• 10. Living Abroad Without Children - When You Don´t Fit Into a Category
    Jul 7 2026

    Summary


    In this episode, Annette Jall shares her unique journey of living abroad without children, exploring the challenges and opportunities of redefining identity, building community, and embracing new roles in different countries.


    Key Topics


    Challenges of living abroad without children

    Building community and belonging

    Reinventing personal identity in different cultures


    Guest

    Annette Jall

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/annette-jall/

    https://halloguide.com



    Host

    Annegret Bertsch

    https://www.coaching-because.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch/

    https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/





    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 3 mins
  • 9. Expat Adaptation - The J-Curve Model
    Jun 23 2026

    Summary


    In this episode, leadership coach Tanya Gamburgo shares insights on the complex journey of expatriate adaptation, exploring the J-curve model, the importance of perception, and practical strategies for companies and individuals to navigate cultural transitions effectively.


    Key Topics


    The J-curve model of cultural adaptation

    The impact of perception and identity on expat experiences

    Practical strategies for companies to support expatriates

    Personal resilience and preparation for cultural transition


    Guest

    Tania Gamburgo

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/tania-gamburgo/

    https://www.instagram.com/gamburgotania/
    E-Mail: tania@gamburgo.eu


    Host

    Annegret Bertsch

    https://www.coaching-because.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch/

    https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/

    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • 8. Raising TCKs - What Research Reveals
    Jun 9 2026

    Summary


    Explore the challenges and solutions for raising healthy third culture kids (TCKs) with expert Tanya Crossman. Discover research-backed strategies to support emotional well-being, build community, and foster resilience in international families.


    Keywords


    Third Culture Kids, TCK, international families, emotional well-being, parenting, research, community, resilience, expatriates, cross-cultural parenting


    Guest

    Tanya Crossman

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyacrossman/

    https://www.tcktraining.com


    Host

    Annegret Bertsch

    https://www.coaching-because.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch/

    https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/



    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • 7. Both Sides of the Expat Story - 13 Years in Her World, 13 Years in His
    May 26 2026

    Summary


    Kristin and Thiemo share their inspiring journey of international relocation, cultural adaptation, and maintaining love across borders. Discover insights on language learning, cultural differences, and building a new life in Germany and the US.


    Key Topics


    Cultural differences between Germany and the US

    Language learning experiences of Kristin and Thiemo

    Impact of relocation on family and relationships


    Guests

    Thiemo and Kristin Kühner

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/thiemokuehner/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-kühner/

    https://kuehner-coaching.com/de/willkommen-bei-kuehner-coaching-com/


    Host

    Annegret Bertsch

    https://www.coaching-because.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch/

    https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/



    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 7 mins
  • 6. ADHD Abroad - Don´t Judge A Book By Its Cover
    May 12 2026

    Summary

    Wendy Zeilstra shares her journey of navigating life abroad with a neurodivergent child, highlighting the importance of awareness, diagnosis, and support systems. This episode offers valuable insights for parents living abroad and dealing with similar challenges.


    Key Topics

    Journey of navigating life abroad with a neurodivergent child

    Importance of early diagnosis and support

    Challenges of cultural and systemic differences in healthcare and education


    Guest

    Wendy Zeilstra

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyzeilstra/

    https://latebloomcollective.com


    Host

    Annegret Bertsch

    https://www.coaching-because.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch/

    https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/



    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 7 mins
  • 5. Relationships in the UAE - What Relocation Reveals
    Apr 28 2026

    Summary

    In this conversation, Samar Karam shares her insights on navigating relationships as an expat in the UAE. She discusses the cultural nuances, challenges of multicultural marriages, and the importance of communication and emotional support. Samar emphasizes the need for kindness and understanding in relationships, especially in a new environment where traditions and identities may clash. The conversation also touches on the temptations of the UAE lifestyle and the significance of preventive maintenance in relationships.


    Takeaways

    Finding a forever home can be a beautiful journey.

    Cultural insights are crucial for adapting to life in the UAE.

    Expect changes and respect traditions when moving to a new country.

    Safety in the UAE is a significant advantage for families.

    The rate of divorce among expats is notably high due to various challenges.

    Preventive maintenance in relationships is essential for longevity.

    Communication and emotional support are key to a successful marriage.

    Be mindful of the temptations that come with the UAE lifestyle.

    Kindness can transform difficult conversations into constructive ones.

    Understanding each other's identities is crucial in multicultural marriages.


    Guest

    Samar Karam

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/samarsamykaram/

    https://www.samarkaram.com


    Host

    Annegret Bertsch

    https://www.coaching-because.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch/

    https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/



    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • 4. Prepare for Landing - Guiding Principles for Intercultural Leadership
    Apr 14 2026

    Discover practical insights from Bernd Scharbert’s extensive experience leading global teams and navigating intercultural environments. In this episode, Bernd shares how small actions and cultural awareness forge trust and belonging across borders, providing actionable principles for leaders and expatriates alike.

    This episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice for leaders, expatriates, and anyone interested in mastering intercultural skills for both professional and personal growth.


    Takeaways:

    The significance of reflection before landing (or beginning a new intercultural phase) and how it relates to leadership and personal growth

    Principles of inclusive language use and navigating language barriers in multicultural teams

    The concept of cultural mapping versus stereotypes, and how understanding norms helps prevent misunderstandings

    Difference between low and high context cultures and their impact on communication styles

    Practical strategies for building trust through small gestures, authentic storytelling, and showing vulnerability

    The importance of adapting leadership styles to cultural expectations, including hierarchy and feedback norms

    How to create safe spaces in meetings to encourage contributions from shy or less vocal team members

    Tools for developing a cultural “rule book” tailored to team or organizational norms

    Personal stories illustrating the influence of cultural customs, such as greeting rituals and social drinking, on leadership authenticity


    Guest

    Bernd Scharbert

    https://www.berndscharbert.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernd-scharbert-719a384/?originalSubdomain=de

    https://shop.budrich.de/en/product-2/prepare-for-landing-leitlinien-fuer-interkulturelle-fuehrung/


    Host

    Annegret Bertsch

    https://www.coaching-because.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch/

    https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/



    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • 3. I´ll Be There For You - Friendships Abroad
    Mar 31 2026

    Gaia shares her rich multicultural journey, insights on friendship formation, cultural differences, and maintaining meaningful relationships across borders. Discover practical tips for expats and intercultural friendships, and learn how shared experiences forge lifelong bonds.


    Takeaways

    - Friendship formation hours: 40-60 casual, 200+ close

    - Cultural differences in greeting and social norms

    - Strategies for introverts to meet new people abroad

    - Impact of shared hardships on lifelong friendships

    - Balancing social life and personal boundaries in expat life



    Guest

    Gaia Striano

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaia-striano-59b87a1b7/

    https://www.instagram.com/quierounpaninoconcheese/


    Host

    Annegret Bertsch

    https://www.coaching-because.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch/

    https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/

    Show More Show Less
    59 mins