26 min

Katie Noelke - Embracing Cultural Differences Take Control of Your Career

    • Careers

Katie Noelke is Director of Global Mobility for Emerson

In this episode Lauren and Katie discuss:

• Expat assignments and career trajectory
• Career mobility that brought cultural adaptation and learning
• The profound personal and professional growth possible from international assignments.

Key Takeaways:
• Volunteer for Opportunities - don’t wait for an invitation to step up and take your career to the next level.
• Embrace Cultural Differences - living and working in a different culture requires openness to learning and adaptation. Success in global roles often hinges on the ability to understand and navigate cultural nuances.
• International assignments not only contribute to career development but also to personal growth, offering new perspectives and understanding of global dynamics.
• Get clarity on your personal and professional goals. Making career decisions should consider personal life, mental health, and overall happiness, not just professional advancement.
• A strong network is invaluable for career mobility, offering support, advice, and opportunities. Being open to asking for help and offering assistance in return can strengthen professional relationships.
• Every international assignment or career change is unique. Being adaptable and willing to learn from each situation can lead to more effective leadership and personal satisfaction.



"Just because you've been there, done that with one international assignment does not mean that it's going to be smooth sailing for the second one. There's always something to learn."
- Katie Noelke

"I went over there to make change and impact, and I do think it was probably within 24 hours that I realized I was the one that had a lot of changing to do myself."
- Katie Noelke

"The power of the network is so critical... It's not only about what somebody can do for you, but also you never know when you're going to be called to task."
- Katie Noelke

Katie Noelke is Director of Global Mobility for Emerson

In this episode Lauren and Katie discuss:

• Expat assignments and career trajectory
• Career mobility that brought cultural adaptation and learning
• The profound personal and professional growth possible from international assignments.

Key Takeaways:
• Volunteer for Opportunities - don’t wait for an invitation to step up and take your career to the next level.
• Embrace Cultural Differences - living and working in a different culture requires openness to learning and adaptation. Success in global roles often hinges on the ability to understand and navigate cultural nuances.
• International assignments not only contribute to career development but also to personal growth, offering new perspectives and understanding of global dynamics.
• Get clarity on your personal and professional goals. Making career decisions should consider personal life, mental health, and overall happiness, not just professional advancement.
• A strong network is invaluable for career mobility, offering support, advice, and opportunities. Being open to asking for help and offering assistance in return can strengthen professional relationships.
• Every international assignment or career change is unique. Being adaptable and willing to learn from each situation can lead to more effective leadership and personal satisfaction.



"Just because you've been there, done that with one international assignment does not mean that it's going to be smooth sailing for the second one. There's always something to learn."
- Katie Noelke

"I went over there to make change and impact, and I do think it was probably within 24 hours that I realized I was the one that had a lot of changing to do myself."
- Katie Noelke

"The power of the network is so critical... It's not only about what somebody can do for you, but also you never know when you're going to be called to task."
- Katie Noelke

26 min