This Expat Life

#102 A new chapter requires a new you

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0200

Most expats focus on the decision or crossroads that’s in front of them: should I stay or should I go, apply for a new role, relocate, or go for my big scary goal? And it makes sense that most of your attention goes here, but… what few people don’t look at beforehand is who you need to be to carry that decision. If you want to start a next chapter, you need to expand, too, for the decision to be truly a success. And the earlier you are aware of this identity change, the better you can prepare for it.

In this episode I explain what I mean with ‘new chapter new you’ by using a personal example of when a stranger told me to go home while I was in Mexico City.

Did this episode resonate? I’d love to hear from you!

Links & Resources:

📸 Connect on Instagram: @amandamaxime

💌 Share your reflections: info@amandamaximecoaching.com

🌐 Explore more: amandamaximecoaching.com

#101 How to not feel lonely when you arrive somewhere new

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:00:00 +0200

In this episode, I’m answering a question I recently received while I was in Mexico City: how do you not feel lonely when you arrive somewhere new on your own? It’s such a real question - and if you’ve ever moved abroad, even temporarily, you’ve probably felt this too.

I’ve experienced this many times myself, arriving in a new city without knowing anyone. And while I genuinely enjoy my own company, I also know that connection is essential for me to feel good and grounded. So in this episode, I’m sharing the three things I personally do every time I land somewhere new to meet people and build meaningful connections (well - tip #3 is dependent on something else 👀).

Want to get more tips? Go to episode #1 for the full list of how to make friends and build a community abroad!

Links & Resources:

📸 Connect on Instagram: @amandamaxime

💌 Share your reflections: info@amandamaximecoaching.com

🌐 Explore more: amandamaximecoaching.com

#100! A personal conversation on outgrowing places, letting go, and following your inner compass

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:30:00 +0200

And then you’ve reached episode 100, wow! To celebrate this special episode, for the first time ever, I’m the one being interviewed on my own podcast 👀

Tune in to hear how my dear friend Coco Hofs (one of the very first guests on the show) interviews me and asks me some deep questions that really made me think - I had told her that nothing was off topic.

In this episode you’ll get honest reflections on what it means to live a global life, making space for the new, and staying true to yourself wherever you go.

And if you are a long time listener of the show.. THANK YOU! It means a lot that you are here, listening to the episodes, sharing what my words brought up for you. We are growing our community of heart-led expats and I’m so happy and grateful that you are part of it.

If you want to say something about this episode, your favorite episode so far, or the show in general, I’d love to hear!

Send me a DM on Instagram at @amandamaxime, or email me anytime at info@amandamaximecoaching.com.

#99 When a decision stops weighing on you (+ sharing my own!)

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0100

There’s something about when a decision has actually been made. Not just knowing what you want… But actually committing to it and taking the first steps. The weight that will be lifted is huge!

In this episode of This Expat Life, I share what it felt like to return to The Hague knowing I’m closing this chapter and starting a new one soon - and how different everything feels when you’re no longer stuck in indecision.

I talk about the expat waiting room - that in-between phase where life feels “fine,” but something deeper isn’t aligned. A place many expats stay longer than they intend, waiting for clarity that never comes from overthinking.

If you’ve been going back and forth on your next move, this episode will help you understand why it feels so heavy - and what shifts when you finally choose.

Because clarity doesn’t come from waiting. It comes from deciding. And yes, I’m also sharing what I actually decided for my own next chapter! Listen to know where I’m going 👀

And crave that clarity too?

You’re going to love my new mini program Runway: a 2-week intensive where we’re going to work together on lifting that fog and creating more clarity on what’s next for you.

A concise, sweet & short program with 2 live trainings, a hot seat coaching call and a private WhatsApp group for answers to your questions. An ideal way to work with me if you aren’t ready for The Co-Pilot or 1:1 coaching!

We start on March 30th, replays available if you can’t make it live. Right now the investment is just €88 - but it’s gradually going up to €197. So make sure to join now!

Links & Resources:

📸 Connect on Instagram: @amandamaxime

💌 Share your reflections: info@amandamaximecoaching.com

🌐 Explore more: amandamaximecoaching.com

#98 The 3 things I say to myself to stay my course after a decision

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0100

There’s a phase in expat life I see again and again - and I’ve lived in it myself.

It’s that in-between space where you know something needs to change, but you don’t yet know what or where. So you wait. You overthink. You pause your life just a little… until weeks turn into months, and sometimes even years. Inside my world we call this the expat waiting room.

And sometimes, you do get clarity and know what is the right decision for you now. But how do you stay your course when doubts come up? When others question your choices? When you are presented with other options? And how do you actually get moving to open a new door?

In this solo episode of This Expat Life, I share 3 things I say to myself that have really helped me to keep my eyes on the ball, maintain my confidence, and stay in action.

Sometimes you don’t need deeper insights into yourself - you need a super practical easy tool to implement what you already know. Those 3 things are that for me.

And by the way, that’s also exactly what you’re getting inside The Co-Pilot: proven, powerful coaching exercises that give you deep insights about yourself and your decisions - as well as practical tools and tips to apply what you’re learning, in the context of your busy global life.

I’d love to hear what resonates with you.

Send me a DM on Instagram at @amandamaxime, or email me anytime at info@amandamaximecoaching.com.

Links & Resources:

📸 Connect on Instagram: @amandamaxime

💌 Share your reflections: info@amandamaximecoaching.com

✈️ Join The Co-Pilot: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/the-co-pilot

🌐 Explore more: amandamaximecoaching.com

#97 Navigating expat life decisions as a couple, with Wiebke Anton

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0100

What if you’re navigating an expat life decision… But you’re not doing that alone?

In this episode of This Expat Life, I sit down with Wiebke Anton, a relationship coach who works specifically with expat couples and internationally mobile professionals. Together, we explore what really happens beneath the surface when couples are navigating moves, repatriation, career sacrifices, and the unspoken fear that one decision could change everything forever.

We talk about why decision-making often feels heavier abroad, how power imbalances quietly show up in expat relationships, and why avoiding difficult conversations can slowly create distance - even when everything looks “fine” on the outside. We also dive into how perfectionism, fear of irreversibility, and the pressure to “make it work” can prevent couples from having honest, connecting conversations.

If you’re in a relationship and navigating big expat life decisions - whether you’re moving together, meeting abroad, or feeling stuck between options - this episode will help you feel less alone and more empowered to talk about what truly matters.

We’d love to hear what resonates for you!

And want to join the workshop we are talking about in this episode? Join The Co-Pilot! The Co-Pilot is where you leave the expat waiting room and transform your overthinking into a solid next chapter of your global life.

And when you join now, you get access to the live workshop (and the replay) by Wiebke, so you can navigate your decisions alongside your partner.

Board here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/the-co-pilot

Links & Resources:

📸 Connect on Instagram: @amandamaxime

💌 Share your reflections: info@amandamaximecoaching.com

✈️ Join The Co-Pilot: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/the-co-pilot

🌐 Explore more: amandamaximecoaching.com

#96 My 3 goals and a big decision for 2026!

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 11:44:00 +0100

The start of a new year is always very exciting to me as I set 3 big goals for the year that I can't wait to work on. But sitting here in Mexico City, beginning 2026 far away from my usual routines, I’ve been reflecting deeply on what this new chapter is asking of me - and what I’m finally ready to let go of.

In this episode of This Expat Life, I share my three personal goals for 2026 and the intention behind them - not as resolutions to tick off, but as identities I’m consciously stepping into. I talk about why I choose ambitious goals that stretch me beyond what feels “realistic,” how I use goals as mirrors for who I’m becoming, and what it means to commit even when doubt is still present.

I also open up about a big decision I made toward the end of last year - a decision that came after years of waiting, negotiating with myself, and hoping external circumstances would make things clearer. I share what finally helped me move from being frozen to taking responsibility for my next chapter, even without knowing exactly how it will unfold.

This episode is for you if you’re entering a new year feeling both excited and unsettled… if you know something needs to change but you don’t yet have the full plan… or if you’re learning how to trust yourself enough to move before certainty arrives.

Sometimes clarity doesn’t come before the decision - it comes BECAUSE you made one.

If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your reflections.

Send me a DM on Instagram at @amandamaxime, or email me at info@amandamaximecoaching.com.

Links & Resources:

📸 Connect with me on Instagram: @amandamaxime

💌 Share your reflections with me: info@amandamaximecoaching.com

🌐 More at: amandamaximecoaching.com

#95 Part 2 - Getting ready for the New Year - 12 questions to set yourself up for a great 2026

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 14:33:00 +0100

How can you make this year different from the last?

I’m always incredibly intentional about how I want to start the new year, so that I can ensure my continuous growth and avoid autopilot mode. Many set new year’s resolutions, but these are designed to fail. In this episode I share 12 questions that will help you set your priorities and see how you can stay your course throughout the year.

And prefer to turn your answers into concrete results? These are the last days that doors to The Space are open, your DIY solo retreat to start 2026 with clarity, direction and momentum!

The Space includes the exact same tools & approaches that I use myself every December to lay down a super strong foundation for the next year. But hurry, as doors are closing and won't open until December next year!

Prefer the 12 questions in written form? Leave your email address here and you will get them delivered to your inbox! https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/reflection-questions

This episode is part 2 of a sequence. Go to episode #94 for part 1.

Download the free tool The Wheel of Expat Live that I mentioned in the episode here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/wheel-expat-life

#94 Part 1: Getting ready for the New Year - 12 questions for expats to reflect on 2025

Sat, 27 Dec 2025 18:00:00 +0100

Back by popular demand after I did this last year!

Here are 12 reflection questions that help you make sense of your year, who you've become and what you want to bring forward (and let go of). I'm answering the same questions for myself and they are already bringing the insights 🔥

If you want to change something in your life - big or small - next year, you've got to make sure you have space for it.

Getting into the habit of regular reflection is a great way to be more intentional with your time & energy, especially if you are as future-oriented as me. It’s tempting to always look ahead to the next month, the next promotion, the next country - but there are powerful lessons in your past that can make your future even better.

I'm sharing a personal intro first, then grab a notebook & pen, a cup of tea and let’s dive into it!

Want the questions delivered to your inbox? Leave your email address here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/reflection-questions

Eager for more? Then you'll LOVE my DIY solo retreat package The Space, exclusively designed for expats finishing up the year and wanting to start 2026 with confidence, direction and energy. Here you won't get just insightful questions but also powerful exercises & audios to do something with your answers.

The Space is a 2-day structure and doors close in a couple of days! And stay closed until December next year. But once you're in, you keep forever access - meaning you can do your own retreat whenever, wherever, and as often as you want :) Enjoy!

#93 2026 fresh start energy: How to create it before January arrives

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0100

I’ve been thinking about the way we treat January 1st as if it’s some kind of magical reset button - a clean slate, a fresh start, the moment everything finally falls into place. And I’ve definitely done that myself!

But the truth is… nothing actually resets at midnight.

Not your nervous system.

Not your overthinking.

Not the weight you’ve been carrying all year.

And yet, so many of us quietly hold onto the belief that “I’ll figure it out in January.” So we postpone clarity, delay decisions, and put our dreams on hold until the calendar gives us permission.

In this episode of This Expat Life, I share what this December is feeling like for me as I’m about to leave for a 3-month trip and also want to be intentional about 2026.

I talk about the five small but powerful things we can begin doing now to create that grounded, spacious, fresh-start energy long before the clock hits midnight on New Year’s Eve. Because the version of you you want to become in January can only exist if you start shifting something in December!

And if you would like some extra guidance or an energy boost for that, so that you can really make 2026 your year…

For the first time ever, I’m sharing the exact tools that I use every year during my annual solo retreat that set me up for growth, success and fun, year after year!

And you can now book your own solo retreat too. Book The Space - Cabin Edition - a complete package to have an in-depth retreat yourself, with short(!) videos, boosting exercises and powerful audios. The exact same tools I use myself. Doors close on December 31st (but you keep forever access once you're in and can do this retreat whenever you like).

Enter the Cabin! https://amandamaxime.plugandpay.nl/checkout/the-space-cabin-edition

#92 Are you living in the Expat Waiting Room?

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0100

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about those chapters in life where everything looks “fine” from the outside — yet something deep inside whispers that this isn’t really your place anymore. Not because anything is dramatically wrong, but because you know you’re meant for something different… something more aligned.

In this episode of This Expat Life, I dive into a concept that came up inside The Co-Pilot and instantly struck a chord: the waiting room.

It’s that in-between phase where life feels like a 6/10 — functional, familiar, even comfortable — but not truly fulfilling. The kind of place you don’t choose, but somehow drift into.

I share how the waiting room has shown up in my own expat journey, how easy it is to stay there longer than you intend, and the subtle ways we end up waiting for clarity, timing, or external signs before we permit ourselves to move.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re hovering between chapters, knowing you want change but not knowing when or how to start, this episode will speak to you.

It will help you see where you might be giving your power away — and what becomes possible once you decide you’re done waiting.

I’d love to hear if this resonates.

Send me a DM on Instagram at @amandamaxime, or email me at info@amandamaximecoaching.com.

And if you want to get OUT of the waiting room... Your next door to open is my signature program The Co-Pilot, starting again in early 2026. Sign up for the priority list now so you'll be the first to hear the news and an exclusive offer!

Links & Resources:

📸 Connect with me on Instagram: @amandamaxime

💌 Share your reflections with me: info@amandamaximecoaching.com

🌐 More at: amandamaximecoaching.com

#91 What to do when you’re not okay (and can’t quite explain why)

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0100

Have you ever had one of those weeks where nothing is technically wrong… but your body, your emotions, and your brain are all just slightly out of sync?

That was me last week.

In this solo episode of This Expat Life, I open up about a very wobbly, very real week - one where I felt exhausted, anxious, numb, unfocused, and disconnected from myself… for no obvious reason. And as I started sharing it on Instagram, so many people said, “Oh wow, me too.”

So I knew I wanted to bring this conversation here.

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is pause, surrender, and give ourselves what we actually need instead of pushing harder.

This conversation is especially for you if:

🌍 You’re abroad and far from the people who usually ground you

🌙 You’ve been feeling low-energy, anxious, or numb

🧠 Your mind is busy but you can’t quite pinpoint why

💛 You’re craving softness, spaciousness, and a bit of self-compassion

And in this episode I share the 5 things I did last week that helped me to get back to my grounded, powerful self.

I hope this episode lands softly with you — and gives you a moment to breathe, reset, and feel seen.

If something resonated or you had an “oh wow, that’s me” moment, I’d love to hear from you.

Send me a DM on Instagram at @amandamaxime, or email me at info@amandamaximecoaching.com.

Links & Resources:

📸 Connect with me on Instagram: @amandamaxime

💌 Share your reflections with me: info@amandamaximecoaching.com

🌐 More at: amandamaximecoaching.com

#90 How I learned Spanish & Portuguese - Tips to overcome language obstacles

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0100

Have you ever felt like language is the one thing standing between you and truly belonging abroad?

In this episode, I dive into a question from a listener about how to overcome language obstacles — not from a technical perspective, but from the inside out. Because learning a new language isn’t just about memorizing words or grammar rules. It’s about how you see yourself, what you believe you’re capable of, and how open you are to connecting in new ways.

I share my personal experiences learning Dutch, English, Spanish, and Portuguese while living across different countries — and how each language unlocked a new part of me. You’ll hear about the mindset shifts that made learning easier, the moments I got it wrong (including a funny story involving Brazilian lyrics 😅), and how curiosity and connection made all the difference.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, frustrated, or disconnected because of language barriers, this episode will help you reframe that experience — and maybe even start to enjoy the process again.

Links & Resources:

📸 Connect with me on Instagram: @amandamaxime

💌 Share your reflections with me: info@amandamaximecoaching.com

🌐 More at: amandamaximecoaching.com

#89 I didn’t see this coming: the intuitive download that changed the game

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0100

This week, I’m sharing a very personal story - one that honestly still feels a little raw. Out of nowhere, during an ordinary bike ride home, I got the clearest intuitive nudge: “Pause one-on-one coaching.”

There was no plan, no logic, no strategy behind it - just a deep knowing that it was time to let go of something that had brought me so much success. What followed was fear, tears, doubt, and eventually… peace.

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of that decision: how it arrived, why I chose to trust it anyway, and what happened after I did. I also share how this experience completely changed my relationship with hard work, receiving, and self-trust.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between what’s working and what’s next or you sense something bigger waiting for you but don’t know how to make space for it, this one’s for you.

Links & Resources:

📸 Connect with me on Instagram: @amandamaxime

💌 Share your reflections with me: info@amandamaximecoaching.com

🌐 More at: amandamaximecoaching.com

#88 The framework I teach expats to make confident decisions

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0200

Have you ever found yourself stuck in the same loop of overthinking - waiting for “the right moment” or a lightning bolt of clarity before making a big life decision?

In this solo episode of This Expat Life, I share the 4-part framework that I use myself and have taught to dozens of overthinking expats to start new chapters in a global life. I talk about what helped us move forward, what true clarity actually looks like, and how to make decisions that feel aligned, calm, and authentic.

If you’ve been spinning in indecision, whether about a job, a move, or your next chapter abroad, this episode will help you reconnect with yourself, move forward with confidence, and reclaim your power to choose.

And would like more support with that? You can now sign up for the priority list of The Co-Pilot: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/priority-co-pilot

Links & Resources:

📸 Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandamaxime

💌 Share your reflections with me: info@amandamaximecoaching.com

🌐 More at: https://www.amandamaximcoaching.com

#87 The 6 mistakes expats make when facing big decisions

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0200

Have you ever found yourself lying awake at night, circling the question: “Should I stay or should I go?”

In this solo episode of This Expat Life, I uncover the six most common mistakes career-driven expats make when facing big life decisions - mistakes I’ve seen over and over again in my clients, and lived through myself. Whether your crossroads is sparked by a visa, a job, or a quiet inner nudge for change, chances are you’ll recognize yourself in at least one of these.

And now that you are aware you might be making one or more of the mistakes… You can avoid them and start making progress on getting your answer to the Expat Dilemma.

If you’ve been stuck circling the same options, talking yourself in loops, or waiting for the “perfect” answer, this episode will help you see new ways forward - with more calm, confidence, and clarity.

Links & Resources:

📸 Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandamaxime

💌 Share your reflections with me: info@amandamaximecoaching.com

🌐 More at: amandamaximecoaching.com

#86 Should I stay or should I go? The Expat Dilemma

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0200

Have you ever found yourself lying awake at night, whispering the question: “Should I stay or should I go?” I bet you have!

In this solo episode of This Expat Life, I dive into one of the biggest dilemmas expats face: the tug-of-war between staying where you are, moving on to a new chapter, or returning home. What I’ve seen through my coaching (and lived myself) is that this question isn’t just about location - it’s about identity, belonging, and the version of yourself you want to grow into.

Together we’ll explore:

✨ The Expat Paradox: why life abroad can look perfect on the outside but feel unfulfilled inside

✨ The Expat Dilemma: how one decision about work, relationships, or location can spiral into a web of options

✨ The 3 most common ways this dilemma shows up for expats

✨ Why overthinking keeps you stuck - and how decisions don’t have to take years

If you’re stuck at a crossroads in your expat life and wondering which path is truly right for you, this episode is for you.

And need a little more help?

#85 When an expat goes back- but it's not the same

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:00:00 +0200

Have you ever gone back to a place where you once lived, only to feel both comforted and strangely disconnected?

In this solo episode of This Expat Life, I share my recent experiences of returning to Rio de Janeiro and London, two cities that were once deeply important in my global journey. What I found was a mix of nostalgia, distance, and clarity about how much I’ve grown since living there.

Together we’ll explore:

✨ Why revisiting a former home can feel both familiar and foreign

✨ The role of nostalgia and why it’s not always the best reason to move back

✨ How to know if “going back” fits your current chapter

✨ What it means to create an inner home when your sense of belonging is scattered across countries

✨ Why accepting all parts of yourself (even the shadow sides) is the foundation of true belonging

If you’ve ever returned to a previous home or are thinking about it, this episode is for you.

Links & Resources:

📸 Connect with me on Instagram: @amandamaxime https://www.instagram.com/amandamaxime

💌 Share your reflections with me: info@amandamaximecoaching.com

<< Doors to The Co-Pilot are now open! Join us now, our first call is on February 17th >>

🌐 More at: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/

#84 What this summer taught me about living an authentic global life - Personal reflections after a season of traveling

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0200

It feels like forever since my last solo episode! After our wonderful Global Woman Summer Series, I'm back with some deeply personal reflections from what has been the most amazing and intensive summer.

This summer was intense, inspiring, and unforgettable. Between road-tripping through California, a 48-hour visit to Rio, hosting a coaching dinner for 26 women in London, and saying yes to my very first TV interview, I realized there's so much I want to share with you as we transition into this new season. In this episode, I break down five major reflections that stood out for me and what I'm taking into the fall.

These insights are for you if you're someone with a busy, packed life who struggles to hear your inner voice, if you're seeking the right community to accelerate your growth, or if you're someone who adapts easily but wants to build a stronger inner foundation. And more importantly, if you're ready to recognize that you might already be living elements of your dream life RIGHT NOW.

I also share why I'm focusing more on This Expat Life and growing this community - because I want to connect with YOU more!

👉 I'd love to hear about YOUR summer reflections! What topics do you want to hear more about on the show? Who should I interview next? You can let me know by responding in the Spotify app, sending me an email, or connecting with me on Instagram @AmandaMaxime - I read (and respond to) every message myself!

—

Want more?

👉 Subscribe to my weekly Air Mail: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/email-opt-in

👉 Download the free tool The Wheel of Expat Life: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/wheel-expat-life

#83 Anne & Amanda on dating abroad, long-distance relationships & rethinking motherhood

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 02:42:00 +0200

The last episode of The Global Woman Summer Series!

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In this honest, open-hearted conversation, Anne and I swap the kind of stories you usually only share with a trusted friend: love bombing, ghosting, dating culture shocks, and the relief of finally meeting someone who’s just as intentional as you are.

We also talk about turning 40, rethinking motherhood when the “default” version doesn’t inspire you, and navigating long-distance love when visas and timelines are still uncertain, but trust runs deep. After all, dating & relationships aren't simple as a global woman.

This is a conversation about clarity, courage, and creating space for the love - and the life! - you actually want. If you are a global woman and are rethinking your path to motherhood, navigating a long-distance relationship, or simply ready to stop settling, we hope that you’ll find both honesty and hope as we open up.

We would love to hear what you took away from this episode. Find Anne on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/_ipromiseitwontbeboring_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

And Amanda here:

Instagram: Https://Www.Instagram.Com/Amandamaxime/

https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com

#82 Anne Verhoeven on the in-between spaces of expat life, love, and taking leaps into the unknown | The Global Woman Summer Series

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:00:00 +0200

Episode 5 of The Global Woman Series! This summer, every week you’ll get to listen to an honest conversation with a woman navigating life between worlds. The women I interview are inspiring, authentic and an example in leading themselves - all in their own way - and I can’t wait to share the convos! Make sure to subscribe to not miss an episode.

When I came across Anne’s viral reel in which she openly shared about taking a leap of faith into the unknown, I knew I had to invite her for the show. She shared openly + authentically about the other side of this global life beyond the adventure & excitement - not having a stable base, long distance relationships, and supporting yourself in petrifying leaps of relocation - which many of us know too. In our interview, Anne gets real about embracing the 'messy middle,' her dating disasters in London, the magnetic pull of California, and how she found the love of her life, Harman, across continents at 39. Tune in for an inspiring and honest conversation about following your heart, rolling with life's punches, and finding home wherever you are in the world.

Find Anne on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/_ipromiseitwontbeboring_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

#81 Erica Reitman on rerouting your expat path and creating an inspiring life that reflects the real you - The Global Woman Summer Series

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0200

Episode 4 of The Global Woman Series! This summer, every week you’ll get to listen to an honest conversation with a woman navigating life between worlds. The women I interview are inspiring, authentic and an example in leading themselves - all in their own way - and I can’t wait to share the convos! Make sure to subscribe to not miss an episode.

And next up is the inspiring brand provocateur & Mexico City fan girl Erica Reitman! I’ve been following Erica for years and her vibrant energy & creativity has inspired me SO much - in my business, but also in my life abroad and back home again. I knew a conversation with her on the podcast would contain so many nuggets of wisdom & inspiration - and I was right.

In this episode, Erica shares all about her expat life in Mexico - which isn’t just one chapter… After spending a few years in Mexico and then trying for a year to settle back in the US again, Erica realized her home country wasn’t the right place for her now. So she & her husband decided to move back to their beloved Mexico City (happening right as we speak) - raising a lot of questions from others who are trying to understand why they’re ‘coming back’ on their decision.

Erica shares openly how she felt in the US, what helped her make this big decision, and how she continues to build her self-trust. Moreover, we also talk about how you can set up your home space so that it truly inspires you (even if it’s furnished!) and about Erica’s hack of ‘merching’ her life.

I absolutely loved this conversation and the vibrant energy that Erica brought with her. I hope you enjoy this episode.

And if you did, let us know by leaving a review for This Expat Life!

You can find Erica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericareitman/

And me too: https://www.instagram.com/amandamaxime/

#80 Elle McPherson on navigating love & identity abroad - The Global Woman Summer Series

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0200

Episode 3 of The Global Woman Series! This summer, every week you’ll get to listen to an honest conversation with a woman navigating life between worlds. The women I interview are inspiring, authentic and an example in leading themselves - all in their own way - and I can’t wait to share the convos! Make sure to subscribe to not miss an episode.

Are you an expat who moved abroad for love, or navigating an international relationship? This episode is for you! (And also for all my single girlies out there! This episode has useful tips that you would want before you move for love 🙂).

Elle McPherson used to be the self-reliant nomad, till she found love during the pandemic. She moved to Argentina to be with her now husband and treated it not only as an outer adventure, but also as an inner journey. In this episode, Elle shares her inspiring journey of moving to Buenos Aires for love, navigating cultural challenges, balancing independence with reliance, and finding her community abroad.

If you’d like to know more about Elle, take a look on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheitinerary/.

Liked this episode? Leave a review!

#79 Brigette Muller on navigating grief abroad - The Global Woman Summer Series

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0200

Episode 2 of The Global Woman Series! This summer, every week you’ll get to listen to an honest conversation with a woman navigating life between worlds. The women I interview are inspiring, authentic and an example in leading themselves - all in their own way - and I can’t wait to share the convos! Make sure to subscribe to not miss an episode.

Join us today for a heartfelt and raw conversation with Brigette Muller, a global citizen whose journey from South Africa to Tampa, USA, showcases resilience through immense personal loss. In this episode, Brigette opens up about losing her wife suddenly and how she navigated the complexities of grief while living abroad. We dive into the complexities of grieving in a foreign country, cultural differences in dealing with loss, and the essential role of community support. Brigette also offers valuable advice for other expats coping with loss and opens up about her own path to healing and finding purpose. Join us for this touching and insightful episode as we explore what it means to navigate life, love, and loss abroad.

Find more about Brigette here:

https://brigettemuller.org/

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

And about my coaching & courses here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com

#78 Mickelle Weber on changing the relationship with our roots - The Global Woman Summer Series

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 05:00:00 +0200

We’re kicking off The Global Woman Summer Series of This Expat Life! (or Winter Series if you live in the southern hemisphere :)). This summer, every week you’ll get to listen to an honest conversation with a woman navigating life between worlds. The women I interview are inspiring, authentic and an example in leading themselves - all in their own way - and I can’t wait to share the convos! Make sure to subscribe to not miss an episode.

Our first interview of The Global Woman Summer Series is with Mickelle Weber: the founder of House of Peregrine, a creative technologist, and a passionate advocate for meaningful connections and intentional living.

In this episode, Mickelle shares her compelling journey from Salt Lake City, Utah to Amsterdam, Netherlands, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and personal growth. Discover how Mickelle has navigated the challenges and triumphs of living abroad, all while fostering a deep sense of community and shared experience. Whether you're an expat, a nomad, or simply curious about life abroad, this episode offers valuable insights on creating a life that's true to your values and aspirations.

You can find more about Mickelle’s House of Peregrine here: https://www.houseofperegrine.com.

Want to go deeper on your own identity, belonging and personal growth? My doors are open for 1:1 coaching this summer. Find more here.

Everything you want to know about The Co-Pilot 2.0

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 10:41:00 +0200

You can now sign up for the priority list of The Co-Pilot: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/priority-co-pilot

#77 Building your dream (and guilt-free!) expat life with Ana Tello

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 05:00:00 +0200

<< Doors to The Co-Pilot are now open! Join us now, our first call is on February 17th >>

Ana Tello, a Panamanian expat in Germany, had it all: a successful career, a nice apartment, a fancy car - but on the inside, she felt sad and lost. She had secret dreams but didn’t know where to start. If you see her now, absolutely thriving and living her dream life, you wouldn’t think that that was her starting point!

Ana shares how coaching with Amanda helped her uncover her true desires, overcome deep-seated fears, and begin living a life aligned with her soul. She left her corporate job to start her own business empowering Latinos to migrate to Germany and now splits her time between her two homes. Ana’s story is a testament to the power of self-investment and the transformative potential of coaching - and in this episode, she gives advice to expats who feel lost and stuck too.

Want to know more about Ana? Find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ana.la.alemana/

#76 Where Should I Spend Fall? The 4 Pillars Behind Big Expat Decisions

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 05:00:00 +0200

<< Doors to The Co-Pilot are now open! Join us now, our first call is on February 17th >>

Where should I go this fall? A couple of weeks ago I asked you this on Instagram as I want to spend a few months abroad again - and I got a long list of suggestions.

And it seems I made my decision… In this episode, I break down the process of how I got to it, so you can understand how I use my inner clarity system to make authentic decisions and take confident action. Now it’s about my next destination, but I’ve used the same principles to decide on quitting my job, moving to Rio for 6 months, and so much more - allowing me to make a choice without constant overthinking. These pillars are for you if you find yourself worrying about your next step, feeling stuck in a sea of options, or don’t have clarity on what you want.

And would you like to actually nail that inner clarity system, so you can feel confident about your move no matter where life takes you?

Priority doors to The Co-Pilot are now open! Enjoy early access, a 30% discount AND a private decision session. Sign up by Friday January 30th: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/the-co-pilot

#75 Navigating love & dating in a global life with Candice Gallagher

Wed, 28 May 2025 05:00:00 +0200

Candice and I are organizing a Global Girls Supper Club in London on September 4th - join us for a coaching workshop, fun and new connections! Tickets are going fast, get them here.

If you are single, in a situationship or navigating dating in your global life, this episode is for you!

Candice Gallagher knows all about dating as an expat - up to the point that when she lived in Singapore, she started SinglePore, a dating event company to help singles meet offline. Now back home in England - although, what's home really after living abroad for 18 years? - she's still on that mission to help exhausted daters, and find love herself. On her social media accounts Candice very openly shares about the struggles we all go through quietly - which made me personally feel less alone 🫶

In this episode we talk about why she founded Single Pore, her experience of dating in different countries, mourning the hope after a failed situationship, the challenges of finding the right relationship as an expat, and advice for high-achieving women looking for the right partner abroad - and much more!

If you are exhausted by modern dating, abroad or back home again, you'll love this episode. (And if that's the case, make sure to subscribe and leave a review!).

You can find Candice & her dating stories on Instagram, TikTok and Substack.

[business talk] The 4 pillars for the successful Globetrotter CEO

Wed, 21 May 2025 05:00:00 +0200

Almost weekly I get requests from other coaches and (aspiring) business owners if I can have a virtual coffee with them because they want to hear how I set up my business, work on my online presence and more. And almost always I decline them (simply because my focus is elsewhere - the people pleaser in me struggles with this!).

But this week I organized a free call for a small group to chat all things business. And I figured, why not share that on the podcast too?

So I recorded this episode, in which I share the 4 pillars for The Globetrotter CEO. If you are an expat or nomad and have your own online business or are thinking about starting one, this episode is for you. Because it's one thing to run a business... It's another to do that while you roam the world or are far away from your trusted inner circle.

And if you like what I'm saying, then you'll LOVE the content from my business mentor James Wedmore.

If you hurry, you can still catch the replay of his AMAZING, free 3-part training:

>>> Sign up for The Rise of the Digital CEO*

* Affiliate link. And if you sign up for his program Business By Design through me, you'll also get some really cool bonuses with me - including live calls with a group of fellow globetrotting CEOs, content brainstorming and more! Take a look here!

#74 Will I go back to diplomacy?

Wed, 07 May 2025 05:00:00 +0200

<< Doors to The Co-Pilot are now open! Join us now, our first call is on February 17th >>

The #1 question I get asked is: Why did you leave your diplomacy career? Followed by #2: Will you go back? Which always surprises me because it's been over 3 years since I quit as a diplomat and started my coaching practice!

However, sometimes I do miss certain elements of that career and lately I've been wondering...

So in this episode, I'm going to share my honest answer to the question of if I would go back 👀

Liked this episode? Let us know by leaving a review! 🙏

Want more?

➡️ Sign up for my weekly Air Mail

#73 Personal reflections & my Great Reset project

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 13:02:00 +0200

<< Doors to The Co-Pilot are now open! Join us now, our first call is on February 17th >>

Life back home in The Hague was fine but I realized I was in “meh” energy for quite some time. And when I found myself crying on the plane - AGAIN - I knew it was time for a change. In my energy & actions, to be precise.

In this episode I open up and share personal reflections during & after my trip to the US, that led to my Great Reset project that I have embodied since. I hope my story inspires you!

Want more?

For expats, sign up for my weekly Air Mail where I share personal stories, insights and practical tips.

Or if you want to assess your life and make changes too, get my free tool The Wheel of Expat Life.

For (aspiring) global entrepreneurs, this is my mentor I keep raving about.

#72 Expats, stop worrying about this when you face a decision

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 08:45:00 +0200

As an expat, one decision is never just about one decision - a question about your job leads to questions about your location, friendships, proximity to family, and so much more. And before you know it, you’re standing in front of this big web of options you need to figure out, like a giant puzzle you need to solve - leaving you paralyzed and stuck.

If you want to get unstuck and continue in forward energy, you need to let go of something in the decision-making process. And in this episode, I’ll tell you what it is.

Do you want more of this perspective shifts and / or personal support in figuring out your next steps? There are 2 ways of working with me:

1) In The Coaching Journey, my premium 1:1 coaching with full support for 4 months. More info here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/coaching

2) In The Co-Pilot, my signature program to help you make confident & aligned decisions, starting in October again: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/the-co-pilot

#71 Creating sustainable wellbeing habits as a high achiever abroad with Kea-Sophie Stack

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 05:00:00 +0100

<< Doors to The Co-Pilot are now open! Join us now, our first call is on February 17th >>

In this episode, I host Kea-Sophie Stack, who transitioned from a 10-year career as an attorney in Munich to an entrepreneur in the wellbeing field in Los Angeles. As a busy global citizen who likes to travel, I don’t find it easy to always stick to my health, food and work-out routines when I’m on the go - and I often notice the difference in my energy. Kea-Sophie, who is also a former coachee of mine, is an example to me of sticking to habits, so that’s why I invited her on the show - because there’s a lot to be gained in routines for other busy, globetrotting high achievers!

Kea-Sophie shares her journey of overcoming burnout by adopting healthy lifestyle practices like yoga, aromatherapy, and Ayurveda and has practical advice on incorporating calming practices, optimizing sleep, and the importance of identity in sustaining healthy habits. Tune in to hear more!

And if you want to know more about Kea-Sophie and her work, take a look here.

#70 What's waiting for you inside The Co-Pilot!

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0100

<< Doors to The Co-Pilot are now open! Join us now, our first call is on February 17th >>

Yesss, doors to my signature program have opened again! Are you ready to experience more fulfillment, confidence & direction in your expat life without constant overthinking? If you followed me for longer, you now know that the only way to get there is from the inside out: understanding yourself at a much deeper level so that you can make aligned changes from there.

#69 The 2 mistakes high-achieving expats make in their personal life

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0100

<< Doors to The Co-Pilot are now open! Join us now, our first call is on February 17th >>

After having coached 150+ expats who feel unfulfilled, stuck, disconnected or lost (and having been there myself!), I started spotting tendencies among them: ways to deal with the situation they weren’t happy in. But while those ways are common go-to strategies for high-achievers and usually get them pretty far, I’ll tell you why they aren’t working in your favor this time!

#68 Staying steady in a free, global life with Jennifer van Leeuwaarde

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0100

Travelling fulltime with your son sounds like a dream, but is it really so? In this episode of This Expat Life I go beyond the conventional expat context and talk with Jennifer van Leeuwaarde, mom, entrepreneur and global soul.

Jennifer left an established life in the Netherlands behind because it didn’t match with what she wanted to experience. Now travelling the US, Latin America and South Africa, Jennifer shares openly about challenges (that expats, too, face) of feeling alone, the struggles of homeschooling, questions about her decisions - and how increasing her self-awareness has helped her deal with these.

This is a beautiful conversation in which Jennifer also gives practical advice to those in a similar situation or with similar doubts.

Jennifer was a member of my program The Co-Pilot and used its tools to further solidify her inner GPS, which helped her navigate challenges and her journey. Are you looking for a toolbox yourself so you can better navigate your global life?

<< Doors to The Co-Pilot are now open! Join us now, our first call is on February 17th >>

#67 How I make decisions without constant overthinking

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0100

The #1 challenge expats come to me with? Deciding on their next big step. As an expat, a decision on your career or location has a huge impact on other areas of your life too. So that can trigger doubts if you even want it. Plus, as the future feels more uncertain when you live abroad (you don’t know how long you’ll stay there), it often complicates going forward with a decision too.

The result? You stay in endless loops of overthinking. Leaving you feel unsure, stressed or without a sense of direction.

This is actually not something that I personally struggle with. I make big decisions pretty easily, and in this episode I share the key factors that help me in this.

And... I'm not keeping my tactics to myself. In my signature program The Co-Pilot I will share everything I use to make fast, confident and aligned decisions!

<< Doors to The Co-Pilot are now open! Join us now, our first call is on February 17th >>

#66 10 tips to balance the shoulds & the wants in your busy expat life

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0100

How do you balance all the things you SHOULD do and all the things you WANT to do as a busy expat? How can you make more time for your family when your demanding job was the reason that took you & the fam abroad? What are tips & tricks to keep up with a busy work schedule and social events as a high-achieving expat? These are some questions that were asked this week by you.

In today’s episode I dive into this and I share 10 tips that have personally helped me as a diplomat in Brazil, and now as an equally ambitious coach & entrepreneur who is also travelling a lot.

I’d love to hear which tip you are going to start to use!

#65 Staying fit & healthy as a busy expat in NYC with Amie Wiley

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0100

How do you stay active, fit & healthy when you prioritise your career abroad? How do you stay committed to exercise when you’re just about to move countries and the overwhelm is real?

Questions I have definitely asked myself, as - even though I regularly exercise - my work & to do list often get priority over a gym class.

I got impressed with fitgirl & content creator Amie Wiley who did the 75hard challenge as she moved from Ireland to NYC. If you’re not familiar with 75hard, it’s a challenge to build resilience and includes 2x 45 min exercise A DAY, and much more. As I saw Amie doing that just before I moved to Rio myself, she inspired me to - this time, yes - commit to my gym classes and runs even though I had SO much to do and the overwhelm was very, very real.

I love seeing how Amie designed her life in NYC and with health & wellness still the key element in it, I decided to ask her on the show to chat more about these topics.

If you’d like to know more about Amie, you can find her on YouTube and Instagram

#64 Part 2 - Getting ready for the New Year - 12 questions to set yourself up for a great 2025

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0100

How can you make this year different from the last?

Prefer these questions in written form? Leave your email address here and you will get them delivered to your inbox! https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/reflection-questions

This episode is part 2 of a sequence. Go to episode #63 for part 1.

>> Download the free tool The Wheel of Expat Live that I mentioned in the episode here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/wheel-expat-life

#63 Part 1: Getting ready for the New Year - 12 questions for expats to reflect on 2024

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0100

A new year is upon us! And many want to change something - big or small - about their lives.

In this episode I’ll guide you through 12 questions that help you reflect on 2024. Get a notebook & pen, a cup of tea and let’s dive into it!

Prefer these questions in written form? Leave your email address here and you will get them delivered to your inbox! https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/reflection-questions

>> See episode #64 for part 2

>> Download the free tool The Wheel of Expat Live that I mentioned in the episode here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/wheel-expat-life

>> Want to make powerful decisions int he year to come? Join my programme The Co-Pilot here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/the-co-pilot

#62 The expat dilemma: Should I change the country or should I change myself?

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0200

There comes a point in every expat’s life that you need to face the dilemma: am I staying or leaving? And this is often when you feel stuck, unfulfilled or in a struggle. It’s a natural response to change the outer circumstances to feel better, but as an expat, that means you’re also questioning your location!

So should you change the country or should you change yourself?

In this episode of This Expat Life I shed my light on this topic with real examples.

And are you ready to implement some of the things I talk about?

Join The Co-Pilot! The Co-Pilot is my signature program with which I will help you make faster, more aligned decisions so that the question of "should I stay or should I go" isn't keeping you up at night anymore: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/the-co-pilot

Or if you want closer and more personalized, then my 1:1 Coaching Journey could be the perfect fit for you. Take a look here to see if this is your next step!

#61 The 4 Ds to be more consistent in your (emotional & mental) energy towards a goal

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0200

Doors to my 8-week program The Co-Pilot are open NOW! Join us for 8 live calls and experience more fulfillment, confidence & direction in your expat life, without constant overthinking (it's really possible). Sign up here! Doors close again on the 15th because that's when we have our first call, whoop whoop.

Help, how do I deal with inconsistent energy as I’m working towards a goal? This is what an expat coachee asked me as she has embarked on a new career path but also finds herself in unhelpful moods more often than she’d like.

Having been here myself, I figured my tips would be useful for you as well. Listen to this episode as I explain the 4 D’s that help you to maintain your best state: detach, data, do something else, and a daily practice.

Want the opportunity to ask me your questions too? On February 19th my program The Co-Pilot is starting again! Doors open soon!

#60 7 quick tips to step out of your comfort zone

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0200

It’s a cliche but it’s true… The magic really happens outside of your comfort zone. Now as an expat you have ventured outside your comfort zone already, but maybe you’re staying comfortable when it comes to other things, like changing careers, online visibility, a fitness goal or something else.

I regularly step out of my comfort zone (my live event last month was one of those things!) and while it can still make me nervous from time to time, I also know this practice has been the key driver of my personal & professional growth.

In this episode I share 7 quick tips that help make the step outside your comfort zone easier & less scary. Go find some magic!

#59 Changing self-doubt for self-kindness with Akanksha Singh

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 05:00:00 +0200

<< Last chance to join my live event on Saturday 28 September! >>

Akanksha is an ambitious management consultant and after two geographical transitions in 3 covid-years, she was left with a bit of a nagging feeling of something not being in place. Originally from India and now based in the Netherlands, she signed up for my 6-month group coaching programme to enable a shift.

In this episode we talk about the inner transformation Akanksha had by being able to quiet her inner critic (most days!), with positive results on how she shows up at work & in relationships too. She also shares what she says to herself now and a practice that has become a favourite at the end of the day - plus a lot more. I loved seeing Akanksha's change over the past few months and think her story is a heartwarming testimony to the power of personal growth.

And are you interested in joining my next group programme? Stay tuned! I'm planning the date as we speak. Sign up for my weekly Air Mail to be the first to hear when doors open and get an early bird discount.

Air Mail: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/email-opt-in

Join my live event: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/live-event

Download my FREE Wheel of Expat Life exercise: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/wheel-expat-life

Read more about my 1:1 coaching: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com

#58 Finding your soulmate as an expat with Michelle Chung

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 05:00:00 +0200

How to find your soulmate when you live a somewhat unconventional life as an expat? Do you need to settle and compromise if you want to start a family? Where to begin if you keep moving around? These are some topics I (female, mid 30s, single) have thought about myself a lot in recent years, and some of my coachees as well. Expat life is great but it can also pose a barrier to your love life. In this episode I talk about it with Michelle Chung, a soulmate manifestation coach!

Find more about Michelle here: https://www.instagram.com/michellechungcoach/

And about me here:https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com

#57 How to make the most of a new start (or of the final months of 2024)

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 05:00:00 +0200

[Only a few tickets left for my live event in Amsterdam this month!]

September marks ‘back to school’ vibes for many of us, and makes us aware that we only have a few months left before the end of the year. So if you had a goal for this year, now is the time to get cracking on it!

September for me also marked the start of a new period in my home country, and as with any new start (calendar-wise or with a relocation), I’m super mindful of how I can make the most of it, so that I can really use it to create something new in my life.

In this episode I share 8 quick steps that you can take to make the most of a new year / month, of a relocation, or of the final months of the year. I hope they are useful!

Want some more guidance?

>> Download my FREE guide The Wheel Of Expat Life: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/wheel-expat-life

>> Join my LIVE EVENT in Amsterdam on 28 September and meet like-minded expats while you’re getting powerful insights. Only a few tickets left! https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/live-event

#56: My 3 biggest insights in California that led to a breakthrough

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 14:30:00 +0200

I went on a business & leisure trip to California and left with 3 big insights that led to a breakthrough when I got home 🤩 Insights that I think might be useful for other high-achieving, self-reliant & rational globetrotters. << There’s a long intro about the trip itself - Want to go straight to the insights? Skip to minute 12.30 >>

These were things I sort of already KNEW, but this time I could really FEEL them. And in order for insights to really change something in our lives or to lead to a breakthrough, we really need to embody them, not just understand them rationally. Truly feeling them has enabled a paradigm shift in me and a breakthrough internally (changes are coming!).

I wouldn’t be able to have experienced these insights so profoundly if it weren’t for the people around me on this trip. Because alone you can go far, but together you can go much further - and deeper. That’s why I’m also so excited about my own upcoming live event in Amsterdam on 28 September!

Join us for a fun afternoon of coaching and leave with valuable insights, renewed energy and a bigger network of like-minded people. Tickets are limited (about 10 left), sign up here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/live-event. I'd love to welcome you!

#55 The 3 steps to creating more fulfillment in your expat life

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0200

What if a part of you feels unfulfilled in your expat life? Whether that's in your career, relationships, health, personal goals or just a general sense of unfulfillment. As a life coach working with high-achieving expats, I actually get a lot of coachees who struggle with this - and so I also know what you can do about it!

In this episode I share the 3 perhaps unexpected steps that you can take to find more fulfillment in your global life. They are the same I used to go from being an unhappy diplomat (although I seemingly had everything from the outside!) to waking up happy & fulfilled almost every day as a coach & entrepreneur.

And would you like some personal guidance in taking these 3 steps?

I have 2 options for you:

👉 Join my signature program The Co-Pilot, to get guidance on making faster, confident, aligned decisions - big or small.

👉 Or work with me 1:1 in The Coaching Journey. Take a look on my website for more information on what the journey is about, how I coach and what others have said about it. As a life coach I'm sharp, don't shy away from the difficult questions and make space for everything that needs to be felt. Sounds like something you could need? Then take your next step and book a free discovery call!

>> My website

>> Your free discovery call

#54 Why many expats start to question their life choices in summer (+ tips on how to make the most of it)

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0200

Why is it that so many expats start to wonder about their life choices during summer.. And why I also book client after client? In this episode I share what I think causes this and give you tips to make the most of this summer period.

And if you want a proven method to review your life, set your priorities and get started with an upgrade, download my FREE resource The Wheel of Expat Life here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/wheel-expat-life

#53 The 3 mistakes I made in Rio & what I’m doing differently now

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0200

Download my new FREE resource The Wheel of Expat Life!

You bring yourself wherever you go and in Rio… I brought myself too. Towards the end of my stay I found myself in a bit of a funk, which was mostly the result of 3 mistakes I made. Mistakes I’ve made before, oops 😇 In this episode I share what they are, how they impacted me and what I’m doing now to prevent them again, even back home.

Want to know more about personal growth and life abroad? Follow me on:

- Instagram

- LinkedIn

- my weekly Air Mail

Or get my new FREE resource The wheel of expat life

#52 What's it like being back home again?! 🇳🇱 [personal update]

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0200

The question I've asked dozens of time these past few weeks... What's it like being back home again?!

And the answer surprised many - myself included 😅 So let the record show what I'm saying right now 😇

In this episode I share my personal reflection on being back home after living abroad for 6 months, plus 4 tips you can apply yourself as well when you are preparing / in the middle of a move.

I'd love to hear if any of this resonated with you, as some of my coachees already told me they really enjoyed hearing about my experience as it gave them hope 😉 You can DM me via Instagram or LinkedIn, my digital door is always open 🫶

And curious to know more about my work?

Check out my website www.amandamaximecoaching.com.

#51 Navigating international real estate with Josh from ExpatsEverywhere

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0200

In this episode I sit down with Josh, an experienced expat who, along with his wife Callie, has lived in various countries since 2009, including Spain, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and now Portugal.

We talk about their current challenge: investing in real estate in Portugal - something I was so curious about! Josh shares their journey of finding and renovating a property in Porto, the importance of forming a reliable team, and the motivations behind their investment decisions. This informative conversation provides valuable insights for anyone interested in expat living and real estate investment - and it definitely rekindled my dream of having my own property abroad 🤩

You can find Josh and his wife Callie on YouTube:

- https://www.youtube.com/@expatseverywhere

- https://www.youtube.com/@LetsGetBuildingWithJandK

Let us know what you think!

PS. I've opened doors to my coaching practice in The Hague, the Netherlands again. Schedule a free call to hear more!

#50 Finishing 6 months in Rio - will I go back?

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0200

Whoa, the past 6 months have flown by and I'm ready to return home after almost half a year in Rio de Janeiro! And, what everyone is asking me... Will I return to the marvelous city?

I recorded an open episode about my time in Rio to answer that question (and more). And when I say open, I do mean that: so you'll hear about what I struggled with, what I loved, my mistakes and lessons learned - I'm not holding back.

I'd love to hear if you recognise any of it either because you lived in Rio or because you've gone through something similar in your expat journey.

And since I'm going back to the Netherlands: in-person sessions in the Hague will now be available again!

Read more about my coaching here or schedule a free discovery call.

#49 Why grounding yourself is a non-negotiable as an expat

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 21:30:00 +0200

I know, grounding doesn't seem so sexy but it's KEY if you want to live a happy & fulfilling life as a busy expat. After all, there's a lot going on around you or asking of you, while you also constantly have to adapt to the new culture. To keep your energy high, to stay calm in busy times and to live from your authentic self, grounding yourself is a non-negotiable first step.

And.. there's much more to grounding than the pretty lame 'do mindfulness exercises' advice that ChatGPT can give you as well (yawn).

I actually see 4 elements that you need to include in your life on a regular basis to remain grounded and to feel anchored in your forever-changing life.

Curious? Listen to this episode!

And want more?

My course Touch Base will open its doors again soon - stay tuned!

#48 From corporate success to favela empowerment: Finding purpose with Diana Nijboer

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0200

From jet setting around the Middle East as HR manager to finding your purpose working with kids in the favelas of Rio... Diana Nijboer made this incredible transition.

Originally from the Netherlands, Diana shares her inspiring journey and what brought her to stay in Rio. Years ago, she enjoyed her exciting life in the Middle East but she realised that she was simply filling a void. She was living a successful life on the outside but felt empty on the inside. A vision that came to her during a leadership course and a big personal challenge changed her direction drastically - and she took action on it.

Please join us in this episode, as this is one of the most beautiful interviews I've done to date. I felt goose bumps throughout the hour with Diana as she so openly tells what she struggled with and how she changed her life. This is such an inspiring episode and one that you'll want to hear!

Diana's story is not only in itself already incredibly inspiring, she also shares tips at the end if you want to find more purpose in your life - because we all reach that point sometime during our life right?

And if you want to support the talented but underprivileged children who Diana through her NGO EduMais works with, there are several ways!

You can share your money, time, talents or connections - all are welcome. Have a look here: https://edumais.org and connect with them on Instagram or LinkedIn.

#47 Unlocking your expat career with Keki Mwaba

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0200

In this episode of This Expat Life, Amanda welcomes Keki Mwaba, founder of Expat Career Development, to discuss career advancement for international professionals. As an expat herself and having worked with dozens of expats, Keki knows first hand what kind of challenges international job seekers face. Like: selling 'gaps' on your CV, not speaking the language and where to start if you're brand new to a market?!

If you're looking to shift your international career or want an international opportunity, this episode is for you. Keki shares valuable advice & practical tips that you can apply right away and that will enable your international career growth.

Let us know how this episode helped you!

You can connect with Keki on LinkedIn - and with me as well.

Want more tips?

Work with me 1:1

Get grounding with me in Touch Base!

Download my free guidebook Become The CEO of Your Expat Life

Hang out with me on Instagram

Find me on YouTube

#46 How I stay grounded while living abroad & single

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 01:00:00 +0200

Living abroad can sometimes be a challenge or just simply super exciting, taking up all your time or headspace. Places to go, a job to excel at, decisions about the future to take, contacts at home to maintain... It's easy to be 'on', busy or in your head all the time - the opposite of grounded.

And while being grounded in your expat life is already a challenge, I believe it's harder as a single. Because you don't have a partner to share some of the stress or decisions with or to help you snap out of it. I know what it's like, and I've also experienced what it is like to actually be grounded, single or not. In this episode I share 7 tips that help me feel anchored in my life abroad. Useful for anyone, whether you're in a relationship or not!

And want to know when we open doors to Touch Base, my new course to help you ground in your busy expat life (single or not!)? Head over to https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com/touchbase-prio!

Want more tips?

Work with me 1:1

Get on the priority list of my new course Touch Base

Download my free guidebook Become The CEO of Your Expat Life

Hang out with me on Instagram

Find me on YouTube

#45 How inner work shifted her relationships, business & confidence with Floor Oosterlee

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0200

Floor Oosterlee was living abroad and experiencing a vague, nagging restlessness when she saw one of my LinkedIn posts and decided to act on her intuition right away & book a call with me.

Although she initially thought she needed some business coaching, she quickly realised there were more personal topics to work on.

In The Coaching Journey that followed, Floor examined that restlessness and peeled away layers with every session. She found valuable insights about her patterns, learned how to truly feel her emotions (instead of analysing them!), and discovered that childhood experiences still had an impact on her as an adult.

Doing the inner work and prioritising her personal growth have led to profound transformations in Floor's life. She feels much more confident (in her business & personal life), seeks less external approval and experiences more harmony in her relationships.

If you're uncertain about what coaching can do for you and the impact it can have on your life, work, relationships, belonging and more, Floor's story will inspire you!

You can connect with Floor on LinkedIn. And you are experiencing a vague restlessness too? Book a free call with me here.

#44: Delphine & Amanda on blazing your own trail and thriving beyond tradition

Wed, 29 May 2024 02:00:00 +0200

Being a female globetrotter in your mid-30s with big ambitions often means you're not choosing the conventional path, which comes with both pros and cons. Fellow international entrepreneur Delphine van de Smet and I have a very open chat about how that exciting unconventional path inspires us but also has an effect on our personal lives.

Tune in to hear about the importance of taking care of yourself & setting boundaries, how we both learned to be more in touch with our emotions & authentic selves, and what we think of the dating scene as independent ambitious women.

Recognised something of your own story in ours? We'd love to hear from you! Because both Delphine and I are about creating space for all facets of life and about expression of who we truly are (the reason why we recorded this open chat).

You can find Delphine and her amazing new (free!) membership for female entrepreneurs here: https://www.instagram.com/s.h.e_base/ and http://she-base.com/.

And more about me here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com.

#43 What to do if you can't decide on your next move

Wed, 22 May 2024 05:00:00 +0200

Big life decisions can be difficult for anyone - but I think for expats even more! Think about it: a decision on your career automatically has impact on your location, and thus your social life, proximity to your friends, a relationships, etc etc. No wonder some expats find it hard to make a decision!

I very often speak with expats who feel stuck and can't decide on their next move. Their thoughts keep going round & round in circles and they don't know what's best for them.

In this episode I share 2 principles that will help you find clarity in your indecision.

And need some further help? I offer Your Next Destination, a small coaching package designed to help you make a choice. In 2 coaching sessions I'll help you clarify the thinking loops you are stuck in, so that you are more capable to make a decision aligned with what you truly want. This package is great for those who just want a little support, but don't need a full deep dive coaching journey. Book it here!

#42 What might really be behind all your hard work

Thu, 16 May 2024 05:00:00 +0200

There's something I started spotting within myself and with other high-achievers who get things done... Something that has often worked well, but which might also be blocking you more than you realise. At least it did for me!

Curious what it is? In this episode I share my view on it & open up how it has been manifesting in my own life - and how it could be present in yours. And as always, a few tips on what to do with it so you can ensure it keeps working in your favour.

Want to share your thoughts? Send me a DM!

And want to dive more into this topic? My 1:1 coaching programme might be for you - have a look!

#41 Building a professional personal brand as an expat with Ashley van Heiningen

Wed, 08 May 2024 05:00:00 +0200

Whether you have done so many different jobs in different countries, followed your spouse so there's a gap on your CV, or find it hard to break into the local labour market: selling yourself as the next best hire can be tricky as an expat.

All the more reason to build your professional personal brand online!

But how exactly do you do that?!

Communication strategist Ashley van Heiningen is here to help. I worked with Ashley myself to translate my coaching magic - which is so different with every coachee - into concrete words. And with how she helped me and how she's been showing up on Instagram herself, I asked Ashley to come onto the show to teach us her magic.

Ashley gives a number of tips, including of how to overcome your fear of posting online, what you should be talking about and how to get started.

Want to know more? Find her on Instagram or on her website (all in Dutch though!).

And if you want to continue on the career topic, make sure to check out episodes #26, 39, 34, and 7.

PS. Like This Expat Life? You'd help me greatly by leaving a review - thank you!

#40 My woo woo morning practice that has contributed to my success

Wed, 01 May 2024 05:00:00 +0200

Before we start: I share all my woo woo practices (AND SO MUCH MORE) in my new course Touch Base! Get in for just €97 - doors close on 3 July.

When I was a busy diplomat trying to excel at my career AND enjoy Brazil to the fullest, I was most of the time living in my head. My head & nervous system were always 'on' and I realised I needed a practice or habit to ground myself more.

I started meditating and while this worked for me for quite some time, I abandoned the habit when life got even busier (how ironic). But thankfully I found a new morning practice that is not only much more FUN but has also proven KEY in my latest success.

Want to know what I'm talking about and how you can do it too? Listen to this episode to hear more!

And if you want another way to implement this tool, download my free 'Guidebook to becoming the CEO of your expat life' where I share a powerful exercise.

#39 Following your partner abroad as an independent woman with Nathalie van Haaren

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 04:00:00 +0200

What if you're a strong, independent woman with your own career, and your partner of 1.5 year asks you to follow him abroad? Nathalie van Haaren knows all about it. Even though she's been internationally minded from birth, she did have to adapt moving to Senegal now as the spouse of an expat.

In this beautiful conversation, Nathalie shares openly and vulnerably what it meant for her identity and how she dealt with - and overcame! - the challenges.

This episode is a must for anyone who moved abroad to be with their partner - and for those who asked their partner to join them. You'll recognise you're not alone going through some of the struggles and you'll get helpful tips & perspectives.

We would love to hear what you think! You can find us here:

Nathalie: Instagram & website

Amanda: Instagram & website

#38 A personal update halfway into my stay in Rio

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 22:30:00 +0200

I'm halfway into my 6-months stay in Rio and that got me thinking: How am I finding it?

Listen to this episode to hear:

- what I've been up to

- how Rio has been treating me (spoiler alert: very good!)

- if the fears & doubts before leaving came true

- how I deal with lows when living abroad

- what plans I have for my 2nd half in the marvelous city

As always I'd love to hear what you thought of the podcast! Feel free to send me a DM on LinkedIn or Instagram.

And want to know how I'm always creating my best expat life? Download my free 'Guidebook to becoming the CEO of your expat life' here.

#37 An open conversation about moving abroad with Tamara Stroop - part 2

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 21:30:00 +0100

And following up on the open conversation with Tamara Stroop (see the previous episode), here's part 2... With a plot twist!

We had another call about 6 weeks after we first spoke, to see how we were both doing and what had changed for us. Well, for Tamara quite a lot! Listen to this episode to hear what that was.

And are you an expat who's also struggling abroad? Know that I offer a listening ear in my free discovery calls. Book yours here.

#36 An open conversation about moving abroad with Tamara Stroop - part 1

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Business coach Tamara Stroop and I had each just moved abroad - Tamara to Barcelona, me to Rio - and as we were talking about our experiences, we figured it would be nice to record an open conversation about journeys!

This is not the usual interview but rather a candid conversation between two women in their mid-30s who decided to take a chance and enjoy life abroad. You'll hear us speak very openly about our first struggles after arriving, expensive AirBnB's, how the countries make us feel, our love life and more.

If you've just moved abroad, have been there for a long time or are thinking of going... This episode is for you. And make sure to listen to part 2 for a plot twist!

#35 The ONE thing you need to do if you want a change in your life

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 05:00:00 +0100

There's one thing that's essential if you desire a big change in your life, which is also often overlooked. If you are ready to achieve a big goal, go off the beaten track or just want to follow your heart, make sure to include this key element. It has been crucial in my own journey. Listen to the episode to know what I'm talking about!

#34 Moving abroad as an underrepresented minority with Iliana Quinonez

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 05:00:00 +0100

As a seasoned female, latina & expat engineer in tech, Iliana Quiñonez knows what it's like to move abroad and stand out from others in the workplace. Iliana moved to the US in her 20s and through trial and error learned to adapt to - and embrace - the American work culture. Now with over 20 years of experience, this trailblazer is passionate about DEI in the work place.

In this episode Iliana gives valuable and practical advice for those who live abroad but may feel like they're standing out - whether that's because of their culture of origin or the sector they work in.

You can find Iliana on LinkedIn.

#33 Why every expat should get a coach

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 05:00:00 +0100

Today I'm sharing two personal stories of my time in London and Brazil when things were NOT going so well. An almost burnout and grief knocked me off course and looking back, I wish I had a coach by my side. Tune in to hear these stories and why I believe every expat should hire a coach at some point in their life abroad.

Want to hear how my coaching could work for you? Find more here: https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com

#32 The perfect storm that changed everything for me

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 05:00:00 +0100

Today I'm sharing my 'origin story', the story of when a perfect storm really kickstarted my personal growth and made me the person & coach I am today. This is my most personal story as of yet and I'm sharing it in the hopes that it might inspire you. Listen how returning back home, grief, a pandemic, heartache and a coaching training all at once nearly broke me - but in hindsight, really resurrected me.

What's your origin story?

#31 Making friends abroad with expat friendship coach Sarah Siegert

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 03:00:00 +0100

It's one of the things every expat at some point struggles with: friendships. It may be hard to find them abroad, to maintain your friendships back home, or to stay connected to new friends as you or they move again.

But here is Sarah Siegert, expat friendship coach who's dealt with all of the above herself. Having moved abroad to the UK for her partner, she found herself feeling lonely as it struggled making new friends. After applying techniques she learned in coaching, she was able to turn her situation around and find meaningful connections. And now she helps other expats with this!

Tune in to hear:

- Sarah's story (you're not alone!)

- Why you should break down & change your thoughts when you find it difficult to make friends abroad

- About an exercise to slowly change & practise your new beliefs

- What to focus on when you’ve just moved abroad and are looking for new friends

- About staying connected to friends back home

- When new friends in your host country move back home

You can find more about Sarah here. And you can download the free pdf guide she mentions in the episode here.

#30 All your questions on my move to Rio answered

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 03:00:00 +0100

When I shared that I was moving to Rio I got the same questions over and over again.. Some of which even made me laugh! In this episode I answer them all, also hoping to inspire you to make a similar move, whether that's to Rio or elsewhere.

Listen to this episode to know:

- Why I chose Rio

- If I'm going to work there

- Why 6 months

- If I still have a lot of friends here

- What visa I'm on

- What happened to my cats

Let me know if this episode helped you in any way and if you have any other questions!

#29 Home organising for expats with Manuela Weiss

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 05:00:00 +0100

Expats do one thing more often than those who stay at home: moving! I feel like organising & clutter are relevant topics for expats simply because they have to go through their belongings more often than others. And plus, all the things you keep because they remind you of when you lived in country X...

Because I struggle immensely myself with decluttering and organising (😅), I've invited professional organiser Manuela Weiss on the show. Manuela is Brazilian, has lived in Italy and is currently based in the Netherlands, so also from a personal point of view she's knows expat moving all too well.

Personally I always like to use the end of the year for some decluttering, so I can make space for the new year. You might want to try this out as well.

Listen to this episode to hear some valuable and practical tips on organising your home!

If you want to know more about Manuela and her services, you can find her on Instagram.

#28 Dealing with a Not-So-Perfect Christmas 🎄

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 05:00:00 +0100

Christmas... I LOVE the holidays but they are also a trigger for me. Having grown up with difficult and unconventional family dynamics, the who/what/where of Christmas was always a question mark, bringing up a lot of anxiety.

I assumed that things would get better as I got older, but this year as I find myself single & parentless in my mid-30s, I've realised that damn, Christmas is still a question mark 😩 I'm craving some unconditionality around my favourite holiday so that I don't need to wonder where I'm going to celebrate it this year.

But no need for a pity parade as I learned about a principle that helped me change my mindset many years ago, when I was stuck in Brazil, with a rare parasite, my dad in the hospital, no family or boyfriend around, and a tiny fake Christmas tree in a tropical environment 😅

A not-so-perfect Christmas but the mindset shift worked its magic. And it's a principle I still apply every year!

Listen to this episode how you can apply the principle yourself, and to hear some additional tips I have for you, whether you are far away from your loved ones, single, heartbroken, grieving or dealing with challenging family dynamics. You are not alone!

🎄🎄🎄

#27 New Year New You

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 05:00:00 +0100

New Year New You... Is it really possible? I think it is!

Listen to this episode to hear what has been a game-changing method for me when it comes to reaching my goals and what has helped me to go confidently from diplomacy to coaching & entrepreneurship.

I also share the 4 elements that I include in my loooong 'December ritual' every year to create a super strong foundation for myself for the next year, so that I can really live my best year yet.

#26 Using LinkedIn for your expat career with Nyna Caputi

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0100

Careers... One of the main topics for high-achieving expats! But what can you do to build your professional personal brand, find job leads in the host country, and stay up to date on opportunities in the home country if you know you're returning?

LinkedIn is the place to be! According to Nyna Caputi, LinkedIn expert and one of LinkedIn's Top Experts in the San Francisco Bay Area.

In this episode, Nyna shares how she got started and what you can do to make LinkedIn your professional playground. Besides a ton of practical tips to get the most out of your profile, network & content, she repeatedly shared one nugget of wisdom which I truly agree with. A mindset shift that will get you into action.

Curious to find out? Tune in!

You can find Nyna here on LinkedIn, and me here (feel free to connect with us!).

PS. My new course Touch Base is out! Join for just €97, doors close on 3 July

#25 Moving abroad as a family with Betina Pflug

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 05:00:00 +0200

The one part of expat life I don't know at all... Moving abroad with your family! I always moved abroad as a solo expat so what it's like to move with kids is very foreign to me. Reason to speak with Betina Pflug, a Brazilian expat in Australia who helps expats & their families to navigate life abroad!

Listen to this episode to hear how Betina approaches family life and expat journeys, and the practical tips she has to help families feel at home abroad.

If you would like to know more about Betina, follow her on LinkedIn or take a look at her website Wity Coaching.

#24 How I took the decision to move to Rio in just 4 days

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 05:00:00 +0200

Taking small decisions in daily life? Not my forte. But the big bold life moves? No problem!

I recently decided to move to Rio and I took that decision in just 4 days. Easy peasy! But I know not everyone finds these big decisions easy. So in this podcast I share how I came to that decision and what helps me generally in the decision-making process, hoping to inspire you to decide on your own bold moves.

Like my tips?

🚀 Take a look at my coaching

😎 Follow me on Instagram

🫶 Or leave a review about This Expat Life

#23 Overcoming fear & doubt as an expat with Cinthya Mayorga

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 05:00:00 +0200

Welcoming a guest to This Expat Life, and a very special guest: former diplomat - and my friend - Cinthya Mayorga!
Cinthya is from Nicaragua and now lives in Spain, after quitting her diplomacy career 2 years ago. We actually met in Brazil when we were both working there at our respective embassies. We don't only share a working history, but also a passion for personal growth and this is why I brought her on the show!
Tune in to listen to Cinthya about:
- the not very pleasant state of being in limboland, waiting for external events to take place (we've all been there right?!)- what helped her to get out of limboland and feel at home in Seville- how Expat Life School made her feel less alone and helped her change her thoughts- how her choices are more & more aligned with her true self- her daily practices and thought processes that have helped her overcome doubt and anxiety- and much more!
Let us know what you think of this episode by sending a DM on Instagram.

#22 Tips to keep your energy high as an expat (so you can thrive)

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 05:00:00 +0200

Expat life takes a lot of energy and just like with entrepreneurship, you also need to rely a lot on yourself. Whether it's about finding friends or mentally picking yourself up during a low, it's all down to you.

That's why it's KEY to keep your energy in good shape. If you want to thrive in your expat life, you want to ensure your energy supply.

In this episode I share about:

- the different types of energy that I see

- what I do when one of them is lacking

- my non-negotiables to keep my energy high

- things I do when I'm experiencing low energy.

#21 The power of a community & having a coach by your side

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 05:00:00 +0200

In this episode I share some (pretty personal!) examples of the power of community and of having a coach by your side that I saw in my life last week.

Listen to this episode how I'm finding working with a coach on some deeply personal issues and on the business decision I took that just opened up SO much space.

I'm realising that being so open also feels very vulnerable, but as always I hope that my experiences inspire you in some way. Enjoy this episode!

#20 Navigating life as latina in the Netherlands with Claudia Arroyo

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 05:00:00 +0200

Welcoming another guest today: Claudia Arroyo - or better known as latina in The Netherlands!

Claudia is Peruvian and has lived in The Netherlands for 18 years, and is famous on Instagram for making funny, relatable videos about life in the Netherlands (this is also how I got to know her!).

I invited her to This Expat Life because I wanted to hear more about how she looks at the difference between the Netherlands and Peru / Latin America. And I loved her answers.

Listen to this episode to hear how Claudia struggled at first to make Dutch friends, what she misses from her home country, what she adopted from the Dutch and how she started creating events to connect hundreds of people. Plus some useful tips she shares for newcomers.

Want to see those funny relatable videos she creates? Check her Instagram account here for a daily laugh!

#19 Become the CEO of your expat life

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0200

Become the CEO of your expat life, so you can thrive abroad!

I want you to thrive & flourish in your expat life - not just survive. And you can do that by adopting a CEO approach to your life abroad: think, act & feel as a modern CEO. How that looks, I share all about it in this episode, as well as the 3 pillars of becoming that CEO of your expat life.

If you want to learn more, download my FREE Guidebook to becoming the CEO of your expat life.

#18 On diplomacy & expat life with former ambassador Kees van Rij

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +0200

Welcoming a guest of honour to This Expat Life today: retired ambassador Kees van Rij!

Kees was a Dutch ambassador to Turkey, Spain, Greece and Brazil, and was also posted in Brussels, Peru and South Korea. I met Kees in Brazil, where we worked closely together on the topic of deforestation in the Amazon during the Bolsonaro administration - and this is when I learned a lot from him and his strong experience in diplomacy.

In this extra long episode, Kees talks about what diplomacy really is about (it's not like The Diplomat show!), the 24/7 ongoing work as an ambassador, what it's like to take decisions on your own & on the spot, and how a political conflict affected his personal life. And of course, we also talk about expat life.

I absolutely loved hearing Kees's stories and I hope you do too. As always, let me know what you think of this episode!

BONUS: The cultural & personal dynamics of living abroad - Netherlands edition - with Coco Hofs

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 19:25:00 +0200

This is a recording of a LinkedIn stream Coco and I did on the personal & cultural dynamics of living abroad (and specifically: in The Netherlands).

Listen to this bonus episode to hear more about:

✅ the Dutch directness - and their positive intention behind it

✅ how finding friends on the work floor is difficult in the Netherlands

✅ how constantly having to rely on yourself as an expat can be really tiring

✅ and of course our Success Beyond Borders event on 13 September in Amsterdam!

#17 Personal: a recap of 3 years back home

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +0200

Returning home is definitely the hardest part of expat life - or at least that is what it was for me. Today, as this episode comes out, marks exactly 3 years that I returned home from Brazil 🇧🇷

And with that questionable anniversary I'm looking back on 3 very eventful years in the Netherlands. Listen to this episode to hear how change upon change rocked my boat ever since my return. It's my most personal episode as of yet. And... I have an exciting announcement at the end!

Here are the things I mention in this episode:

- Love Phobia by Hannah Cuppen

- my 1:1 coaching in The Hague, schedule a free call now to not miss out.

As always I'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast - especially on this personal episode! Leave a review or send me a DM on the socials.

#16 Being a parttime expat in the Netherlands & Switzerland with Puck Landewé

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +0200

Another fantastic guest on the show today! I'm speaking with Puck Landewé, founder of start-up Elfin and on a mission to making women financially independent. A mission I personally very strongly support and which we also talk about at the end of this episode.

But I invited Puck for another reason: and that's because she splits her time between the Netherlands, her home country & where she runs her business, and Switzerland, the country of her fiancé & where she finds peace in the mountains. I was really curious how she's able to do this well, because it's very easy to feel torn between two lives when you travel back and forth all the time.

In this episode Puck shares what she loves about Switzerland, how she manages living in 2 different countries, and how she deals with the guilt that comes with it. Enjoy!

PS. If you liked this episode, I'd love it if you could leave a review! This helps us to grow our community of like-minded expats across the globe.

#15 Space, mindfulness & conscious decisions with Esther Grootenboer in Norway

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +0200

In this episode I speak with Esther Grootenboer, a Dutch psychiatrist who moved to Norway with her family. Esther shares what it's like to continue her career in Norway, how living in Norway has made her more relaxed, what conscious decisions she took to start her new life, and how mindfulness has helped her in her expat journey. I really enjoyed talking to Esther and I hope you'll enjoy this episode too!

If you want to know more about Esther and her online courses, take a look at her website.

#14 Make expat life a smooth ride by knowing the 7 phases

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 05:30:00 +0200

Expat life isn't a stagnant line, just like normal human lives. I identified 7 typical phases that often occur, and knowing what they are about helps you to ride expat life like a smooth operator instead of a rollercoaster maniac. As always, I give practical tips as I go. Enjoy the ride!

#13 Building a jazz career in the US with Vivienne Aerts

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0200

For This Expat Life I spoke with someone who has a successful career in something I know very little about... jazz music!

In this episode the Dutch, New York-based vocalist, conductor & composer Vivienne Aerts shares her story of how she built her music career in the US, plus some tips if you are dreaming of something similar.

And that we would speak about chocolate from Congo, I never expected! Tune in to hear how she is linking this to her music and why it's so important to her.

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Vivienne Aerts is a Dutch New York-based vocalist, conductor, a composer with a focus on electronics, chocolate, multi-sensory experience design as well as a clinical psychologist and faculty at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Want to follow her journey? You can find Vivienne on Instagram!

#12 Changing your mindset to Yes you can!

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0200

"No, you can't do that"

"No, that's not for you"

"No, you are too old / too young / not smart enough / not capable enough for that"

Etc etc... How often do you have those thoughts when you think of something you desire or something outside your comfort zone?

My guess: probably often, although you might not be aware of your thoughts.

Most of us have these critical or negative thoughts. But a positive, empowering mindset is KEY if you want to take a big step or create the life of your dreams.

In this episode I share more about how I changed my own mindset from "I'm not good enough" to "Yes I can!". Listen to hear my 4-step approach!

#11 A roadmap to building communities around the world with Marcel Wijermars

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0200

The one struggle that almost all expats talk about? Finding a new, fun & meaningful social circle that fits in with your life. Am I right?!

But creating a community actually doesn't have to be that hard - yes, even in countries that are known for their closed culture! In this episode, global entrepreneur Marcel Wijermars shares how he has been creating communities in several countries and gives you his 3 steps so you can start your community too.

We actually didn't make the 3rd step explicit in our conversation, but that's clearly: take action & organise an event. Curious about the first two? Listen now!

And if you also need some tips on how & where to find new friends, download my cheatsheet with 21 tips.

More about Marcel:

Marcel brings established entrepreneurs together through exclusive dinners and masterclasses in Amsterdam.

His background as an entrepreneur, combined with his event organization experience in the United States, Argentina, and Bali, enables him to craft Amsterdam's premier entrepreneur community, exclusively for accomplished entrepreneurs.

Preferring genuine connection over transactional and sales-oriented networking events, he aptly named the community: No More Networking.

The No More Networking community attracts a diverse group of ambitious entrepreneurs who recognize the tremendous value in surrounding themselves with individuals who bring out the best in themselves.

If you want to know more about Marcel, check out his website and Instagram.

#10 What expats can learn from a long-distance hiker with Willem van Uijen

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 05:30:00 +0200

Well - a lot! In today's episode I speak with Willem van Uijen, a business friend of mine. Even though he's not an expat, I figured his 5-month(!) solo hiking trip through Europe would be an experience full of lessons useful for others too. And I wasn't disappointed during our interview!

Listen to this episode to find out:

- Why & how Willem took the decision to leave for 6 months

- How he nearly traded chasing goals at home for chasing goals on the road - but then completely changed his mindset

- How he learned to be with his thoughts 24/7

- What he brought back from the trail

- How stories can define and block us

And much more!

Want to connect with Willem? Find him on LinkedIn.

And are you ready to change your language and mindset too, so you can finally create a different reality? Get my latest video training The Expat's Path for just €37 - sign up here!

#9 10 tips to stay sane & organised as a busy expat when travelling non-stop

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0200

This one is for you, chaotic, overwhelmed or busy expat who's travelling a lot!

I've been in your shoes - when I lived in Brazil, I had trip after trip, which was a lot of fun but also generated quite some stress.

In this episode I've collected 10 of my tips that have been working for me to stay sane, organised, happy & energised when you're constantly jetting off.

Hope they work for you too!

And want more tips? Sign up for my weekly-ish Air Mail!

#8 Staying positive while living abroad with Amandine P. Ruiz

Tue, 30 May 2023 05:30:00 +0200

In today's episode I talk with Amandine P. Ruiz, one of my coachees. Living in Belgium now, the French-Panamian Amandine is an example of staying positive and what an optimistic mindset can bring you. I've always loved her positive outlook on life so I invited her to This Expat Life, as I know it can sometimes be hard to maintain that positivity while building up a new life abroad.

In this interview we talk about the importance of positivity, believing that the good will happen, daily habits, finding friends & more.

I hope you liked this episode! Want more?

>> Follow Amandine on Instagram or read her blog smallpositivechanges.com

>> Listen to episode #1 of This Expat Life if you want tips on finding friends & building a community abroad.

>> Or schedule a free discovery call for 1:1 coaching if you feel like personalised coaching is something you could need.

#7 Nothing changes if nothing changes - How I took the leap from diplomacy to coaching

Thu, 18 May 2023 06:00:00 +0200

The one question I always get asked when I share my professional journey: "how did you make the leap from diplomacy to coaching?!".

Well, in this episode I share everything about how I was able to quit my diplomacy career and choose to become an entrepreneur. With tips for you, as always!

And could you use some guidance in taking the leap? Or in changing a situation you feel stuck in?

Then get my new training The Expat's Path! In this 30-min video training & workbook you will discover where your change is being blocked and at what level you need to apply change to generate the desired outcome. I used the same principles of this training to identify my own blocks.

#6 My experience as a diplomat

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 05:00:00 +0200

Did you know I worked at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs for nearly 7 years?

In this episode I share my personal experience of being a diplomat and what I like & didn't like about the job. It's hard to do it justice in just one episode and I'm talking about a few things (both positive and negative!) that stood out for me, plus my story of how I became a diplomat.

I'm very curious what you think of this episode, especially if you are or were a diplomat as well. Make sure to leave a review, find me on Instagram or subscribe to my YouTube channel!

And if you're interested in my 1:1 coaching journey, I've got spots opening up again. Find more information on my premium offer here: www.amandamaximecoaching.com

#5 Tumi Sineke on intentionally designing her life in Norway as a South African expat

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 10:45:00 +0100

Tumi Sineke is a South African entrepreneur currently residing in Oslo, Norway. I loved talking to her about how she intentionally designed her new life, struggled with the challenges of being an expat of colour and what she does to make expat life easier for herself. In this episode Tumi shares many tips that even serial entrepreneurs can learn from.

Find more from Tumi on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

Liked this episode? Please leave a review or rating! This will help us grow our community :)

#4 Coco Hofs on how knowing how you perceive different cultures can save you so much time & frustration

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 15:10:00 +0100

"I wish I had known this when I lived in Brazil!" was my thought after interviewing Coco Hofs. Coco explains so clearly that your personal preferences and cultural roots determine how you perceive another culture - and that two different cultures can look at a third culture in a completely different way, as they each value different things. Understanding your own preferences and those of the culture you're living in or working with, will therefore save you a LOT of time and frustration.

Coco realised this and left her corporate career to become a consultant in this field. She now trains companies and professionals on overcoming cultural differences in the international workplace so that they can lead their business effectively to achieve better results in a global economy.

In this episode we talk about her work and cultural differences, but also about her own experiences of having lived abroad many times.

If you want to hear more from Coco, follow her on LinkedIn or Instagram.

And find me here!

#3 7-figure entrepreneur Celine Charlotte on how she found her home in Sedona, entering new business markets and what she did to strengthen her belief in herself

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 13:55:00 +0100

In this episode I speak with online entrepreneur - and my personal example - Celine Charlotte. Celine has been a huge inspiration for me not only when I started my business, but also when I made the leap from diplomacy to entrepreneurship and started living life on my terms. And this is what I love about Celine and her courses: she shares life & business lessons just as easily and offers a strong combination of mindset shifts and practical tips, helping you to really make a change in your life.

With her online courses, Celine's been teaching over 18,000 entrepreneurs all about building an online business, creating online courses, productivity, and money & investing. She hosts her own podcast, is a popular speaker and has been featured in Business Insider and other media.

Celine is originally from the Netherlands but now lives in Sedona, the US and in this episode we talk about how she found her home there, what adapting to the American market is like, tips when you just arrive somewhere and how she continues finding a strong belief in herself.

Liked this episode? Let us know! You can find Celine (@celinecharlotte) and me (@amandamaxime) on Instagram, where we both hang out pretty much daily.

If you want more tips from me, sign up for my free 'Guidebook to becoming the CEO of your expat life"!

#2 The 10 things I'd do if I were to start over again as an expat

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 15:20:00 +0100

With my 7+ years of experience living abroad and my knowledge as an expat coach… What would I do now if I were to start over again as an expat in a new country? In this episode I share the 10 things I’d focus on when building a new life abroad.

Want more of this?

In Expat Life School we look at those 10 things and MUCH more so you can create your best life abroad, aligning it with your needs & dreams.

People are talkin’....

“Expat Life School offers something for everyone”

“The combination of mindset, interactive Q&A’s and the community was very valuable in this transitional phase in my life”

“Expat Life School will help you to let go of the stress and to enjoy your international experience to the fullest!”

#1 Finding friends & building a community abroad

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 15:15:00 +0100

Kicking off the start of This Expat Life with one crucial aspect of a thriving life abroad: finding friends and building a new social circle! In this episode I’ll tell you how easy and not so easy finding friends has been for me in my 7+ years abroad and back home again. I’ll share the 3 key principles I’ve used to connect with new people and to build a strong community, and you’ll also get some practical tips on how & where to meet new friends.

Want my cheatsheet with additional tips? Download your copy here: www.amandamaximecoaching.com/cheatsheet

And get grounding with me for just €97!

If you want to follow me on other platforms, find me on Instagram at @amandamaxime, or read more about me & my offer at https://www.amandamaximecoaching.com

Liked this episode? Please leave a review :) It would mean a lot, thank you!

Trailer

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 14:14:00 +0100

For all expats & globetrotters across the world, This Expat Life is your place to find real understanding and grow from the inside out.

First episodes coming live on Friday 10 February - stay tuned!