increase your Executive Presence, you can learn these five basic methods I teach in my coaching practice. Executive presence is often described as an elusive “it factor,” but strip away the corporate buzzwords, and it comes down to a simple truth: Executive presence isn’t how you see yourself—it’s the unspoken signals you send that make others think, “This person has got this.” When people say someone has executive presence, they aren’t reading your résumé in real time. They are reacting to your composure, your posture, and your focus. They see calm in the storm, clear communication, and someone who owns their space. But let’s be honest: Many of you don’t seem to be […]

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 […]