Defying Gravity: Embracing Growth, Loss, and New Beginnings

The journey of my expat assignment began like a grand adventure, brimming with planes, trains, automobiles, and an intricate tapestry of professional and personal changes. The first twelve months were a whirlwind, demanding agility and a driven mindset. Navigating new landscapes and cultures, my days were filled with a sense of adventure and discovery. Each experience contributed to my growth, shaping my understanding of the world and my place within it.

During these initial months, I embraced every challenge with compassion and empathy, knowing that my actions had a ripple effect on those around me. My warmth and genuine interest in building relationships allowed me to connect deeply with colleagues and locals alike. Cultural intelligence became my guiding tool, helping me navigate diverse environments and fostering a sense of belonging wherever I went. Family values anchored me amid the flurry of changes.

The following four years were transformative, filled with profound lessons and meaningful connections. I met incredible people who played pivotal roles in my development, both professionally and personally. Through these interactions, I discovered my true self—my strengths, values, and purpose. Leading myself and others became a natural extension of this self-discovery, and my impact grew as I navigated the complexities of an expat assignment during the COVID era.

Initially, I believed my expat journey would span three years, but as time passed, I yearned for new challenges and opportunities. My internal interview for the role of Head of the Lachen Manufacturing site was a pivotal moment. Despite my lack of fluency in German, the head of EMEA Manufacturing, the SVP of the region, and the Global Travel Retail Supply Chain leader saw my potential to lead and transform the site. In the Fall of 2021, I transitioned from procurement to manufacturing operations, stepping into the 'belly of the beast' within the supply chain.

Excitement and nervousness filled me as I began this new chapter. Leading a manufacturing site in Switzerland was an immense responsibility, and I approached it with optimism and determination. However, on January 26th, 2022, my world was shaken by the loss of my father. He was my role model, my anchor, the man who had always believed in me. His passing forced me to reflect on the lessons he had taught me—the significance of making an impact by showing up authentically and doing what is right. Aligning words with actions has been a guiding principle that has shaped my journey.

In the months that followed, I learned to give myself grace, both personally and professionally. I was navigating a new role in manufacturing without prior experience, but I knew how to empower my team, recognize their potential, and collectively solve challenges. Through this journey, I grew tremendously, constantly stretching myself to learn and adapt. When I faced failures, I relied on my resilience and self-awareness to press ahead.

By the Fall of 2023, I sensed that my incredible expat experience was drawing to a close. It was time to determine my next steps. A new door opened, and in 2024, I made the decision to leave The Estee Lauder Companies, where I had spent the last five years on a life-changing expat assignment in Switzerland and a total of 14 years overall. Relocating back to the New York City metro area, I began a new chapter with Thermo Fisher Scientific, stepping once again outside my comfort zone.

The last eleven months back in the States have been a metamorphosis, encompassing both immense change and growth. This experience has shaped me in ways I never imagined. As we turn the page on 2024 and move into 2025, I am filled with hope and gratitude for the friends who became family, the lessons learned, and the opportunities that lie ahead. Experiencing Europe enriched my perspective, fueling my thirst to learn and drive impact with people from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and points of view. This makes our world better.

As the late civil rights activist John Lewis once said, "Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble." My journey has been about continuing the good fight, embracing change, and striving to make a meaningful impact. Looking forward, I am excited to see what the next chapter has in store. With the foundation of my experiences and the relationships I have built, I am ready to embrace the future with optimism and determination. Here's to defying gravity and soaring to new heights.

#ExpatLife #CulturalIntelligence #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #Resilience #GoodTrouble #ActionOriented #Friendships #Family

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