“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 […]

Did you have another day where you cleaned up your desk, wondered what you had achieved today, and got home to a stack of dishes, a pile of clothes, and a crying son? Did you spend last night driving your daughter to SCUBA class, squeeze in a conference call, and forget that it was your mother’s birthday? Did you then, at 11 pm, sit down thinking, “Why am I not moving on with my life?” Often, we think we are too busy to do the right thing—the book we want to draft, the Ph.D. we want to start, the Master’s thesis we want to finish. We keep putting the start off until we “are ready.” “We do not do what […]

Welcome to a world beyond the spectrum, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and colors come alive with their own unique talents. In this captivating journey, we delve into the depths of a rainbow’s palette and unravel the hidden treasures that lie within. From the vibrant reds that ignite passion to the soothing blues that inspire serenity, each hue possesses a remarkable gift waiting to be embraced. Join us as we explore the awe-inspiring talents of a rainbow and discover how we can unlock our own potential by embracing the diversity that surrounds us. Whether it’s the powerful leadership of indigo or the creative genius of yellow, there is a lesson to be learned from every shade. Let us venture beyond […]

Since 2008, Patti McCarthy has been helping individuals and businesses navigate the challenges of cultural differences, enabling them to see the bigger picture. As the founder of Cultural Chemistry, Patti draws inspiration from her curiosity about human interactions—why some connections form effortlessly while others clash or even combust. Patti focuses on uncovering cultural blind spots that often lead to poor employee and customer engagement, missed sales opportunities, and strained professional relationships. These blind spots can hinder recognizing people’s potential, building rapport, establishing trust, and maintaining a positive working environment. Her expertise is particularly critical in management, global teams, sales, HR, and mergers & acquisitions. With her tailored programs, Patti empowers international businesspeople and expatriates to overcome cultural naivety, which can […]

Rhoda Bangerter specialises in split family assignments, frequent business travel, and their impact on family life. Rhoda helps parents manage the stress and disconnect from living this life so that they can enjoy the growth and intention this lifestyle can bring. International organisations (foreign service, military, humanitarian and private organisations) are increasingly aware of the specific requirements for staff and their families when on non-family duty stations. Through talks and workshops, Rhoda helps organisations, such as the World Food Program, support their employees when they are regularly sent on international assignments from a month to a couple of years without their partners and children. Having experienced frequent work travel and a split family assignment from the point of view of […]