Our guest is Tom Miskin, Partnerships Director at Oslo & Co. He has spent 17 years living in Norway, and his professional career here has navigated teaching, diplomatic work, and now, fostering Oslo’s global reputation, working at Oslo & Co (formerly Oslo Business Region).

Hear his take on why Norway’s generosity, combined with a smart integration approach, makes it a standout destination for global careers and of course as a place to live!

Breaking Barriers in Global Hiring!

In this episode, we speak with Nikol Mard, originally from the Czech Republic, moving to Norway in 2013.

Nikol is the HR Lead for Leadership Development at BW Offshore.

From leveraging networks to creating inclusive environments, her insights are a must-hear for anyone in HR or leadership, on how to navigate the unique challenges of hiring international talent in Norway.

Cynthia Myrnes – CEO, Relocation AS

From Singapore to Stavanger: From working in a cafe & building an expat community to becoming CEO of Relocation AS.

In 2008 Cynthia started the Stavanger Expats blog out of necessity. She and a handful of other international women simply needed the information to exist. Today that Facebook community has 25,000 members; and it was this that caught the Relocation AS - they bought it in 2012 & the rest is history.

From Romania to Portugal: Nicoleta Grigorov's Journey

Mastering Cultural Adaptation

In this episode, our guest is Nicoleta from Romania who shares her journey of moving to Portugal, and shares practical tips for professionals working abroad in global teams.

Key Topics:

Cultural adaptation and integration

Administrative challenges in relocation

Impact of work culture differences

Language learning and communication

Building a sense of belonging abroad

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nicoleta's Expat Journey

01:38 Moving from Romania to Portugal: The Why and How

03:20 The Role of Organization in Relocation Success

06:10 Differences in Work Culture: Romania vs Portugal

08:53 Administrative Challenges and Bureaucracy

11:28 Learning Portuguese and Language Barriers

15:01 Feeling Included and Building Connections

17:44 Cultural Traditions and Local Customs

20:15 Advice for New Expats and International Teams

26:47 The Meaning of Belonging Abroad

31:47 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Links

Nicoleta Grigorov - https://linkedin.com/in/nicoletagrigorov

Bianca Cenan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bianca-cenan/

Julian Johns - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianjohns/

Candidate Aid - https://candidateaid.com

Culture Flow - https://cultureflow.com

The Expat Equation - https://theexpatequation.com/

Navigating Life Abroad: Susana Meza's Journey

From Peru to Norway: A Story of Resilience

Welcome to Series 2, Episode 1.

In this episode of the Expat Equation Podcast we meet Susana Meza, CEO of Charge, who shares her journey from Peru to Norway.

Susana discusses her experiences in the corporate world, her transition to social entrepreneurship, and the challenges she faced as an immigrant. The conversation explores themes of personal growth, cultural adaptation, and the importance of community and belonging in navigating life abroad.

Takeaways

• Susana's journey reflects the challenges and opportunities of moving abroad.
• Social entrepreneurship became a defining passion for Susana during her studies.
• Starting from scratch can be a valuable mindset for immigrants.
• Community support plays a vital role in the immigrant experience.
• Belonging is about connection to people and places, both old and new.

Bianca and Julian discuss the key insights and themes from Season One of The Expat Equation podcast.

They explore the challenges faced by individuals moving abroad, the importance of a growth mindset, the impact of cultural nuances in the workplace, and the biases present in hiring practices.

The conversation emphasizes the need for companies to recognize the strategic benefits of hiring international talent and concludes with a celebration of the unique superpowers of their guests!

And we announce that Season 2 is coming!

In this episode of The Expat Equation, we sit down with Kim Hale.

Kim is CEO of Splash, and she reflects on her experiences living and working across the UK, New Zealand, Canada, and Norway.

Offering honest insights into navigating cultural differences, job searching in a new country, and adapting to different ways of working.

Throughout the conversation, Kim highlights the importance of community, inclusion, and cultural understanding in creating a sense of belonging.

Takeaways: - Navigating global careers requires understanding cultural differences. - Building a strong community is essential for expatriates. - Job searching in a new country can be challenging, but deeply rewarding. - Cultural shocks often lead to personal growth and self-awareness. - Inclusion in the workplace is crucial for international talent to thrive. - Networking and volunteering can open unexpected doors in new job markets. - Language skills can influence job opportunities, but are not always essential. - Embracing diversity enriches both personal and professional experiences. - Support from peers plays a key role in adapting to a new culture. - International professionals bring valuable perspectives to organizations.

In this episode of the Expat Equation, we speak with Vidhi Kumar.

Vidhi is a co-founder and Chief Growth Officer of Cardboard.

She shares her journey of moving from India to Norway, the challenges she experienced job searching in a new country, the importance of having the right mindset, getting hobbies and the significance of bringing up her children here, in Norway.

We also talk about learning 7 languages (!) and speak 4, the power of books, bookshops & libraries and her love of adverts! The startup ecosystem in Norway, what needs to be done to drive innovation and the importance of international community in that goal.

This is an extended edit as this conversations touched upon so many areas!

Takeaways:

- Vidhi's journey highlights the importance of cultural adaptation when moving abroad.

- The job search process can be challenging, especially in a new country.

- Work-life balance is a significant aspect of Norwegian culture.

- Language learning is crucial for integration and understanding local culture.

- Resilience is key when facing challenges in a new environment.

- Community support plays a vital role in the expat experience.

- Diversity in hiring practices can enhance workplace culture.

- The startup ecosystem in Norway is vibrant and full of opportunities.

- Understanding local customs and traditions can ease the transition.

- Having a clear mindset about challenges can lead to a more positive experience.

In Episode 4 of The Expat Equation, we delve into the inspiring journey of Luciana Alegre.

Luciana is a Senior Product Designer at Handelsbanken in Oslo, Norway - who shares her experiences of moving from Portugal to Norway and the lessons learned along the way.

Luciana's story is a testament to her resilience and drive  to make it work in a new country. Her experiences underscore the importance of cultural awareness, networking, and the willingness to embrace change.

Key Topics 

1. Early Beginnings and Cultural Shifts

2. Overcoming Job Search Challenges

3. Defining Moments and Personal Growth

4. Embracing a New Work Culture

5. Language and Community Integration 

Key Takeaways:  

- Cultural differences in daily routines can have a significant impact on the adjustment process.  

- Persistence, cover letters, pre-approved references and effective networking are crucial during job searches in a new country.  

- Personal milestones, such as parenthood, can deepen one’s connection to a new culture.  

- Open communication in the workplace fosters a positive work environment and aids in adaptation.  Embrace it.

- Language learning is an important step to take, even if you arent pushed to learn - to improve engagement and involvement in a new country.

Today we meet Allyson Barr, Chief Marketing Officer with global experience across the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

As our first international guest joining from the US, this conversation marks an exciting step for our podcast, connecting voices and experiences from across the Atlantic.

Together, we explore the importance of approaching new environments with humility and curiosity.

Allyson shares her reflections on navigating diverse cultural contexts and the lessons she’s learned about recognizing her outsider perspective and using it as a source of insight rather than limitation.

Takeaways:

• The importance of humility when entering new environments.
• Curiosity drives better understanding of social dynamics.
• Recognizing oneself as an outsider can foster better integration.
• Asking thoughtful questions is key to understanding others.
• Not assuming prior knowledge about a new environment is crucial.
• Lunch rituals can reveal unique cultural dynamics.
• Integration requires patience and observation.
• Being an outsider offers a fresh perspective.
• Understanding relationships takes time and effort.
• Curiosity can lead to deeper connections.