This Expat Life

The #1 question I get asked is: Why did you leave your diplomacy career? Followed by #2: Will you go back? Which always surprises me because it's been over 3 years since I quit as a diplomat and started my coaching practice!However, sometimes I do miss certain elements of that career and lately I've been wondering... So in this episode, I'm going to share my honest answer to the question of if I would go back

[Win coaching with me! I'm giving away 4x working with me for those who filled out this survey. Open till Sunday May 4th].Life back home in The Hague was fine but I realized I was in “meh” energy for quite some time. And when I found myself crying on the plane - AGAIN - I knew it was time for a change. In my energy & actions, to be precise.In this episode I open up and share personal reflections during & after my trip to the US, that led to my Great Reset project that I have embodied since. I hope my story inspires you!Want more?For expats, sign up for my weekly Air Mail where I share personal stories, insights and practical tips.Or if you want to assess your life and make changes too, get my free tool The Wheel of Expat Life.For (aspiring) global entrepreneurs, this is my mentor I keep raving about.

As an expat, one decision is never just about one decision - a question about your job leads to questions about your location, friendships, proximity to family, and so much more. And before you know it, you're standing in front of this big web of options you need to figure out, like a giant puzzle you need to solve - leaving you paralyzed and stuck.If you want to get unstuck and continue in forward energy, you need to let go of something in the decision-making process. And in this episode, I'll tell you what it is.Do you want more of this perspective shifts and / or personal support in figuring out your next steps? There are 2 ways of working with me:1) In The Coaching Journey, my premium 1:1 coaching with full support. More info here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/coaching2) In The Co-Pilot, my signature program starting early June again. Get on the priority list to be the first to receive an exclusive offer when doors open! https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/the-co-pilot

In this episode, I host Kea-Sophie Stack, who transitioned from a 10-year career as an attorney in Munich to an entrepreneur in the wellbeing field in Los Angeles. As a busy global citizen who likes to travel, I don't find it easy to always stick to my health, food and work-out routines when I'm on the go - and I often notice the difference in my energy. Kea-Sophie, who is also a former coachee of mine, is an example to me of sticking to habits, so that's why I invited her on the show - because there's a lot to be gained in routines for other busy, globetrotting high achievers!Kea-Sophie shares her journey of overcoming burnout by adopting healthy lifestyle practices like yoga, aromatherapy, and Ayurveda and has practical advice on incorporating calming practices, optimizing sleep, and the importance of identity in sustaining healthy habits. Tune in to hear more!And if you want to know more about Kea-Sophie and her work, take a look here.

DOORS TO THE CO-PILOT ARE OPEN NOW - WITH AN EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT VALID FOR 24 HOURS! >>> Get in hereYesss, doors to my signature program have opened again! Are you ready to experience more fulfillment, confidence & direction in your expat life without constant overthinking? If you followed me for longer, you now know that the only way to get there is from the inside out: understanding yourself at a much deeper level so that you can make aligned changes from there.And in The Co-Pilot I give you the tools to do that! In 8 weeks I'll take you through powerful exercises that give you invaluable insights and set you up for more authenticity, calmness & connection in your life. Plus, you will also have the space to be coached on typical and non-typical expat struggles, as well as find support with a like-minded group!Doors close again on February 19th, because that's the day of our boarding call. Save your seat here! Https://www.Amandamaximecoaching.Com/The-Co-Pilot 

DOORS TO THE CO-PILOT ARE NOW OPEN! Get in today and enjoy €100 off (early bird rate available until Friday Feb 14th 23.59 CET) and if you hurry... You might snatch the bonus for the fast action takers: 1:1 coaching with me with a value of €149 - only 3 available!Sign up here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/the-co-pilotAfter having coached 150+ expats who feel unfulfilled, stuck, disconnected or lost (and having been there myself!), I started spotting tendencies among them: ways to deal with the situation they weren't happy in. But while those ways are common go-to strategies for high-achievers and usually get them pretty far, I'll tell you why they aren't working in your favor this time!You'll get to listen to a part of my masterclass Stop Spinning Your Wheels. Like what you heard? Then you'll love my new program The Co-Pilot!Building a rock solid inner GPS is the only way to live an expat you feel really good in - living life from the inside out, so that you can rely on yourself no matter where you'll go. In The Co-Pilot I'll guide you through powerful tools that help you with that, so that you can start to experience more fulfillment, confidence & direction without constant overthinking.  We start on February 19th! More information here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/the-co-pilot

[Sign up for my free masterclass Stop Spinning Your Wheels! On Feb 5th, 10th, 11th or 12th

How do you balance all the things you SHOULD do and all the things you WANT to do as a busy expat? How can you make more time for your family when your demanding job was the reason that took you & the fam abroad? What are tips & tricks to keep up with a busy work schedule and social events as a high-achieving expat? These are some questions that came in a survey I published (you can win 1:1 coaching with me! Until 24 Jan).In today's episode I dive into this and I share 10 tips that have personally helped me as a diplomat in Brazil, and now as an equally ambitious coach & entrepreneur who is also travelling a lot.I'd love to hear which tip you are going to start to use!And… My program The Co-Pilot is starting again on February 19th! This is the perfect context for you to learn about tools that will help you understand yourself better, so you can work with your insights… And create an expat life you feel truly happy in.Doors are open! https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/the-co-pilot 

How do you stay active, fit & healthy when you prioritise your career abroad? How do you stay committed to exercise when you're just about to move countries and the overwhelm is real? Questions I have definitely asked myself, as - even though I regularly exercise - my work & to do list often get priority over a gym class.I got impressed with fitgirl & content creator Amie Wiley who did the 75hard challenge as she moved from Ireland to NYC. If you're not familiar with 75hard, it's a challenge to build resilience and includes 2x 45 min exercise A DAY, and much more. As I saw Amie doing that just before I moved to Rio myself, she inspired me to - this time, yes - commit to my gym classes and runs even though I had SO much to do and the overwhelm was very, very real.I love seeing how Amie designed her life in NYC and with health & wellness still the key element in it, I decided to ask her on the show to chat more about these topics.If you'd like to know more about Amie, you can find her on YouTube and Instagram

How can you make this year different from the last? I'm always incredibly intentional about how I want to start the new year, so that I can ensure my continuous growth and avoid autopilot mode. Many set new year's resolutions, but these are designed to fail. In this episode I share 12 questions that will help you set your priorities and see how you can stay your course throughout the year.Prefer these questions in written form? Leave your email address here and you will get them delivered to your inbox! https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/reflection-questionsThis episode is part 2 of a sequence. Go to episode #63 for part 1.>> Download the free tool The Wheel of Expat Live that I mentioned in the episode here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/wheel-expat-life>> Want to go deeper on your growth as an expat or global player in 2025? Join my programme The Co-Pilot here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/the-co-pilot

A new year is upon us! And many want to change something - big or small - about their lives.[By the way: early bird doors to my group programme The Co-Pilot are open until tomorrow, 31 December! Get in with an exclusive discount & bonuses that you can access right away and use to start 2025 off WELL. Including a masterclass on starting 2025 intentionally and moving closer to your goals!]Getting into the habit of regular reflection is a great way to be more intentional with your time & energy, especially if you are as future-oriented as me. It's tempting to always look ahead to the next month, the next promotion, the next country - but there are powerful lessons in your past that can make your future even better.In this episode I'll guide you through 12 questions that help you reflect on 2024. Get a notebook & pen, a cup of tea and let's dive into it!Prefer these questions in written form? Leave your email address here and you will get them delivered to your inbox! https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/reflection-questions>> See episode #64 for part 2>> Download the free tool The Wheel of Expat Live that I mentioned in the episode here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/wheel-expat-life>> Want to go deeper on your growth as an expat or global player in 2025? Join my programme The Co-Pilot here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/the-co-pilot

There comes a point in every expat's life that you need to face the dilemma: am I staying or leaving? And this is often when you feel stuck, unfulfilled or in a struggle. It's a natural response to change the outer circumstances to feel better, but as an expat, that means you're also questioning your location!So should you change the country or should you change yourself?In this episode of This Expat Life I shed my light on this topic with real examples.And are you ready to implement some of the things I talk about? Then my new (live, online) programme The Co-Pilot is the perfect match for you! In 6 weeks I'll guide you through proven coaching methods & exercises so that you can get that deeper understanding of yourself I'm talking about, plus have concrete tools in hand to continue deepening your personal growth after the programme. Experience more fulfillment, ease & direction in your expat life without the constant overthinking you've come to rely on.And for this first round I have a pilot offer with 50% off AND a bonus 1:1(!) coaching session. But hurry, there are only a few spots left. Get in now, we start on November 4th! https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/the-co-pilotPS. I'm taking a short podcast break - make sure to subscribe to be the first to know when a new episode comes out, or join my weekly Air Mail: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/email-opt-in

Help, how do I deal with inconsistent energy as I'm working towards a goal? This is what an expat coachee asked me as she has embarked on a new career path but also finds herself in unhelpful moods more often than she'd like.Having been here myself, I figured my tips would be useful for you as well. Listen to this episode as I explain the 4 D's that help you to maintain your best state: detach, data, do something else, and a daily practice.Want the opportunity to ask me your questions too? On November 3rd, my new group programme The Co-Pilot starts! Be the FIRST notified when doors open & join for a very exclusive offer - sign up to the priority list here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/priority-co-pilot

It's a cliche but it's true… The magic really happens outside of your comfort zone. Now as an expat you have ventured outside your comfort zone already, but maybe you're staying comfortable when it comes to other things, like changing careers, online visibility, a fitness goal or something else.I regularly step out of my comfort zone (my live event last month was one of those things!) and while it can still make me nervous from time to time, I also know this practice has been the key driver of my personal & professional growth.In this episode I share 7 quick tips that help make the step outside your comfort zone easier & less scary. Go find some magic!>>> And want to join the first round of my new group programme The Co-Pilot? Sign up here to get on the priority list (no strings attached) and be the FIRST notified when doors officially open... For the lowest investment it will ever be

>Akanksha is an ambitious management consultant and after two geographical transitions in 3 covid-years, she was left with a bit of a nagging feeling of something not being in place. Originally from India and now based in the Netherlands, she signed up for my 6-month group coaching programme to enable a shift.In this episode we talk about the inner transformation Akanksha had by being able to quiet her inner critic (most days!), with positive results on how she shows up at work & in relationships too. She also shares what she says to herself now and a practice that has become a favourite at the end of the day - plus a lot more. I loved seeing Akanksha's change over the past few months and think her story is a heartwarming testimony to the power of personal growth.And are you interested in joining my next group programme? Stay tuned! I'm planning the date as we speak. Sign up for my weekly Air Mail to be the first to hear when doors open and get an early bird discount.Air Mail: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/email-opt-inJoin my live event: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/live-eventDownload my FREE Wheel of Expat Life exercise: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/wheel-expat-life Read more about my 1:1 coaching: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com 

How to find your soulmate when you live a somewhat unconventional life as an expat? Do you need to settle and compromise if you want to start a family? Where to begin if you keep moving around? These are some topics I (female, mid 30s, single) have thought about myself a lot in recent years, and some of my coachees as well. Expat life is great but it can also pose a barrier to your love life. In this episode I talk about it with Michelle Chung, a soulmate manifestation coach!Find more about Michelle here: https://www.instagram.com/michellechungcoach/And about me here:https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com

[Only a few tickets left for my live event in Amsterdam this month!] September marks ‘back to school' vibes for many of us, and makes us aware that we only have a few months left before the end of the year. So if you had a goal for this year, now is the time to get cracking on it!September for me also marked the start of a new period in my home country, and as with any new start (calendar-wise or with a relocation), I'm super mindful of how I can make the most of it, so that I can really use it to create something new in my life.In this episode I share 8 quick steps that you can take to make the most of a new year / month, of a relocation, or of the final months of the year. I hope they are useful!Want some more guidance?>> Download my FREE guide The Wheel Of Expat Life: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/wheel-expat-life>> Join my LIVE EVENT in Amsterdam on 28 September and meet like-minded expats while you're getting powerful insights. Only a few tickets left! https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/live-event

I went on a business & leisure trip to California and left with 3 big insights that led to a breakthrough when I got home

What if a part of you feels unfulfilled in your expat life? Whether that's in your career, relationships, health, personal goals or just a general sense of unfulfillment. As a life coach working with high-achieving expats, I actually get a lot of coachees who struggle with this - and so I also know what you can do about it!In this episode I share the 3 perhaps unexpected steps that you can take to find more fulfillment in your global life. They are the same I used to go from being an unhappy diplomat (although I seemingly had everything from the outside!) to waking up happy & fulfilled almost every day as a coach & entrepreneur.And would you like some personal guidance in taking these 3 steps? In The Coaching Journey I help you with this. Take a look on my website for more information on what the journey is about, how I coach and what others have said about it. As a life coach I'm sharp, don't shy away from the difficult questions and make space for everything that needs to be felt. Sounds like something you could need? Then take your next step and book a free discovery call!>> My website>> Your free discovery callAnd want to experience my coaching but not sign up for a full journey AND you are based in / around the Netherlands? Join my upcoming live event!

Why is it that so many expats start to wonder about their life choices during summer.. And why I also book client after client? In this episode I share what I think causes this and give you tips to make the most of this summer period.And if you want a proven method to review your life, set your priorities and get started with an upgrade, download my FREE resource The Wheel of Expat Life here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/wheel-expat-life

Download my new FREE resource The Wheel of Expat Life! You bring yourself wherever you go and in Rio… I brought myself too. Towards the end of my stay I found myself in a bit of a funk, which was mostly the result of 3 mistakes I made. Mistakes I've made before, oops

The question I've asked dozens of time these past few weeks... What's it like being back home again?!And the answer surprised many - myself included

In this episode I sit down with Josh, an experienced expat who, along with his wife Callie, has lived in various countries since 2009, including Spain, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and now Portugal.We talk about their current challenge: investing in real estate in Portugal - something I was so curious about! Josh shares their journey of finding and renovating a property in Porto, the importance of forming a reliable team, and the motivations behind their investment decisions. This informative conversation provides valuable insights for anyone interested in expat living and real estate investment - and it definitely rekindled my dream of having my own property abroad

Whoa, the past 6 months have flown by and I'm ready to return home after almost half a year in Rio de Janeiro! And, what everyone is asking me... Will I return to the marvelous city?I recorded an open episode about my time in Rio to answer that question (and more). And when I say open, I do mean that: so you'll hear about what I struggled with, what I loved, my mistakes and lessons learned - I'm not holding back.I'd love to hear if you recognise any of it either because you lived in Rio or because you've gone through something similar in your expat journey.And since I'm going back to the Netherlands: in-person sessions in the Hague will now be available again!Read more about my coaching here or schedule a free discovery call.

✈️ DOORS TO MY NEW COURSE TOUCH BASE ARE NOW OPEN! ✈️Get grounding with me for just €97. Doors close on 3 July!I know, grounding doesn't seem so sexy but it's KEY if you want to live a happy & fulfilling life as a busy expat. After all, there's a lot going on around you or asking of you, while you also constantly have to adapt to the new culture. To keep your energy high, to stay calm in busy times and to live from your authentic self, grounding yourself is a non-negotiable first step.And.. there's much more to grounding than the pretty lame 'do mindfulness exercises' advice that ChatGPT can give you as well (yawn).I actually see 4 elements that you need to include in your life on a regular basis to remain grounded and to feel anchored in your forever-changing life.Curious? Listen to this episode!And want more? ✈️ DOORS TO MY NEW COURSE TOUCH BASE ARE NOW OPEN! ✈️Sign up here, for just €97. But hurry, as doors close on Wednesday 3 July!

From jet setting around the Middle East as HR manager to finding your purpose working with kids in the favelas of Rio... Diana Nijboer made this incredible transition.Originally from the Netherlands, Diana shares her inspiring journey and what brought her to stay in Rio. Years ago, she enjoyed her exciting life in the Middle East but she realised that she was simply filling a void. She was living a successful life on the outside but felt empty on the inside. A vision that came to her during a leadership course and a big personal challenge changed her direction drastically - and she took action on it.Please join us in this episode, as this is one of the most beautiful interviews I've done to date. I felt goose bumps throughout the hour with Diana as she so openly tells what she struggled with and how she changed her life. This is such an inspiring episode and one that you'll want to hear!Diana's story is not only in itself already incredibly inspiring, she also shares tips at the end if you want to find more purpose in your life - because we all reach that point sometime during our life right?And if you want to support the talented but underprivileged children who Diana through her NGO EduMais works with, there are several ways!You can share your money, time, talents or connections - all are welcome. Have a look here: https://edumais.org and connect with them on Instagram or LinkedIn. PS. Doors to my new course Touch Base are now open! Till Wednesday 3 July, so hurry to get in ✈️

In this episode of This Expat Life, Amanda welcomes Keki Mwaba, founder of Expat Career Development, to discuss career advancement for international professionals. As an expat herself and having worked with dozens of expats, Keki knows first hand what kind of challenges international job seekers face. Like: selling 'gaps' on your CV, not speaking the language and where to start if you're brand new to a market?!If you're looking to shift your international career or want an international opportunity, this episode is for you. Keki shares valuable advice & practical tips that you can apply right away and that will enable your international career growth.Let us know how this episode helped you!You can connect with Keki on LinkedIn - and with me as well. Want more tips?Work with me 1:1Get on the priority list of my new course Touch BaseDownload my free guidebook Become The CEO of Your Expat LifeHang out with me on InstagramFind me on YouTube

Living abroad can sometimes be a challenge or just simply super exciting, taking up all your time or headspace. Places to go, a job to excel at, decisions about the future to take, contacts at home to maintain... It's easy to be 'on', busy or in your head all the time - the opposite of grounded.And while being grounded in your expat life is already a challenge, I believe it's harder as a single. Because you don't have a partner to share some of the stress or decisions with or to help you snap out of it. I know what it's like, and I've also experienced what it is like to actually be grounded, single or not. In this episode I share 7 tips that help me feel anchored in my life abroad. Useful for anyone, whether you're in a relationship or not!And want to know when we open doors to Touch Base, my new course to help you ground in your busy expat life (single or not!)? Head over to https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/touchbase-prio!Want more tips?Work with me 1:1Get on the priority list of my new course Touch BaseDownload my free guidebook Become The CEO of Your Expat LifeHang out with me on InstagramFind me on YouTube

>Floor Oosterlee was living abroad and experiencing a vague, nagging restlessness when she saw one of my LinkedIn posts and decided to act on her intuition right away & book a call with me.Although she initially thought she needed some business coaching, she quickly realised there were more personal topics to work on.In The Coaching Journey that followed, Floor examined that restlessness and peeled away layers with every session. She found valuable insights about her patterns, learned how to truly feel her emotions (instead of analysing them!), and discovered that childhood experiences still had an impact on her as an adult. Doing the inner work and prioritising her personal growth have led to profound transformations in Floor's life. She feels much more confident (in her business & personal life), seeks less external approval and experiences more harmony in her relationships.If you're uncertain about what coaching can do for you and the impact it can have on your life, work, relationships, belonging and more, Floor's story will inspire you!You can connect with Floor on LinkedIn. And you are experiencing a vague restlessness too? Book a free call with me here.

Being a female globetrotter in your mid-30s with big ambitions often means you're not choosing the conventional path, which comes with both pros and cons. Fellow international entrepreneur Delphine van de Smet and I have a very open chat about how that exciting unconventional path inspires us but also has an effect on our personal lives.Tune in to hear about the importance of taking care of yourself & setting boundaries, how we both learned to be more in touch with our emotions & authentic selves, and what we think of the dating scene as independent ambitious women.Recognised something of your own story in ours? We'd love to hear from you! Because both Delphine and I are about creating space for all facets of life and about expression of who we truly are (the reason why we recorded this open chat).You can find Delphine and her amazing new (free!) membership for female entrepreneurs here: https://www.instagram.com/s.h.e_base/ and http://she-base.com/.And more about me here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com.

Big life decisions can be difficult for anyone - but I think for expats even more! Think about it: a decision on your career automatically has impact on your location, and thus your social life, proximity to your friends, a relationships, etc etc. No wonder some expats find it hard to make a decision!I very often speak with expats who feel stuck and can't decide on their next move. Their thoughts keep going round & round in circles and they don't know what's best for them.In this episode I share 2 principles that will help you find clarity in your indecision.And need some further help? I offer Your Next Destination, a small coaching package designed to help you make a choice. In 2 coaching sessions I'll help you clarify the thinking loops you are stuck in, so that you are more capable to make a decision aligned with what you truly want. This package is great for those who just want a little support, but don't need a full deep dive coaching journey. Book it here!

There's something I started spotting within myself and with other high-achievers who get things done... Something that has often worked well, but which might also be blocking you more than you realise. At least it did for me!Curious what it is? In this episode I share my view on it & open up how it has been manifesting in my own life - and how it could be present in yours. And as always, a few tips on what to do with it so you can ensure it keeps working in your favour.Want to share your thoughts? Send me a DM! And want to dive more into this topic? My 1:1 coaching programme might be for you - have a look! [prices going up on 1 June 2024]

Whether you have done so many different jobs in different countries, followed your spouse so there's a gap on your CV, or find it hard to break into the local labour market: selling yourself as the next best hire can be tricky as an expat.All the more reason to build your professional personal brand online!But how exactly do you do that?! Communication strategist Ashley van Heiningen is here to help. I worked with Ashley myself to translate my coaching magic - which is so different with every coachee - into concrete words. And with how she helped me and how she's been showing up on Instagram herself, I asked Ashley to come onto the show to teach us her magic.Ashley gives a number of tips, including of how to overcome your fear of posting online, what you should be talking about and how to get started.Want to know more? Find her on Instagram or on her website (all in Dutch though!).And if you want to continue on the career topic, make sure to check out episodes #26, 39, 34, and 7.PS. Like This Expat Life? You'd help me greatly by leaving a review - thank you!

✈️ Participate in my survey to have the chance to win my new course. Deadline 5 May ✈️ When I was a busy diplomat trying to excel at my career AND enjoy Brazil to the fullest, I was most of the time living in my head. My head & nervous system were always 'on' and I realised I needed a practice or habit to ground myself more.I started meditating and while this worked for me for quite some time, I abandoned the habit when life got even busier (how ironic). But thankfully I found a new morning practice that is not only much more FUN but has also proven KEY in my latest success.Want to know what I'm talking about and how you can do it too? Listen to this episode to hear more!And if you want another way to implement this tool, download my free 'Guidebook to becoming the CEO of your expat life' where I share a powerful exercise.

I'm halfway into my 6-months stay in Rio and that got me thinking: How am I finding it? Listen to this episode to hear:- what I've been up to - how Rio has been treating me (spoiler alert: very good!)- if the fears & doubts before leaving came true- how I deal with lows when living abroad - what plans I have for my 2nd half in the marvelous cityAs always I'd love to hear what you thought of the podcast! Feel free to send me a DM on LinkedIn or Instagram.And want to know how I'm always creating my best expat life? Download my free 'Guidebook to becoming the CEO of your expat life' here.

And following up on the open conversation with Tamara Stroop (see the previous episode), here's part 2... With a plot twist!We had another call about 6 weeks after we first spoke, to see how we were both doing and what had changed for us. Well, for Tamara quite a lot! Listen to this episode to hear what that was. And are you an expat who's also struggling abroad? Know that I offer a listening ear in my free discovery calls. Book yours here.

Business coach Tamara Stroop and I had each just moved abroad - Tamara to Barcelona, me to Rio - and as we were talking about our experiences, we figured it would be nice to record an open conversation about journeys!This is not the usual interview but rather a candid conversation between two women in their mid-30s who decided to take a chance and enjoy life abroad. You'll hear us speak very openly about our first struggles after arriving, expensive AirBnB's, how the countries make us feel, our love life and more.If you've just moved abroad, have been there for a long time or are thinking of going... This episode is for you. And make sure to listen to part 2 for a plot twist!

There's one thing that's essential if you desire a big change in your life, which is also often overlooked. If you are ready to achieve a big goal, go off the beaten track or just want to follow your heart, make sure to include this key element. It has been crucial in my own journey. Listen to the episode to know what I'm talking about!

As a seasoned female, latina & expat engineer in tech, Iliana Quiñonez knows what it's like to move abroad and stand out from others in the workplace. Iliana moved to the US in her 20s and through trial and error learned to adapt to - and embrace - the American work culture. Now with over 20 years of experience, this trailblazer is passionate about DEI in the work place.In this episode Iliana gives valuable and practical advice for those who live abroad but may feel like they're standing out - whether that's because of their culture of origin or the sector they work in.You can find Iliana on LinkedIn.

Today I'm sharing two personal stories of my time in London and Brazil when things were NOT going so well. An almost burnout and grief knocked me off course and looking back, I wish I had a coach by my side. Tune in to hear these stories and why I believe every expat should hire a coach at some point in their life abroad.Want to hear how my coaching could work for you? Find more here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com

Today I'm sharing my 'origin story', the story of when a perfect storm really kickstarted my personal growth and made me the person & coach I am today. This is my most personal story as of yet and I'm sharing it in the hopes that it might inspire you. Listen how returning back home, grief, a pandemic, heartache and a coaching training all at once nearly broke me - but in hindsight, really resurrected me.What's your origin story? 

It's one of the things every expat at some point struggles with: friendships. It may be hard to find them abroad, to maintain your friendships back home, or to stay connected to new friends as you or they move again.But here is Sarah Siegert, expat friendship coach who's dealt with all of the above herself. Having moved abroad to the UK for her partner, she found herself feeling lonely as it struggled making new friends. After applying techniques she learned in coaching, she was able to turn her situation around and find meaningful connections. And now she helps other expats with this!Tune in to hear:- Sarah's story (you're not alone!)- Why you should break down & change your thoughts when you find it difficult to make friends abroad- About an exercise to slowly change & practise your new beliefs- What to focus on when you've just moved abroad and are looking for new friends- About staying connected to friends back home- When new friends in your host country move back homeYou can find more about Sarah here. And you can download the free pdf guide she mentions in the episode here.

When I shared that I was moving to Rio I got the same questions over and over again.. Some of which even made me laugh! In this episode I answer them all, also hoping to inspire you to make a similar move, whether that's to Rio or elsewhere.Listen to this episode to know:- Why I chose Rio- If I'm going to work there- Why 6 months- If I still have a lot of friends here- What visa I'm on- What happened to my catsLet me know if this episode helped you in any way and if you have any other questions!

Expats do one thing more often than those who stay at home: moving! I feel like organising & clutter are relevant topics for expats simply because they have to go through their belongings more often than others. And plus, all the things you keep because they remind you of when you lived in country X...Because I struggle immensely myself with decluttering and organising (

Christmas... I LOVE the holidays but they are also a trigger for me. Having grown up with difficult and unconventional family dynamics, the who/what/where of Christmas was always a question mark, bringing up a lot of anxiety.I assumed that things would get better as I got older, but this year as I find myself single & parentless in my mid-30s, I've realised that damn, Christmas is still a question mark

New Year New You... Is it really possible? I think it is!Listen to this episode to hear what has been a game-changing method for me when it comes to reaching my goals and what has helped me to go confidently from diplomacy to coaching & entrepreneurship.I also share the 4 elements that I include in my loooong 'December ritual' every year to create a super strong foundation for myself for the next year, so that I can really live my best year yet.And after listening to this episode, would you like to have more? Then watch my new masterclass Ignite 2024 where I share exactly what I do every December, plus all the practical tips, mindset shifts & things to do to set yourself up for your best year ever.You will not only get this 2-hour masterclass, but also a workbook AND access to two office hours in January & February where you can ask any question you have on this topic. To ensure you not only have a great foundation, but also know what to do for implementation.. I've got your back!Get access to 4 hours of working with me here for just €97!

Careers... One of the main topics for high-achieving expats! But  what can you do to build your professional personal brand, find job leads in the host country, and stay up to date on opportunities in the home country if you know you're returning?LinkedIn is the place to be! According to Nyna Caputi, LinkedIn expert and one of LinkedIn's Top Experts in the San Francisco Bay Area. In this episode, Nyna shares how she got started and what you can do to make LinkedIn your professional playground. Besides a ton of practical tips to get the most out of your profile, network & content, she repeatedly shared one nugget of wisdom which I truly agree with. A mindset shift that will get you into action.Curious to find out? Tune in!You can find Nyna here on LinkedIn, and me here (feel free to connect with us!).PS. Nyna is also the organiser behind The Expat Woman Summit, taking place online from Nov 7th till Nov 9th, where I'll also be speaking. I'm thrilled & honoured to join the stage with the incredible speakers of the summit. Join us for free to learn more about personal growth, finance, career development and more for expats! And if you want even more, there's also a power pack that you can purchase so you'll have a year long access to the recordings, plus many more goodies. I've included my popular The Expat's Path training in the power pack!

The one part of expat life I don't know at all... Moving abroad with your family! I always moved abroad as a solo expat so what it's like to move with kids is very foreign to me. Reason to speak with Betina Pflug, a Brazilian expat in Australia who helps expats & their families to navigate life abroad!Listen to this episode to hear how Betina approaches family life and expat journeys, and the practical tips she has to help families feel at home abroad.If you would like to know more about Betina, follow her on LinkedIn or take a look at her website Wity Coaching.

Taking small decisions in daily life? Not my forte. But the big bold life moves? No problem!I recently decided to move to Rio and I took that decision in just 4 days. Easy peasy! But I know not everyone finds these big decisions easy. So in this podcast I share how I came to that decision and what helps me generally in the decision-making process, hoping to inspire you to decide on your own bold moves.Like my tips?