Did you go to a party last night and ask Karen, the other Expat Spouse across from you, how she managed her transition to Switzerland? And did Karen say: “Just reinvent yourself!” This is a dreadful sentence to tell any newbie in a new place.  This sentence is advice you often hear when you lose your work or are still looking for a new job in Switzerland.  You are a professional based in New York, London, Frankfurt, or Mumbai. You have a career stamped on yourself. Telling you to reinvent yourself is like saying, “Why don’t you just run a marathon after recovering from a viral infection?” People make it sound so simple; it makes you feel guilty and shameful […]

Adam Brody is a Zurich-based fashion icon. He originally launched his brand for women who did not fit standard sizes in most shops. He recently rebranded his brand and now offers fashion for women of all sizes. He also moved to my neighbourhood. I met Adam Brody about five years ago during the pandemic, when I was not sure what to wear outside the usual old-fashioned office style. I felt especially embarrassed about being on stage and talking in public. Adam Brody helped me (and many other women) with a wardrobe upgrade, a system, and clothes you can pack in a suitcase for an event. His fabrics are sourced from Switzerland and can be worn in both hot and cold […]

As I mentioned in this post during the early days of the pandemic my mother could not find yeast. Her village in Southern Germany had a yeast shortage. We don’t have a shortage of anything here in Zurich, neither toilet paper, nor yeast, even though demand for both was higher than in “normal” times. My mother likes to bake in normal times but I felt she needed to bake even more in these times.

By Angie Weinberger Finding a job in Switzerland—or anywhere in Europe, for that matter—can often feel like standing at the foot of the Matterhorn looking up. It is majestic, desirable, and promising, but the path to the summit is steep, and the weather can change in an instant. If you are an international professional, an accompanying partner, or a “Global Nomad,” you might currently feel like you are knocking on heavy, closed wooden doors. You send out CVs into the digital void, receive automated rejections (if you are lucky enough to get a reply at all), and wonder if your skills have somehow evaporated since you crossed the border. I want you to know two things immediately: You are not […]

As we look toward 2026, I’ve been reflecting on the conversations I’ve had on the Red Couch, the stories shared during our RockMe retreats, and the shifting landscape of Global Mobility. We are at a pivot point. The last few years have been about reacting—to pandemics, to geopolitical shifts, to the explosion of generative AI. But my prediction for 2026 is that we will stop reacting and start intentionally redesigning. We are moving toward a world where technology handles the noise, but humans handle the nuance. Here are my five predictions for where our work is heading in 2026. 1 – Duty of care and security concerns will dominate our work For a long time, “Duty of Care” in Global […]

Sean Hopwood is a passionate linguist, entrepreneur, and strong advocate for cultural understanding. Growing up in a diverse town in Florida, he developed an early fascination with languages and global cultures. He began learning Spanish at a young age and later expanded his language skills to include French, Arabic, German, Hebrew, Portuguese, and English. Influenced by his Lithuanian heritage and his mother, an English teacher, Sean’s dedication to languages earned him recognition for his Spanish performance at the state level.   He pursued his passion academically at the University of South Florida, where he majored in Spanish and studied Arabic and French. He later earned an MBA with a focus on international business and entrepreneurship. In 2007, Sean founded Day […]

German-speakers are very often considered to be “rude” and “aggressive”. Aside from the historical evidence of the “German nature,” there is a problem in the language construction that makes us come across as “aggressive”. I know from many painful intercultural encounters how sorry I was in the past whenever someone considered me to be rude or aggressive because that is the last thing I want to be. And I want to share this with you as I honestly believe that (despite the occasional slip when I am in a bad mood) I have learned to be more polite in the international sense of the word and also moving to Switzerland has changed the way I speak “German” now. After 16 […]

The holiday season is upon us — and most of us are ready for a well-deserved break. I bring this up for two reasons. First, there’s solid evidence that time away from work supports the body and mind: vacations improve sleep, reduce stress, and increase positive mood and life satisfaction. Recent meta-analyses and reviews confirm these benefits and show they can last well beyond the trip itself. Second, large-scale data analyses have found that employees who actually take their allotted vacation are, on average, somewhat more likely to receive raises or promotions — although this is a correlation (other factors such as role, visibility, and network matter). Importantly, the benefits come when people truly detach and recover during their time […]

Some of us feel a bit low in December. There are several reasons for that. One might be that you look back on the year and feel you have not made great strides: You worked hard, but you did not necessarily achieve the financial success you had envisioned. Or your health took a toll from everything you are trying to juggle at once. You dread Mondays. Instead of starting your laptop to go through another day of meetings (that could have been an email), you look at the globe you got from your grandmother as a kid. You have been sitting at this desk for too long and wish to smell the spices in a market in Amritsar, walk through […]

From a career in facilities management at a large international law firm to co-founding a community-focused charity in rural Tanzania, Julian Page’s journey is one of bold reinvention and deep commitment. Redundancy led him to reimagine his path—earning a Master’s in International Development with Sustainable Tourism and setting the foundations for what would become Mikuyu Tanzania (formerly the Livingstone Tanzania Trust). Since 2006, Julian has been based in Babati, Tanzania, officially registering the charity in 2007. What began with the mission “poverty alleviation through education” has evolved into a more holistic vision: “working with communities to overcome the barriers that young people face when trying to access a quality education.” What sets Julian’s work apart is his belief in staying, […]

Getting out of the November Blues is an annual exercise for me. I’m sure you’ve noticed the arrival of winter by now – the avalanche of brilliant red-golden leaves falling from trees, the shortening of precious daylight hours, and the sudden briskness in the breeze. While the beauty of a European fall is unparalleled, the shorter days and cold weather herald a period of demotivation and negative feelings for some people. For me, the “Zurich fog” in November can get to me.  The thought of November Blues could be overwhelming. So, I have thought about ways to make November bearable for all of us. Dealing with loneliness is doubly challenging when you are an expat who has just arrived here. […]

A guest post by Eve Duvoy, Global Mobility Manager Let’s start with the basics: not so long ago, in France, “Global Mobility” was called “International Mobility”, and to work in this function meant managing employees going on an assignment in a foreign country and benefiting from a (more or less broad) range of advantageous measures.  Where does the shift from International Mobility to Global Mobility come from? The term Global Mobility designates a function within “People and Culture” in the corporate world and refers to a larger scope and includes many types of employment abroad: permanent moves, international home office, digital nomads, you name it.  The direct consequence of this is the increasing complexity of managing these new forms of […]

Building a strong professional network is one of the most powerful tools you can develop in your career—whether you’re job hunting, launching a business, or looking to make a greater impact in your field. And if you’re living in Switzerland or another global expat hub, networking becomes even more essential to successfully integrating and advancing in a new environment. This blog post guides you through practical, experience-based strategies for building a meaningful, effective, and enjoyable professional network—one that benefits others as much as it benefits you. Based on insights from my coaching work and inspired by Adam Grant’s “Give and Take,” here’s how to shift your mindset and adopt the habits that foster genuine connections. The Mindset Shift: From Taker to […]

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 […]

A guest post by Teofana Kupenova When I stepped into the Adam Brody CASA in Zürich, I expected to hear about design, fabrics, and trends. What I didn’t expect was to walk away with an entirely new perspective on fashion, stage presence, and the way clothes shape how we show up in the world. As part of the Global People Club, Global People Transitions is now offering small group workshops where they invite experts on specific topics to teach clients, alumni, brand partners, and friends in a setting where networking feels safe and sustainable. This workshop “Purpose, Performance, Productivity, Public Speaking, and a Power Suit – A Wardrobe Upgrade Master Class with Zurich Designer Adam Brody” was led by Angela […]

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 […]

How often do you open your inbox and find over a hundred unread emails? And how frequently do you “clean your inbox” just to see it overflowing with emails again the day after? One of the reasons I used to get stressed around emails was that I would spend a whole day in a workshop, and I couldn’t check my emails because it would distract my mind too much. Then I checked my emails after the workshop, when I was already exhausted, and I knew that I had a lot of tasks and queries to handle. I had this urge to respond to people because it was a habit from the corporate world, and I pride myself on being “responsive” […]

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 widely. In Switzerland, studies by the University of Zurich’s Swiss Job Market Monitor reveal that while jobs in certain sectors remain hidden, about 80% of available positions are NOT publicly advertised on company […]

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 GenZ, 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 open your MacBook on Monday morning after Yoga class and jump on a Zoom call at 11 AM when you had your third Espresso Macchiato? (Sorry, I need to […]

The Back-to-School Mood 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 […]

This article is brought to you by our friends at BiCortex Languages and BiCortex Translations. Moving to a new country comes with many challenges,  one of which starts with a capital L: LANGUAGE. Fortunately, this challenge can be surmounted with another “L” word: Lessons! While some expats may be tempted to take the easy route and stick within the confines of an expat “bubble”, we encourage you to do the hard work of language learning.  Why Start with Language One of the most important reasons people take language lessons when they move to a new country is to be able to communicate effectively at work in their new country. While many expats will speak English at work most of the […]

With the start of international and Swiss school holidays, you notice fewer people on the trains, and motivation to work is generally lower than usual. This is when to take overtime compensation, go home at decent hours, and take a break from the country for a while. It’s also time to jump into a lake near you every evening after work.  Over the years, I have learned that everything in Zurich is cyclical, like a female. As an entrepreneur, I needed to learn to adjust my work schedule to the downtimes (as most expats leave the city), and this year it seems that the heat wave has arrived before the traditional Swiss Summer Slump. Let’s pull out the deck chair, […]

For the last few days I felt stuck and depressed and last night I went to an apéro of the Gesellschaft der Freunde des Schauspielhauses (yes, it’s a long name). And even though I am one of the younger members (hahaha) it felt really great to talk to other lovers of the theatre. I was very inspired by Ulrich Khuon as he discussed the polarity and paradoxes in our current world and the need we all have for bridging the gaps and for community and connection. I felt seen and understood. #Zurich is not always the most open place on earth, but if you are willing to make an effort you can build wonderful relationships here. The trouble is that […]

In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, the concept of a nomadic lifestyle is gaining popularity among individuals who identify as part of the rainbow talent spectrum. The rainbow talent, encompassing the LGBTQ+ community, brings diversity and unique perspectives to the global workforce. For those embracing a nomadic lifestyle, navigating the challenges and joys can be exhilarating. When we started our series for Rainbow Talent, we came across common challenges worldwide. We thought we would give you these five tips for Zurich, Switzerland. Please contact us for resources if you need the same guidance for other locations. Here are five tips to help rainbow talent thrive in their nomadic endeavors. What is a Nomadic Lifestyle? We consider it a […]

Originally from Lugano, Switzerland, Mike Casa is a stand-up comedian based in Switzerland, mainly performing in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish and Portuguese. He started his career in Sydney in 2016 where he reached the semi-finals of the Sydney Comedy Court Contest. In 2022, he won the Basel Comedy Championship, and in November 2024, he was the performing comedian of the National Circus Knie. In 2024, he welcomed more than 8’000 spectators for his solo shows around Switzerland.   https://www.instagram.com/mikecasacomedy/ https://www.youtube.com/@mikecasacomedy https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikecasacomedy/ www.mikecasacomedy.ch   29 JUNE: The Mike Casa OPEN AIR @LAKE SIDE ZURICH https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/theatre-stage/comedy-cabaret/29-jun-the-mike-casa-open-air-lake-side-zurich-7315652159374131008.html   In this Red Couch Talk we cover: Mike’s early days as a comedian His creative process One SBB joke Why he gets the corporate […]

In an age where mental health is a global priority and business speed accelerates, our expectations for happiness, love, and health are often stretched to their limits. We are constantly asked to do more, move faster, and be better—at work, at home, and within ourselves. Amid this whirlwind, we search for answers, structure, and connection. I’ve walked this path too. As a coach, trainer, and global mobility expert with over 30 years of experience in the field—including more than 15 years as the Global Mobility Coach at Global People Transitions—I’ve come to see that true growth and leadership aren’t found in books alone. They are cultivated through practice, presence, and people. Where It All Began: Family as Foundational Teachers My […]

I promised you ten ideas from my expertise as a Global Mobility Yoda when you embark on your Expat Journey. Moving to another country poses a lot of challenges. Too often, we rely on our employers and hope they will ensure everything is done correctly. When we see that an international assignment could have challenges because we talk to other expats, we might not take those so seriously or think that specific issues do not apply to us. You probably also believe you can outsmart everybody else, correct? Still, here are ten ideas you should follow when embarking on your Expat Journey Host Market Salary: Often, the salary in the host country is determined at the “peer” level. However, it […]

A guest blog by Leonardo Mencucci What makes a career in Finance sustainable? This question has been on my mind a lot over the last months. Like many mid-career professionals, I have built a solid track record in controlling and business partnering. Still, I want a career that is not only successful, but also sustainable over the next 20-30 years. To explore this, I spoke with five senior professionals whose careers span banking, risk management, tax, consulting, and leadership roles in different industries. Their stories echoed many themes I had seen in career research and books such as Adam Grant’s Give and Take or Herminia Ibarra’s Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader: non-linear careers, relationships that matter, and […]

Sabrina Cunsolo is an accomplished Global Mobility leader and certified Tax Advisor with over 15 years of experience guiding companies and employees through the complexities of cross-border work. She currently serves as Associate Director – Senior Advisor Global Mobility at Grünenthal, where she holds global responsibility for all aspects of international mobility, including assignments, commuters, relocations, and foreign hires. In this role, she advises employees, leaders, and executive management on tax, social security, immigration, and compliance matters while driving the development of policies, processes, and technologies that enhance efficiency and mitigate risk. Before joining Grünenthal, Sabrina built her expertise in senior positions at KPMG and EY, where she advised multinational clients—from mid-sized companies to DAX-listed corporations—on global mobility strategies, payroll […]

Doreen Cumberford helps globally mobile expats, digital nomads, and returnees to create happier, easier, and more successful transitions while relocating overseas. A Certified Coach and 30-year licensed Practitioner, Doreen speaks, writes, and teaches about the principles and practices necessary to joyfully navigate mobility from cradle to grave, or from launch to landing. The author of Life in the Camel Lane, Embrace Your Adventure, and Arriving Well, she is currently writing Aftermath: How To Move Home After Living Overseas.  Nomadic Diaries, a Podcast, will launch in December 2023. A native of Scotland, living in 8 overseas countries over four decades on four continent,s has enabled her to support globally mobile communities in creating more satisfying lives and building their dreams no […]

Rajeev Ranjan: With over 12+ years of experience in the software industry, Rajeev has versatile business experience and an entrepreneurial attitude with a global perspective. He completed his MBA at FHWS in Germany and his Bachelor’s at Birla Institute of Technology in India. He has worked in 15 countries across three continents (Europe, Africa, and Asia-Pacific), leading and managing business activities and partnerships in diverse markets and cultures. In his multiple roles, ranging from international sales to strategy and alliance management, he has helped enterprises transform their experiences through digital transformation, addressing their current and future needs. Currently, he is associated with Newgen Software as Director of Global System Integrators Sales. Rajeev has also been associated with leading business schools […]

Dear Global People Club Members, The modern world is increasingly uncertain, and disruption is becoming the norm rather than the exception. How do we keep our teams confident and our organizations moving forward? We are thrilled to invite you to our next Global People Club Master Class: Building Resilience in Uncertain Times. Meet the Expert: We are honored to host Robert Durnford, Vice President of Resilience at Thomson Reuters. With over 20 years of experience in Risk and Crisis Management—starting in the British Army and moving into the corporate sector—Robert brings unparalleled expertise in reducing the impact of disruptive events. Robert Durnford joined Thomson Reuters in September 2018 and spent his first 3½ years working in Physical Security before moving […]

Divya Shori is an exceptional individual who has made significant contributions to entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and parenting. As the co-founder of Parent Palette, she has been instrumental in establishing it and in driving its continuous growth and evolution. Her adaptability and dynamic approach to professional challenges, along with her diverse leadership roles, have earned her an illustrious 16-year career. Currently based in Zurich, Switzerland, Divya has been recognized as one of the “Young Entrepreneurs Who Are An Inspiration To The Youth” by Mid-Day. Her unwavering belief in continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning has helped her stay at the forefront of an ever-evolving market landscape. Divya’s passion for personal growth and development is evident in her role as a prolific writer. […]