International Expats Coach

An inspiring Woman Jessica Morari, Expats and Career Transition Coach with rich international experience.

"An expat is an explorer, an adventurer at heart. We are not fearless, but we have learned to overcome our fears to achieve our dreams. We are a tribe whose members are found on every continent, yet we speak the same language".

From inspiration to realization!

Inspiring interview with Jessica Morari.

I am delighted to introduce you to Jessica Morari, an international Expat and professional Career Coach, a polyglot.

In this inspiring interview, Jessica Morari shares her expertise and insights into the world of expat life. She highlights the challenges and difficulties that Expats often face, which are often overlooked or discussed in a superficial manner. Her goal is to empower expats with the tools, mindset, and approach they need to thrive in their new environment.

Choose with your heart,

Plan with your mind,

Persist with your spirit. - Jessica Morari

Jessica's Expat Commandments: Prioritizing Personal Well-being

Before we get to know Jessica and her work, I would like to start with one of her interesting statements that hooked my attention the most. It comes from her "10 Commandments for Expats".

Jessica, you said there: "Moving abroad doesn't necessarily mean breaking with your previous life, but it is anopportunity to get a better version of yourself and you must be your top priority when you live outside your home country".

You outlined two types of expats: those who cling to their previous habits and values while others who stopped doing everything because now their priorities are different.

It is so interesting to hear because most of us when we move to a new place do the opposite.

The Perils of Self-Sacrifice and the Importance of Emotional Well-being

Many expats fall into the trap of self-sacrifice, prioritizing their work and social obligations above their own well-being. This can lead to emotional exhaustion and hinder the adaptation process. Here comes her question:

"What is more of a priority than your emotional, physical, and mental well-being?

Jessica emphasizes the importance of prioritizing one's emotional, physical, and mental well-being, especially when facing the challenges of a new environment. She encourages expats to acknowledge and embrace their emotions, whether it's sadness, doubt, insecurity, loneliness, anger, or frustration. Finally, she encourages you never to put your own priorities on the last list.

Tell us a little story about yourself and what made you become a Career and Expat Coach?

Born and raised in the vibrant city of Milan, Italy, I've always harbored a deep fascination with the tapestry of cultures and languages. This intrinsic curiosity led me to pursue a career in the dynamic realm of hotel management, a field that seamlessly intertwined my passion for hospitality with my yearning to connect with people from all walks of life.

In 2015, the allure of broadening my horizons propelled me to Spain, where I embarked on a Masters' Degree program. Initially intending to spend a single season immersed in the rich Spanish culture, I found myself enchanted by the country’s warmth and charm, ultimately residing there for seven transformative years. During this enriching period, I delved into the world of hotel management, carving a fulfilling career path that enabled me to nurture and guide aspiring professionals.

Working with these talented individuals, many of whom were just at the age of 20-21. I discovered a passion for empowering others to reach their full potential. Their enthusiasm and openness to growth ignited a spark within me, inspiring me to seek a way where I could make a more profound impact on the lives of others.

My transition to becoming an expat and career coach marked a natural transition in my professional journey. Driven by a desire to positively influence, particularly among the younger generation, I sought to equip individuals with the tools and mindset to not only navigate the challenges of living abroad but also to thrive in their personal and professional endeavors.

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by those embarking on expatriate journeys, I became acutely aware of the need for comprehensive support that extended beyond the mere logistics of relocation. I envisioned a coaching approach that encompassed not only career guidance but also the emotional and cultural aspects of adapting to a new environment.

Drawing upon my experiences as a hotel manager, where I consistently cultivated the strengths and talents of my team, I honed my approach to coaching. Instead of focusing on shortcomings, I sought to amplify the unique gifts and potentials of each individual. This strengths-based approach resonated deeply with my clients, empowering them to overcome obstacles and embrace their true potential.

My mission extends beyond simply assisting individuals in surviving abroad; I aspire to guide them in crafting the fulfilling lives they envision by helping them navigate the bureaucratic hurdles and matters related to relocation and equipping them with practical strategies for securing employment and housing. I strive to alleviate the initial stress and disappointment that can often accompany a move to a new country.

I believe that the key to a successful expatriate experience lies in proactively shaping one's destiny rather than passively succumbing to the whims of circumstance. I empower my clients to become the architects of their own realities, guiding them toward a life of fulfillment and success in their chosen destinations.

Becoming an expat and career coach has been a calling, allowing me to merge my passion for helping others with my deep understanding of cross-cultural dynamics. I am committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those seeking to expand their horizons and pursue their dreams abroad.

Which countries are more dominant in terms of the need for professional help?

Countries seeking professional help in terms of career and expat coaching services exhibit notable diversity. Most of the clients are from the USA, South America, and Europe. The types of assistance sought range from career support to personal life guidance, reflecting the interconnectedness of these aspects. My coaching approach adopts a holistic perspective, recognizing that addressing personal and professional growth simultaneously is essential for overall well-being.

While the motivations and goals of clients from different regions may vary, all requests are equally valued and treated with the utmost care. Whether providing emotional support, career guidance, or assistance with life projects, I emphasize the intertwined nature of these domains. Personal growth is fundamental to professional advancement, as both dimensions influence each other significantly.

My coaching system encompasses personal well-being, relationships, professional endeavors, and emotional management, recognizing that one area can have a ripple effect on the others. I aim to empower clients to achieve balance and fulfillment in all aspects of their lives, fostering a sense of harmony and success.

What is the biggest dominant influence that can cause difficulties in achieving or being successful? The ones that come from your mindset or external things?

Success is a multifaceted concept that encompasses various aspects of an individual's life. It's a combination of factors, including personal attributes, external circumstances, and the choices we make along the way. While external factors play a significant role, our mindset remains a crucial determinant of our ability to navigate these factors and achieve our goals.

Three Types of Opportunities

I often categorize opportunities into three distinct types:

1. Opportunity finds you: These are invitations or offers that come your way.

2. You stumble upon opportunities: These arise from our active exploration and engagement with the world around us. You might stumble upon a networking event or discover a hidden talent through experimentation.

3. You create your own opportunities: These are possibilities you proactively seek out and bring into existence. You might launch your own business, develop a new skill, or pursue an unconventional career path.

The Significance of Mindset

I believe that our mindset plays a pivotal role in determining our success, accounting for approximately 80% of our journey toward achieving our goals. A positive mindset doesn't imply ignoring reality or denying challenges, instead, it's about approaching obstacles with resilience, adaptability, and a belief in our ability to overcome them.

Positive Thinking versus Positive Mindset

Positive thinking isn't about blind optimism; it's about cultivating a perspective that enables you to identify and pursue opportunities.

The concept of positive thinking often gets misconstrued as mere wishful thinking or ignoring reality. True positivity stems from a deep-seated belief in our capabilities, coupled with a willingness to learn, adapt, and persist in the face of adversity. It's about finding opportunities amidst challenges and approaching situations with a constructive mindset.

Personalized Success

Success is deeply individual and subjective. It's not about conforming to external standards or societal expectations. Rather, it's about aligning our actions with our values, passions, and aspirations. True success stems from pursuing goals that resonate with our genuine sense of fulfillment.

The Solution-Oriented Approach

Instead of dwelling on problems and external factors beyond our control, we must adopt a solution-oriented mindset. This involves taking responsibility for our circumstances and proactively seeking ways to navigate challenges. While we cannot control global events or economic shifts, The Monetary system. We can take control of our response to these conditions and make informed decisions that steer us toward our desired outcomes.

Our mindset empowers us to design the trajectory of our lives. We can consciously shape our daily routines, career strategies, and overall approach to life. By taking ownership of our narrative, we create opportunities for growth, fulfillment, and the realization of our aspirations.

The Influence of External Factors

Undoubtedly, external factors play a significant role in shaping our experiences and influencing our opportunities. The current global landscape, marked by ongoing conflicts, economic uncertainties, and societal shifts, undoubtedly presents unique challenges. However, our mindset determines how we perceive and respond to these external forces.

Similarly, Generation Z and millennials might perceive themselves as navigating a period of economic slowdown or uncertainty. However, this mindset should not hinder one's pursuit of success.

External factors, including ongoing conflicts, societal shifts, and political instability, will always be present. Nevertheless, a resilient mindset allows you to navigate these challenges effectively. Blaming external circumstances, such as resource scarcity or increased competition, impedes progress.

Creativity as a Catalyst for Opportunity

When conventional paths seem limited, creativity becomes our most potent tool for forging new opportunities. By embracing innovation, we can break free from constraints and design unique solutions that align with our aspirations. If conventional methods fail to yield desired outcomes, creativity empowers you to generate your own opportunities. No one can guarantee opportunities will come knocking on your door. Taking charge of your destiny positions you as the architect of your own success. You can take power and control over your narrative.

The Power of Self-Authorship

By adopting a proactive mindset and embracing creativity, we reclaim the power to author our own life narratives. We move from being passive recipients of circumstances to active creators of our destinies. This shift in perspective empowers us to navigate external factors, capitalize on opportunities, and shape our lives with intention and purpose.

Jessica's Journey as a Polyglot: An Inspiration for Language Learners

Jessica's fluency in multiple languages is a testament to her dedication and passion for language learning. Her story serves as an inspiration to those seeking to expand their linguistic horizons.

Language has always been my passion. It's like a window into another culture, a way to connect with people from different backgrounds and experiences. I believe that mastering a language goes beyond simply understanding grammar and vocabulary.

My interest in languages began in school, where I took advantage of every opportunity to learn new ones. I was already fluent in English and soon added French and German to my repertoire. Later, during my university studies in Milan, I embarked on a journey with the Russian language. Initially, I had planned to study both Russian and Arabic, but university regulations forced me to choose one. I opted for Russian, intrigued by its unique Cyrillic script and rich literary heritage.

While German posed its own challenges, especially with its complex grammar and pronunciation, it was Russian that truly tested my linguistic mettle.

For me, the essence of language proficiency lies in the ability to express oneself freely and without inhibition. Language is inextricably linked to identity, shaping how we perceive ourselves and how we are perceived by others. When I speak Italian, my native tongue, a sense of vibrancy and humor emerges, facets of my personality that might not be as readily apparent in other languages.

The inability to express oneself fully in a language can be frustrating and limiting. It's like having a thought or feeling trapped within, unable to find its voice. During my early days in Spain, where I was drawn to the rich language and culture. Upon moving to a small village in Catalonia, I discovered that the locals spoke primarily Catalan, a distinct language closely related to Spanish. Despite my prior efforts to learn Spanish, I found myself struggling to understand the new linguistic landscape.

The turning point came when I started an internship at a hotel in Spain.

When you listen to the accent I can quickly pick up the accents. I could get the accent quickly. It is good and at the same time, it is not good cause I imitate people very easily.

Language is more than just a tool for communication; it's a bridge that connects us to different cultures, broadening our perspectives and enriching our understanding of the world. It's the key to unlocking new experiences, forging deeper connections, and embracing the beauty of human diversity.

The final question that I was very curious to ask you about.

Preserving Identity in a Dominating Diversity of International Expats.

Here I would like to say and ask you Jessica what do you think about my thought?

I think the diversity of expat communities can pose a unique challenge: the risk of losing one's own identity. I wanted to highlight this danger and stresses the importance of maintaining a strong sense of self amidst a multitude of cultural influences.

One of the things we working on is knowing who you are. At the heart of knowing who you are lies the identification of your core values. These are the unwavering principles that guide your decisions and actions, forming the foundation of your authentic self. They are not swayed by temporary trends or social pressures; they are the bedrock of your identity.

Your core values serve as an internal compass, steering you towards choices that align with your deeper sense of purpose. For instance, if environmental consciousness and animal welfare are among your core values, adhering to a vegan lifestyle becomes a natural expression of your authentic self. Deviating from these values to simply fit in can lead to internal conflict and a sense of misalignment.

A strong sense of self-worth, self-esteem, and self-confidence stems from the intrinsic belief in your value, independent of external validation or the opinions of others. It's about recognizing your innate worth as a human being, regardless of circumstances or societal expectations. Self-confidence manifests in the way you carry yourself and express your thoughts without seeking constant approval or validation. True confidence allows you to engage in reciprocal conversations, sharing your ideas and perspectives without feeling diminished by the opinions of others.

The concept of belonging differs from fitting in. Belonging entails being embraced and accepted for who you truly are, without the need to compromise your values or personality. It's about finding a community that values your authenticity and appreciates your unique contributions.

Fitting in, on the other hand, involves contorting yourself to fit into a particular group or situation, suppressing your true self to gain acceptance. This constant self-censorship can erode your identity and lead to a sense of emptiness and inauthenticity.

Identity blurring in a corporate environment.

Toxic Leadership promotes toxic behavior instead of promoting well-being and positive leadership. Within corporate environments, toxic leadership can distort individual identities, promoting unhealthy behaviors that undermine well-being. In such situations, it's essential to maintain self-awareness and intuition to protect yourself from the pervasive influence of a toxic culture.

Social media and cultural trends can also exert a powerful influence on individual identities. The constant exposure to idealized images of physical appearance can create unrealistic expectations and fuel a desire to conform to these standards.

However, it's crucial to remember that true beauty lies in embracing your individuality and celebrating your unique physical attributes. Resisting the pressure to conform to artificial standards of beauty allows you to project confidence and authenticity.

In conclusion, navigating identity in a materialistic world requires a deep understanding of your core values, unwavering self-belief, and the courage to be your authentic self. By resisting the pressure to fit in and embracing your individuality, you can cultivate a strong sense of self and forge meaningful connections that foster belonging, not just fitting in.

Jessica, I really would say it was fascinating that you gave such profound answers to my short questions. You put down everything in a deep and professional explanation. This is what I truly wanted for my audience to hear.

Thank you for your time and the impact that you are making through your effort to create a more healthy and more self-aware community.

These Episodes are to encourage others, spark their curiosity, inspire and build a thriving community. We are here to exchange knowledge and experience through the "Stories of others".

If you want to connect with Jessica and learn more about her work, feel free to connect with her through the links provided below:

Instagram: coachjessicamorari

Link to Sessions and contact details: Jessica Morari

Linkedin: Jessica Morari