International assignments in business require careful preparation, adaptability, and a focus on making a positive impact rather than just “making your mark”.

Success in foreign assignments often comes from reinforcing and amplifying existing strengths within an organisation, rather than attempting to overhaul everything.

Kevin Asher is a leader, strategist, and innovator in healthcare. He’s worked primarily in the pharmaceutical industry, including medical communications, data generation, and patient group support. He’s a self-described problem-solver, and he joins Dan and Pia to discuss his recent assignment in Italy.

Three reasons to listen

• To learn how to successfully navigate international assignments and make a positive impact
• To understand the importance of effective communication and bridging gaps between global and local teams
• For new approaches to add value quickly in new, challenging situations – even when facing language barriers or unfamiliar systems

Episode highlights

• [00:09:10] Preparing to go on an assignment
• [00:12:34] Making your mark
• [00:14:36] Improving communication in a restructured team
• [00:21:21] What Kevin would do differently
• [00:23:07] Finding the right time to make a big decision
• [00:25:15] Re-entry
• [00:28:53] Kevin's advice for starting a new assignment
• [00:30:44] Kevin's media recommendation
• [00:33:29] Takeaways from Pia and Dan

Links

• Connect with Kevin via LinkedIn
• Why Motivating People Doesn't Work--and What Does, by Susan Fowler
• Track and improve your team performance with Squadify
• Leave us a voice note