A company’s people are truly their best differentiating factor. They define who you are, what customers and employees can expect from you, and form the culture that shapes your future. Our series “Behind the Screens” shares a personal look at who comprises the incredible talent that makes things happen at Boldly.
In this edition of “Behind the Screens,” we’re celebrating some of our team members who epitomize the flexible and remote work lifestyle: expats! These stars prove that there’s no need to put your career on hold when life takes you far from home. Here are some of their stories:
Pauline
A native of France lives in the US with her husband and two children
For Pauline, living a multicultural life and raising her children with a broader worldview are the biggest benefits to living abroad. And they also benefit Boldly’s US-based clients that appreciate Pauline’s French language support, and support working with their clients in France. “I love that my kids, even at their young age, have a more global vision of the world and an understanding that there are other people and ways of doing things out there,” she said.
Having a flexible remote job with Boldly means that Pauline, who joined the company in 2014, is able to continue working in a fulfilling role and be present for her kids. It also gives her the opportunity to stay connected to France through her work with French companies. “I wanted to use French while working, and I wanted a job that would allow me to spend time with my family in France each year,” she said.
Having the ability to travel to France fulfills two key needs for Pauline: “Of course, I miss my family and friends there the most, but I also miss the food (especially the cheese!).”
Melissa
A native of the UK who has lived in Asia and currently lives in the US with her husband and child
Melissa finds that living abroad is a chance to experience new cultures and meet new people. “I’ve loved embracing new traditions like Thanksgiving and Chinese New Year,” she said. “It’s so nice to meet new people and make great friends along the way. Also, places that were once far-flung holiday destinations are now on our doorstep!” The clients she supports also love the breadth of cross-cultural experience that Melissa brings to her work.
Having worked remotely before, Melissa joined Boldly seeking the same flexibility after a period as a stay-at-home mom. “It’s nice to get back in front of a laptop again and get the baby brain working!” she said. “It’s great to feel part of a team whilst being able to keep developing skills and manage your own hours.” She enjoys the variety of clients she works with as well as feeling part of a larger team.
Of course, Melissa has one thing she misses most about the UK: fish and chips. “Nowhere else in the world does it like us Brits. You can’t beat a ‘chippy tea’ on a Friday night!”
Mieke
A native of The Netherlands who has lived in Canada and currently lives in the US with her husband and two children
With a background in marketing and communication, Mieke joined Boldly in 2016 and has enjoyed working putting her skills into action with Boldly’s clients ever since. Now as the mother of two young kids, she especially loves the flexible work hours as well as the variety of clients and projects. “It never gets boring!” she says.
For Mieke, there’s a particular word that she especially misses from her native country: Gezellig. She says that while it’s often translated as “cozy,” its meaning really goes beyond that. “A fun time with your friends is gezellig, so is a home with a warm ambiance, a friendly conversation, a quaint shopping street, enjoying a cup of coffee at a café, a feeling of togetherness, etc.,” she said.
Thanks to all three of these ladies, and all the expats on our team for keeping it gezellig with Boldly!
