Footprints of an Expat: Recent Episodes

Evelina Rimkute

In my podcast, I will bring you the footprints of lives left behind and steps of new lives being created. I will invite women from various countries to share their stories and talk about which roads they needed to take to be where they are now. I would like to celebrate brave decisions and the human ability to connect, to build, to create and to thrive.

🌏 Journey India-> Australia, UK, Malaysia, Singapore -> Switzerland

Today I am talking to Manish Kumar, an enthusiastic software quality engineer with a cosmic curiosity, who thrives on collaborative discussions about groundbreaking ideas in space science & tech.

We talked about his experiences growing in India, travelling to other continents, learning languages of the regions of countries he is in and how he builds home together with his wife.

Manish fascinates me with his mindfulness, how he explores the world, how he invests in his skills, knowledge and relationships, to build a happy life.

Tips from Manish:

Be open minded
Be respectful for people around you
Follow the rules
Travel with arms wide open, willing to accept whatever comes his way, making the experiences and learning from them.
If possible, before moving, explore the country as a tourist and then make a decision to relocate

📎 Connect to Manish:qa.mkumar@gmail.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/mkumar11

📎 More about Evelina:https://linktr.ee/EvelinaRimk

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🌏 Journey Jordan ->USA, Italy. Denmark, Lichtenstein -> Switzerland

Today my guest is Kay Zoubi Capozzi- a dedicated professional leading in digital and educational initiatives. She holds a B.Sc. in Computer Information Systems from the University of Jordan, and after moving to the USA, she added extra credits and minored in Mathematics. Currently, she is pursuing an M.Sc. in Digital Business Management along with a master’s in International Education. Her studies focus on inclusion, communication, and diversity, which enrich her ability to foster inclusive educational environments.

In addition to her professional commitments, she has been involved in several startup initiatives. While balancing these endeavors with family life has been a learning curve, it has also been incredibly rewarding. At present, her primary focus is on personal development and leveraging her knowledge to serve her company as a senior educator.

Beyond her professional life, she has recently taken up playing the cello and tennis over the past two years. Although she is still a beginner, she is passionate and dedicated to improving in both areas.

Most importantly, she is a loving mother of two wonderful children. She cherishes every moment watching them grow and learn, and she strives to be the best mother she can be while balancing her professional and personal pursuits.At her home Jordanian, USA, Italian and Swiss cultures mix together.

Tips from Kay:

Consider studying as part of integration in a new country. Doing a degree or studying helps you to meet people in different settings.
Find home inside you and connect to the things that makes you happy.
Every place is different and no place needs the same tools and things you have from before. Thus your moving plan should be very minimal and flexible. Do not hold too tight on previous places and do not try to compare them.
Make keeping relationship a priority

📎 Connect to Kay:kayzoubi@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-zoubi/

📎 More about Evelina:https://linktr.ee/EvelinaRimk

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🌏 Journey Germany -> Switzerland, USA -> Germany

In this podcast episode, I had a great chat with Kathrin Benkenstein. She helps people cope with difficult times like losing someone special. We talked about different things like living in Switzerland and Germany, making friends while studying or working, and how families stick together during tough times.

Tips from Kathrin:

Stay authentic and show your willingness to integrate
Do no necessary stay in your expat community, get to know local people and their culture
If you experience tragedies in your life, seek for help, better sooner than later

📎 Connect to Kathrin:
www.kathrin-benkenstein.com/
http://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrin-benkenstein/
https://www.instagram.com/trauer_kultur/

📎 More about Evelina:https://linktr.ee/EvelinaRimk

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🌍Journey: Egypt ->Germany -> Egypt ->Switzerland

Today my guest is Nermin - an egyptian engineer, a product quality coach for swiss banks and mom to 2 french girls. In our conversation, we delve into broad range topics, from exploring how climate shapes different life and work rhythms, to the intriguing crossover of applying methods from work into private life. I have already known Nermin being a determined person while encountering her at work, and this half an hour also opened how mindful and well equipt for life she is.

👉 Tips from Nermin that can help you along the way:

Respecting time in Europe, where work and meetings are typically not scheduled super late.
Discover the joys of life beyond late-night events, such as immersing oneself in nature or embarking on train adventures to neighbouring countries.
Come to terms with the transient nature of relationships, understanding that while some may depart, the journey continues with new experiences and connections.
Apply agility practises at life, as you might apply them at work

📎 Reach out to Nermin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nermin-elsayed-lesage/

📎 More about Evelina:https://linktr.ee/EvelinaRimk

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🌍Journey: Lithuania -> Denmark -> UAE

Welcome to an inspiring episode that unveils the incredible journey of Aurelija Lapienene, a true powerhouse. In this conversation, Aurelija shares her fascinating path to success, providing a glimpse into her roles as a mother of two, global macro strategist, businesswoman, and triathlete.

👉 Tips from Aurelija that can help you along the way:

Be adaptable and embrace the local culture and customs. Instead of focusing on complaints, strive to make the best out of your situation. Seek opportunities for personal growth and development that can enrich your future journeys.
Explore activities that truly resonate with your interests and passions.
When relocating to Arab countries, approach your experience with humility. Understand that in certain regions, you may not always be at the top or the best in every situation. Embrace the opportunity to learn from the local community and adapt to their unique practices.
Building connections and networking is essential for success in a new environment. Simply sending out resumes and hoping for the best is not enough. Take the initiative to be proactive, engage with individuals, and actively seek opportunities to connect with potential employers.

📎 Reach out to Aurelija: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aurelija-augulyte-lapieniene-cfa-cmt-8910054 /
https://yalabucha.ae/

📎 More about Evelina:https://linktr.ee/EvelinaRimk

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🌍Journey: Germany-> Sweden -> Switzerland

Today my guest is Lisa Schnurpfeil - Applications Service Owner and Engineer at Julius Baer. Our paths have crossed at various events, and I've always been captivated by Lisa's exceptional ability to navigate her priorities, embodying a resilient attitude and insightful reflections on her journey. This young woman exudes strength, prompting my eagerness to delve deeper into understanding her secret.

👉 Tips from Lisa that can help you along the way:

Just do it. If it is what you are already thinking about it - just try it.
Remember to see the positive side.

📎 Reach out to Lisa:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-schnurpfeil-aa976a204/
https://www.instagram.com/L_Schnurpfeil

📎 More about Evelina:https://linktr.ee/EvelinaRimk

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💥 Today I have no special guests for you, as I want to use the chance for say thank you for being with me and my guests. It means a lot when I know from you, which impact each story made on you and how your experience was reflected in one or another talk. 💥

💥 I am also thankful for all the guests, who trusted their stories into my ears and hands. It is always an honour to record and make your words go live! 💥

🎁 I wish each of you wonderful times with families at home, no matter in which way you define family and what you call home at any given moment. Let all your plans leave your busy mind; let all the unfinished thoughts give space for peace and enjoy the moment. 🎁

📎To find out about my latest project:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/lithuanian-language-phrases

📎 More about Evelina:https://linktr.ee/EvelinaRimk

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🌍Journey: Greece-> France -> Switzerland

Today I have talked with Georgia Barnasa - a woman full of energy, inspiration and ideas. She is an ambassador of using technology for our benefit, and knowing how to use it correctly.

It is a very powerfully charged talk, with lived experiences and a big gratitude to the country at which we both are guests.

👉 Tips from Georgia that can help you along the way:

If money is your motivation, do not come to Switzerland. It wont work here so straight forward, it is not a cheap country to stay in. Even more, people will feel it, sense that you are not going to stay and avoid building strong relationships with you.
Keep in mind the schedule and the habits of local people. As a newcomer you might need to adjust at the beginning a bit more. If you want to integrate, it is you who needs to take an extra mile.
Identify what is an offering package you are bringing with you into a new country and to the people you are about to meet.
Be open, be transparent, be honest.
Life without appreciation is a sad life. We need to find happiness in the smallest things.

📎 Reach out to Georgia:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barnasageorgia/

📎 More about Evelina:https://linktr.ee/EvelinaRimk

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🌍Journey: Brazil -> Italy -> Switzerland

I'm thrilled to introduce you to our incredible guest, Michelle Maioli Caobianco – a multi-talented Software Engineer, Hardware Enthusiast and Data Scientist. She was born in South America with Italian and Portuguese roots. This Star Wars Collector used her love for Sci Fi as fuel to find her place where she can feel at home 🏡

Michelle's story unfolds from her childhood in Brazil, where she always felt a sense of displacement. It was through her travels in Europe that she discovered a place where she truly belonged.

👉 Tip from Michelle that can help you along the way:

It is okei to be scared while moving. Every change takes an effort, your mind and your body will resist the change
If your heart says to you that it belongs somewhere else, listen to it and try to find that place.
Don’t rely on your friends and family to create a space where you belong. They will be following their dreams, and you should be following yours.
Be patient with the distant friendships, even if it takes a while to learn how to make them work
Talk about dark moments and cherish them

📎 Reach out to Michelle:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellemcaobianco /
https://www.instagram.com/darthmichelleis

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🌍Journey: Poland -> Germany, the Netherlands -> Switzerland

Meet Alex - a woman on a mission to redesign female health through nutrition & founder of Moonchy - a Swiss startup specializing in innovative food solutions designed to sync with the feminine cycle and to support it 💫

Her decision to start a company without compromise in all aspects - environmentally friendly packaging, sustainable product production, no sugar usage - is only a small part of her fascinating journey through countries and life.

👉 Tip from Alex that can help you along the way:

Be yourself and do something that is important for you, what makes an impact. This way you could meet like minded people

📎 Reach out to Alex:
https://www.moonchy.com/ /
Instagram /
alexplaza@moonchy.com

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🌍Journey: Iran -> France, Italy -> Switzerland

In today's episode, we have a heartful and spiritually calming guest for you - Anisa Zafar. Through our talk, I was surrounded by her wise energy and gratitude for life.

Anisa, who introduces herself as Iranian-Italian, is a coach and meditation teacher. She has published meditation cards that you can find on her website. She also organizes meditative intuitive painting seminars and is working on publishing her book!

We talked about creativity, physical and inner movements through different countries, the power of changing perspective from victim to hero of our own lives, and many more insightful topics. One of the special topics Anisa reflected on is grieving the country we leave and how to live with it.

👉 Valuable tips from Anisa that can help you along the way:

Keep a positive mindset with you. Try to see everyone as a person and trust you will attract good people in your life
Stop expecting people to be exactly like you. If we let go such expectations, we reduce the chance of suffering
Learn the language of a new country, so that you could speak to people in their language
Trust that there are good and kind people everywhere
If you were forced to leave your country - try to find inspiration why you are on this journey and what you are looking for.

📎 Reach out to Anisa:
www.treeoflifeguru.com /
LinkedIn /
Instagram /
infoanisa@treeoflifeguru.com

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🌍Journey: Serbia -> Switzerland

Maja has a unique perspective on life, as she leads two parallel lives in both Switzerland and Serbia. During our conversation, we discussed how she has learned to appreciate the differences between these two cultures, and how she has created a beautiful balance between them.
👉 Valuable tips from Maja that can help you along the way:

Firstly, it's important to be true to yourself and stay true to your beliefs and values. However, it's also crucial to be diplomatic and cautious in your interactions with others.
Building relationships with people from different backgrounds is also important, especially those with whom you naturally connect.
It's best to avoid burning bridges or having big fights, as the world is smaller than we think, and we never know when we might cross paths with someone again.
Creating connections and contacts before arriving in a new country can be incredibly helpful, as the "6 degrees of separation" rule often applies.
Remember to be brave, curious, and open to creating your own support group, and be aware that you and your friends may change over time.

📎 Reach out to Maja:https://sharingtribe.tech /
www.linkedin.com/in/maja-schreiner/
https://www.instagram.com/sharingtribe/maja.schreiner@gmail.com

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🌍Journey: Lithuania -> France, Canada, Australia, Switzerland -> France

A self-labelled explorer at heart, Ieva usually says the most fun fact about her is that she managed to live in 3 different continents over a period of 3 months. Even though she was born and raised in Lithuania, Ieva completed her Bachelor’s in Political Science at universities in France and Australia. Ieva has worked as an education content creator and editor in a Lithuanian EdTech startup and recently spent 6 months in the Swiss Deloitte cybersecurity consulting team. Currently, Ieva is in Paris, finishing her Master’s degree in International Security.

👉Main tips from Ieva:

Choose secure data connection instead of open free wifi’s
Double question yourself before clicking on anything
Start travelling first, then emigrate if you feel like to. Find your place that suits you. Know why you want to go there and what your goal is.

📎 Reach out to Ieva: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ievasalnaite

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🌍Journey: United Arab Emirates (originally from Somaliland) -> Switzerland

Today I have a great story for you, followed by laughter and sincere admiration of the world. My guest is Hanna (Mohamed Abdi) Meiga - an original Somalian, born and raised in Abu Dhabi. She calls herself a Third culture kid. Also our talk has multiple layers, colors and countries.

Hanna lives a life with an open heart. She proactively approaches people to build connections. For example, on her first day of arrival she was already planning to meet a person she had met on the plane. Also, started to learn basic German phrases on her 2nd day in Zurich. As a traveler Hanna preferred to visit small and sometimes illegal places to experience local culture.

👉Main tips from Hanna:

Read about the country before you arrive there
See the do’s and don'ts. Respect them. There might be not everything you could agree with, but it is not your country
Try to learn the language
Have both local and expat friends
Find an activity to engage in. Make a routine to go out.
Do not stick to what you know, as that leads to disconnect you from the country

📎 Reach out to Hanna:
hanna.meigag@gmail.com /
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanna-meigag-2664661b/ /
https://www.instagram.com/hanna_meigag/

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🌍Journey: China -> Poland -> Switzerland

Today we are travelling from China to Poland and Switzerland, together with a very insightful woman from Generation Z - Sherry (Jiahang) Zou. My longest podcast so far, and still I think I just scratched the topics a bit. She has background in Logistic, HR, Law, Teaching, CEO support, and has active networks in various business institutions, academic societies and other areas in China, In Switzerland, she works as Social Media Manager at SharingTribe and Management Assistance and HR Lead at FE +MALE Think Tank.

👉Main tips from Sherry:

Be brave one second longer
Do not make conclusions about a person from one-time interactions; especially if the first impression is judgmental. Know a person first.
Do not have too high expectations for people. Everyone might be busy with their lives. Instead, try to look at what you could give to them first.
Use a “I am new here” card and continue asking questions to learn and know more about the country you are in
Enjoy what you have instead of chasing what you want
Respect people and try to understand then more, do not draw conclusions from the first meeting.

📎 Reach out to Sherry:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherry-jiahang-zou /https://instagram.com/sh.erri9859?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

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🌍Journey: UK -> The US, Australia, Thailand, Spain

Today in the show I introduce you to Jessica Grace Coleman - Jess. She is Travel Transformation Coach, founder of Flip The Script Travel Transformation Services and digital Nomad.

👉 Special quote from Jess: we are all problem solvers in our life. If we could solve then at home, there is no reason we will not solve them while being on a road.

👉Main tips from Jess:

Make sure your phone is charged.
Do not get drunk with people you do not know.
If you are an introvert, plan a bit in advance and make sure you have a place to recharge.
Practise intentional travelling, learning- what you want to learn about you and your life.

📎 Reach out to Jess:info@traveltransformationcoach.com /
https://www.instagram.com/traveltransformationcoach/ /
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicagracecoleman/ /
https://traveltransformationcoach.com/ /
https://www.tiktok.com/@traveltransformation

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🌍Journey: Poland -> American countries, Ireland, Spain-> Switzerland.

My guest today is Barbara Favre (Basia).
Basia is a traveller who likes people and discoveries. She has lived in Switzerland since 2009.

She has a background in customer service and operations, and holds a Master degree in tourism management. Be it in business or private life, fostering positive relationships is her passion and strength. She is a strong believer in equality, diversity, and the magic power of kindness.

👉3 main tips from Basia:

Stay open minded
Be respectful
Network

📎 Reach out to Basia:barbara.favre1@gmail.com /
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-basia-favre-778a5828/

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🌍Journey: Austria -> Switzerland.

My guest today is Pia Wiedermayer - my dear friend, colleague and a Quality Assurance Specialist at heart.

Her passion for software quality brought her from Vienna, Austria to Zurich, Switzerland in 2013. Her passion for cheese, chocolate and her Swiss husband made her stay.

👉Few take aways from a talk with Pia:

No matter how long you stay in the country, be respectful, show interest in the culture, in the people. If you stay longer, try at least to understand the language.
Be patient with yourself - give time to settle and find out how things work out in a new country.
If you have missed Austrian food, you have missed Austria.
Even if things do not work out well, we still learn from them.

📎 Reach out to Pia:https://www.piawiedermayer.com/ /
https://www.linkedin.com/in/piawiedermayer/ /
https://twitter.com/qualitypassion /
https://www.greatestquality.ch/ /
pia.wiedermayer@gmail.com

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🌍Journey: Germany -> Switzerland , Spain, Thailand, Cameroon, PR China, United Kingdom, the Philippines -> Switzerland
This is already my third season, when I open the doors to glance at experiences and journeys of the podcast guests. If you are listening to this, I am glad you made it so far, joining me in discussions and reflecting about beautiful lives happening around us.

Today I have a warm and gentle talk with Natalie Bertsch - a global nomad at heart. She left her footprints on three continents. Went to live in Asia, integrated herself in foreign and large cities like Shanghai, and then came back to Switzerland. She lives in Bern with her family.

Natalie works as Program Manager at Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs. Additionally, she is a co-leader of Lean In Network Switzerland. Lean In events was indeed where I met Natalie, and we stayed in touch afterwards.

Natalie also published a book call the global nomad club. I would like to share a quote, which might be familiar to many expat souls:
👉 Holding you. Just before long enough - a plane always meant to leave. Running back to you. How could you let me go? Will I still kiss you next year in the spring? Dreams of feeling whole in tiny time bubbles. A collection of happy squares. Scattered across my world.

👉Great quotes from a talk with Natalie:

Be yourself and be authentic. Do not force things
Even if you stay as you are, there is always a place to take another step to get closer to others
Observe where you are for the long time and accept the culture. Accept people as they are without expectations them to change

📎 Reach out to Natalie:https://globalnomadclub.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-bertsch-7939a48b/
natalie.bertsch@gmail.com

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🌍Journey: Egypt -> Germany -> Switzerland -> Germany

12 years ago, Mohamed decided that it is time not only to visit new countries as a tourist, but live there to experience the culture and social surroundings abroad. His journey took him from Egypt to Germany and Switzerland.

He insisted on being sent abroad for his working assignment, till he got a project in Germany. And then the fun and challenges started, as he was faced with a culture quite different than his own.

We're all strangers in our own way. Strangeness is actually a default, and while travelling we expose ourselves to that strangeness. I admit I was reflecting on this idea a lot. It is so often we oversee the gap to be closed between being strangers and being accepted. It takes work and time…

👉Tips from Mohamed:

Be yourself and be authentic. Do not force things.
Even if you stay as you are, there is always a place to take another step to get closer to others.
Observe where you are for the long time and accept the culture. Accept people as they are without expectations them to change

📎 Reach out to Mohamed:https://www.instagram.com/mohamedheshamamin /
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamin /
mhesham.amin@gmail.com

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Journey: USA-> Germany (4 months - then 5 months) -> other countries shorter (like Mexico 3x, including 10 weeks)-> Switzerland

Born and raised outside Washington, D.C. with a Swiss dad and Colombian-Belgian-Danzig mom, Christina travelled internationally from a young age, mostly to Switzerland to visit her grandparents on the farm. During her teenage and young adult years, she went on many volunteer trips, mostly to Spanish-speaking countries. She has been to five continents, about 20 countries, and 37 of the United States.

Christina has lived in Switzerland for almost 14 years and worked at UBS and Rothschild Bank before switching to a fintech startup four years ago. She completed her MBA when pregnant with her daughter and is now mom to three kids under 7. She, her husband and her kids live with their cat in Olten.

As a creative outlet, Christina just launched a blog with everyday tips and ideas for moms. She loves to read, do puzzles and cook food from around the world.

👉Takeaways from Christina

Home is where small routines and attachments are established, be it a coffee stand or vegetable seller.
Getting back to things we did as children, be it books, puzzle or other games, help us to get grounded and create a world for ourselves.
Sometimes life brings us the point to learn to take care of ourselves. As a result, new doors for a slower-paced and rewarding life are opened. The world will be there for us after we are back from our little break, and we all need that break.
If you are on expat journey, take gratitude and humour sense.

📎 Reach out to Christina:
https://www.headofmomperations.com /
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-smith-lutz-1257bb84/

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🌍Journey: Czech Republic -> UK -> Italy -> Spain -> Germany -> Hong Kong -> Spain -> Switzerland

Today I have an amazing guest for you - Daniela Ivanovová. She comes from Czech Republik and is a Personal Colour and Image Archetype Analyst currently living in Zurich, Switzerland.

Daniela is a very mindful person, knowing herself and her personality. That helps her to analyze the world around her and make the necessary decisions to move forward. She has shared useful tips, on how to create life and maintain valuable relationships while being an expat

We have talked about a temporary mindset. By seeing experiences as temporary, we are able to enjoy the positives of the situation and blend out the negatives.

👉Tips from Daniela, if you struggle to make friends abroad:

Don’t have a fixed idea about what your friends will look like (e.g. your friends might end up being much older than you are)!
Don’t sell yourself short so that you don’t get burned!
Maybe you don’t need a close friend at every stage of your life. This mindset might help you lift the pressure!

📎 Reach out to Daniela:www.styleidentity.ch /
info@styleidentity.ch /
www.linkedin.com/in/danielaivanovova /
www.instagram.com/daniela.ivanovova/

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🌍Journey: Lithuania -> Germany -> Netherlands

Today I have prepared a positively charged discussion with my guest Ausra Vitkute, who was born and raised in a small town in Lithuania. At 24, she moved to Germany with a Master's Degree in Banking and without a career plan. As one of the few women in supply chain finance, she worked her way up to Hornbach, L’Oreal and Coty. After a promotion to Professional Global Finance Manager, she relocated to Amsterdam to work at the head office.

Ausra has always challenged herself with unknown situations and learning new things. In our talk, Ausra shares stories from her recipes and a drill to create a new home in a new place

👉Tips from Ausra:

Find a nice apartment and a district, where you could see and meet people
Start doing sports
Connect with the neighbours
Use various platforms to find interesting events

📎 Reach out to Ausra:https://www.instagram.com/ausravit/?hl=en /
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitkute//
https://www.facebook.com/ausra.vit

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🌍Journey: Belarus -> USA -> Switzerland

Today I have a wonderful guest to you and I am excited to introduce you to Iryna Geachter. Iryna is a Business Analyst at one of the biggest banks in Switzerland. We met each other while I was working there too. We connected and I really loved her energy, her personality and her way to live a fulfilled life.

In our talk, we reflected on her journey from Belarus to Switzerland. It is a beautiful story that shows us, that the universe waits for us to understand, what we really want. And then only we see our dreams come true.

👉Tips from Iryna:

In our lives, it is quite often that other people help us to succeed. So this is why we need to stay positive and open to social interactions.
If you are moving - do not be afraid. In most cases, it will be the best that happened to you in your life.
Alone everything is very difficult. And with friends, everything is easier.

📎 Reach out to Iryna:https://www.instagram.com/happy_in_switzerland/

Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/EvelinaRimk)

🌍Journey: South Africa -> Australia, Germany, Switzerland -> Australia

This was what Georgina told about herself:
"I was born in Cape Town, South Africa during the Apartheid era. At the age of 6, I left my homeland and made the journey to Sydney, Australia. The decision to go was not mine...my mother decided for us! I remember the silly questions I got asked...like, did you have a lion in your backyard? And the laughter at my accent. That was the first of many moves and the start of a lifelong journey of discovery, standing out, fitting in, belonging.
Now I find myself back in Australia after living in Switzerland for 7 years, and this time I decided on behalf of my own family to make the move. A decision that
not everyone has accepted!"

👉Tips from Georgina:

While visiting or moving to a new country, try to learn the language, even a few words. People appreciate your effort and it makes things much easier
Do not choose only the international community meetings, as they might not always help you to feel the society you are in. Reach out to locals
Join an association that reflects your interests

📎 Reach out to Georgina:frau.sylvester@gmail.com

Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/EvelinaRimk)

🌍Journey: Romania -> France, Luxembourg, Belgium -> Switzerland

Today I am introducing you to Monica Moldovan - a powerful woman and a problem solver with a tender heart. She describes herself as a European traveller and even has a magical suitcase, which is always part of her journey to a new city

In this very gentle and sincere talk, we talk about how to be a community builder from a need and end up doing it also for work. Monica also shared about her resistance journey, continuing to build her life path despite various challenges.

📎 Reach out to Monica:monicamoldovanprojects@gmail.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-moldovan /
https://www.instagram.com/monicamoldovancommunities/

Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/EvelinaRimk)

Journey: Poland -> Netherlands, Sao Paulo, Mexico City -> Netherlands

About Dorota:
Dorota Klop-Sowinska, founder of DoSo! Coaching, is a certified coach and counsellor, with 11 years of experience. She specialises in (international) career coaching, career transition, leadership coaching and talent development.

In 2007, after the near-death delivery of her first child, Dorota completely changed her career from one in the corporate world to coaching and counselling. The main focus of Dorota’s work is to help women and men across the globe to find their meaningful career path and transition to it.

Originally from Poland, Dorota moved to the Netherlands in 2004, and later on, she lived twice in Sao Paulo, Brazil and twice in Mexico City.

In 2019, she published her first book "Career Jump! How to Successfully Change Your Professional Path”.

📎 Reach out to Dorota:
https://www.facebook.com/dosocoaching /
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dklopsowinska/
https://www.instagram.com/dosocoaching/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN2lgVI-8xlAOrfvqe90vrA /
https://twitter.com/DoSoCoach

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🌍Journey: Brazil -> Switzerland

Ana Carolina Brönnimann was born and raised in the Northeast of Brazil. She has always been interested in human rights, people and communication topics, and ended up studying law. At the age of 22, she was already a lawyer, with aspirations to work at the Brazilian Prosecution Office. At 24, she did so. At the same time, she worked for the local committee of the Football World Cup 2014 in Brazil, where she met her future husband. Four years later, she would be travelling with a one-way ticket to Switzerland.

The other compartments that compound the Carol are to be a passionate volunteer for different causes, from TEDxZurich to ACNUR; extra of the opera of Zurich; long hiking enthusiast (in 2016, she did the St. James way (Camino de Santiago), walked 820 km in 30 days and wrote a book about it. More recently, she hiked the 130 km trail (n. 84) around the Lake of Zurich with @walkathon.ch with the goal to raise funds against hunger in Brazil).

📎 Reach out to Carol:
acbroennimann@gmail.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anacarolina-broennimann/
https://www.instagram.com/anacarolinaamancio/

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🌍Journey: Poland -> New Zealand, England and Germany-> Switzerland

Aleksandra (Ola)Potrykus-Majewska comes from Poland and she is an expat from 12 years old. During her lifetime the shy girl found her way to grow into a courageous and society changing woman. She is a mom and a wife, a dog owner and an entrepreneur. She is co-founder of WeWent.com and Shake Up The Workplace.

Tips from Ola:
👉 Find a group or organisation that you could belong to

👉 Use the advantages of the virtual world and find your community even before landing at a new place.

👉 Cultural values might affect us in a negative way, even if they were meant to protect us. Closed societies value privacy, modesty and security more than outspokenness, bravery and ambitions. It is a growth journey for each of us to find our voice and courage.

👉 Moving between countries is a way to figure out who we really are. Dare to explore something that you might not find if you stay in your comfort zone

📎 Reach out to Ola:
ola@wewent.com/
https://shakeuptheworkplace.com /
https://wewent.com /
https://www.linkedin.com/in/apotrykus /
https://www.instagram.com/shakeuptheworkplace / https://www.instagram.com/wewentglobal /
https://www.instagram.com/ola_p

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Nicholas Stephanou

🌍Journey: United Kingdom -> Belgium, Australia -> Switzerland

This talk will be a bit unusual, and I hope you will welcome more variety as well. My guests were already coming from different age groups, countries, family statuses, education and work areas. Today I am also adding the gender diversity aspects, which could open an additional angle to understand the complexity of how we, expats, start a new life in a new country.

The adventure for Nicholas started when you arrive in Switzerland on the 1st of May, in the middle of street protests. And despite this first scaring impression, he stayed here for almost 7 years. Listen to our talk to hear more!

Tips from Nicholas:

There are no friends out there. There are only strangers, and you have to go out, put yourself into uncomfortable positions and make an effort to be a friend.
Be aware that we all want to build a friendship to last. Locals as well.
Be sure about the reason you are leaving your country of residence. Analyse carefully, if moving will solve those problems. Some challenges stay, whenever country you are in.

📎 Contact Nicholas: nicholas.stephanou@gmail.com / https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-stephanou-30a59514

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🌍Journey: Italy -> Switzerland - USA -> Switzerland

Meet Valentina - founder of Coco Consulting and Coaching!!

She left her footprints in Italy, USA and Switzerland. With radiating energy, she guides us through her 20 years journey as a student, internship and corporate employee, business owner, mother and advocate for social integrity. Valentina talked about several waves of culture shock, dealing with the cold shoulder of locals and making a conscious decision not to let the culture of a country impact the kind of parent she wants to be. We have followed her journey between countries together with her family and small daughter.

Some of her experience is what many expats go through. Listen and hear, how it ended.

📎 Reach out to Valentina:
valentina@cococonsulting.ch / www.cococonsulting.ch / https://www.linkedin.com/in/cocovalentina/
https://www.instagram.com/coco_consulting /

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🌍Journey: Australia -> United States, Guatemala, Ethiopia, Canada, India, United Kingdom, Russia -> Switzerland

If you want unbelievable data - then get ready: Jacqui visited 67 countries, and lived in 9 of them! Thou her experiences is not enough to cover in one talk, we have tried to bring you the best moments and stories!

Jacqui is a mega-events professional of 25 years and a global nomad. She has followed the Olympic Games and other events around the world from her start at Sydney 2000 and most recently prepared COVID readiness exercises for Tokyo 2020. She founded Breathe last year when she lost her contract work as a result of the pandemic. She is now a Certified Coach and Mindfulness Teacher whose passion is wellness coaching and training.

Tips from Jacqui to those, who have landed in a new country:

Find your group, especially a sport or active movement one
Show respect and try to understand and learn their language
Connect to other expats and build new relationships
Provide for accommodation to others or search for accommodation where you could meet new people

I also could not stress more the importance of the following quote by Jacqui - Try to lean in the discomfort and trust the journey, that it becomes harder before it gets better.

📎 Connect to Jacqui Edmiston:

jacqui@elevateperformance.ch /www.elevateperformance.ch / www.linkedin.com/in/jacquiedmiston

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🌍Journey: France -> US, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Spain, China-> France

Amelie was born in France with a Swiss heritage and is a multi-expat: she grew up in the US, Hong Kong and Switzerland, studied in France and Spain, and lived and worked in Spain, France and China. She also experienced multiple returns to her home country, France, where she is currently residing.

Passionate about people, travelling and health & wellness, she is driven by a genuine desire to support others in transforming their challenges into opportunities, while taking care of their well-being

Advice from Amelie: Know who you are and be proud of who you are, as all expat experiences shape you. Enjoy it all the way, and when you come back look at it as your learning journey.
📎 Amélie Papin contacts:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameliepapin/ and https://www.instagram.com/ameliepapin_healthcoach/

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🌍Journey: United States -> Switzerland and France -> Switzerland.

This is a story about being an expat in Switzerland for 9 years, which lead to a lot of hardship - leaving the cult which Cathlene was born into, leaving a marriage due to domestic violence, letting how of what was needed to let go and turning the healing into beautiful initiatives to help others.

Since then, she reconstructed her life to creating something much more healthy and beautiful, while offering skills to different NGOs, including helping refugees, as well as helping women enter the tech sector. We talk about combatting isolation and finding belonging, the value of communication and language, and being yourself.

Cathlene Bell is a content creator and facilitator for multiple nonprofit organizations, with degrees in Communications and Global Peace & Justice Studies.

She is a survivor of high-control groups and of domestic violence and loves using creativity to support both herself and others in transitioning from surviving to joyful thriving.

She is also the host of the podcast "Create Imperfect Anyway".

She lives in the French-speaking region of Switzerland with her two incredible children.

📎
Contact Cathlene at cathlenebell19@gmail.com / https://www.instagram.com/cathlene_sublimates and https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathlene-bell-createtoconnect/

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Meet Irina! She’s an enthusiastic expat, passionate about travelling, mountains and trying new recipes in her kitchen!
🌍Journey: Moldova -> UAE/Dubai -> Switzerland

Irina's tips for those, who plan to emigrate:

Read a lot about the country you are thinking to emigrate, and the cultural differences
Research the prices for everything
Learn the local language If that’s the case
Start networking before even moving

Irina's tips for those, who just have landed in a new country

Volunteer!
Be tolerant
Consider the local rules and respect people’s privacy
Network and build your network with the likeminded people
Try to manage your finances smart from day one, it will count a lot

📎 Get in touch with Irina: www.linkedin.com/in/irina-marjina/
📎 Get in touch with me:
https://evelinarimkute.ch /
https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelina-rimkute

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🌍Journey: Poland -> Netherlands, Guatemala, Mexico, Denmark, Thailand -> Switzerland

In this episode I talk with Anna Stand o - a multi-passionate, diversity and inclusion expert, creator of My Gratitude Challenge, owner of BabyMiles, Relations Manager at Advance, Board Member at Capacity, Lean In Switzerland Network Leader.

Anna lived and worked in South America, Asia and Europe. As a self-made achiever, she is still grateful for people she met on her way and external circumstances, which lifted her up to the next challenges in life. In this talk, she shares how each country widened her world and how different cultures welcome immigrants differently.

📎
Webpages: www.mygratitudechallenge.org / www.babymiles.ch
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stando/
Instagram: @catching.everyday / @babymiles.ch / @my.gratitude.challenge

📎 Get in touch with me:
https://evelinarimkute.ch /
https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelina-rimkute

Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/EvelinaRimk)

New podcast episode with Betty Encinales - an award-winning entrepreneur, Career consultant, Women in Fintech Power list recruiter, and TEDx presenter - Based between London and Zurich.

🌍Journey: Columbia - United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, Spain, Colombia, Mexico and the USA.

In 2014, she founded a boutique recruitment firm, Becruit Ltd. Researching the answers to work well being related issues led Betty to wellbeing science, where she found solutions that resonated with her own professional experiences.

Building on her academic background, Betty has immersed herself in the science of positive psychology and happiness at work. and become a certified CHO: Chief Happiness Officer.

Although Betty lives between London and Zurich, she remains committed to her home country of Colombia. She is passionate about participating in various initiatives, like fundraising projects for educational programs called.

📎 You can connect with Betty on Linkedin: uk.linkedin.com/in/bettyencinales/

📎 Get in touch with me:
https://evelinarimkute.ch /
http://www.linkedin.com/in/evelina-rimkute

Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/EvelinaRimk)

New podcast episode with Katja Rieger - with a never-ending itch to see and try something different!
🌍Journey: Germany ->Indonesia, Singapore, India, Australia, US -> Switzerland

I am proud to share with you the story of Katja Rieger. She left her footprints in multiple countries and three continents. Katja is Leadership Consultant, Board member, Speaker.

In this episode we talk about her gentle approach to adapting to different cultures, dealing with stereotypes, the joy and challenges of being a mom, patience, curiosity and appreciation.

📎 You could find more about Katja on or contact her via linked in https://www.linkedin.com/in/katjarieger

📎 Get in touch with me:
https://evelinarimkute.ch /
http://www.linkedin.com/in/evelina-rimkute

Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/EvelinaRimk)

🌍Journey: Poland -> Germany -> the Netherlands-> Hongkong -> Switzerland,

I am proud to share with you the first talk with my podcast guest Iwona Fluda. She left her footprints in multiple countries and two continents,
Iwona is a founder of the Ministry of Creativity LLC, a Swiss-based enterprise that works on a more creative world through creative (business) solutions. Her secret for integrated life is being open, being mindful and being grateful.

In this episode, we cover 11 years of expat story, opening pages of university, hard summer labour in greenhouses, corporate experience, historical heritage reflection and founding new initiatives.

📎 You could found more about Iwona via various social media channels:
Webpages https://creativeswitzerland.com/ and https://organiccosmetics.ch/
Social media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fluda/
https://www.instagram.com/creativeswitzerland
https://www.instagram.com/organiccosmetics.ch/

📎

My Social media contacts:https://twitter.com/evelinaurbhttps://www.instagram.com/evelinarimkute_https://evelinarimkute.ch

Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/EvelinaRimk)

In my podcast, I will bring you the footprints of lives left behind and steps of new lives being created. I will invite women from various countries to share their stories and talk about which roads they needed to take to be where they are now. I would like to celebrate brave decisions and the human ability to connect, build, create and thrive.

📎My webpage https://evelinarimkute.ch

📎My Social media contacts: https://twitter.com/evelinaurb / https://www.instagram.com/evelinarimkute_ / http://www.linkedin.com/in/evelina-rimkute

📎World of colours by Daniela Ivanovova https://www.styleidentity.ch/

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