A Society US’ Post

▶ I can hardly believe that today marks thirty-six years since I first set foot in Italy, embarking on what I initially thought would be a brief two-to-three-month stint. Instead, it has blossomed into over three decades of life in Rome. ▶ This journey has been nothing short of incredible, beginning with a nightmare first two years and evolving to the point where I am now shortly hosting the twenty-fifth edition of my signature event, "How to Live and Work Successfully in Italy." It's here that I truly relish sharing insights on thriving long-term in this vibrant country. ▶ My years in Italy have been filled with significant achievements, challenging losses, a wonderful life partner, and friends from around the globe. Most importantly, they have deepened my appreciation for my origins and the privilege of living in Rome—a city that has immeasurably enriched my life. ▶ Some of the experiences that shaped my resilience, focus, and what I affectionately call the "gladiator spirit" now bring a smile to my face, such as the following: ✅ Lining up at 4:00am back in 1988 to get my first residency permit. ✅ Stepping in the ‘office’ of a bank employee working in open space to be told I was high risk as a self-employed person for a loan. ✅ Finding myself stranded after getting off a bus in the middle of nowhere, then running through freshly plowed fields to meet a client and shaking the earth from my shoes. ✅ Buying my first car, a twelve-year-old Renault. ✅ The time a relative dismissed Italy as an expensive hobby and suggested I leave. ✅ Surprise when an accountant said my goals were too big for Italy. ✅ Learning to navigate and accept the ever-present bureaucracy, understanding you must roll with it. ▶ If Italy is calling your name, make it happen. Life is too short to ignore your heart's desires. Sure, there will be days when everything seems to go wrong, but there will also be days filled with immense joy. This is life, and we must embrace both the setbacks and the victories. ▶ Here's to another year! 🎉 #italy #anniversary #coaching #immigration

John Mason International Celebrates 140 Years - A Journey Through Memories! This yeah, John Mason International hits a remarkable milestone - our 140th Anniversary! From our start in 1884, each step of our journey has been shaped by the incredible individuals who have been part of our story. As we commemorate this momentous occasion, our focus turns to those who've been the backbone of our success – our past employees. 🔍 We're on a Hunt for Our History-Makers! Did you or someone in your family contribute to the John Mason legacy? We're reaching out to former employees, their families, and friends who have been part of our journey over the years. Your experiences, stories, and memories are invaluable pieces of our history, and we want to hear them all! Share Your John Mason Story Your Role: What was your role at John Mason International? How did your work contribute to our story? Memorable Moments: Did you experience any unique or memorable events during your time with us? Legacy and Connections: Did you form lasting friendships or connections at John Mason International? How has your experience with us impacted your life? Photographs and Mementos: We would love to see any photographs or keepsakes from your time with us – they're a window into our shared past. 💌 How to Share: Send us your stories, photos, and memories via email at hello@johnmason.com, or post them right here. Your stories are not just memories; they are the chapters of our collective history.

🌍 From Colombia to Sweden: 4 Years of Growth and Resilience 🛫 Four years ago, I embarked on a life-changing journey from the vibrant streets of Colombia to the serene landscapes of Sweden. Leaving behind the familiar, I embraced the unknown to pursue my Master's in Marketing and Brand Management at Lund University. I've called three beautiful Swedish cities my home: Lund, with its historic charm; Gothenburg, a bustling hub of innovation; and now Malmö, where modernity meets coastal tranquility. Each city has gifted me with unique experiences and perspectives. As an immigrant, challenges were my companions, but they also became my greatest teachers. Here's a glimpse of my journey: 📚 Cultural Adaptation: Adapting to new customs and norms wasn't always easy, but it opened my mind to a world of diversity and acceptance. 💼 Career Transition: Navigating a new job market requires resilience and the willingness to learn. I discovered the power of networking and personal branding. 🤝 Building Relationships: Connecting with people from all walks of life taught me the art of building bridges and cherishing human connections. 🌱 Embracing Change: Moving cities tested my adaptability and taught me that change, although daunting, fuels personal growth. 📖 Lessons Learned: 👉 Courage in Vulnerability: Embracing vulnerability is a stepping stone to strength and personal transformation. 👉 Global Perspective: Embracing different cultures expands our horizons and enriches our understanding of the world. 👉 Resilience is Key: Every challenge is an opportunity to grow and evolve, both personally and professionally. 👉 Learning Never Ends: Being open to learning new skills and adapting is the key to thriving in a dynamic environment. Today, I am a fusion of my Colombian roots and Swedish experiences. I am grateful for the lessons, friendships, and growth this journey has brought me. The road ahead is exciting, and I'm ready to continue embracing change, facing challenges, and creating my unique narrative. #ImmigrantLife #PersonalGrowth #Sweden #LifeLessons

👇 How comfortable are you in making uncomfortable choices? As I came closer to my Master's finish line in Portugal, I was feeling very unsettled in my routine between working remotely and reading articles. I felt as if I was standing still while everything else was happening “out there”. 🛫 So one day I decided to book a flight to Munich and live there for 3 months before wrapping up my Master's thesis. As Sukhinder Singh Cassidy put it well in the book “Choose Possibility” (which I highly recommend), success doesn’t come from one singular, life-changing decision but from numerous choices that can bring you numerous opportunities. So I stood with my sudden questionable choice. 🌱 By the time I set up my computer to work from the cozy (and surprisingly warm) Olympiapark, before grabbing a bite at the lovely beer gardens (only to drink wine - sorry about that) and plan a day trip for the upcoming weekend to the stunning Bavarian countryside… All doubts were simply gone. The thing is, you’re not insecure about the decisions you make. You’re just not making the same decisions people around you are making. I've been on a rollercoaster ride of self-discovery during my time in Germany. But it was definitely a pleasant one, as my everyday life with zero routines was filled with the simple joys of navigating a new culture, trying to blend in (although my German is still a work in progress), and meeting inspiring people along the way that live, think and act completely different. As someone who works with creativity, it’s important to challenge myself to think outside my own algorithm. And putting myself in a place that has nothing in common with what I’m used to can push me to stretch my creative boundaries. As the German poet Goethe well said “The dangers of life are infinite, and among them is safety”. 🚀 I’m coming back soon, Munich. Tchüss for now! #storytime #munich #germany #remotework #socialmedia

Everything was going according to plan. I was almost all set to move to Germany to kickstart my art career at 16, armed with a growing portfolio and improving German skills. Instead, life rerouted me to San Francisco a few years before I turned 16, and my German plans were put on hold — repeatedly. Fast forward, and despite no longer actively planning trips to Germany, I find myself there frequently. Yesterday, I snapped a picture while passing through Frankfurt, which reminded me once again of how these unplanned stops have enriched my journey. Though not my home as I once hoped, I’m thankful that for years Germany has continually provided a comfortable backdrop for catching up with friends over good meals and engaging conversations. Sometimes, the best opportunities are the ones we don't plan for but are open to exploring. Each visit to Germany has offered unique insights and experiences, turning what could be seen as disruptions into amazing reconnections and opportunities. Have you ever discovered unexpected opportunities in your professional journey? How do you handle changes to your planned route? What unexpected places have you found value in? -------- 💥I am Olga. 🔺Providing tips for in-house lawyers. 🔺Educating about disruptive technologies. 🔺Delivering keynotes on the intersection of business, law, and tech. Like this post? Want to see more? 🔔 Ring it on my Profile Follow #DailyOlga 🔝 Connect with me 🔝 Subscribe to Notes to My (Legal) Self newsletter

I moved away from Sweden. My journey here with my partner began with high hopes and excitement for new adventures, but little did I know the obstacles that awaited me. Moving to Stockholm was a significant change for both of us. We relocated from London because my partner had landed a job, and I began the daunting task of navigating the Swedish job market. We gave ourselves a year for me to find work, but with a wealth of international experience from a career in London, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, I anticipated a seamless transition. However, reality had other plans. Months stretched into a year, and — despite my best efforts — interviews and job offers remained just out of reach. My confidence dwindled with each rejection, and I sat in my kitchen every morning consumed by feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Time seemed to stand still as I struggled to find my place in Stockholm. In December, my partner and I decided it was time to leave Sweden. It came down to the harsh reality that my potential was just not being recognized or valued in the Swedish job market. After two short months of applying for work back home, I had a promising job offer. The recognition and validation I longed for in Stockholm were finally within reach elsewhere. As I start the next chapter of my career, I carry with me new resilience from my time in Sweden. It may not have been the home I had hoped for, but it taught me the power of belonging and inclusion. Those are precisely the issues I will focus on in my new role back home, and I am stronger and more determined than ever to pursue my dreams and make a meaningful impact wherever life may take me. For now, as I sit down to reflect on the whirlwind of emotions and challenges I faced in Sweden, I can't help but feel a sense of bittersweet relief in leaving. — This is the first of many stories that we want to highlight about people’s experiences in Sweden. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Please reach out to the 1046 team here on LinkedIn. And a big thank you to Nikita Mehta for sharing her story with us today. 💜 #1046Sverige #DiversityAndInclusion #Berättelser #1046Stories

Even professional #cooperations are made between people - time again to say thank you! As a service provider like a relocation agency you are dependent from your clients. So far so clear. But does this mean you need to play always after their rules only? As in a good personal relationship as well, finding compromises and letting both sides have their small wins is the key here for a respectful long-lasting partnership. Last week I saw the speech from Lea-Sophie Cramer again about her seven learnings while building AMORELIE at Bits & Pretzels 2019. One of these seven learning has been that cooperations and partnerships are not made between companies – they are made between people. And this is exactly what I experienced. I had several negotiations over the years and some of them were more difficult than others – but the ones I liked the most and the ones where I cooperated the most and made generous offers have been those where I could feel the loyalty. In my impression a cooperation where both parties feel that there is trust and confidence make the sides involved be more active and even put way more effort in the project / case. So to speak, you go the extra mile for your cooperation partner AND feeling good about it. This is the basis for a long time of working together. Even the outcome in general is way better. I would never take this for granted – What is your experience about cooperations being the service provider or being the company ordering a service? Taking the opportunity: Thanks to my lovely cooperations partners I feel this trust and loyalty all the time and which enables us to have a really fruitful professional time together: Matthias Schmeißer; Mirya Fischer; Dirk Steinbrink; Ann-Kathrin Heider; Susanne Drozdoff; Tony Wolf; Susann Albrecht; Gunda Tomlinson; Folke Christoph; Sebastian Stöbe; Melanie Luthe-Bauer; Björn Priewe and many more 😍 Without getting too sentimental and because I'm in the mood, my dear colleagues from competitors I value a lot - thanks for the ongoing exchange - working together and sharing experiences is the only way - Tia Hardy Robinson; Miriam Mueller; Christine Gerkrath; Tobias Schönborn; Andreas Kopysov - to just name a few. Last but not least I'm more than thankful for the constant legal background when needed by Dr. Sebastian Klaus and Andreas Dippe. Let's keep on working together to welcome these needed #Fachkräfte even if the authorities are not as far as we want them to be 😉

“Why did you move to Italy?” is a question I often get. People expect me to have a good reason, but there was no reason other than: I wanted to. I’ve heard other people fantasizing about retiring in Italy in 20 or 30 years…or dreaming about moving abroad “in the future”. I can’t help but think: Are you people crazy? Why WAIT to live the life you want? When you DECIDE to make a life change, you automatically start looking for solutions to make it happen as soon as possible. In fact, my biggest motivation to start a business 4,5 years ago was to be able to live in Italy. Today, I live the exact life I want to live: ✅ I live in Italy ✅ I have my own business that’s consistently generating leads via my personal brand and online presence ✅ I have 100% control and freedom over my schedule ✅ I travel whenever I want For me, this is the BARE MINIMUM. See this as your sign to start living the life you want NOW. Not later.

To stay competitive, you need to take action. Let me explain. I just got back from three days in London. Not a vacation, no. A true professional marathon. I attended the Business Travel Show, the must-attend event for business travelers. These three days were a goldmine of meetings and discoveries. What do I take away from it? - Reestablishing connections with long-term partners. - Building relationships with promising new suppliers. - Attending inspiring conferences that brought me new ideas and interesting perspectives. The world moves fast. To remain competitive, you have to step out of your comfort zone. Here’s why it’s crucial : 1️⃣ Meeting new people. Every person is an opportunity to learn and grow. 2️⃣ Exchanging ideas. This is how the best innovations are born. 3️⃣ Discovering new methods. There is always a more efficient way to do things. That’s the secret to competitiveness. And you, what are you doing to remain competitive? #BusinessTravel **************** If you are discovering me through this post, I help companies with their Travel & Expense challenges. Let’s connect and click on 🔔 to follow me.

These days, I’m seldom home unless it’s a work-related trip. (Yes, I still refer to #Saqartvelo, despite the fact that formally, I have lived outside of Georgia over the past three decades, as “home.) And yet, every time I visit, whether it’s for research, meetings, conferences or a bit of everything, I always feel extremely connected to this part of the world, but at the same time, I’m constantly aware of the fact that I’m observing the developments through the looking-glass as an expat who, nevertheless, has maintained deep roots and links to the country. There’s no doubt, irrespective of which political camp you belong to, that Georgia is truly at the crossroads in every sense of the word—not just geographically, strategically nestled between East and West (our geography is both our greatest advantage and an occasional, deep-seated curse), but also geopolitically. What happens on 8 November when the European Commission finally unveils its candidacy-related progress report, followed by the December verdict from European leaders on whether or not to grant Georgia the status, will also set the tone for the domestic trajectory as we enter a critical year in Georgian politics leading up to the fall elections in the parliament. I’m cautiously optimistic, but also undoubtedly concerned because even the slightest faux pas could tilt the country towards what could ultimately prove to be the wrong decision… with real, long-lasting consequences. It is not solely about choosing between the West vs. Russia. The dilemma is much deeper, far more complex and nuanced, and potentially, all the more critical for our future — not the government’s future, for they appear to have made their collective mind up, but rather, the future of the Georgian people. The door to Europe is slightly ajar, not wide open but nonetheless, it’s there… we can almost taste it. But it takes two to tango. If Europe decides it wants to welcome Saqartvelo into its fold, my hope is that the candidate status will be granted not so much to the government that has continuously sent mixed and confusing signals to the world (not just Brussels), but above all else — to the people. Few will argue against the fact that the Georgian people have shown, especially in recent months, that they stand firmly on their principles, choosing the path towards the future — not the past. #EU #candidate #europeancommission #Georgiathecountry