Global People Mobility Podcast

By People Mobility AllianceSociety & Culture Business Technology Management

Global People Mobility Podcast episodes

June 26, 2025Ep.52: Promoting Inclusion in Global Mobility with Janaina Chezanoski and Stefan Remhof
**Summary: **
In this episode of the Global People Mobility Podcast, host Stefan Remhof is joined by Janaina Zezanowski, a seasoned global mobility leader and DEI advocate. Together, they explore the essential role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in international mobility programs — from overcoming systemic barriers to redefining family support structures. Janaina shares practical strategies for creating inclusive policies, promoting cultural competence, and identifying underrepresented talent, making a compelling case for why DEI must be embedded into every stage of the mobility journey.
**Key takeaways: **
DEI is not a "nice-to-have" — it's a driver of innovation and engagement in global mobility.
Cultural competence is critical for professionals working across borders.
Inclusive communication builds trust and a sense of belonging.
Mobility policies should recognise and support diverse family structures.
Inclusion training must start at the top and be culturally sensitive.
Equity involves personalised support that meets people where they are.
Mentorship and sponsorship open doors for underrepresented talent.
Flexible work options can break down access barriers to international assignments.
Recognising individual achievements helps sustain DEI momentum.
Investing early in diverse talent pipelines ensures long-term impact.
About the speakers:
Stefan Remhof is Managing Partner of the People Mobility Alliance and Professor of International Management at IU International University. He possesses extensive expertise in global mobility, expat management, and international assignments.
Janaina Chezanoski is a global mobility expert with over 15 years of experience and a strong focus on DEI. She leads the Consulting practice at GLOMO and serves on the Executive Committees of WERC, Brazil Talks, and ParadiGM.
About People Mobility Alliance:
The People Mobility Alliance (PMA) was founded to empower organisations to navigate the complexities of global mobility and enhance their international collaboration. Our goal is to transform businesses by integrating global mindsets and innovative technologies, ensuring they thrive in an interconnected world.
17 min
June 12, 2025Ep.51: The Gönnfaktor and Why it is the Key to a Global Mindset with Johanna Lehmann and Daniel Zinner
Summary:
What if generosity was a business superpower?
In this episode of the PMA Podcast, Daniel Zinner is joined by New Work consultant and business trainer Johanna Lehmann for a bold conversation about the Gönnfaktor—a mindset rooted in positivity, generosity, and proactive collaboration.
Together, they explore how this often-overlooked attitude supports international cooperation, fuels transformation, and helps organisations navigate complexity and change. You’ll hear how storytelling, self-reflection, and ambiguity tolerance are more than buzzwords—they’re essential tools for building trust across cultures and borders.
This is a must-listen for global mobility professionals, team leads, and consultants seeking practical insight into how a people-first approach can drive better business outcomes.
Key takeaways:
The Gönnfaktor is more than a nice-to-have—it’s a mindset that encourages generosity, curiosity, and trust in global teams.
Storytelling can accelerate cultural transformation and foster deeper collaboration.
We’re stronger when we work together: partnerships enable win-win-win scenarios in complex ecosystems.
Political and societal shifts demand a new kind of leadership—one that’s proactive and ambiguity-tolerant.
In disruptive times, mindset matters. There’s opportunity in uncertainty, if we’re willing to see it.
A global mindset empowers teams to focus on what they can influence and embrace the diversity of thought needed for innovation.
Speakers:
Johanna Lehmann is a New Work consultant, leadership trainer, and founder of GROW YOUR SKILLS. She supports teams and organisations through transformation with a focus on collaboration, clarity, and culture. With a background in retail leadership and learning strategy, she brings over 15 years of experience in developing people and organisations.
Daniel Zinner is an international HR expert, entrepreneur, and communications consultant. His expertise lies in HR, strategy, digitalisation, and transformation strategy.
About People Mobility Alliance:
The People Mobility Alliance (PMA) was founded to empower organisations to navigate the complexities of global mobility and enhance their international collaboration. Our goal is to transform businesses by integrating global mindsets and innovative technologies, ensuring they thrive in an interconnected world.
28 min
May 29, 2025Ep.50: May the Well-being Force Be with You with Bassanti Pathak and Mira Pathak
Summary:
In this deeply personal and insightful episode of our Global People Mobility Podcast, host Mira Pathak sits down with her sister and co-founder of NeuroVeda, Bassanti Pathak, to explore the evolving intersection of neuroscience, yoga, and global corporate wellbeing.
Together, they unpack the crucial role of mental health in the workplace, how stress can be used for growth when followed by recovery, and why resilience is more than just pushing through.
Drawing from decades of experience and a unique blend of ancient yogic philosophy and modern neuroscience, Bassanti shares practical, research-backed techniques for stress management, mindfulness, and resilience—especially relevant for professionals navigating the challenges of global mobility.
Whether you're leading a team, managing a move across borders, or simply striving for better balance, this conversation offers an empathetic, science-based roadmap for transforming workplace wellbeing.
Key Takeaways:
Mental and physical health are deeply interconnected—you can’t address one without the other.
Yoga is a tool for resilience, not just relaxation, especially when combined with neuroscience.
Wellbeing drives performance: Healthy teams are more productive, creative, and connected.
Tailored wellness programs meet diverse needs and cultural contexts, especially in global companies.
Stress isn’t always the enemy. If managed well, it can fuel growth and strength.
Recovery is essential: Rest, breathing techniques, and affirmations are more than just trends—they’re brain science.
Global mobility adds complexity to wellbeing—culture shapes how we experience stress and resilience.
Discomfort is a teacher: Building resilience means leaning into challenge, not away from it.
Speakers:
Bassanti Pathak is an Indian-German yoga teacher and co-founder of NeuroVeda, where she combines ancient yogic wisdom with modern neuroscience. With decades of experience, she creates tailored wellbeing programs that help individuals and teams manage stress, build resilience, and thrive—mind, body, and spirit.
Mira Pathak is a co-founder of the People Mobility Alliance. She is an experienced global mobility and international HR professional with more than 15 years of experience.
About People Mobility Alliance:
The People Mobility Alliance (PMA) was founded to empower organisations to navigate the complexities of global mobility and enhance their international collaboration. Our goal is to transform businesses by integrating global mindsets and innovative technologies, ensuring they thrive in an interconnected world.
32 min
May 15, 2025Ep.49: Relocation & Immigration - False friends? with Michali Henig and Daniel Zinner
Summary:
In this episode of the Global People Mobility podcast, host Daniel Zinner speaks with Michali Hennig about the ever-changing world of global mobility. Michali shares her journey from founding a relocation agency to leading global mobility initiatives at HelloFresh. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities within Germany’s immigration system, the role of cultural background in relocation experiences, and why a customer-centric and technology-driven approach is key to success. The conversation also highlights the need for stronger stakeholder collaboration and the growing strategic importance of global mobility within organisations.
Key takeaways:
Global mobility is a dynamic and evolving field.
Cultural background heavily influences relocation experiences.
Germany presents both unique opportunities and challenges for immigrants and expats.
Shifting from entrepreneurship to corporate mobility roles can open new possibilities.
Legal boundaries often complicate relocation and immigration processes.
A customer-centric approach improves the relocation journey.
Technology is critical for streamlining global mobility operations.
Global mobility should be recognised as a strategic pillar within HR.
Collaboration and transparency among all stakeholders are essential for success.
Speakers:
Michali Henig is Head of Global Mobility and Travel at HelloFresh, where she helps shape global mobility as a strategic business partner. She is passionate about supporting employees through life-changing transitions and mentoring the next generation of global mobility professionals. Michali is also recognised as a LinkedIn Top Voice for her work empowering expats and minorities.
Daniel Zinner is an international HR expert, entrepreneur, and communications consultant. His expertise lies in HR, strategy, digitalisation, and transformation strategy.
About People Mobility Alliance:
The People Mobility Alliance (PMA) was founded to empower organisations to navigate the complexities of global mobility and enhance their international collaboration. Our goal is to transform businesses by integrating global mindsets and innovative technologies, ensuring they thrive in an interconnected world.
29 min
May 02, 2025Ep.48: Deutsche Verwaltung und Fachkräftegewinnung - Kann das funktionieren? mit Florian Zejewski und Daniel Zinner
Summary:
In this episode of the Global People Mobility Podcast, Daniel Zinner and Florian Zejewski discuss the challenges and opportunities within the German public administration system, particularly regarding talent acquisition. Florian, who calls himself a "Verwaltungspunk" (administrative punk), shares his insights from working inside public administration and stresses the urgent need for innovation and change. The conversation covers bureaucracy, digitalisation, how stand-up comedy can act as a release for frustration, and the complexity of institutions involved in talent acquisition. They also discuss the political will (or lack thereof) for reform, the need for better cooperation between politics and business, and how Germany could learn from Singapore’s effective policy-making. The episode highlights how a paradigm shift is needed to address the growing challenges in securing skilled talent.
Key takeaways:
Florian Zejewski brings a rebellious, fresh mindset to German public administration.
Talent acquisition is made more difficult by the complexity and bureaucracy of institutions.
Political willpower and better collaboration between politics and business are crucial for real change.
Optimising administrative processes alone isn't enough; the political process also needs reform.
Germany could learn valuable lessons from Singapore about effective, citizen-focused policy-making.
Speakers:
Florian Zejewski, known as the "Verwaltungspunk," is an unconventional thinker with professional experience in public administration. With chaos in his heart and administration in his mind, he builds bridges where others see walls. He’s a graduate of three degree programs and a unique networker, dedicated to helping you break free from conventional constraints.
Daniel Zinner is an international HR expert, entrepreneur, and communications consultant. His expertise lies in HR, strategy, digitalisation, and transformation strategy.
About People Mobility Alliance:
The People Mobility Alliance (PMA) was founded to empower organisations to navigate the complexities of global mobility and enhance their international collaboration. Our goal is to transform businesses by integrating global mindsets and innovative technologies, ensuring they thrive in an interconnected world.
40 min
April 17, 2025Ep.47: The Role of Global Mobility as a Strategic Player with Patricia Tavares and Stefan Remhof
Summary:
In this episode of Global People Mobility podcast, host Stefan Remhof is joined by Patrizia Tavares for an insightful conversation on the transformation of global mobility within organisations. Together, they explore how the function has evolved from an administrative process into a strategic driver aligned with wider business goals. Patrizia highlights the importance of aligning with executive leadership, using data to showcase ROI, and maintaining a human-centric approach. From the impact of the pandemic to the critical role of empathy and relationship-building, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for global mobility professionals aiming to make a bigger impact.
Key Takeaways:
Global mobility must be included in strategic business conversations.
Understanding company strategy is essential for delivering value.
The pandemic helped raise the visibility and importance of global mobility.
Data-driven insights can demonstrate ROI and influence decision-making.
Empathy and the human touch remain central to successful global mobility.
Effective global mobility can reduce repatriation issues and talent loss.
Building cross-departmental relationships boosts impact and integration.
ROI includes both cost efficiencies and talent development outcomes.
Global mobility professionals should actively promote their role and value.
Strategic integration requires both metrics and mindset shifts.
Speakers:
Stefan Remhof is Managing Partner of the People Mobility Alliance and Professor of International Management at IU International University. He possesses extensive expertise in global mobility, expat management, and international assignments.
Patrícia Tavares is the Director of K2 Corporate Mobility in Brazil and LATAM, with over 30 years of HR experience and a strong focus on global mobility. She co-founded Brazil Talks and Latam Talks, platforms dedicated to HR and mobility education across the region. A frequent international speaker, she’s also passionate about women’s empowerment and mentors emerging leaders through IVG.
About People Mobility Alliance:
The People Mobility Alliance (PMA) was founded to empower organisations to navigate the complexities of global mobility and enhance their international collaboration. Our goal is to transform businesses by integrating global mindsets and innovative technologies, ensuring they thrive in an interconnected world.
23 min
April 03, 2025Ep.46: Lost in Translation with Sapana Gupta and Daniel Zinner
Summary:
How do cultural differences shape the way we communicate? In this episode of the Global People Mobility Podcast, Daniel Zinner and Sapna Gupta dive into the challenges and opportunities of intercultural communication, particularly between Germany and the USA.
Sapna, a language coach specializing in intercultural communication, shares her personal journey from the US to Germany, reflecting on the cultural contrasts she has experienced. The discussion covers key topics such as language barriers, Germany’s welcome culture, and different feedback styles in leadership.
Beyond Germany and the US, they also explore communication between Germany and India, highlighting how cultural misunderstandings can arise in professional settings—and how technology can help bridge these gaps.
Key Takeaways:
Language shapes relationships – Mastering a language is more than vocabulary; it’s about understanding cultural nuances.
Germany’s welcome culture has room for improvement – Navigating bureaucracy and social integration can be challenging for newcomers.
Feedback styles vary widely – In Germany, direct feedback is valued, while in other cultures, such as India, feedback is often more indirect and relationship-focused.
Leaders set the tone – Managers must be aware of how their communication style impacts intercultural teams.
Small talk matters – While often overlooked in Germany, it plays a crucial role in building professional relationships in other cultures.
Technology can bridge the gap – Digital tools are reshaping how we navigate intercultural interactions.
Speakers:
Daniel Zinner is an international HR expert, entrepreneur, and communications consultant. His expertise lies in HR, strategy, digitalisation, and transformation strategy.
Sapna Gupta is a US-born language coach with Indian roots who has lived in Germany for nearly a decade. She helps businesses and individuals use English to bridge cultural gaps, navigate communication barriers, and build stronger cross-cultural connections.
About People Mobility Alliance:
The People Mobility Alliance (PMA) was founded to empower organisations to navigate the complexities of global mobility and enhance their international collaboration. Our goal is to transform businesses by integrating global mindsets and innovative technologies, ensuring they thrive in an interconnected world.
32 min
March 20, 2025Ep.45: How Leadership can Build Trust and Enhance Performance in Global Virtual Teams with Lili Jassemi & Stefan Remhof
Summary:
In this episode of the Global People Mobility Podcast, host Stefan Remhof sits down with Dr. Lily Jassemi to explore the complexities of managing global virtual teams. They discuss how trust, communication, and conscious leadership shape team performance, the challenges of navigating cultural diversity, and the role of AI in fostering collaboration. Dr. Jassemi shares insights from her research and offers practical strategies for HR professionals and leaders looking to build high-performing, globally distributed teams.
Key Takeaways:
Trust is the foundation of high-performing teams.
Cultural diversity fuels innovation but also presents communication challenges.
Conscious leadership aligns team values and strengthens collaboration.
AI-powered tools can enhance communication and productivity.
HR plays a crucial role in developing trust-based, inclusive teams.
Speakers:
Stefan Remhof is Managing Partner of the People Mobility Alliance and Professor of International Management at IU International University. He possesses extensive expertise in global mobility, expat management, and international assignments.
Dr. Lili Jassemi is a specialist in hybrid intelligence, combining human collective intelligence with AI to drive effective learning, decision-making, and collaboration. As the founder of the Avantgardist Institut and a partner at Planetir, she develops innovative training programs and learning technologies to equip leaders with the essential skills for the future of work.
About People Mobility Alliance:
The People Mobility Alliance (PMA) was founded to empower organisations to navigate the complexities of global mobility and enhance their international collaboration. Our goal is to transform businesses by integrating global mindsets and innovative technologies, ensuring they thrive in an interconnected world.
15 min
March 06, 2025Ep.44: Attention on Retention of Global Talent with Kathy Borys Siddiqui and Stefan Remhof
Summary
In this episode of the Global People Mobility Insights podcast, host Stefan Remhof interviews Kathy Borys Siddiqui, founder of Active Action. They delve into the complexities of global talent retention, discussing the essential characteristics of global talent and the critical role of intercultural awareness and communication. The conversation also highlights the often-overlooked importance of spouses and partners in successful relocations, as well as the influence of a global mindset and global leadership on international assignments. The episode emphasises the necessity for companies to prioritise retention strategies that engage the entire family when hiring international talent.
Key Takeaways
Global Talent: Refers to skilled individuals that organisations seek to hire.
Retention Challenges: Common issues include a lack of belonging, language barriers, and limited career development opportunities.
Spouses and Partners: Their satisfaction is crucial for the success of international assignments, yet they are often an untapped resource.
Global Mindset and Leadership: These factors significantly impact international assignments, necessitating continuous improvement in these areas.
Shifting Focus: The global mobility landscape is increasingly emphasising retention and the inclusion of spouses and partners in talent management strategies.
Speakers:
Stefan Remhof is Managing Partner of the People Mobility Alliance and Professor of International Management at IU International University. He possesses extensive expertise in global mobility, expat management, and international assignments.
Kathy Borys Siddiqui is an Intercultural Trainer and founder of Active Action, Kathy combines her passion for intercultural communication with her professional expertise. She specializes in attracting and retaining highly skilled internationals, focusing on cultural transition, emotional resilience, and well-being. Her work aims to create a thriving environment for internationals and their families.
About People Mobility Alliance:
The People Mobility Alliance (PMA) was founded to empower organisations to navigate the complexities of global mobility and enhance their international collaboration. Our goal is to transform businesses by integrating global mindsets and innovative technologies, ensuring they thrive in an interconnected world.
18 min
February 20, 2025Ep.43: Borderless Work: Trends and Tools in Global Mobility with Patrick Koch and Stefan Remhof
Summary:
In this episode of the Global People Mobility Podcast, hosts Stefan Remhof and Patrick Koch delve into the rapidly evolving landscape of global mobility. They discuss the impact of the pandemic, the rise of workations, and the increasing importance of compliance in a world where flexible work arrangements are becoming the norm.
Patrick highlights the complexities of compliance and how companies must adapt to new regulations while still attracting top talent. The conversation explores the role of technology and automation in simplifying compliance processes and enhancing employee satisfaction. Finally, Stefan and Patrick share insights into the future of work, weighing the benefits of hybrid models against the push for a return to the office.
Please note: this episode is in German.
Key Takeaways
Global mobility is more dynamic than ever.
Flexibility in work arrangements is crucial for talent attraction.
Compliance challenges are becoming increasingly complex.
Automation can help reduce compliance costs.
Workations are now a standard benefit for employees.
Employee satisfaction plays a key role in retention.
Companies must navigate new compliance guidelines effectively.
Technology is essential for managing global mobility.
The future of work will likely involve hybrid models.
Balancing return-to-office policies with flexibility is essential.
Authors:
Stefan Remhof is Managing Partner of the People Mobility Alliance and Professor of International Management at IU International University. He has profound expertise in the fields of global mobility, expat management and international assignments.
Patrick Koch is the Founder and CEO of WorkFlex, a compliance software company that automates risk management for business travel, assignments, and workations. With a background in consulting and two prior software ventures, he specialises in digitising and automating global mobility processes.
24 min

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The "Global People Mobility" podcast focuses on People Mobility and Global Leadership. In discussions with thought leaders in the field, we address key topics and trends in global mobility and HR,…

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