Moving by the Seat of Our Pants: Navigating Global Mobility Trends

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In this engaging podcast series, we journey alongside Global Mobility professionals who deftly navigate the ever-changing landscape of international work. Hosted by Expat Academy and EQUUS Software, along with industry experts and in-house leaders, each episode delves into critical topics relevant to 2024, 2025, and beyond. From policy twists to data-driven decision-making, join us as we explore the challenges, opportunities, and unexpected turns faced by those who manage the world’s workforce. Fasten your seatbelts—it’s going to be a dynamic ride!

  1. 4d ago

    The Human-First Future: GM's Role in a Worker-Empowered World

    Global mobility functions have long measured success by logistics: visas processed on time, shipping arrived, start date met. But if those are the only metrics that matter, the function is missing the point entirely. The real question is whether people thrive during and after their assignments, and whether mobility teams are even equipped to find out. Clare Eskriett from Hogan Lovells brings 28 years of experience and a personal stint as a single expat in Hong Kong to a conversation about what it genuinely means to put people at the centre of a mobility programme. She argues that the shift from company-led to worker-empowered mobility is not just about flexible policies; it is about understanding individuals, building real relationships, and using data that actually reflects human outcomes.   Tune in to this episode as we explore: (07:33) Why “take it or leave it” mobility policies fail (09:55) Why most moves aren’t purely employee or business-driven (13:22) Why visa turnaround times are the wrong mobility metric (15:42) Using HR data to track post-assignment careers and retention (19:01) What missing assignee surveys reveal about mobility priorities (22:34) Building trust so assignees share what really went wrong (25:26) Why direct partner access reveals the full relocation picture (28:18) Why single movers may face the greatest isolation risks (30:49) What Clare’s solo Hong Kong move taught her (32:32) How proactive check-ins uncover problems assignees won’t volunteer

  2. Aug 6

    The AI Reality Check: Efficiency, Ethics, and Why We Still Need Nice Pens

    Artificial intelligence is everywhere in global mobility conversations, from conference keynotes to vendor pitches. But how much of it is genuine progress and how much is noise? The reality is that most organisations are still figuring out where AI actually fits, and some are making costly assumptions along the way.   In this episode, Chris and Scott are joined by Neel Khimji from Equus Software to separate the substance from the soundbites. From hallucinations and guardrails to the risk of losing your company's identity in a ChatGPT rewrite. This is an honest, grounded look at what AI can and cannot do for global mobility teams right now.   Tune in to this episode as we explore: (01:55) Manila secondment revealed the real assignee experience firsthand (06:26) Why AI is not the silver bullet (09:02) Why a self-running podcast misses human value (11:20) Where automation ends and true AI begins (14:05) Why AI hallucinations threaten compliance-heavy organisations most (17:13) AI use cases already saving mobility teams time (22:29) Why good judgement matters more than AI (26:28) How AI is changing LinkedIn professional identity (30:12) Why AI can strip culture from communications (32:58) When AI moves faster than IT governance   Links mentioned in this episode: Neil Khimji on LinkedIn

  3. Jun 3

    Strategic Localization: When a 'Local Plus' is More Than Just a Policy

    What if the difference between a successful international move and a costly failure comes down to one overlooked detail – whether the accompanying partner can work? In this episode, we dive deep into strategic localisations with two powerhouse guests: Gill Gordon from the Permits Foundation and returning favourite Ros Harvey from Warner Music Group.   Gill brings 25 years of experience advocating for spousal work authorisation across 40 countries, while Roz shares practical insights on building mobility programs that recognise we're "moving people, not widgets." Together, they reveal why 83% of accompanying partners want to work but only 50% can – and how this gap is costing companies hundreds of thousands of dollars in failed assignments.   Tune in to this episode as we explore: (01:10) How Gill founded the Permits Foundation (07:47) Why localizations shouldn't mean abandoning the duty of care for employees and families (13:50) The number one reason international moves fail today (21:22) Pre-move briefings that make employees feel valued (26:14) The issue with loneliness (29:51) The countries leading the way in family-friendly immigration policies (32:52) How immigration sensitivity prevents companies from advocating directly with governments (37:00) Gill's key insight when families thrive, moves succeed and companies benefit (38:32) The importance of understanding individual circumstances rather than treating people as widgets

  4. May 20

    The ROI Reckoning: Proving the Value of Mobility in a Budget-Conscious World

    How do you prove the value of global mobility programs when traditional ROI metrics fall short? Ben Hooper from Pickfords Relocation reveals why measuring mobility success requires more than spreadsheets and cost reports. Drawing from 13 years across tax advisory, client services, and strategic roles, he explores the gap between what mobility teams track and what senior leadership actually values.   From pulse surveys to business outcomes, this conversation challenges conventional thinking about how to demonstrate mobility's true impact – and offers practical approaches to shift from activity reporting to strategic value measurement.   Tune in to this episode as we explore: (04:44) Why mobility ROI remains an unsolved puzzle  (08:24) The challenge of proving qualitative value to senior leadership (11:58) Moving beyond activity reporting to business outcomes (16:08) Why retention metrics are too variable for ROI measurement (21:26) Using frequent satisfaction surveys to show continuous value (24:38) Measuring assignment success through leadership readiness (29:04) Why establishing baselines matters more than end results (32:33) The one metric worth leading with for mobility funding (35:01) Starting ROI measurement with quantifiable investment costs

  5. Apr 15

    The Journey of Perform to Transform in Global Mobility

    Most mobility functions struggle to escape operational urgency to become truly strategic. Steven McNabola from Rolls-Royce shares how he transformed both himself and his mobility team by listening to business needs first, then building four clear strategic pillars around those insights.   This conversation reveals practical frameworks for shifting from reactive to strategic thinking, maintaining team motivation through continuous change, and why personal transformation as a leader directly impacts professional success.   Tune in to this episode as we explore: (00:00) Introduction (03:47) The journey from humble beginnings to mobility leadership   (08:29) Finding work-life balance after burnout (13:06) Why the shadow of a leader affects team performance (15:08) Moving from operational tasks to strategic thinking (19:27) Building a mobility strategy by listening to business stakeholders (22:18) The four strategic pillars that guide every decision (25:02) When and how to push back on business demands (27:41) Validation sessions to keep strategy relevant (31:32) Maintaining team motivation through continuous transformation (34:18) Creating team culture through celebration and recognition (37:56) The competitive bowling incident that became team legend   Links mentioned in this episode: Steven McNabola on LinkedIn

  6. Mar 2

    The Unseen Costs of Mobility: From Shadow Payroll to Permanent Establishment

    What’s the real cost of getting global mobility wrong?   In this episode, Steph Carr from BDO joins Moving By The Seat of Our Pants for a deep dive into the hidden risks that can derail even the best mobility strategies. From shadow payroll to permanent establishment exposure in today’s remote and hybrid world, Steph unpacks the tax, compliance and commercial realities mobility professionals can’t afford to ignore.   Tune in to this episode as we explore: (00:00) Introduction (05:41) Broadening views on expat tax (07:54) Why shadow payroll gets complicated (11:51) Remote work and taxable presence (13:48) Spotting remote workforce risks (18:46) Prevention over cure in tax compliance (23:09) Where departments misunderstand each other (29:13) Getting compliance right before travel (33:06) Common cross-border tax pitfalls (36:59) Policy planning across jurisdictions (38:32) Equity compliance case by case (42:24) Immigration tax risk and compliance (45:40) Breaking down Health and Safety (H&S) payroll

  7. Jan 14

    The New Relocation: Beyond Housing and Household Goods

    James Speirs, the Vice President of Client Services at RelocationOnline, joins Moving By The Seat of Our Pants to unpack how relocation and employee support have evolved beyond traditional, logistics-focused models.   Find out more about the shift toward a more holistic approach – one that emphasises wellbeing, flexibility, and technology – shaped by Covid, Gen Z expectations, and increasing demands around compliance, cost control, and AI. It’s a highlight on how global mobility teams are adapting to balance employee experience with organisational priorities.   Tune in to this episode as we explore: (03:05) An accidental journey into mobility (04:39) Relocation trends from goods to holistic support (09:31) Rethinking global mobility priorities (13:29) Effective compliance for cost control (15:53) Relocation benefits and the evolving business rationale (18:39) Candidate assessment in relocation (21:39) Why mobility lags in wellbeing (25:09) Prioritising wellbeing in mobility (30:30) From gatekeepers to strategic partners (33:24) Person-led AI enhancing efficiency (35:52) The future of connected mobility solutions (37:58) Enhancing the digital employee experience   Links mentioned in this episode: James Speirs on LinkedIn RelocationOnline

  8. 12/03/2025

    The Next Generation of Assignees: Gen Z, Millennials, and the Demand for Purpose

    Kathryn Blackley-Smith is the Global Mobility Senior Manager EMEA at Alvarez & Marsal. Join us as we dive headfirst into the next generation of international assignees – think Gen Zs and Millennials – and what truly motivates them to take on assignments abroad. You’ll hear candid stories about falling into global mobility entirely by chance, myth-busting about what these younger employees really want (hint: it’s not just about the money), and a real look at how modern policies need to do more to support people as individuals, not just moving parts.   Tune in to this episode as we explore: (04:08) EMEA global mobility leadership (08:10) Balancing work, life and growth (12:05) Global mobility guiding and supporting (14:40) Balancing business and employee needs (18:42) Navigating global mobility challenges (20:02) Adapting mobility for Gen Z (23:56) Mental load: a growing awareness (27:34) Flexible policies for dynamic needs (30:19) Policies ignoring dual-income norm (33:25) Centralised immigration support platform utopia (36:53) Mental health support for relocation (39:28) Support during key challenges   Links mentioned in this episode: Kathryn Blackley-Smith on LinkedIn Alvarez & Marsal

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In this engaging podcast series, we journey alongside Global Mobility professionals who deftly navigate the ever-changing landscape of international work. Hosted by Expat Academy and EQUUS Software, along with industry experts and in-house leaders, each episode delves into critical topics relevant to 2024, 2025, and beyond. From policy twists to data-driven decision-making, join us as we explore the challenges, opportunities, and unexpected turns faced by those who manage the world’s workforce. Fasten your seatbelts—it’s going to be a dynamic ride!

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