What you can do right now and over the holidays 1) Sign up for your free guide and start your journey to a successful career in Switzerland. http://eepurl.com/hitraT 2) Learn more about job searching through professional relationships with our videos featuring #Graham, the dachshund, on my YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@angie_weinberger 3) Listen to the #REDCOUCHTALKS on my YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@angie_weinberger 4) Buy a COACHING VOUCHER for yourself or a friend by asking for an account on the #RockMeApp >> https://rockme.app/ – We will start working with you once you have paid for your voucher, and you can still buy a full-year licence as a private client too. (If you buy a full annual licence, the voucher will count towards your licence.) […]

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 […]

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.

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 […]

When you feel like you need to increase your Executive Presence, you can learn these five basic methods I teach in my coaching practice. Many of you don’t seem to be all that present these days, even if we’re in the room. You take your phone out as soon as you get on the train. You skim through your emails and see that you forgot to save the legal document before you attached it. Your colleague across the ocean is confused. After three emails, you’re able to clear up the confusion. You apologize. You know you must come across as being stressed out. Even though you know that you have dealt with higher stress levels in your life, there is […]

You probably know that I don’t identify with the classical “Hausfrau”, so cleaning for me needs to be a Zen practice, a redecoration exercise, or it turns into a major decluttering job. As I work from home and invite clients to join me for sessions in my home office, I try to maintain a minimum standard during the week, but before and after longer breaks, I feel a need to clean the place thoroughly.  1 – Clean the whole home after vacation Sometimes I motivate myself by watching a few cleaning videos on YouTube first. I still have jet lag from India, so this Sunday morning I will dedicate to resetting my home office, cleaning everything once, and then get […]

I started Global People Transitions in 2010 as a blog, and after I left my well-paid job in 2012, I had a rollercoaster of experiences as a founder, author, wife, daughter, and friend. The “Seven Principles of Intercultural Effectiveness” helped me get through many of these personal stories, and I thought it was time to revisit the original “classics” of my earlier writing. Yesterday, I revisited principle 5: I trust even if I had been hurt before. Many years ago, I fell in love while traveling to India, and this man borrowed a lot of money from me to start a new shop. I truly believed in his business and in him. I had considered moving there and marrying him […]

I believe that a Global “Rockstar,” an inclusive leader of a global, virtual team, must juggle six facets of a cube. None of the elements should be neglected. I developed the Global Rockstar Cube as a framework for my book “The Global Rockstar Album – 21 Verses to Find Your Tact as an Inclusive Leader.” Brand: An inclusive leader builds a brand that reflects the team’s reputation and values. This involves creating a high-performing and inclusive team identity that aligns with the organization’s brand. The leader should ensure that the team’s brand reflects diversity and that team members feel represented as individual voices. The brand provides that the team’s work sells inside and outside the organization. The leader co-creates their […]

Marcel Szenessy is a transformational coach, author, and leadership strategist with over 30 years of experience helping high-performing professionals unlock their next level. He is the founder and managing director of SeminarPartner, a premium leadership development brand trusted by elite clients like PwC, Lufthansa, Volkswagen, DUKE Corporate Education, Forvis Mazars, IKEA, and the European Central Banks. His team delivers high-impact training in communication, negotiation, sales, and leadership. Marcel’s coaching clients are all already successful—but they come to him when something feels off. When the titles, the achievements, and the applause no longer fill the gap. When they’re ready to feel whole, on-purpose, and fully themselves again. That’s when the shift begins—when they drop the mask, own their voice, and stop […]