Fostering Global Career Success with Mila Lazarova | D'Amore-McKim Business School | Paula Caligiuri

Summary

In this episode of 'International Business Today,' Paula Kellu interviews Mila Lazarova, an expert in global careers and workforce management. They discuss the evolving definition of a global career, which now encompasses not only international assignments but also virtual global teamwork. Lazarova emphasizes the importance of early exposure to international experiences, like student exchanges, and the benefits of global mobility for personal and professional growth. She also highlights the challenges, including stress, health impacts, and work-life balance, and offers advice on proactively managing a global career. The conversation underscores the strategic value of global mobility for both individuals and organizations.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The definition of a global career has evolved to include not only traditional international assignments but also working with culturally diverse teams and virtual global interactions.
• 🎓 Starting global experiences early, such as during student years through international exchanges, can be beneficial and is considered a good time to begin a global career.
• 🏙️ Global careers can be multi-dimensional, with experiences varying from simply living abroad to deeply engaging with local cultures and communities.
• 🧳 Global mobility is a critical component of a global career, offering rich experiences but also requiring careful planning and consideration of personal and family logistics.
• 🌱 Early career stages are often more flexible for global mobility, but it's never too late to pursue international opportunities with the right mindset and support.
• 🌍 Engaging with local cultures through work and social interactions is essential for a fulfilling global career, going beyond just visiting a place.
• 🚫 The downsides of global careers include potential health impacts from stress and travel, work-life balance challenges, and the need for careful management of personal and family dynamics.
• 🌱 Individuals can proactively manage their global careers by seeking out opportunities, preparing culturally, and understanding the risks and rewards.
• 🏢 Companies play a crucial role in supporting global career development by providing strategic and technical support for global mobility, ensuring it aligns with both individual and organizational goals.
• 💡 For individuals considering a global career, the advice is to take the leap, as it can lead to personal growth, a richer life experience, and a broader professional network.

Q & A

What is the evolving definition of a global career?

A global career traditionally involved spending time abroad and working outside one's country of birth or education. However, it has evolved to include any career that involves working with culturally different others, even if it doesn't involve physical relocation. Some now consider working on a global virtual team as part of a global career.

What is the significance of starting an international exchange during student life?

Starting an international exchange as a student can be a demanding but enriching experience. It's a good starting point for a global career, allowing individuals to gain early exposure to different cultures and work environments, which can be beneficial for their future international career aspirations.

What are the potential downsides of having a global career?

The downsides of a global career include the demanding nature of travel, potential health impacts such as stress and jet lag, work-life balance issues, and the challenges of maintaining family stability. There are also broader societal concerns like the environmental impact of frequent travel.

How can individuals proactively manage their global careers?

Individuals can proactively manage their global careers by seeking out international opportunities, preparing themselves through learning about the culture and language of their destination, and being open to new experiences. They should also consider the practical aspects like visa requirements and work permits.

What is the role of companies in managing global mobility for their employees?

Companies play a crucial role in managing global mobility by providing the right preparation, support, and ongoing check-ins with employees during their international assignments. They should also consider the strategic and developmental aspects of global mobility, beyond just the technical aspects like tax and immigration.

What advice does Mila Lazarova have for individuals considering a global career?

Mila Lazarova advises individuals to not be afraid to pursue a global career, as it can lead to personal growth, a richer life experience, and a broader network of friends and colleagues worldwide.

How can companies ensure that their employees' global experiences are developmental?

Companies can ensure developmental experiences for their employees by thoughtfully planning international assignments, linking them to the employees' career paths, and providing the necessary support and resources for them to succeed and learn from their global experiences.

What are the health impacts associated with global work mentioned in the script?

The health impacts associated with global work include higher stress levels, as evidenced by hormonal changes in expatriates, and an increase in health claims for those on global career paths. Short-term travel can also be detrimental, with jet lag being a significant issue.

How does the script discuss the importance of cultural agility in global careers?

The script highlights cultural agility as a critical competency for individuals in global careers. It suggests that less global mobility could lead to a lower level of cultural agility, which is essential for working effectively with diverse teams and in different cultural contexts.

What is the concept of 'global domestic' mentioned in the script?

The concept of 'global domestic' refers to individuals who may not physically relocate but still engage in global work by interacting with people from different cultures, often through virtual means. This can involve working on global teams without leaving one's home country.

How does the script address the issue of sustainability in the context of global careers?

The script addresses sustainability by discussing the environmental impact of frequent travel, which is a significant aspect of many global careers. It suggests that there is a need to consider how much work can be done without travel, in light of climate change concerns.