Geographic Mobility for Career Progression

Should I move cities, states or countries for my job? I’ve done it six times.  So it is a topic I have spent a lot of energy thinking about. Being geographically mobile is seen as a good thing by some #employers. These employers typically value internal promotions and have #global and/or regional growth strategies They need to transfer corporate culture-carriers to grow and thrive. As a leader at a company, it opens up a larger pool of #career opportunities and sets you and exponential network growth I have zero doubt that my path to #CEO was faster because I was willing to commit to the biggest challenges offered without locality being a constraint. Five of my six geography moves have been incredibly positive. 👍 They took me to Brisbane, London, New York, Atlanta and Boston.  One move was kind of a disaster but that was self-inflicted so I own that. 😭 So when and why should you consider it? It’s deeply personal. The risk is high and the returns unknown with a geographic move as part of your career plan.  But here is how I chose when and why to move: 🔵 When the hiring company was unique and market-leading in its category 🔵When the pay/equity stake reflected the risk I was taking and benefits strong 🔵When the company was generous about transition timing and process 🔵When my family was excited about the location and our personal life Moving has offered our family exceptional experiences but it is not for everyone. These people influenced my decisions at each point. James Stark Peter Lehrman Colin McKenzie Phillip Pon Jennifer Newton Lee Anne Asbury David Wilkie Rich Gardner Rebecca Gordon Michael Blumstein Alexander Saint-Amand Alexandra Lonergan Puja Jain James Yockey Jackie Dille Leanne Anderson Paul Heath Christopher Thorn AM GAICD Rebecca Sullivan Intense careers take many twists and turns.  I am so grateful. p.s. image of an historic barn we restored in Milton just outside Atlanta

Navigating Career Paths: The Transformative Journey of Professional Mobility In today's dynamic global landscape, the concept of career mobility has evolved far beyond traditional boundaries. Moving cities, crossing countries, and embracing international opportunities has become more than just a career strategy—it's a profound personal and professional transformation. The Professional Nomad's Perspective When we consider career opportunities, we're no longer confined to local job markets. The modern professional is a global citizen, ready to pack bags, adapt to new environments, and leap into unknown territories. But this mobility is not just about changing geographical locations; it's about expanding horizons, challenging personal limitations, and redefining leadership. Personal Growth Through Geographic Transitions Every move represents more than a job change. It's a multifaceted journey of: - Cultural Intelligence: Immersing yourself in different work cultures teaches adaptability beyond technical skills. You learn communication nuances, professional etiquettes, and diverse collaboration methods that textbooks can never teach. - Resilience Building: Navigating unfamiliar professional landscapes develops unprecedented personal resilience. Each transition becomes a masterclass in problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and self-management. - Network Expansion: Geographic mobility transforms your professional network from local to global. Connections made across different cities and countries become bridges of opportunity, knowledge exchange, and potential collaborations. Leadership in a Mobile Professional World For leaders and aspiring professionals, geographical mobility offers unique perspectives: 1. Holistic Understanding: Leaders who have experienced multiple professional ecosystems develop a more comprehensive, nuanced understanding of organizational dynamics. 2. Inclusive Leadership: Exposure to diverse work cultures naturally cultivates inclusive leadership approaches. You learn to appreciate different perspectives, communication styles, and work methodologies. 3. Strategic Adaptability: Professionals who successfully navigate multiple geographical transitions demonstrate a core leadership quality—strategic adaptability. A Personal Reflection Each geographical transition is a chapter in your professional autobiography. It's not just about climbing the career ladder; it's about expanding your life's narrative, challenging your comfort zones, and continuously reinventing yourself. #CareerMobility #ProfessionalGrowth #Leadership #Leadershipmatters #GlobalProfessionals #CareerTransition

Today I read this in Thehindu — and I’ve seen it unfold firsthand in the HR world. A piece titled “Smaller cities emerging as career hubs” caught my eye. But more than just being news, it felt like a reflection of what I’ve personally observed in HR. Cities like Visakhapatnam, Ranchi, Vijayawada, Nashik, and Raipur once thought of as quiet, non-metro zones are now becoming career destinations. LinkedIn says there are Cities on the Rise list highlights this shift, showing how hiring, job creation, and internal mobility are all booming in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. And you know what? It’s true. As someone who’s handled workforce planning, engagement, and headcount management across business units, I’ve seen: Employees actively preferring their hometowns over metros — not just for cost-of-living but for quality of life. Organizations becoming more open to decentralizing roles, especially post-pandemic. Real talent choosing to stay local, and still growing in roles like Tech, Engineering, BD, and even HR. What does this mean for us in HR? It’s time to reimagine talent strategies: • Build engagement and growth frameworks across locations, not just HQs. • Consider hyperlocal needs — infrastructure, connectivity, lifestyle. • Tap into these hubs for retention, not just recruitment. Career growth isn’t exclusive to cities with skylines. Sometimes, the quiet cities hold the loudest potential. Have you seen this trend play out in your company or field? Would you consider a high-growth role in a smaller city? Let’s talk 👇 #HRInsights #WorkforcePlanning #Tier2Talent #SmallerCitiesBigDreams #HRBP #CareerMobility #LinkedInIndia #TheHindu #RealTalkHR