Thirsty for some empowerment? We are bringing back some all time highlights so you can stay quenched for quarter 2 of 2023. You’ll get a combination of the most classic and impactful podcast episodes, blogs, and articles in our archives for the next few months.   3 months  of timeless insight for life IN TRANSIT!   1 Highlight topic for this quarter on the following: Raising Kids IN TRANSIT Grief and Resilience Marriage and Partnerships   Drum roll…..Here is Timeless Series Highlight 1: Raising Kids IN TRANSIT.   My favorite conversation with my boys! Listen to the F ..read more

Don’t hate me. Or at least let me finish my train of thought before you do, okay? If you’re familiar with my work, you’ve heard me reference the caterpillar-to-butterfly analogy to illustrate the transformation journey. But what if, after the former caterpillar emerges from the chrysalis, it starts flying but instead of living its best butterfly life, it looks back with regret? “There’s so much wind up here! I had it so sweet down there, tucked away in my tree trunk, with predictable access to my all-you-can-eat leaf buffet.” So what can we learn from the sad butterfly? (And no, staying small ..read more

If you want to learn about fighting, learn from the best. Back in 1964, World Heavyweight Champion Sonny Liston was considered unbeatable. Then, Cassius Clay, who later became known as Muhammad Ali, challenged Liston to what turned out to be a legendary boxing match. Before Ali got in the ring, an interviewer asked him about his Fight Mode prep, and how — when no one else could — Ali plans on defeating Liston. Cool as a cucumber, Ali replied, “I’ll float like a butterfly, and sting like a bee.” Notice how Ali didn’t say, “I’ll attack like a raging bull.” No. He used a gentle, graceful butterfl ..read more

Hello, 2023! I have some big plans for you. After the past few years, you probably thought I’d tiptoe in like a mouse, but nah-ah; I’m coming in like a determined lion. Sure, I’m looking at you with a glossy, future-oriented gaze, full of hope, enthusiasm, and fresh-slate thinking. But not so fast, because I need to properly bid adieu to 2022 first. Dear, 2022… I thank you for pushing me to take huge risks; we did a lot of hard things together, didn’t we? And although we’re saying goodbye, I’m bringing your lessons with me, for I’m wiser and stronger because of them. Welcome to our Reflections ..read more

Advent calendars give you a little treat to tide you over until the big treats. Paper chains let you break off a piece to visualize the shortened length that remains. And who hasn’t counted down the days, crossing them off with anticipation? Especially in the corporate context, when you know you’re leaving for a new job, that final stretch can feel like forever. But what if instead of checking out emotionally and energetically you treated that time as a chance to double down on your efforts to steady the ship for those who’ll remain? Easier said than done, sure. But try to remember what excite ..read more

The Sex and the City ladies had martinis. The Golden Girls famously shared their joys and woes over cheesecake. While the Seinfeld troupe had soup, coffee, and the occasional dipped or undipped donut. No doubt about it and regardless of culture or generation, food is an excellent community gluer. It’s also one of the surest causes and cures for homesickness. Everyone has their own comfort food favorite. And if they can’t find it or it’s made “wrong” (don’t mess with my macaroni and cheese), it impacts their community inclusion experience. This week, I’m honored to welcome Senait Mesfin Picciga ..read more

I’m about to say the quiet parts out loud. You probably suspected it, but now, you’ll know for sure, and you might not like what you hear.   What if I told you that exposing your kids to a few specific experiences could… DOUBLE their chances of heart disease or cancer, create a 7X higher likelihood of alcoholism, and increased their risk of attempting suicide by a staggering 1200%?     A long, long time ago, I started this podcast because I wanted somewhere for the globally mobile community to transparently discuss expat life. And that meant shining a light on the hard stuf ..read more

Moving to a different country takes guts. Especially when the destination has a difficult reputation. But have you ever noticed how the same geographical regions are adversely targeted by the news? Red meat for their base.   It’s against our natural bend to let our imaginations ruminate on the positive. Before our recent move to Switzerland, people would look at me with trepidation when I told them I lived in South Africa. When in reality, it was a cherished, overwhelmingly positive experience for my whole family.   I’ve also spoken to many expats who’ve moved to complicated countrie ..read more

“Out of the mouths of babes.” A familiar saying that’s used by adults to express surprise when a child articulates something wise and sensible. Kids have a remarkable intuition that sometimes gets dulled as they age by society and grownups who encourage them to push it down.   “Always be nice and polite.” “Don’t say that or talk back.” “Listen to your history teacher/gymnastics coach/Boy Scout leader.” “It’s rude to ask so many questions.”   Yet more and more child experts indicate that difficult topics should never be off-limits. Of course, there’s a need to adjust the delivery to m ..read more

Studies show that ageism isn’t just socially, psychologically, and economically damaging, but it can also be harmful to your health. First proposed by Dr. Becca Levy, Stereotype Embodiment Theory hypothesizes that feeling “old” correlates with the toxic narratives we’re force-fed by society. Meaning, those aches and pains, slower gait, energy dips, and belief that your mind isn’t “as sharp as it used to be,” can stem not from fact, but from a self-fulfilling prophecy. We begin to mirror how we’re told we “should” feel at that age, even if it’s fabricated for division and profit.  &nb ..read more