This Expat Life

Amanda Maxime

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While life abroad is often amazing, it is not only rainbows & butterflies - as all experienced expats very well know. From the pleasures of drinking from fresh coconuts to dealing with a personal crisis, This Expat Life opens up space for all facets of life abroad. And more importantly: what you can do to thrive in it.Certified coach, former expat and forever globetrotter Amanda Maxime dives into the good, the bad & the ugly of expat life. Expect hands-on tips, deep dives, and relatable stories by fellow expats. Whether you're about to take off on your first international adventure or...

#72 Expats, stop worrying about this when you face a decision

As an expat, one decision is never just about one decision - a question about your job leads to questions about your location, friendships, proximity to family, and so much more. And before you know it, you’re standing in front of this big web of options you need to figure out, like a giant puzzle you need to solve - leaving you paralyzed and stuck.If you want to get unstuck and continue in forward energy, you need to let go of something in the decision-making process. A

Apr 3, • 21:07

#71 Creating sustainable wellbeing habits as a high achiever abroad with Kea-Sophie Stack

In this episode, I host Kea-Sophie Stack, who transitioned from a 10-year career as an attorney in Munich to an entrepreneur in the wellbeing field in Los Angeles. As a busy global citizen who likes to travel, I don’t find it easy to always stick to my health, food and work-out routines when I’m on the go - and I often notice the difference in my energy. Kea-Sophie, who is also a former coachee of mine, is an example to me of sticking to habits, so that’s why I invited h

Mar 12, • 41:37

#70 What's waiting for you inside The Co-Pilot!

Yesss, doors to my signature program have opened again! Are you ready to experience more fulfillment, confidence & direction in your expat life without constant overthinking? If you followed me for longer, you now know that the only way to get there is from the inside out: understanding yourself at a much deeper level so that you can make aligned changes from there.And in The Co-Pilot I give you the tools to do that! In 8 weeks I’ll take you through powerful exercises th

Feb 13, • 20:29

#69 The 2 mistakes high-achieving expats make in their personal life

After having coached 150+ expats who feel unfulfilled, stuck, disconnected or lost (and having been there myself!), I started spotting tendencies among them: ways to deal with the situation they weren’t happy in. But while those ways are common go-to strategies for high-achievers and usually get them pretty far, I’ll tell you why they aren’t working in your favor this time!You’ll get to listen to a part of my masterclass Stop Spinning Your Wheels. Like what you heard? Th

Feb 10, • 24:08

#68 Staying steady in a free, global life with Jennifer van Leeuwaarde

Travelling fulltime with your son sounds like a dream, but is it really so? In this episode of This Expat Life I go beyond the conventional expat context and talk with Jennifer van Leeuwaarde, mom, entrepreneur and global soul.Jennifer left an established life in the Netherlands behind because it didn’t match with what she wanted to experience. Now travelling the US, Latin America and South Africa, Jennifer shares openly about challenges (that expats, too, face) of feeli

Feb 5, • 35:01

#67 How I make decisions without constant overthinking

The #1 challenge expats come to me with? Deciding on their next big step. As an expat, a decision on your career or location has a huge impact on other areas of your life too. So that can trigger doubts if you even want it. Plus, as the future feels more uncertain when you live abroad (you don’t know how long you’ll stay there), it often complicates going forward with a decision too.The result? You stay in endless loops of overthinking. Leaving you feel unsure, stressed

Jan 29, • 27:25

#66 10 tips to balance the shoulds & the wants in your busy expat life

How do you balance all the things you SHOULD do and all the things you WANT to do as a busy expat? How can you make more time for your family when your demanding job was the reason that took you & the fam abroad? What are tips & tricks to keep up with a busy work schedule and social events as a high-achieving expat? These are some questions that were asked this week by you.In today’s episode I dive into this and I share 10 tips that have personally helped me as a diploma

Jan 22, • 35:52

#65 Staying fit & healthy as a busy expat in NYC with Amie Wiley

How do you stay active, fit & healthy when you prioritise your career abroad? How do you stay committed to exercise when you’re just about to move countries and the overwhelm is real? Questions I have definitely asked myself, as - even though I regularly exercise - my work & to do list often get priority over a gym class.I got impressed with fitgirl & content creator Amie Wiley who did the 75hard challenge as she moved from Ireland to NYC. If you’re not familiar with 75h

Jan 2, • 27:37

#64 Part 2 - Getting ready for the New Year - 12 questions to set yourself up for a great 2025

Doors to my 8-week program The Co-Pilot are open NOW! Join us for 8 live calls and experience more fulfillment, confidence & direction in your expat life, without constant overthinking (it's really possible). Sign up here! Doors close again on the 19th, so hurry!How can you make this year different from the last? I’m always incredibly intentional about how I want to start the new year, so that I can ensure my continuous growth and avoid autopilot mode. Many set new year’

Dec 31, 2024 • 37:44

#63 Part 1: Getting ready for the New Year - 12 questions for expats to reflect on 2024

A new year is upon us! And many want to change something - big or small - about their lives.Getting into the habit of regular reflection is a great way to be more intentional with your time & energy, especially if you are as future-oriented as me. It’s tempting to always look ahead to the next month, the next promotion, the next country - but there are powerful lessons in your past that can make your future even better.In this episode I’ll guide you through 12 questions

Dec 30, 2024 • 33:37

#62 The expat dilemma: Should I change the country or should I change myself?

There comes a point in every expat’s life that you need to face the dilemma: am I staying or leaving? And this is often when you feel stuck, unfulfilled or in a struggle. It’s a natural response to change the outer circumstances to feel better, but as an expat, that means you’re also questioning your location!So should you change the country or should you change yourself?In this episode of This Expat Life I shed my light on this topic with real examples.And are you ready

Oct 24, 2024 • 41:21

#61 The 4 Ds to be more consistent in your (emotional & mental) energy towards a goal

Help, how do I deal with inconsistent energy as I’m working towards a goal? This is what an expat coachee asked me as she has embarked on a new career path but also finds herself in unhelpful moods more often than she’d like.Having been here myself, I figured my tips would be useful for you as well. Listen to this episode as I explain the 4 D’s that help you to maintain your best state: detach, data, do something else, and a daily practice.Want the opportunity to ask me

Oct 9, 2024 • 22:32

#60 7 quick tips to step out of your comfort zone

It’s a cliche but it’s true… The magic really happens outside of your comfort zone. Now as an expat you have ventured outside your comfort zone already, but maybe you’re staying comfortable when it comes to other things, like changing careers, online visibility, a fitness goal or something else.I regularly step out of my comfort zone (my live event last month was one of those things!) and while it can still make me nervous from time to time, I also know this practice has

Oct 2, 2024 • 33:36

#59 Changing self-doubt for self-kindness with Akanksha Singh

>Akanksha is an ambitious management consultant and after two geographical transitions in 3 covid-years, she was left with a bit of a nagging feeling of something not being in place. Originally from India and now based in the Netherlands, she signed up for my 6-month group coaching programme to enable a shift.In this episode we talk about the inner transformation Akanksha had by being able to quiet her inner critic (most days!), with positive results on how she shows up

Sep 25, 2024 • 36:25

#58 Finding your soulmate as an expat with Michelle Chung

How to find your soulmate when you live a somewhat unconventional life as an expat? Do you need to settle and compromise if you want to start a family? Where to begin if you keep moving around? These are some topics I (female, mid 30s, single) have thought about myself a lot in recent years, and some of my coachees as well. Expat life is great but it can also pose a barrier to your love life. In this episode I talk about it with Michelle Chung, a soulmate manifestation c

Sep 18, 2024 • 24:04

#57 How to make the most of a new start (or of the final months of 2024)

[Only a few tickets left for my live event in Amsterdam this month!] September marks ‘back to school’ vibes for many of us, and makes us aware that we only have a few months left before the end of the year. So if you had a goal for this year, now is the time to get cracking on it!September for me also marked the start of a new period in my home country, and as with any new start (calendar-wise or with a relocation), I’m super mindful of how I can make the most of it, so

Sep 11, 2024 • 38:04

#56: My 3 biggest insights in California that led to a breakthrough

I went on a business & leisure trip to California and left with 3 big insights that led to a breakthrough when I got home 🤩 Insights that I think might be useful for other high-achieving, self-reliant & rational globetrotters.  >These were things I sort of already KNEW, but this time I could really FEEL them. And in order for insights to really change something in our lives or to lead to a breakthrough, we really need to embody them, not just understand them rationally.

Sep 3, 2024 • 44:57

#55 The 3 steps to creating more fulfillment in your expat life

What if a part of you feels unfulfilled in your expat life? Whether that's in your career, relationships, health, personal goals or just a general sense of unfulfillment. As a life coach working with high-achieving expats, I actually get a lot of coachees who struggle with this - and so I also know what you can do about it!In this episode I share the 3 perhaps unexpected steps that you can take to find more fulfillment in your global life. They are the same I used to go

Aug 14, 2024 • 34:29

#54 Why many expats start to question their life choices in summer (+ tips on how to make the most of it)

Why is it that so many expats start to wonder about their life choices during summer.. And why I also book client after client? In this episode I share what I think causes this and give you tips to make the most of this summer period.And if you want a proven method to review your life, set your priorities and get started with an upgrade, download my FREE resource The Wheel of Expat Life here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/wheel-expat-life

Aug 7, 2024 • 20:30

#53 The 3 mistakes I made in Rio & what I’m doing differently now

Download my new FREE resource The Wheel of Expat Life! You bring yourself wherever you go and in Rio… I brought myself too. Towards the end of my stay I found myself in a bit of a funk, which was mostly the result of 3 mistakes I made. Mistakes I’ve made before, oops 😇 In this episode I share what they are, how they impacted me and what I’m doing now to prevent them again, even back home.Want to know more about personal growth and life abroad? Follow me on:- Instagram-

Jul 31, 2024 • 28:22

#52 What's it like being back home again?! 🇳🇱 [personal update]

The question I've asked dozens of time these past few weeks... What's it like being back home again?!And the answer surprised many - myself included 😅 So let the record show what I'm saying right now 😇In this episode I share my personal reflection on being back home after living abroad for 6 months, plus 4 tips you can apply yourself as well when you are preparing / in the middle of a move.I'd love to hear if any of this resonated with you, as some of my coachees alrea

Jul 24, 2024 • 26:50

#51 Navigating international real estate with Josh from ExpatsEverywhere

In this episode I sit down with Josh, an experienced expat who, along with his wife Callie, has lived in various countries since 2009, including Spain, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and now Portugal.We talk about their current challenge: investing in real estate in Portugal - something I was so curious about! Josh shares their journey of finding and renovating a property in Porto, the importance of forming a reliable team, and the motivations behind their investm

Jul 15, 2024 • 40:12

#50 Finishing 6 months in Rio - will I go back?

Whoa, the past 6 months have flown by and I'm ready to return home after almost half a year in Rio de Janeiro! And, what everyone is asking me... Will I return to the marvelous city?I recorded an open episode about my time in Rio to answer that question (and more). And when I say open, I do mean that: so you'll hear about what I struggled with, what I loved, my mistakes and lessons learned - I'm not holding back.I'd love to hear if you recognise any of it either because

Jul 5, 2024 • 34:39

#49 Why grounding yourself is a non-negotiable as an expat

I know, grounding doesn't seem so sexy but it's KEY if you want to live a happy & fulfilling life as a busy expat. After all, there's a lot going on around you or asking of you, while you also constantly have to adapt to the new culture. To keep your energy high, to stay calm in busy times and to live from your authentic self, grounding yourself is a non-negotiable first step.And.. there's much more to grounding than the pretty lame 'do mindfulness exercises' advice that

Jun 27, 2024 • 32:24

#48 From corporate success to favela empowerment: Finding purpose with Diana Nijboer

From jet setting around the Middle East as HR manager to finding your purpose working with kids in the favelas of Rio... Diana Nijboer made this incredible transition.Originally from the Netherlands, Diana shares her inspiring journey and what brought her to stay in Rio. Years ago, she enjoyed her exciting life in the Middle East but she realised that she was simply filling a void. She was living a successful life on the outside but felt empty on the inside. A vision tha

Jun 25, 2024 • 51:09

#47 Unlocking your expat career with Keki Mwaba

In this episode of This Expat Life, Amanda welcomes Keki Mwaba, founder of Expat Career Development, to discuss career advancement for international professionals. As an expat herself and having worked with dozens of expats, Keki knows first hand what kind of challenges international job seekers face. Like: selling 'gaps' on your CV, not speaking the language and where to start if you're brand new to a market?!If you're looking to shift your international career or want

Jun 19, 2024 • 28:20

#46 How I stay grounded while living abroad & single

Living abroad can sometimes be a challenge or just simply super exciting, taking up all your time or headspace. Places to go, a job to excel at, decisions about the future to take, contacts at home to maintain... It's easy to be 'on', busy or in your head all the time - the opposite of grounded.And while being grounded in your expat life is already a challenge, I believe it's harder as a single. Because you don't have a partner to share some of the stress or decisions wi

Jun 11, 2024 • 42:47

#45 How inner work shifted her relationships, business & confidence with Floor Oosterlee

Floor Oosterlee was living abroad and experiencing a vague, nagging restlessness when she saw one of my LinkedIn posts and decided to act on her intuition right away & book a call with me.Although she initially thought she needed some business coaching, she quickly realised there were more personal topics to work on.In The Coaching Journey that followed, Floor examined that restlessness and peeled away layers with every session. She found valuable insights about her patt

Jun 5, 2024 • 46:07

#44: Delphine & Amanda on blazing your own trail and thriving beyond tradition

Being a female globetrotter in your mid-30s with big ambitions often means you're not choosing the conventional path, which comes with both pros and cons. Fellow international entrepreneur Delphine van de Smet and I have a very open chat about how that exciting unconventional path inspires us but also has an effect on our personal lives.Tune in to hear about the importance of taking care of yourself & setting boundaries, how we both learned to be more in touch with our e

May 29, 2024 • 1:01:21

#43 What to do if you can't decide on your next move

Big life decisions can be difficult for anyone - but I think for expats even more! Think about it: a decision on your career automatically has impact on your location, and thus your social life, proximity to your friends, a relationships, etc etc. No wonder some expats find it hard to make a decision!I very often speak with expats who feel stuck and can't decide on their next move. Their thoughts keep going round & round in circles and they don't know what's best for the

May 22, 2024 • 31:49

#42 What might really be behind all your hard work

There's something I started spotting within myself and with other high-achievers who get things done... Something that has often worked well, but which might also be blocking you more than you realise. At least it did for me!Curious what it is? In this episode I share my view on it & open up how it has been manifesting in my own life - and how it could be present in yours. And as always, a few tips on what to do with it so you can ensure it keeps working in your favour.W

May 16, 2024 • 43:30

#41 Building a professional personal brand as an expat with Ashley van Heiningen

Whether you have done so many different jobs in different countries, followed your spouse so there's a gap on your CV, or find it hard to break into the local labour market: selling yourself as the next best hire can be tricky as an expat.All the more reason to build your professional personal brand online!But how exactly do you do that?! Communication strategist Ashley van Heiningen is here to help. I worked with Ashley myself to translate my coaching magic - which is s

May 8, 2024 • 30:07

#40 My woo woo morning practice that has contributed to my success

Before we start: I share all my woo woo practices (AND SO MUCH MORE) in my new course Touch Base! Get in for just €97 - doors close on 3 July.When I was a busy diplomat trying to excel at my career AND enjoy Brazil to the fullest, I was most of the time living in my head. My head & nervous system were always 'on' and I realised I needed a practice or habit to ground myself more.I started meditating and while this worked for me for quite some time, I abandoned the habit w

May 1, 2024 • 31:53

#39 Following your partner abroad as an independent woman with Nathalie van Haaren

What if you're a strong, independent woman with your own career, and your partner of 1.5 year asks you to follow him abroad? Nathalie van Haaren knows all about it. Even though she's been internationally minded from birth, she did have to adapt moving to Senegal now as the spouse of an expat.In this beautiful conversation, Nathalie shares openly and vulnerably what it meant for her identity and how she dealt with - and overcame! - the challenges. This episode is a must f

Apr 24, 2024 • 31:38

#38 A personal update halfway into my stay in Rio

I'm halfway into my 6-months stay in Rio and that got me thinking: How am I finding it? Listen to this episode to hear:- what I've been up to - how Rio has been treating me (spoiler alert: very good!)- if the fears & doubts before leaving came true- how I deal with lows when living abroad - what plans I have for my 2nd half in the marvelous cityAs always I'd love to hear what you thought of the podcast! Feel free to send me a DM on LinkedIn or Instagram.And want to know

Apr 15, 2024 • 38:12

#37 An open conversation about moving abroad with Tamara Stroop - part 2

And following up on the open conversation with Tamara Stroop (see the previous episode), here's part 2... With a plot twist!We had another call about 6 weeks after we first spoke, to see how we were both doing and what had changed for us. Well, for Tamara quite a lot! Listen to this episode to hear what that was. And are you an expat who's also struggling abroad? Know that I offer a listening ear in my free discovery calls. Book yours here.

Mar 28, 2024 • 42:04

#36 An open conversation about moving abroad with Tamara Stroop - part 1

Business coach Tamara Stroop and I had each just moved abroad - Tamara to Barcelona, me to Rio - and as we were talking about our experiences, we figured it would be nice to record an open conversation about journeys!This is not the usual interview but rather a candid conversation between two women in their mid-30s who decided to take a chance and enjoy life abroad. You'll hear us speak very openly about our first struggles after arriving, expensive AirBnB's, how the cou

Mar 28, 2024 • 54:05

#35 The ONE thing you need to do if you want a change in your life

There's one thing that's essential if you desire a big change in your life, which is also often overlooked. If you are ready to achieve a big goal, go off the beaten track or just want to follow your heart, make sure to include this key element. It has been crucial in my own journey. Listen to the episode to know what I'm talking about!

Mar 24, 2024 • 46:04

#34 Moving abroad as an underrepresented minority with Iliana Quinonez

As a seasoned female, latina & expat engineer in tech, Iliana Quiñonez knows what it's like to move abroad and stand out from others in the workplace. Iliana moved to the US in her 20s and through trial and error learned to adapt to - and embrace - the American work culture. Now with over 20 years of experience, this trailblazer is passionate about DEI in the work place.In this episode Iliana gives valuable and practical advice for those who live abroad but may feel like

Feb 15, 2024 • 31:19

#33 Why every expat should get a coach

Today I'm sharing two personal stories of my time in London and Brazil when things were NOT going so well. An almost burnout and grief knocked me off course and looking back, I wish I had a coach by my side. Tune in to hear these stories and why I believe every expat should hire a coach at some point in their life abroad.Want to hear how my coaching could work for you? Find more here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com

Feb 8, 2024 • 41:20

#32 The perfect storm that changed everything for me

Today I'm sharing my 'origin story', the story of when a perfect storm really kickstarted my personal growth and made me the person & coach I am today. This is my most personal story as of yet and I'm sharing it in the hopes that it might inspire you. Listen how returning back home, grief, a pandemic, heartache and a coaching training all at once nearly broke me - but in hindsight, really resurrected me.What's your origin story?

Feb 1, 2024 • 47:25

#31 Making friends abroad with expat friendship coach Sarah Siegert

It's one of the things every expat at some point struggles with: friendships. It may be hard to find them abroad, to maintain your friendships back home, or to stay connected to new friends as you or they move again.But here is Sarah Siegert, expat friendship coach who's dealt with all of the above herself. Having moved abroad to the UK for her partner, she found herself feeling lonely as it struggled making new friends. After applying techniques she learned in coaching,

Jan 25, 2024 • 37:51

#30 All your questions on my move to Rio answered

When I shared that I was moving to Rio I got the same questions over and over again.. Some of which even made me laugh! In this episode I answer them all, also hoping to inspire you to make a similar move, whether that's to Rio or elsewhere.Listen to this episode to know:- Why I chose Rio- If I'm going to work there- Why 6 months- If I still have a lot of friends here- What visa I'm on- What happened to my catsLet me know if this episode helped you in any way and if you

Jan 15, 2024 • 35:43

#29 Home organising for expats with Manuela Weiss

Expats do one thing more often than those who stay at home: moving! I feel like organising & clutter are relevant topics for expats simply because they have to go through their belongings more often than others. And plus, all the things you keep because they remind you of when you lived in country X...Because I struggle immensely myself with decluttering and organising (😅), I've invited professional organiser Manuela Weiss on the show. Manuela is Brazilian, has lived in

Dec 28, 2023 • 34:11

#28 Dealing with a Not-So-Perfect Christmas 🎄

Christmas... I LOVE the holidays but they are also a trigger for me. Having grown up with difficult and unconventional family dynamics, the who/what/where of Christmas was always a question mark, bringing up a lot of anxiety.I assumed that things would get better as I got older, but this year as I find myself single & parentless in my mid-30s, I've realised that damn, Christmas is still a question mark 😩 I'm craving some unconditionality around my favourite holiday so t

Dec 21, 2023 • 27:41

#27 New Year New You

New Year New You... Is it really possible? I think it is!Listen to this episode to hear what has been a game-changing method for me when it comes to reaching my goals and what has helped me to go confidently from diplomacy to coaching & entrepreneurship.I also share the 4 elements that I include in my loooong 'December ritual' every year to create a super strong foundation for myself for the next year, so that I can really live my best year yet.

Dec 12, 2023 • 47:27

#26 Using LinkedIn for your expat career with Nyna Caputi

Careers... One of the main topics for high-achieving expats! But  what can you do to build your professional personal brand, find job leads in the host country, and stay up to date on opportunities in the home country if you know you're returning?LinkedIn is the place to be! According to Nyna Caputi, LinkedIn expert and one of LinkedIn's Top Experts in the San Francisco Bay Area. In this episode, Nyna shares how she got started and what you can do to make LinkedIn your p

Nov 2, 2023 • 51:58

#25 Moving abroad as a family with Betina Pflug

The one part of expat life I don't know at all... Moving abroad with your family! I always moved abroad as a solo expat so what it's like to move with kids is very foreign to me. Reason to speak with Betina Pflug, a Brazilian expat in Australia who helps expats & their families to navigate life abroad!Listen to this episode to hear how Betina approaches family life and expat journeys, and the practical tips she has to help families feel at home abroad.If you would like t

Oct 26, 2023 • 34:26

#24 How I took the decision to move to Rio in just 4 days

Taking small decisions in daily life? Not my forte. But the big bold life moves? No problem!I recently decided to move to Rio and I took that decision in just 4 days. Easy peasy! But I know not everyone finds these big decisions easy. So in this podcast I share how I came to that decision and what helps me generally in the decision-making process, hoping to inspire you to decide on your own bold moves.Like my tips? 🚀 Take a look at my coaching😎 Follow me on Instagram🫶

Oct 12, 2023 • 44:24

#23 Overcoming fear & doubt as an expat with Cinthya Mayorga

Welcoming a guest to This Expat Life, and a very special guest: former diplomat - and my friend - Cinthya Mayorga!Cinthya is from Nicaragua and now lives in Spain, after quitting her diplomacy career 2 years ago. We actually met in Brazil when we were both working there at our respective embassies. We don't only share a working history, but also a passion for personal growth and this is why I brought her on the show!Tune in to listen to Cinthya about:- the not very pleas

Oct 11, 2023 • 46:04

#22 Tips to keep your energy high as an expat (so you can thrive)

Expat life takes a lot of energy and just like with entrepreneurship, you also need to rely a lot on yourself. Whether it's about finding friends or mentally picking yourself up during a low, it's all down to you.That's why it's KEY to keep your energy in good shape. If you want to thrive in your expat life, you want to ensure your energy supply.In this episode I share about:- the different types of energy that I see- what I do when one of them is lacking- my non-negotia

Sep 25, 2023 • 46:43

#21 The power of a community & having a coach by your side

In this episode I share some (pretty personal!) examples of the power of community and of having a coach by your side that I saw in my life last week.Listen to this episode how I'm finding working with a coach on some deeply personal issues and on the business decision I took that just opened up SO much space.I'm realising that being so open also feels very vulnerable, but as always I hope that my experiences inspire you in some way. Enjoy this episode!

Sep 18, 2023 • 48:17

#20 Navigating life as latina in the Netherlands with Claudia Arroyo

Welcoming another guest today: Claudia Arroyo - or better known as latina in The Netherlands!Claudia is Peruvian and has lived in The Netherlands for 18 years, and is famous on Instagram for making funny, relatable videos about life in the Netherlands (this is also how I got to know her!).I invited her to This Expat Life because I wanted to hear more about how she looks at the difference between the Netherlands and Peru / Latin America. And I loved her answers. Listen to

Sep 11, 2023 • 49:41

#19 Become the CEO of your expat life

Become the CEO of your expat life, so you can thrive abroad!I want you to thrive & flourish in your expat life - not just survive. And you can do that by adopting a CEO approach to your life abroad: think, act & feel as a modern CEO. How that looks, I share all about it in this episode, as well as the 3 pillars of becoming that CEO of your expat life.If you want to learn more, download my FREE Guidebook to becoming the CEO of your expat life.

Sep 3, 2023 • 40:59

#18 On diplomacy & expat life with former ambassador Kees van Rij

Welcoming a guest of honour to This Expat Life today: retired ambassador Kees van Rij! Kees was a Dutch ambassador to Turkey, Spain, Greece and Brazil, and was also posted in Brussels, Peru and South Korea. I met Kees in Brazil, where we worked closely together on the topic of deforestation in the Amazon during the Bolsonaro administration - and this is when I learned a lot from him and his strong experience in diplomacy.In this extra long episode, Kees talks about what

Aug 24, 2023 • 1:13:09

BONUS: The cultural & personal dynamics of living abroad - Netherlands edition - with Coco Hofs

This is a recording of a LinkedIn stream Coco and I did on the personal & cultural dynamics of living abroad (and specifically: in The Netherlands).Listen to this bonus episode to hear more about:✅ the Dutch directness - and their positive intention behind it✅ how finding friends on the work floor is difficult in the Netherlands✅ how constantly having to rely on yourself as an expat can be really tiring✅ and of course our Success Beyond Borders event on 13 September in A

Aug 18, 2023 • 37:08

#17 Personal: a recap of 3 years back home (plus an exciting announcement!)

Returning home is definitely the hardest part of expat life - or at least that is what it was for me. Today, as this episode comes out, marks exactly 3 years that I returned home from Brazil 🇧🇷And with that questionable anniversary I'm looking back on 3 very eventful years in the Netherlands. Listen to this episode to hear how change upon change rocked my boat ever since my return. It's my most personal episode as of yet. And... I have an exciting announcement at the e

Aug 16, 2023 • 49:29

#16 Being a parttime expat in the Netherlands & Switzerland with Puck Landewé

Another fantastic guest on the show today! I'm speaking with Puck Landewé, founder of start-up Elfin and on a mission to making women financially independent. A mission I personally very strongly support and which we also talk about at the end of this episode.But I invited Puck for another reason: and that's because she splits her time between the Netherlands, her home country & where she runs her business, and Switzerland, the country of her fiancé & where she finds pea

Aug 10, 2023 • 36:08

#15 Space, mindfulness & conscious decisions with Esther Grootenboer in Norway

In this episode I speak with Esther Grootenboer, a Dutch psychiatrist who moved to Norway with her family. Esther shares what it's like to continue her career in Norway, how living in Norway has made her more relaxed, what conscious decisions she took to start her new life, and how mindfulness has helped her in her expat journey. I really enjoyed talking to Esther and I hope you'll enjoy this episode too!If you want to know more about Esther and her online courses, take

Aug 4, 2023 • 32:57

#14 Make expat life a smooth ride by knowing the 7 phases

Expat life isn't a stagnant line, just like normal human lives. I identified 7 typical phases that often occur, and knowing what they are about helps you to ride expat life like a smooth operator instead of a rollercoaster maniac. As always, I give practical tips as I go. Enjoy the ride!

Jul 26, 2023 • 34:45

#13 Building a jazz career in the US with Vivienne Aerts

For This Expat Life I spoke with someone who has a successful career in something I know very little about... jazz music!In this episode the Dutch, New York-based vocalist, conductor & composer Vivienne Aerts shares her story of how she built her music career in the US, plus some tips if you are dreaming of something similar.And that we would speak about chocolate from Congo, I never expected! Tune in to hear how she is linking this to her music and why it's so important

Jul 20, 2023 • 35:01

#12 Changing your mindset to Yes you can!

"No, you can't do that""No, that's not for you""No, you are too old / too young / not smart enough / not capable enough for that"Etc etc... How often do you have those thoughts when you think of something you desire or something outside your comfort zone? My guess: probably often, although you might not be aware of your thoughts.Most of us have these critical or negative thoughts. But a positive, empowering mindset is KEY if you want to take a big step or create the life

Jul 12, 2023 • 28:00

#11 A roadmap to building communities around the world with Marcel Wijermars

The one struggle that almost all expats talk about? Finding a new, fun & meaningful social circle that fits in with your life. Am I right?!But creating a community actually doesn't have to be that hard - yes, even in countries that are known for their closed culture! In this episode, global entrepreneur Marcel Wijermars shares how he has been creating communities in several countries and gives you his 3 steps so you can start your community too.We actually didn't make th

Jul 3, 2023 • 34:59

#10 What expats can learn from a long-distance hiker with Willem van Uijen

Well - a lot! In today's episode I speak with Willem van Uijen, a business friend of mine. Even though he's not an expat, I figured his 5-month(!) solo hiking trip through Europe would be an experience full of lessons useful for others too. And I wasn't disappointed during our interview!Listen to this episode to find out:- Why & how Willem took the decision to leave for 6 months- How he nearly traded chasing goals at home for chasing goals on the road - but then complete

Jun 27, 2023 • 43:05

#9 10 tips to stay sane & organised as a busy expat when travelling non-stop

This one is for you, chaotic, overwhelmed or busy expat who's travelling a lot!I've been in your shoes - when I lived in Brazil, I had trip after trip, which was a lot of fun but also generated quite some stress.In this episode I've collected 10 of my tips that have been working for me to stay sane, organised, happy & energised when you're constantly jetting off. Hope they work for you too!And want more tips? Sign up for my weekly-ish Air Mail!

Jun 13, 2023 • 31:06

#8 Staying positive while living abroad with Amandine P. Ruiz

In today's episode I talk with Amandine P. Ruiz, one of my coachees. Living in Belgium now, the French-Panamian Amandine is an example of staying positive and what an optimistic mindset can bring you. I've always loved her positive outlook on life so I invited her to This Expat Life, as I know it can sometimes be hard to maintain that positivity while building up a new life abroad.In this interview we talk about the importance of positivity, believing that the good will

May 30, 2023 • 29:35

#7 Nothing changes if nothing changes - How I took the leap from diplomacy to coaching

The one question I always get asked when I share my professional journey: "how did you make the leap from diplomacy to coaching?!". Well, in this episode I share everything about how I was able to quit my diplomacy career and choose to become an entrepreneur. With tips for you, as always!And could you use some guidance in taking the leap? Or in changing a situation you feel stuck in?Then get my new training The Expat's Path! In this 30-min video training & workbook you w

May 18, 2023 • 31:02

#6 My experience as a diplomat

Did you know I worked at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs for nearly 7 years?In this episode I share my personal experience of being a diplomat and what I like & didn't like about the job. It's hard to do it justice in just one episode and I'm talking about a few things (both positive and negative!) that stood out for me, plus my story of how I became a diplomat.I'm very curious what you think of this episode, especially if you are or were a diplomat as well. Make s

Apr 17, 2023 • 41:32

#5 Tumi Sineke on intentionally designing her life in Norway as a South African expat

Tumi Sineke is a South African entrepreneur currently residing in Oslo, Norway. I loved talking to her about how she intentionally designed her new life, struggled with the challenges of being an expat of colour and what she does to make expat life easier for herself. In this episode Tumi shares many tips that even serial entrepreneurs can learn from.Find more from Tumi on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.Liked this episode? Please leave a review or rating! This will help u

Mar 21, 2023 • 44:09

#4 Coco Hofs on how knowing how you perceive different cultures can save you so much time & frustration

"I wish I had known this when I lived in Brazil!" was my thought after interviewing Coco Hofs. Coco explains so clearly that your personal preferences and cultural roots determine how you perceive another culture - and that two different cultures can look at a third culture in a completely different way, as they each value different things. Understanding your own preferences and those of the culture you're living in or working with, will therefore save you a LOT of time

Mar 2, 2023 • 53:57

#3 7-figure entrepreneur Celine Charlotte on how she found her home in Sedona, entering new business markets and what she did to strengthen her belief in herself

In this episode I speak with online entrepreneur - and my personal example - Celine Charlotte. Celine has been a huge inspiration for me not only when I started my business, but also when I made the leap from diplomacy to entrepreneurship and started living life on my terms. And this is what I love about Celine and her courses: she shares life & business lessons just as easily and offers a strong combination of mindset shifts and practical tips, helping you to really mak

Mar 2, 2023 • 28:23

#2 The 10 things I'd do if I were to start over again as an expat

With my 7+ years of experience living abroad and my knowledge as an expat coach… What would I do now if I were to start over again as an expat in a new country? In this episode I share the 10 things I’d focus on when building a new life abroad.Want more of this? In Expat Life School we look at those 10 things and MUCH more so you can create your best life abroad, aligning it with your needs & dreams.People are talkin’....“Expat Life School offers something for everyone”“

Feb 13, 2023 • 28:50

#1 Finding friends & building a community abroad

Kicking off the start of This Expat Life with one crucial aspect of a thriving life abroad: finding friends and building a new social circle! In this episode I’ll tell you how easy and not so easy finding friends has been for me in my 7+ years abroad and back home again. I’ll share the 3 key principles I’ve used to connect with new people and to build a strong community, and you’ll also get some practical tips on how & where to meet new friends.Want my cheatsheet with ad

Feb 13, 2023 • 34:16

Trailer

For all expats & globetrotters across the world, This Expat Life is your place to find real understanding and grow from the inside out.First episodes coming live on Friday 10 February - stay tuned!

Jan 31, 2023 • 1:21