The Expat Equation

Bianca Cenan & Julian Johns

Exploring the human side of working abroad. In each episode, your hosts Bianca Cenan (CEO, Candidate Aid) and Julian Johns (CEO, CultureFlow) chat with international professionals and HR leaders to share their stories & experiences about working in and shaping global workplaces.

Episodes

  1. May 20

    S2 Ep 4 - Nikol Mard

    Breaking Barriers in Global Hiring! In this episode, we speak with Nikol Mard, originally from the Czech Republic, moving to Norway in 2013. Nikol is the HR Lead for Leadership Development at BW Offshore. From leveraging networks to creating inclusive environments, her insights are a must-hear for anyone in HR or leadership, on how to navigate the unique challenges of hiring international talent in Norway.

    38 min

  2. Apr 30

    S2 Ep3 - Cynthia Myrnes

    Cynthia Myrnes – CEO, Relocation AS From Singapore to Stavanger: From working in a cafe & building an expat community to becoming CEO of Relocation AS. In 2008 Cynthia started the Stavanger Expats blog out of necessity. She and a handful of other international women simply needed the information to exist. Today that Facebook community has 25,000 members; and it was this that caught the Relocation AS - they bought it in 2012 & the rest is history.

    27 min

  3. Apr 14

    S2 Ep2 - Nicoleta Grigorov

    From Romania to Portugal: Nicoleta Grigorov's Journey Mastering Cultural Adaptation In this episode, our guest is Nicoleta from Romania who shares her journey of moving to Portugal, and shares practical tips for professionals working abroad in global teams. Key Topics: Cultural adaptation and integration Administrative challenges in relocation Impact of work culture differences Language learning and communication Building a sense of belonging abroad Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nicoleta's Expat Journey 01:38 Moving from Romania to Portugal: The Why and How 03:20 The Role of Organization in Relocation Success 06:10 Differences in Work Culture: Romania vs Portugal 08:53 Administrative Challenges and Bureaucracy 11:28 Learning Portuguese and Language Barriers 15:01 Feeling Included and Building Connections 17:44 Cultural Traditions and Local Customs 20:15 Advice for New Expats and International Teams 26:47 The Meaning of Belonging Abroad 31:47 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways Links Nicoleta Grigorov - https://linkedin.com/in/nicoletagrigorov Bianca Cenan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bianca-cenan/ Julian Johns - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianjohns/ Candidate Aid - https://candidateaid.com Culture Flow - https://cultureflow.com The Expat Equation - https://theexpatequation.com/

    33 min

  4. Mar 31

    S2 Ep1 - Susana Meza

    Navigating Life Abroad: Susana Meza's Journey From Peru to Norway: A Story of Resilience Welcome to Series 2, Episode 1. In this episode of the Expat Equation Podcast we meet Susana Meza, CEO of Charge, who shares her journey from Peru to Norway. Susana discusses her experiences in the corporate world, her transition to social entrepreneurship, and the challenges she faced as an immigrant. The conversation explores themes of personal growth, cultural adaptation, and the importance of community and belonging in navigating life abroad. Takeaways Susana's journey reflects the challenges and opportunities of moving abroad.Social entrepreneurship became a defining passion for Susana during her studies.Starting from scratch can be a valuable mindset for immigrants.Community support plays a vital role in the immigrant experience.Belonging is about connection to people and places, both old and new.

    33 min

  5. Feb 24

    Recap on Season 1 & Season 2 is coming!

    Bianca and Julian discuss the key insights and themes from Season One of The Expat Equation podcast. They explore the challenges faced by individuals moving abroad, the importance of a growth mindset, the impact of cultural nuances in the workplace, and the biases present in hiring practices. The conversation emphasizes the need for companies to recognize the strategic benefits of hiring international talent and concludes with a celebration of the unique superpowers of their guests! And we announce that Season 2 is coming!

    10 min

  6. Feb 19

    Episode 6 - Kim Hale

    In this episode of The Expat Equation, we sit down with Kim Hale. Kim is CEO of Splash, and she reflects on her experiences living and working across the UK, New Zealand, Canada, and Norway. Offering honest insights into navigating cultural differences, job searching in a new country, and adapting to different ways of working. Throughout the conversation, Kim highlights the importance of community, inclusion, and cultural understanding in creating a sense of belonging. Takeaways: - Navigating global careers requires understanding cultural differences. - Building a strong community is essential for expatriates. - Job searching in a new country can be challenging, but deeply rewarding. - Cultural shocks often lead to personal growth and self-awareness. - Inclusion in the workplace is crucial for international talent to thrive. - Networking and volunteering can open unexpected doors in new job markets. - Language skills can influence job opportunities, but are not always essential. - Embracing diversity enriches both personal and professional experiences. - Support from peers plays a key role in adapting to a new culture. - International professionals bring valuable perspectives to organizations.

    23 min

  7. Feb 19

    Episode 5 - Vidhi Kumar

    In this episode of the Expat Equation, we speak with Vidhi Kumar. Vidhi is a co-founder and Chief Growth Officer of Cardboard. She shares her journey of moving from India to Norway, the challenges she experienced job searching in a new country, the importance of having the right mindset, getting hobbies and the significance of bringing up her children here, in Norway. We also talk about learning 7 languages (!) and speak 4, the power of books, bookshops & libraries and her love of adverts! The startup ecosystem in Norway, what needs to be done to drive innovation and the importance of international community in that goal. This is an extended edit as this conversations touched upon so many areas! Takeaways: - Vidhi's journey highlights the importance of cultural adaptation when moving abroad. - The job search process can be challenging, especially in a new country. - Work-life balance is a significant aspect of Norwegian culture. - Language learning is crucial for integration and understanding local culture. - Resilience is key when facing challenges in a new environment. - Community support plays a vital role in the expat experience. - Diversity in hiring practices can enhance workplace culture. - The startup ecosystem in Norway is vibrant and full of opportunities. - Understanding local customs and traditions can ease the transition. - Having a clear mindset about challenges can lead to a more positive experience.

    35 min

  8. Feb 19

    Episode 4 - Luciana Alegre

    In Episode 4 of The Expat Equation, we delve into the inspiring journey of Luciana Alegre. Luciana is a Senior Product Designer at Handelsbanken in Oslo, Norway - who shares her experiences of moving from Portugal to Norway and the lessons learned along the way. Luciana's story is a testament to her resilience and drive  to make it work in a new country. Her experiences underscore the importance of cultural awareness, networking, and the willingness to embrace change. Key Topics  1. Early Beginnings and Cultural Shifts 2. Overcoming Job Search Challenges 3. Defining Moments and Personal Growth 4. Embracing a New Work Culture 5. Language and Community Integration  Key Takeaways:   - Cultural differences in daily routines can have a significant impact on the adjustment process.   - Persistence, cover letters, pre-approved references and effective networking are crucial during job searches in a new country.   - Personal milestones, such as parenthood, can deepen one’s connection to a new culture.   - Open communication in the workplace fosters a positive work environment and aids in adaptation.  Embrace it. - Language learning is an important step to take, even if you arent pushed to learn - to improve engagement and involvement in a new country.

    28 min

  9. Feb 19

    Episode 3 - Allyson Barr

    Today we meet Allyson Barr, Chief Marketing Officer with global experience across the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. As our first international guest joining from the US, this conversation marks an exciting step for our podcast, connecting voices and experiences from across the Atlantic. Together, we explore the importance of approaching new environments with humility and curiosity. Allyson shares her reflections on navigating diverse cultural contexts and the lessons she’s learned about recognizing her outsider perspective and using it as a source of insight rather than limitation. Takeaways: The importance of humility when entering new environments.Curiosity drives better understanding of social dynamics.Recognizing oneself as an outsider can foster better integration.Asking thoughtful questions is key to understanding others.Not assuming prior knowledge about a new environment is crucial.Lunch rituals can reveal unique cultural dynamics.Integration requires patience and observation.Being an outsider offers a fresh perspective.Understanding relationships takes time and effort.Curiosity can lead to deeper connections.

    28 min

  10. Feb 19

    Episode 2 - Patricia Varela

    Cultural Identity in Recruitment We chat with Patricia Varela, a Recruiter and HR professional with a rich multicultural background. We discuss the complexities of hiring and integrating international talent in various countries, including Norway, Sweden, and Spain. Patricia shares her personal experiences navigating cultural biases and discuss the common mistakes companies make when hiring internationals. The episode concludes with a quick-fire round of questions, providing insights into Patricia's views on leadership and workplace culture. Takeaways Patricia's multicultural background shapes her perspective on HR.Cultural ways of working on both sides, can influence hiring perceptions.Open conversations are crucial in recruitment processes.Avoiding discomfort can hinder effective communication.Clear expectations in job postings can reduce mismatches.HR departments play a vital role in fostering inclusion.

    27 min

  11. Feb 19

    Episode 1 - Paul Harrison

    In our very first episode we hear from Paul Harrison - a British national that moved to Norway 13 years ago. We hear about the importance of belonging, Norwegian traditions, how business can do more to help international hires, while still making time to share the pleasure of drinking tea! Paul's experiences will help anyone looking to make the move to Norway, or to those already here, take a refreshing look at what it takes to build a great career & life here.

    13 min

  12. Season 1 Trailer

    Welcome to The Expat Equation

    Welcome to The Expat Equation - a podcast"Exploring the human side of working abroad." In this episode, we talk about the podcast, how you can get involved and yes you get to meet your hosts Bianca Cenan (CEO, Candidate Aid) and Julian Johns (CEO, CultureFlow). Throughout Season 1 will invite international professionals and HR leaders to share their stories & experiences about shaping a better global workplace.

    3 min

Trailer

About

Exploring the human side of working abroad. In each episode, your hosts Bianca Cenan (CEO, Candidate Aid) and Julian Johns (CEO, CultureFlow) chat with international professionals and HR leaders to share their stories & experiences about working in and shaping global workplaces.

Information

  • Creator
    Bianca Cenan & Julian Johns
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Bianca Cenan & Julian Johns
  • Show Website
    The Expat Equation