Doreen Cumberford’s Post

📍 Navigating the Journey of Repatriation: Strategies for a Successful Homecoming As global professionals, many of us will face the unique challenge of repatriation. Drawing from personal experience and expert insights, here are key considerations for those planning their return: Reconnaissance Trips Consider multiple short visits before your final move • Use these trips to reconnect with your home culture and professional network Necessity of Preparation While not mandatory, preparation trips can significantly ease your transition • Think of them as an investment in your future professional and personal success Leveraging Your Global Skillset Apply the adaptability and resilience you've developed abroad • View repatriation as an opportunity to bring your international perspective home Anticipating Challenges Expect changes in both your home country and yourself Be prepared to bridge the gap between your "old" and "new" professional identity Maintaining "Home Heartedness" • Regular visits can keep you connected to your home country's business culture Stay informed about industry trends and changes in your home market 🎙️ Exciting Announcement: We are launching a 30-episode podcast series on Re-Entry strategies for global professionals. Stay tuned! Personal Insight: I'm currently on a repatriation visit to Scotland, my original home. This trip has been invaluable for reconnecting with my professional network and understanding the current business landscape. Remember: In the world of global careers, you can never be over-prepared for your next move. What strategies are you using to prepare for repatriation? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.

📻 New Episode Alert: Nomadic Diaries 🌍 What is home? Where is home? When am I home? - we expats and nomads carry the questions with us. https://lnkd.in/gwZjhtvq Mariam Ottimofiore's answer is: "Home is a story we take with us." I so enjoyed this chat as we dived into the hidden identities we carry when we move to a new location. Join us as we explore: 🏠 The growing concept of "home" in a mobile world 🧩 Embracing the beautiful mess of a globally mobile lifestyle 👤 How place shapes our identity and cultural complexity 💼 Leveraging international experiences in your career 📚 The journey from non-fiction to fiction writing which Mariam just took. Together we covered practical tips on: a)Supporting your family during relocation b)Maintaining cultural traditions across borders c)Navigating the emotional landscape of moving d)Whether you're an expat, a third-culture kid, or simply curious about the nomadic lifestyle, this episode offers invaluable insights on creating your own life design in our increasingly globalized world. https://lnkd.in/gwZjhtvq 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation! Share your own "home story" in the comments below and give your ears a treat! #NomadicDiaries #GlobalMobility #ExpatLife #CulturalIdentity #LifeDesign

🌍 Have you ever considered travel for a season and what it might offer you?   https://lnkd.in/gVUKWerC   Please let me introduce you to Steve Hoffman, James Beard award-winning author. During our conversation we discussed Steve's brave decisions in moving his family temporarily to France for a season of each year. Or are you already a part-time expat juggling your life between two places? Welcome to Steve's powerful insights into how even seasonal or part-time travel can reshape our lives, careers, and perspectives.   Just a few of his golden nuggets on part-time expatting ahead here.   Steve Says: "Embrace the Power of Wonder, Replace Expectations with Curiosity" Approaching new experiences, new assignments, and new places with an open mind and heart fosters deeper connections and richer experiences.   "Immerse Yourself in Local Culture Don't Just Visit - Live" Steve's took his entire family, including teenage kids, out of school in order to further their knowledge, enjoy true cultural immersion and deepen their lives. "Build Yourself a Strong Home Base" Is your base strong enough to leave behind and how will you nurture it from a distance? Before embarking on long-term travel, he says its important to establish a solid foundation at home. This includes understanding yourself, your purpose, and your values. "Engage with Nature" Steve experiences this through foraging and finding cooking ingredients on a seasonal basis. Deep connection with local environments creates lasting memories and a sense of grounding, even in unfamiliar places. Have the seasons ever changed you at depth? "Document Your Journey" Steve carefully documented his meals, foods, restaurants, recipes along the way while constantly practicing the act of reflection. Taking notes provides the details necessary to reflect and write your story. Steve captured his experiences in The Other South of France. "Prepare for the Return" Be mindful of the challenges of returning home. Reverse culture shock is real and requires its own set of coping strategies   Remember, travel is not just about the destinations we visit, but the person we become along the way and using a seasonal perspective can lend dimension and wisdom to our journeys. It's a powerful tool for self-leadership, offering unique opportunities for skill-building, perspective-gaining, and personal growth.   https://lnkd.in/gVUKWerC Click on Nomadic Diaries so we can support you in your global journey, in order to reach your dreams and goals while in the midst of an international experience. Your reviews, ratings and comments are all appreciated please let us know how we’re doing! Feedback!   Don't miss our upcoming series on repatriation and reverse culture shock, set to air in November.   #SelfLeadership #PersonalGrowth #TravelInsights

I love to interview people like Zoe Routh who have spent their lives using travel, distance and adventure to make constant massive change in their own lives, but who go the next mile to use those lessons in change and offer it to leaders across all sectors. https://lnkd.in/gX_Y-8Sj Thanks Zoe for the conversation and insights into how to use travel as a tool for personal growth. Please like, follow or subscribe to Nomadic Diaries, we are forever grateful for journeys, past, present or future. Come join us at: https://lnkd.in/gVUKWerC

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Are you a globally minded executive? an expat navigating unfamiliar terrain? or are you simply someone curious about the intersections of culture, travel, and leadership? https://lnkd.in/gDE4h4d7 Tune in for an episode that will challenge your perceptions, expand your horizons, and inspire you to become a more effective leader in our interconnected world. Zoe demonstrates how her hands-on, ancestral, multicultural and corporate experience informs her perspective and drives her consultancy. She is keenly aware of what it takes to thrive in today's borderless business landscape. Outward Bound Philosophy  Zoe takes us back to her transformative experiences with Outward Bound, revealing how facing challenges in the wilderness can forge resilience - a crucial trait for leaders navigating today's uncertain business landscape. A Mini-Masterclass in Cross-Cultural Leadership As a holder of three passports (UK, Canada, and Australia) she argues persuasively that empathy and compassion are non-negotiable skills for leaders working across borders, providing practical advice on how to cultivate these qualities. The Stretch-Zone Concept This powerful idea suggests that real growth happens when we push ourselves just beyond our comfort zone, but not so far that we panic. Zoe shares actionable strategies for leaders to embrace minor discomfort and gradually expand your resilience. The Wanderlust-Gene We also dive into the fascinating world of genetics and behavior, exploring the concept of a "wanderlust gene." Whether you're a born explorer or a homebody, you'll find valuable lessons in cultivating a more adventurous mindset. Global, Resilient and Compassionate Leadership Style Zoe's stories and advice offer a direct roadmap for personal growth that extends far beyond the office and boardroom, encouraging all of us to embrace discomfort and pursue diverse experiences. https://lnkd.in/gDE4h4d7 This is NOT the episode to skip!

Life Lived in Transit: Reflections from Houston Airport Please don't ask why but we had to start this journey after flying from Mexico by spending 30 hours in Houston Airport. We haunted, walked and hiked the subway tunnels where the shuttle ferries people between terminals . We met an unfamiliar fellow who used to work for Aramco in KSA, as we did, but he was a decade prior to us. A Pause in Transit: Reflections from Houston Airport 30 hours in Houston Airport. A familiar face from an old company. The sense of adjustment to being in the presence of so many foreign nationalities suddenly was acute. The pulsing rhythm of international travelers all around, hearing old yet familiar words lands on my ears. The sensation lands in my body and mind as I'm reacquainted with the variety of languages, native dress and customs. Ladies dressed in abayas glide past, while small tribes of families navigate the terminal, managing mountains of luggage. It's a vibrant tapestry of global life, condensed tightly into this transient space. Tears welled up as I watched a line of beloveds wait outside the glass wall that separates the check-in desks from the escalators which you ascend after clearing security. They stood pressed up against the glass, to catch a last glimpse and deliver a final farewell wave as they watched their loved ones ascend the escalator. My eyes welled up with a salty substance while I witnessed pure love in this modern day and age. In this liminal space, memories of our frequent Saudi Arabia to USA commutes flood back. How easy it was to take those journeys for granted – the time, the energy, and the emotional toll they required. Back then, that didn't even count, but a decade and a half later I witness and acknowledge the effort it required. Now, I find myself missing that old life, appreciating its richness only in retrospect. The airport buzzes with the energy of countless stories intersecting, reminding me of the incredible privilege it was to bridge two worlds over decades. Some days I feel like a real Re-entry Rockstar in that I arrived home, applied myself to my new life and have won the repatriation race.....on other days like today I am catapulted back into my old life. To those still living that life of constant movement: cherish it, grow it, expand it, iron in deep into the creases of your soul - it's a gift. To those who've moved on: what do you miss most? #ExpatLife #InternationalTravel #Reflection

🗺️ Have you grown up abroad and still feel more connected to the world in general, than to a single place? 🌏 https://lnkd.in/g438RnpN In the latest episode of Nomadic Diaries, we had the pleasure of hosting Kristen Rudberg, who shared her incredible journey of growing up in places like Guyana and Pakistan. Her experiences abroad shaped her understanding of different cultures, but also left her feeling like a stranger upon returning to suburban America. Key Takeaways: Power of Personal Stories Kristen emphasizes the importance of sharing our own narratives to bridge gaps and promote understanding, especially in the face of prejudice. Diversity and Inclusivity Kristen's advocacy for diversity and inclusion highlights their critical role in enriching conversations and sparking innovation in multi-cultured teams. Curiosity and Love Both host and interviewer touch on how curiosity and love are powerful tools in overcoming hate and intolerance, drawing on their own multicultural experiences. Challenges of Re-assimilation Kristen discusses the internal conflict and alienation felt upon her return to the U.S., offering a poignant perspective on the struggles faced by third culture kids (TCKs). As Kristen beautifully put it, "Diversity brings more wisdom and beauty to the world." Her words remind us of the enriching power of embracing differences and sharing our unique stories. When was the last time you shared your story abroad in a way that felt meaningful? 🌟 We invite you to listen to this thought-provoking episode of Nomadic Diaries and reflect on your own experiences of global connection. How has living abroad shaped your sense of identity and belonging? Share your thoughts with us in the comments! 🌟 https://lnkd.in/g438RnpN Please rate, review, comment or subscribe if you have received any kind of value from this podcast. You make the difference! #NomadicDiaries #GlobalCitizen #ThirdCultureKid

Are you stuck in your comfort zone, or ready to embrace the transformative power of travel? https://lnkd.in/gVUKWerC 🌍 In our latest Nomadic Diaries episode, coach and globetrotter Sylvia Theisen Thiesen reveals how stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to extraordinary personal growth and self-discovery. Key insights from Sylvia's journey: Start small, dream big: • Begin with manageable challenges, like dining alone without distractions • Build confidence incrementally, paving the way for bolder adventures • Remember: every small step contributes to significant personal growth Travel as a catalyst for transformation: • Approach new cultures and landscapes as opportunities for self-discovery • Use travel experiences to fuel creativity and broaden your perspective • Embrace the unknown as a path to personal and professional development Cultivate flexibility and mindfulness: • Maintain an open mindset in both travel and daily life • Learn to adapt to new situations, enhancing your resilience • Practice mindfulness to fully immerse yourself in each experience! Sylvia's story is a testament to the power of embracing change. From childhood travels influenced by her Italian heritage to her current role guiding others through life transitions, she embodies the transformative potential of a nomadic mindset. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or contemplating your first solo adventure, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate personal challenges and transitions with grace and enthusiasm. Ready to step out of your comfort zone and into a world of possibilities? Listen to the full episode for a deeper dive into how travel can reshape your perspective and enrich your life. Now, we'd love to hear from you: What's the boldest step you've taken outside your comfort zone, and how did it impact your personal growth? How has travel changed your perspective on life and work? If you could instantly acquire a new "superpower" for nomadic living, what would it be and why? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's inspire each other to embrace new adventures! Connect with Sylvia Thiesen on LinkedIn for more insights and tips, or follow her on Instagram for free resources to fuel your journey of self-discovery. https://lnkd.in/gVUKWerC #NomadicDiaries #PersonalGrowth #TravelTransformation #ComfortZone #MindfulTravel #LifeCoaching #ProfessionalDevelopment

Are you an expat or digital nomad struggling to learn a new language? https://lnkd.in/gWrmi2yb You're not alone. In the latest episode of Nomadic Diaries, I sat down with language learning expert Kerstin Cable to unpack the unique challenges and rewards of multilingualism on the move. We dove deep into navigating language and cultural barriers while living abroad, not in our home countries. From the emotional impact of feeling disconnected from your heritage language to the transformative power of becoming fluent in a new tongue, there are plenty of raw and relatable insights. Kerstin shares practical tips and resources to help expats and digital nomads improve their language skills, whether it's using her "language habit system" or tapping into the wealth of learning tools available online. The key? Focusing, on meaning over rote memorization, leveraging cognates, and finding cultural mentors to guide you. Because as Doreen and Kerstin know firsthand, mastering a new language opens doors to deeper connections, richer experiences, and a profound sense of belonging - no matter where in the world you call home. Tune in to the latest Nomadic Diaries episode to learn how you can overcome language barriers and thrive as a multilingual expat or digital nomad. Your linguistic journey awaits! https://lnkd.in/gWrmi2yb Please listen, rate and review - we would absolutely love that!