Summary

Wendy Zeilstra shares her journey of navigating life abroad with a neurodivergent child, highlighting the importance of awareness, diagnosis, and support systems. This episode offers valuable insights for parents living abroad and dealing with similar challenges.

Key Topics

Journey of navigating life abroad with a neurodivergent child

Importance of early diagnosis and support

Challenges of cultural and systemic differences in healthcare and education

Guest

Wendy Zeilstra

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyzeilstra/

https://latebloomcollective.com

Host

Annegret Bertsch

https://www.coaching-because.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch/

https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/

Summary

In this conversation, Samar Karam shares her insights on navigating relationships as an expat in the UAE. She discusses the cultural nuances, challenges of multicultural marriages, and the importance of communication and emotional support. Samar emphasizes the need for kindness and understanding in relationships, especially in a new environment where traditions and identities may clash. The conversation also touches on the temptations of the UAE lifestyle and the significance of preventive maintenance in relationships.

Takeaways

Finding a forever home can be a beautiful journey.

Cultural insights are crucial for adapting to life in the UAE.

Expect changes and respect traditions when moving to a new country.

Safety in the UAE is a significant advantage for families.

The rate of divorce among expats is notably high due to various challenges.

Preventive maintenance in relationships is essential for longevity.

Communication and emotional support are key to a successful marriage.

Be mindful of the temptations that come with the UAE lifestyle.

Kindness can transform difficult conversations into constructive ones.

Understanding each other's identities is crucial in multicultural marriages.

Guest

Samar Karam

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samarsamykaram/

https://www.samarkaram.com

Host

Annegret Bertsch

https://www.coaching-because.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch/

https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/

Discover practical insights from Bernd Scharbert’s extensive experience leading global teams and navigating intercultural environments. In this episode, Bernd shares how small actions and cultural awareness forge trust and belonging across borders, providing actionable principles for leaders and expatriates alike.

This episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice for leaders, expatriates, and anyone interested in mastering intercultural skills for both professional and personal growth.

Takeaways:

The significance of reflection before landing (or beginning a new intercultural phase) and how it relates to leadership and personal growth

Principles of inclusive language use and navigating language barriers in multicultural teams

The concept of cultural mapping versus stereotypes, and how understanding norms helps prevent misunderstandings

Difference between low and high context cultures and their impact on communication styles

Practical strategies for building trust through small gestures, authentic storytelling, and showing vulnerability

The importance of adapting leadership styles to cultural expectations, including hierarchy and feedback norms

How to create safe spaces in meetings to encourage contributions from shy or less vocal team members

Tools for developing a cultural “rule book” tailored to team or organizational norms

Personal stories illustrating the influence of cultural customs, such as greeting rituals and social drinking, on leadership authenticity

Guest

Bernd Scharbert

https://www.berndscharbert.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernd-scharbert-719a384/?originalSubdomain=de

https://shop.budrich.de/en/product-2/prepare-for-landing-leitlinien-fuer-interkulturelle-fuehrung/

Host

Annegret Bertsch

https://www.coaching-because.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch/

https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/

Gaia shares her rich multicultural journey, insights on friendship formation, cultural differences, and maintaining meaningful relationships across borders. Discover practical tips for expats and intercultural friendships, and learn how shared experiences forge lifelong bonds.

Takeaways

- Friendship formation hours: 40-60 casual, 200+ close

- Cultural differences in greeting and social norms

- Strategies for introverts to meet new people abroad

- Impact of shared hardships on lifelong friendships

- Balancing social life and personal boundaries in expat life

Guest

Gaia Striano

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaia-striano-59b87a1b7/

https://www.instagram.com/quierounpaninoconcheese/

Host

Annegret Bertsch

https://www.coaching-because.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch/

https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/

Summary

In this conversation, Elizabeth Thomas shares her experiences as an accompanying spouse navigating the challenges of expatriation. She discusses the often-overlooked struggles of partners who relocate for their spouse's career, the complexities of job searching in a new country, and the importance of building confidence and a support network. Elizabeth emphasizes the need for a flexible plan, the value of expat skills, and the significance of reforming one's identity in a new environment. Her insights provide valuable guidance for anyone facing the challenges of living and working abroad.

Takeaways

Accompanying spouses often feel overlooked during expatriation.

The transition to a new country can be a blank canvas for many.

Job searching in a new country can be more challenging than expected.

Confidence can take a hit when facing new job market dynamics.

It's important to separate what you can control from what you cannot.

Finding a therapist / coach can help in navigating expat challenges.

Having a loose plan before moving can ease the transition.

Building a network is crucial in a new country.

Identities can be reformed rather than reclaimed in a new context.

Expat skills are valuable and should be articulated in job searches.

Guest

Elizabeth Thomas

https://www.linkedin.com/in/egrantthomas/

https://www.ncda.org/aws/NCDA/pt/sd/news_article/613801/_PARENT/CC_layout_details/false

Host

Annegret Bertsch

https://www.coaching-because.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch/

https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/

Summary

In this episode, we explore the complexities of global mobility from both HR and expat perspectives. Christian Ter-Nedden shares insights on the importance of communication, project management, and understanding the human experience in relocation. He emphasizes the need for companies to prepare adequately for relocations, manage expectations, and ensure that both employees and their families are supported throughout the process. The conversation highlights common challenges faced by expats and the critical role of HR in facilitating smooth transitions.

Takeaways

Global mobility requires effective communication between HR and employees.

Understanding the human experience is crucial for successful relocations.

Preparation and planning can significantly reduce relocation stress.

Relocation policies should be transparent and realistic.

Expat families need support to navigate their new environments.

Researching the destination is essential for a smooth transition.

Managing expectations can prevent dissatisfaction during relocations.

The role of project management in relocation cannot be overstated.

Relocation is not just about logistics; it's about people.

Embracing change positively can enhance the expat experience.

Guest

Christian Ter-Nedden

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianternedden/

Host

Annegret Bertsch

https://www.coaching-because.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch/

https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/

Living abroad is more than a job assignment—it’s a life experience that reshapes identity, relationships, and family dynamics.

Expat Insights is a podcast for expats, partners, and global mobility professionals who want to understand what life abroad really looks like—beyond the glossy version and relocation checklists.

Hosted by Annegret Bertsch, Certified Solution Focused Coach and long-term expat, Season 2 dives deeper into the realities of international living. Episodes explore culture and leadership abroad, supporting children through school transitions and bullying, relationships and divorce in the expat context in the UAE, and the often-overlooked challenges—and surprises—of repatriation.

The podcast also bridges the gap between global mobility and HR, giving voice to the families behind every assignment.

With honest conversations, expert perspectives, and a touch of humor, Expat Insights offers practical insights, reassurance, and space for reflection—for anyone navigating life across borders.

Host

Annegret Bertsch

www.coaching-because.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch/

https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/

Summary

In this conversation, Angela Vitiello shares her insights on raising children in multicultural families, drawing from her extensive experience as an expat. The discussion covers the complexities of navigating different cultures, the importance of curiosity and communication in relationships, and practical advice for building community and supporting children’s identity in a multicultural environment. Angela emphasizes the need for intentionality in parenting and the value of understanding and embracing diverse cultural backgrounds.

Takeaways

Multicultural families can have diverse roots and traditions.

Curiosity is essential for understanding in multicultural relationships.

Children are mirrors of their parents' experiences and values.

Intentionality is key in raising children with multiple cultural influences.

Building a community abroad can provide essential support.

Parents should encourage open dialogue about identity and belonging.

Assumptions can lead to misunderstandings in cross-cultural relationships.

It's important to celebrate and incorporate both cultures in family life.

Communication about values and boundaries strengthens couple dynamics.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Multicultural Families

05:02 Understanding Multicultural Families

11:30 Challenges in Multicultural Parenting

16:43 Balancing Cultural Influences in Children

20:19 Navigating In-Law Dynamics in Multicultural Families

25:27 The Path of Least Resistance

26:14 Navigating Third Culture Challenges

30:17 Building Community in a New Culture

33:53 Preparing for Multicultural Parenting

38:43 Identity and Belonging in Multicultural Families

43:01 Strengthening the Couple's Foundation

48:22 Curiosity as a Bridge to Understanding

50:54 Introduction to Expat Insights

51:26 Closing Thoughts and Resources

Guest

Angela Vitiello

www.expatparentingcollective.com

www.instagram.com/expatparentingcollective

www.linkedin.com/in/angela-vitiello-mba-ms-ed

www.instagram.com/itsangelavitiello

Host

Annegret Bertsch

www.coaching-because.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch-cpc-34a8371a5/

https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/