October 21, 2024

E063 - Cultural Insights from an Expat Entrepreneur

53 minutes

Summary

In this conversation, Vanessa shares her journey as an expat, detailing her experiences living in various countries including Greece, Amsterdam, and France. She discusses the challenges and joys of adapting to new cultures, the importance of community, and her entrepreneurial venture in the wedding industry. Vanessa reflects on her growth and the lessons learned throughout her travels, emphasizing the value of stepping out of one's comfort zone. In this conversation, James Doran shares his journey of establishing a wedding planning business in France and transitioning to the UK market. He discusses the challenges of navigating business regulations in a foreign country, the importance of community while living abroad, and the personal growth that comes from travel. Doran also reflects on his experiences with loneliness, the value of trusting one's instincts, and offers advice for those looking to pursue a career in hospitality. Additionally, he highlights his charity work in India, focusing on helping women and children in need.

Takeaways:

Vanessa left the UK at 18 and has been an expat for 15 years.

Her first major travel experience was a gap year in Southeast Asia.

She lived in Greece for five years, integrating into the local expat community.

Language barriers posed challenges in Amsterdam, impacting her work opportunities.

Vanessa spent ten years in the French Alps, building a home and community.

She started a destination wedding company during the pandemic, which gained significant recognition.

The expat community can be both welcoming and exclusive, depending on the individuals.

Cultural experiences vary greatly between countries, influencing personal growth.

Vanessa emphasizes the importance of being proactive in learning the local language.

Her journey reflects the unpredictability and excitement of a nomadic lifestyle. Starting a business in a foreign country can be incredibly challenging.

Transitioning to a familiar market can alleviate stress and improve operations.

Building a community is essential for mental health while living abroad.

Trusting your instincts is crucial for personal and professional growth.

Traveling can lead to unexpected experiences and opportunities.

Networking and making connections can enhance your travel experience.

It's important to prioritize mental health while living a nomadic lifestyle.

Charity work can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

You don't need a university degree to succeed in hospitality.

Experiences and travel can be more valuable than formal education.

Find out more about mountain wedding's here: https://www.mountainweddings.co.uk/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Vanessa's Journey

12:31 The Expat Experience: Moving Abroad

13:12 Life in Greece: The Honeymoon Phase

19:26 Challenges in Amsterdam and Malta

21:37 Finding Home in France

29:11 Starting a Wedding Business in the Alps

29:36 Navigating Business Challenges in France

33:25 The Transition to the UK: A New Beginning

34:52 Finding Community and Combatting Loneliness Abroad

41:11 Reflections on Life Choices and Personal Growth

44:00 Advice for Aspiring Hospitality Professionals

47:23 The Impact of Charity Work and Future Aspirations

Connect with Us:

Website: https://www.tallmantravels.co.uk/the-expat-pod

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By James Doran

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