EXPAT COACHING

I had the opportunity to live and work in different countries for seven years, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa including the Ivory Coast, Burundi, Rwanda, and the Congo. Much of this occurred during times of complex crises such as armed conflicts, natural disasters and mass human migration.

Those years of living abroad were intense learning experiences, and I learned how to maintain a personal ecology: to balance a very demanding professional investment with the necessity of rest and having a private life, as well as managing intercultural differences and being open to different ways to see the world.

Besides gaining familiarity with key international aid issues, and my knowledge of humanitarian organisations like International NGOs, The United Nations and The Red Cross, I also honed my skills in managing virtual teams, communicating effectively and developing partnerships with multiple players.

With a wealth of experience, I provide specialised coaching for expats: whether Belgians living abroad or people experiencing expatriation here in Belgium.

Subjects that may be addressed:

  • Stress and workload management, work-life balance, preventing burn-out
  • Being assertive with colleagues, managing interpersonal or inter-team conflicts
  • Relationships with partners, managing intercultural relationships and setting mutual expectations
  • Organising work, task prioritisation, time management
  • Developing your leadership, increasing your team management skills
  • Preparing for the transition to your next position, clarify what you want in the future (reorientation, transitioning to other functions, new skills development planning, identifying training needs)
  • Etc.

The coaching is very practical for expatriates, as it is done via Skype using suitable computer media. Interviews can also be conducted when you return to Belgium to visit your head office or to enjoy your holidays.

For expats living in Belgium, coaching can be done in my office or at your place of work.

For expatriates in the aid sector, I also provide training during times when they return to Europe (beginning or end of the summer) to compensate for the lack of training available for their personal and professional development in the sector’s fairly slow period in Belgium.