Seasoned with an Accent _The Voice of the Global Professional

A multi-cultural international transition mentor, Carolina Porto is an author and a seasoned expat, having survived 11 moves around the world. She serves international individuals and families through one-to-one sessions, works with corporations to support their expats, and is a public speaker. She wrote the book "Lar Mundo Afora" (“Home Taken Around the World”) published in Portuguese and Spanish, directed to the Latin global mobile population, to be published in French and Italian. In our interview, she shared strategies to adapt and reconstruct identity in the context of a new country and talked about her involvement with Families in Global Transition, an organization focused on resources, networking, and support for globally mobile families.  Come listen! You will be enriched. #culturaladaptation #TCK #internationaljobs #expats #immigrants #globalmobilefamilies

What makes an intercultural leader successful? In a sincere way, Lanna Collares speaks about her trajectory as a woman, immigrant, and intercultural leader: the struggles, the joys, and the obstacles she had to overcome to succeed in a corporate world that was all new and different. A creative marketing professional with a degree in Visual Arts and Design, an MBA focused on Marketing, and an extensive experience in social media campaigns for significant brands like Petrobras, O Boticário, Renner, Hyundai, Ambev and Unilever – she mastered the art of recreating her own story and colored it with new perspectives and techniques. As a woman in touch with her feelings, she was strong enough to admit to the tears that she shed in private. Full of inner strength, she found her compass, understood the new routes and seas, and transformed herself into who she needed to be to succeed as the captain of her new boat. She abandoned a narrow focus on results for a more enjoyable way of becoming “deeply involved” with the people and the process. If you are an intercultural leader struggling with cultural adaptation in a new country, don't miss the opportunity of being inspired by her transformation journey.#interculturalleadership #culturaladaptation #womeninbusiness #empoweredwomen #womenleadership #transformation #internationaljobs

If you:⭐Think of immigrating to the United States⭐Need to change your immigration status⭐ Want to discover ways to stay legally in the United States after finishing your degree as an international student⭐Plan to marry a US citizen and wonder about the immigration proceduresThis interview is for you!In this episode of Seasoned with an Accent, Mark Morais, an immigration lawyer, answers questions on all those areas and more! Besides sharing his immigrant journey, he talks explicitly about Visas EB1, EB2, and EB3, his specialty.He has a unique perspective, or indeed, multiple perspectives about the immigration system, having worked as an asylum and immigration officer and as a prosecutor for the Department of Homeland Security and the USCIS (the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). He couldn't be more knowledgeable!Information you can trust; don't miss it!#visa #EB1 #EB2 #EB3 #greencard #OPT #HB1 #aupair #immigration #internationaljobs #expats #movingtotheus #immigrants #ESL

Dr. Tim Medianick and his family (one of ten children!) moved to Levittown, Pennsylvania, from Ukraine when he was 13 years old. Before finding his calling as a dentist, Dr. Medianick picked up music as a child, learning to play classical piano and alto saxophone. He graduated from Messiah College and received his dental degree from Temple University School of Dentistry, passing his clinical dental boards with an impressive 100%. He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association. In addition, Dr. Medianick is a graduate of the Hands-On-Training Institute in Dental Implantology and was awarded a prestigious fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, making him one of the few dentists certified to place implants. In this interview, he talks about his immigrant journey, his struggles, and how he overcame them to achieve the success he enjoys today. He also speaks about the war in Ukraine and advises on the best ways to help Ukrainian refugees around the world. A real-life example of determination, hard work, and victory! Another example that shows us the American dream is possible!#immigrants #culturaladaptation #internationaljobs #accent #ESL #overcoming #career #ukraine #russianukrainewar #refugees #dentist #americandream

Originally from Brazil, Claudia Ribas is a Psychotherapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 22+ years of experience in private practice with adults and couples. She has worked in New York, NY, Charlotte, NC, and now works online.  A Master in Applied Psychology from Fairfield University, CT, a Master in Clinical Social Work from New York University, NY, and an honorary PhD in Psychoanalysis from Southern California University for Professional Studies, CA, she has specialized in Psychological Reports for Immigration. In this interview, she shares her immigrant journey and how she collaborates with lawyers and immigrant clients to present their cases from a psychological point of view. She has helped clients worldwide in cases involving asylum, extreme hardship, spouse abuse, humanitarian rights, trafficking, and many other visas. Her message to the immigrant community is: “Don't give up! It is possible to stay in the United States as a legal immigrant. There are many ways to argue your case.”#immigrants #visa #ESL #internationaljob #corporativeenglish #careercoaching #jobsearchtips

Born in Chile, from an early age, René Sánchez developed a special interest in other languages and marveled at the possibility of communicating with people from different parts of the world. At the age of 15, he had the opportunity to spend a year in the United States as an exchange student, an experience that marked his life forever. Motivated to help others, he studied psychology, specializing in organizational development, human resource management, and coaching. Along the way, as a hobby, he studied German, Portuguese, and Italian. He works as a Mobility Country Coordinator at a forefront auditing and financial consulting company, supporting professionals worldwide. His primary focus is coaching young managers to enhance their leadership skills to take on the great challenge of assuming a new role in a new country while also supporting them as they undergo cultural adaptation. In this interview, he talks about developing intercultural leaders and the importance of empathy in intercultural communication and leadership. Empathy is the universal language that unites us all, regardless of language or culture, and René experiences this reality daily in his coaching practice.If you are an intercultural leader, you can't miss his insights!#interculturalleadership #leadership #empathy #interculturalcommunication #expats #internationaljobs #culturaladaptation #coaching

Born to Polish immigrants, Kasia (カーシャ) is a trilingual American who spent eight years in Japan. She earned her Bachelor's from Boston University and Master's from Tokyo's Ochanomizu University. Her experience with the Japanese culture and language spans several industries: concert promotion, interpreting/translating, electronics, and the automotive industry. A citizen of the world, she has lived in Japan, Poland, Italy, and the US. She started Ikigai Connections in 2018, serving the community of Japanese speakers and connecting them to companies seeking her help to find talented professionals that can speak Japanese.In this interview, she talked about imposter syndrome, self-confidence in a foreign language, and the job market for Japanese speakers, her specialty.Don't miss it! #Japan #Japanese #Internationaljobs #language #japaneseculture #impostersyndrome #selfconfidence

Dr. Babajide Ojo was born and raised in Nigeria where he completed his Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry. He moved to the United States in 2014 where he earned a Master's and a PhD in Nutritional Sciences at Oklahoma State University. Presently, he is a Postdoc in the Pediatric Gastroenterology program at Stanford University School of Medicine and he is also a Partner at Bestman Academy.He recently obtained a National Interest Waiver (EB-2) visa and partnered with other colleagues to create a coaching and consulting company called Bestman Academy. The aim of this company is to guide students in the process of preparing early for the EB-2 visa by investing in the right themes, activities, and achievements that can contribute, in the future, to argue a strong case and obtain a self-sponsored green card through the National Interest Waiver.If you want to make the dream of living legally in the US real and are considering a National Interest Waiver Visa, this interview is for you!#internationalstudents #visa #EB2 #internationaljobs #ESL #immigration

Katrijn van Oudheusden is a coach for (aspiring) servant leaders. Originally from Belgium, Katrijn grew up as an expat child in Bangkok, Thailand. With over 20 years of international experience as a coach, management consultant, and organizational development professional, she has focused her coaching practice on guiding leaders toward authentic, effortless, and selfless leadership, using a unique online process that applies 16 tested practices from world wisdom traditions. Katrijn has completed personal coaching and non-dual coaching training – Byron Katie's School for The Work – as well as systemic organizational development qualifications. Her coaching is based on her understanding of non-dual approaches, emphasizing the unity of all existence. In this interview, she shared how her expat experience shaped her life, how servant leadership can be applied in intercultural settings, and how expat leaders can use the tools of selfless leadership to see other perspectives without cultural filters thriving through expanded awareness of our connectedness to the world. Great reflections for any leader! #servantleadership #leadership #coaching #culturalinteligence #crossculturalcommunication  #internationaljobs #ESL

A health care visionary and CEO of a recruiting healthcare company, Praveen Ponnuru has a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, with certifications in Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing. He is a visionary and change leader who has served several healthcare companies providing innovative solutions in HR. He has been working closely with the Ontario government to bring positive change to the healthcare industry. One of his most exciting goals is to facilitate the training and credentialing of global immigrant health care professionals to solve the challenging shortage the American and Canadian markets face. If you are a healthcare professional considering moving abroad, you need to listen to his interview! #internationaljobs #recruiting #relocation #immigrants #expats #healthcare #jobs #jobsearchtips  

A citizen of the world, having lived in Austria, Germany, France, Switzerland, and Sweden, Cornelia Asanger-Lexa is an HR professional who transitioned into Executive and Parenting Coaching and has served the global community for more than ten years. She is a proud mother of three TCK (Third Culture Kids), now in their teens. At Global Parenting, she offers a phenomenal coaching program for expat parents of TCK. In our interview, she explains how parents can help their kids transition into a new culture and deal with being “the different kid on the block.” Her focus is to raise TCK kids with a solid identity and help parents understand the long-term effects, pitfalls, and benefits of a globally mobile lifestyle, navigating this journey with greater awareness.As a mother of TCK myself, I learned a lot from Cornelia, and I know that all parents out there will greatly benefit from her advice! Don't miss it!#coaching #parenting #kids #expats #livingabroad #immigrants #tck

If you want to learn how to develop positive relationships with people from other cultures, this interview is for you!Originally from Morocco, Hamza has lived worldwide, learning languages and interacting with various cultures. He is a polyglot, serial entrepreneur, LinkedIn Local co-host, coach, and co-author of AFRICATELLING – a very engaged and connected professional. He is also the founder of TURAATH whose mission is to invite people to self-development, self-discovery, and communication improvement, enhancing clarity, authenticity, and empathy.He discussed the fine lines between adaptation and assimilation. We talked about applying our cultural intelligence to deal with different beliefs, values, identities, and customs and how to develop positive and healthy relationships despite cultural differences without abandoning our original cultural identity. LinkedIn Local also came up as an opportunity for immigrants to develop their new network in their new country. Fascinating reflections!His challenge to all of us: “Be authentic!”You can't miss this one! Practical applications to all, regardless of origin!#diversity #inclusion #belonging #cultures #authenticity #culturalsensitivity #culturalintelligence #internationaljobs #networking

is not an ordinary guy! And in a way, I would prefer not to define him because anything I say will not express it all, I fear. But, here we go, I have to tell you something!Jonaed Iqbal is a creative, innovative, and unconventional Career Coach who describes himself as a rebel. He is the CEO of an equally unconventional – and highly successful – Career Coaching Company called “NoDegree.” It focuses on preparing professionals who have no degrees to articulate their value and get jobs and helps companies find the talents they need within that community. A person very much in touch with the young culture, social media, and the young language, he produces a very upbeat podcast of the same name, “NoDegree.” As a second-generation immigrant, he gave us a perspective on what it means to be an immigrant child and have to figure out life and career without the conveniences of a wealthy, mainstream family. And he did it! After working for a while in a job that didn't match his interests and gifts, he discovered his passion for career coaching and podcasting and is pursuing his primary purpose: serve others! According to him: “Giving is my Fuel.” Don't miss this real-life experience. If you are in the process of figuring out your life, unhappy with your career, or considering what path to follow, please listen! There are some cool ideas for you there! 

CEO, COO, President of various retail and media companies, and actor (check his IMDB page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7481818/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) with extensive international experience, Michael Gralapp has a very exciting life story, having lived in many countries around the world! He has been responsible for on-the-ground operations in Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States. After “retiring” as a CEO, he is now working as an International Recruiter mining talent globally for clients in Australia, Brazil, China, Dubai, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Moscow, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam.In this upbeat conversation, we talked about his experience adapting to new cultures and the international job search process. He gave precious advice to global professionals interested in moving abroad or working with multinational companies in their own countries.It was so rich, so intense, and so full of relevant information for the global professional! He discussed issues like:• The impact of the hybrid model for global professionals• The process of VISA sponsoring from the company's point of view• The importance of integrating within the culture with locals• The importance of having a complete and well-written LinkedIn Profile• How to interact with recruiters and how they recruit • How to impress during an interview Some of my favorite quotes: “When I say soft skills, I'm just talking about being human, you know, being yourself, showing your best face!”“Sometimes you have to go through one of those doors; sometimes you have to start with a company at a position that you may think isn't senior enough for you. I mean, I was a CEO of a company, (…) my first job in China, believe me, was not a CEO position. I had to prove myself, I had to get in there and show that, you know, I was an experienced businessman, that I did understand business development. And once you prove yourself, doors open wider and advancement comes quicker. But you know, it is kind of like I see a lot of college kids all over the world, they have spent 2 years, 4 years, 6 years in college getting their degree. They think they are gonna walk into the job of their choice, at the salary of their choice. I am sorry. It doesn't work like that.”Pure gold!!!! You can't miss it!!!!!#internationaljobsearch #jobsearch #internationalrecruiting #expatriates #livingabroad #careercoaching #graduates

Are you settled in your comfort zone? Came abroad full of dreams but became content with some extra comfort and stopped growing? "Keep the dream alive, don't settle for less," says Dr. Ramini.Dr. Shiva Ramini is a scientist from India who came to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in Physics 15 years ago. He worked in the corporate world in forefront biotech companies for many years. Nowadays, he is also a consultant and entrepreneur.He is a great believer in mentoring. He attributes his success to the great mentors who motivated him to establish a positive mindset and move towards professional growth. In this interview, he reflected on the immigrant mindset and attitudes that can make or prevent the success of immigrants and the struggle to conciliate the values of your original culture and your new one.If you need a push into professional growth in your life, listen to this thoughtful interview!

How do you handle a double transition: immigrating at the same time you are starting a relationship? Lilian Wee talked to us about how she managed it all and came out stronger than ever! Lilian Wee was born in Singapore, where she lived for 30 years. A relationship followed by an engagement called on the decision to uproot her well-established life and immigrate to the United States. The career remained the same, as her company transferred her to the United States to work in the same role as a Commercial and Business Development Executive specializing in offshore heavy marine transportation. But the life and cultural changes were a lot to deal with at once!She shares how she got help, embraced a process of self-awareness and self-discovery, and worked on the cultural adaptation process, coming out with a higher calling to lift other women by empowering them to show up as who they truly are in this world. Don't miss listening to this powerful experience!

Do you know what you want to do with your life? Do you have a plan for your career? Did you ever stop to reflect on how you can do better and grow? Listen to Isack Ghebreyesus, a Senior Marketing Director at World Financial Globe. He challenged us to plan our careers and find some meaning in what we do. According to him, many immigrants only work, work, work without planning their future. Born and raised in Eritrea, Isack immigrated to Sudan and, in sequence, to Canada. With those experiences in mind, he talked about his perspectives on cultural adaptation challenging immigrants to focus on their success. Most of all, he encouraged immigrants to find something they love to do, "It is terrible when you wake up, and you don't want to go to work because you don't like it!" He also talked about the Financial Advisor career path and how you can become one. If you are in the "work, work, work" mindset, without satisfaction in your career, and no plan for the future, listen! His advice may change your life for the better! 

Are you planning to do business in Japan? Then you need to listen to this interview with Dr. Greg Story.Dr. Greg Story, President of Dale Carnegie Training Japan, talked about studying, living, speaking Japanese, and doing business in Japan. A Ph.D. in Japanese decision-making, and a 36-year veteran of Japan, he is a leadership expert with broad experience. Among his impressive business accomplishments are:• Launching a "start-up" in Nagoya• "Turning around" companies for Austrade in both Osaka and Tokyo• Acting as Commercial Minister in the Australian Embassy • Leading as Country Head for Austrade• Progressing to the role of Co-CEO at the Shinsei Retail Bank• Becoming the Country Head for the National Australia Bank in Japan• And more recently, managing, coaching, training, and consulting at Dale Carnegie Training Japan Global, #8 in revenues in 2020. A 6th Dan in traditional Shitoryu Karate, he applies martial art philosophies and strategies to business issues. He is so energetic and enthusiastic! An excellent and engaging communicator! You will learn a lot about cultural adaptationand Japan. Don't miss it!

A common destination for global professionals – Canada and the United States – have very similar cultures. Elyse Swanson shared her perspectives about their corporate worlds based on her experience working in both countries.Elyse Swanson is an Actuarial Analyst in the health care sector. Originally from China, she has immigrated to Canada and later on to the United States. Besides tracing some comparisons between these two corporate worlds, she also spoke to us on issues like:•             Women and equality•             Cultural expectations for women•             Freedom to be yourself•             And cultural adaptationThis interview was thought-provoking. If you are interested in any of these subjects, you need to listen! 

As immigrants and global professionals, we have extra challenges to face in many areas. Did you ever ask yourself, "Is it worth the trouble?", "Will I ever be successful and happy abroad?" José Franco says, "Yes!!!"José Franco is an educator and immigrant. Originally from Mexico, he is now married to an American Citizen and lives in Utah. In this interview, he talked to us about his trajectory from a boy who didn't speak English and had to care for his family to the successful professional he is today. He shared: •             How he balanced his life between family, work, and education•             The importance of the community in the process•             How to cope with the demands of helping with expenses at home and studying at the same time •             How he now encourages young immigrants to be resilient and win as he won. He says to the immigrant community, "It is hard, but it is worth it! Your sacrifices will pay off in the future!"

An enthusiastic about Tampa Bay, the successful Brazilian immigrant and entrepreneur Corina Lessa-Silva has impacted the Tampa community with her work in Real Estate. Corina is certified in Global Economics by the Harvard Business School. She founded Tampa Bay Key Realty a few years ago together with Margarete Welter. By combining management skills and training in Real Estate with their international experience, they have achieved great success serving the international community. They can communicate in Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, and English.Corina is also the president of Suncoast Global Council, where she leads and influences the professional community. Under her leadership, this organization recently received the Platinum Award from the National Association of Realtors for outstanding community service. She is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pinellas & Central Pasco REALTOR®️ Organization. In this interview, she talks about being an international student, immigrating, becoming a realtor abroad, and enjoying the Florida region in the United States.

Do you think it is important to be driven by purpose? Listen to our interview with International  Business Leader and Civil Engineer Grover Vargas, who believes that having a clear purpose made all the difference in his life and career! Born in Bolivia, he immigrated to various countries across continents, adapting to many cultures and ways of life. A change and innovative leader, he has been very successful in the civil engineering market, working in tunneling and mining with shotcrete and Macro Synthetic Fiber Technology. Through it all, resilience, determination, and focus on his purpose kept him going towards his desired future. And this is what he recommends to the immigrant community: “Find out what is the most important thing in your life, discover your true self, identify your purpose, build an action plan, come back, revise and improve. Without action nothing happens!"

Are you insecure about speaking in a foreign language or doubtful that you can be fluent in English? Are you a perfectionist afraid of speaking up because you think you don't communicate well enough? What if you could make peace with your process of learning a language by transforming your mindset? That is what Kelly Nowocien proposes: a neurocoaching approach that considers what goes on in the emotional and mental realms, where the blockages really lie. By freeing yourself from the conditioned beliefs, false ideas, and negative emotions that often arise with new challenges, a new pathway to learning opens up, one that is full of newfound freedom, self-love, awareness, acceptance, confidence, and wellbeing.Kelly Nowocien is a Certified Life, Neurolanguage®️, and Transformational Coach who works to help learners create happier and healthier language-learning journeys that have a ripple effect in their whole lives. An immigrant herself, she moved to France 25 years ago from England, her home country, and has helped many English learners improve their communication and public speaking in the Corporate world.In this interview, she will blow your mind with a new «greener» vision for learning a language through an ecological & neuroscience-based approach. All immigrants and expatriates will greatly benefit from listening! Powerful and transforming ideas that can help you overcome your struggles with any language.

You can't miss the interview with Dr. Tosh Bolanle on our podcast Seasoned with an Accent. He holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacy and an MBA. Born in Nigeria, he came to the United States 22 years ago.  He went from driving taxis in Boston to becoming a successful businessman and entrepreneur. An exceptional optimist, he talked about the importance of being self-aware, knowing your value, not limiting yourself as an immigrant, and being open to opportunities. He also addressed the trajectory for pharmacists in the United States. When I asked him what the greatest obstacles in his immigrant journey were, he answered: "I don't see obstacles!" He is a problem solver who faces challenges with courage and a positive spirit, a wise man who has succeeded in his field and is now totally integrated as an immigrant in the United States. He shared his wisdom with us in this exciting interview. 

Do you aspire to grow in your career? Are you feeling discouraged because you are an immigrant? Then listen to Marta Wladyczka, Director of Inventory and Acquisition for a forefront hospitality corporation. Born in Poland, she has lived in the United States for almost 30 years. In this interview, she talked about her journey of Career Advancement, from a minimum wage entry-level job to director of a major corporation, managing a budget of millions of dollars. She didn't know any English initially, but with guidance, education, and self-determination, Marta thrives!Don't miss that interview, immigrant; she has excellent advice on advancing your career abroad! 

What are the most significant fears and insecurities a global professional faces when immigrating?  We inaugurate our podcast with a human and heartfelt interview with Shailendra Malik in which he addresses deep issues related to the experience of moving abroad. Shailendra Malik is the Senior Vice-President of the biggest bank of Singapore, DBS. An innovative, agile, and change leader, he administrates and coordinates all the IT initiatives and tech enhancements for the Bank's Group Audit department. With 17+ years of industry experience, he holds a Masters in Computer Applications from India, his home country. As an author, he has collaborated in writing a crowdsource book on Artificial Intelligence named "The AI Book".  He runs a blogging platform named Agility Exchange in his free time and 5 more bloggers contribute on this platform.In a very sincere and authentic way, he opened up his heart and talked about feelings, insecurities, and difficult moments as he progressed through his career abroad in Saudi Arabia and Singapore. His family journey is an incredible story of learning, overcoming, and building progressive success through three generations.Listen to his extraordinary life experience and be encouraged! 

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