How to Navigate the Expatriation Transition
Photo by Ryoji Iwata on Unsplash
As May unfolds, many of us find ourselves in the transitions of the season. Whether welcoming spring in the northern hemisphere or embracing autumn in the southern hemisphere, I hope you are using the opportunity of seasonal change to explore changes within. We also honor Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month in May and I invite us all to take this as an occasion to further celebrate our diversity and prioritize self-care, especially in finding a work/life balance that best suits you.
As I continue to explore the complexities of multiculturalism and cultural paradigms, I am excited to share with you this month insights gleaned from a recent conversation I had with fellow international women business leaders about how to navigate the expatriation transition. We were graciously joined by a guest speaker, Patty Lian, VP International Strategy and Global Chinese Consumer Business at The Estée Lauder Companies, who shared more about her current experience bridging a personal and professional life between the US and Asia. Born and raised in Shanghai, Patty shared her remarkable journey of balancing her personal and professional life between the US and Asia.
As background, Patty faced a pivotal career opportunity in 2022 when her company’s HR presented her with a global role based in NYC. Despite family complexities, including her husband's startup in China and their daughters' education in Shanghai, Patty accepted the role, as she envisioned the advantages of giving her children a blend of Chinese and American educational experiences. Over the past two years, she's managed a demanding schedule, shuttling between New York City and Asia with nine international trips in 15 months. With over two decades of experience in international companies in Asia, Patty's career epitomizes her commitment to embracing diverse cultures and locations.
Patty and our group participants touched upon the intricate process of transitioning across international borders, navigating career shifts, relocations, and the myriad challenges and triumphs that accompany such endeavors. We also delved into the nuances of expatriation, exploring the typical timeline of events and milestones involved in relocating to and living in a foreign country.
During the conversation, Patty emphasized the importance of forging a robust support network during expatriation transitions. She also encouraged individuals not to underestimate their influence and power, highlighting the potential for impact even in challenging situations. She powerfully reminded us all of the agency we possess in shaping our professional trajectories. As the discussion flowed, other participants noted the significance of prioritizing self-care amidst the rigors of frequent travel and cultural adaptation, while others shared that it was vital to stay true to one's values amidst change, advocating for decisions aligned with personal beliefs. Patty echoed both these sentiments, emphasizing the need for self-care to navigate the demands of global leadership effectively as well as the importance of maintaining authenticity in the face of transition.
During our discussion, we also delved into the crucial topic of addressing unacceptable behavior. Anna and several others openly shared their personal experiences, underscoring the significance of handling such situations with firmness and diplomacy. They emphasized the necessity of setting explicit standards and boundaries, not only in professional contexts but also within personal relationships, highlighting the importance of mutual respect and communication.
Many of our participants shared that along with the challenges of navigating life in a new country, especially with regards to personal and family needs such as education and family support, there is also a good amount of growth that comes with such transitions and great value in developing cultural agility and long-term perspective in leadership roles. One participant noted the importance of balancing cultural influences and personal identity, while emphasizing how one can integrate the best aspects of different cultures. Another shared her experience of adapting to multiple relocations, emphasizing the importance of embracing positive experiences and adapting flexibly to new environments.
As I spoke with participants, I offered the idea of co-creating agreements in fostering collaboration and understanding among team members. This collaborative approach lays the foundation for successful navigation of diverse cultural landscapes. Similarly, I also shared the concept of flexing leadership styles to accommodate diverse cultural preferences. In my work with clients, I have seen adaptability as a key attribute for successful global leadership.
Overall, participants offered valuable insights into the complexities of cultural adaptation, personal growth, and professional development in diverse environments. They emphasized the importance of authenticity, self-care, and effective communication in navigating cultural differences and building successful relationships.
As we reflect on these diverse insights and experiences, we must remain cognizant of the transformative power inherent in the expatriation journey. Each transition presents an opportunity for growth, resilience, and cross-cultural exchange. By embracing these challenges with courage and adaptability, we pave the way for meaningful personal and professional development.
I want to thank Patty Lian and all the participants for their invaluable contributions to this enriching conversation. May we continue to support and uplift one another on our collective journey towards global leadership and empowerment.
Now I’d like to hear from you. What experiences have you had with transitioning between countries and cultures? What challenges arose? Did you experience moments of growth? Drop me a line and share more as I’d love to hear from you.
To Your Success,
Coaching Practices
Take Action and Put it into Practice
Reflect on a time when you faced a significant transition, such as moving to a new country or adapting to a new culture.
What were the main challenges you encountered during this transition, and how did you navigate them?
Who provided support for you during challenging transitions and how did they help you navigate those experiences?
How did you stay true to yourself amidst change? What strategies did you use to maintain authenticity in those situations?
What did you learn from your experience? How has it influenced your approach to future transitions?