Episoder
-
Lauren and Steph catch up on some of the exciting things that happened in the Available Worldwide community in 2024 and invite you to share your story of transformations on our podcast in 2025. Is this your year?
-
Jenn is a licensed therapist who was looking for a therapist at her challenging first post abroad. When she struggled to find the help she needed, it inspired her to start her own practice -- Bloom Counseling.
In this interview, I chat with Jenn about how accompanying partners can build better self-care practices by finding out what works for them, remembering what they love, and pursuing their own dreams not 'instead of' but 'in addition to' the demands of their spouses' careers.
.
BIO
Jen Evans is an EFM, therapist, and Mom who started her private practice, Bloom Counseling, while posted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Jen found herself halfway across the world with a newborn and toddler during COVID and amongst a burgeoning civil war. She searched for her own therapy but could not find a therapist who was willing to work with her while posted overseas and who understood the challenges of expat life.
Away from her own support system, she noted this gap in care for diplomats and expats and founded Bloom Counseling to address those needs.
Four years later, she is posted in Mexico City with her husband, two young girls, and a Bernese Mountain Dog. She feels fortunate to meet the unique needs of her community every day.
Connect with Jen:
https://bloomwithjenn.comhttps://www.facebook.com/BloomWithJenn/instagram.com/bloom.counseling -
Mangler du episoder?
-
Elizabeth Streett did everything right: going to college and becoming a diplomat. She met all the criteria for what anyone would see as successful. But success didn't really end up being what she sought, and it turns out that was the wrong word to use anyway. After discovering that life as a diplomat didn't have the room for the kinds of joy that she wanted to prioritize in life, she left the profession. Becoming an EFM a few weeks later was an unexpected result.
Today Elizabeth focuses on her key values and helps others use their key values to declutter their lives, both physically removing items that don't fit their happiest version of themselves, but also decluttering their mental and financial loads. Streett's method is about removing items that represent outdated versions of ourselves while asking why we have certain things and if they reflect who we want to be. This process emphasizes making choices based on our desired selves rather than simply counting items or fitting them into spaces.
How does she follow her own core values of authentic communication, joy, simplicity, curiosity, and nature? Find out in this episode!
-----------------
Elizabeth Streett grew up following the traditional markers of success, excelling academically and professionally as a U.S. diplomat. Despite her achievements, she grappled with a lack of genuine happiness and fulfillment, feeling bound by external standards rather than internal joy. Her turning point came when she noticed her son’s struggles in a conventional school setting, prompting Elizabeth to reevaluate her life’s direction and her family’s well-being. She left her career, embracing a simpler, values-driven life focused on joy, authenticity, and community. Now, Elizabeth shares her journey from a “perfect” life to one that is truly fulfilling, inspiring others to pursue intentional, minimalist paths in the pursuit of genuine happiness.
Make Space for Joy at www.evergreenacacia.com
and follow her on Linked In at https://www.linkedin.com/in/eastreett/ -
After rave reviews of his debut novel, EFM Matthew Becker has two more books coming soon. In this episode, find out how an academic mathematician with a past work in missile tracking and COVID test kit distribution analysis became an EFM and followed a secret dream to become an author.
Like most avid readers, Matthew believed he could write something pretty decent. Unlike the rest of us, he actually followed through on that, writing several novels before getting his first contract and agent. Matthew explains how advanced math education taught him critical thinking skills rather than just specific techniques, and how he uses those to outline and organize plots, track manuscript submissions and record his late night and midday inspirations.
In his debut novel, the wife of a congressional staffer goes missing amidst a mass shooting, Run, both a stand alone and part of a trilogy, is the story of someone much like all EFMs, an everyday hero in extraordinary circumstances. His second book, Don't Look Down, is available for pre-order now.
------
Matthew Becker is a thriller author, with his debut novel RUN described as "a must read" and "wicked smart and exceptionally fun." He is a former mathematician, and worked as part of the national Covid-19 response. He has a doctorate in applied mathematics from the University of Maryland, College Park, and is published in the Bulletin of Mathematical Biology.Matthew currently lives with his wife and their two children in Washington, DC, in between overseas assignments. An avid thriller reader, he loves stories with dense, twisted plots and emotional gravitas.
Website: www.matthewbeckerbooks.com
Instagram: @matthewbeckerbooks
Reviews and more on Goodreads -
Laura Jennings has navigated her share of twists, turns, and transitions, from starting her career in publishing to successful stints in marketing and communications. She's a passionate and accomplished business developer, having built a portable Pilates business and taken it to five posts. Now as Chief Strategy Officer at LVL-Up Strategies, she continues to advocate for EFM career progression as co-founder of a business staffed entirely by partners of the US Foreign Service.
In this interview, we learn that Paris isn't hard, but walking away from a career certainly is. We also discuss the mental component of identity and why Laura believes an important aspect of self-care involves embracing our potential to contribute to society. Listen in to learn more!
.
BIO
Laura Jennings enjoys bringing folks with aligned objectives together and empowering all parties to achieve their vision. Her ability to guide clients and her team toward their purpose or vision while recognizing their own particular ecosystems creates a culture of trust and lasting relationships primed for growth.
Laura's 20+ years in communications, strategic partnerships, project management, and planning combined with 7+ years launching and building her own business, both nationally and internationally, led her to her purpose—connecting others and lifting them to their next level.
As part of a Foreign Service family, having a career in the traditional sense was not an option. Laura continued to maintain relevance whether as an entrepreneur, working in government, or serving the diplomat community and host country through programs that give back. Her ability to quickly evaluate situations, develop strategies, and implement initiatives with a positive impact ensured her success from country to country.
Laura has lived in five countries and has a working knowledge of four languages. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Language, Writing, and Rhetoric from the University of Maryland, College Park. She recently served on the Move2Learn Board of Directors and loves spending time with her husband and two girls as they adventure through this amazing life.
https://www.lvlupstrategies.com/team-members/laura-jennings -
When there's an EFM who has turned what seems to be a location-dependent career into something globally portable, you know you'll eventually meet them here on Available Worldwide.
In this episode, Amy shares what it was like to unexpectedly dine with some global power-players, how she made the tough decision to quit a portable job without the guarantee of something new, and what things are really like in the sub-basements of some of America's iconic buildings. Talking with her felt like listening to an old movie trailer, "You'll laugh, you'll cry, but you'll never regret...."
-----
Amy Parker is passionate about the power of philanthropy to serve the public good and improve people’s lives.
A strategic leader with more than twenty years of director-level fundraising experience, Amy has worked for iconic institutions including the Wikimedia Foundation, Smithsonian Institution, The New York Public Library, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In her time as a fundraising consultant, she’s provided services to clients and spoken at conferences across four continents.
Some of Amy’s career highlights have been raising funds for projects such as the official portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama for the National Portrait Gallery, renovation of the historic façade of the New York Public Library’s flagship building at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, and the launch of an endowment fund that supports Wikipedia, the world’s largest compilation of human knowledge.
Amy has been part of several record-setting fundraising campaigns, including the Smithsonian’s first-ever comprehensive campaign, which raised over $1.8 billion, and the $2 billion Carolina First Campaign, which was one of the 5 largest campaigns in US higher education at the time. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and has held the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential since 2009. -
Charting Her Own Course: Building the Right Skills to Thrive at Post
Melissa Dokurno's career has taken quite a few twists and turns since her spouse joined the Foreign Service, and even before he was officially on board. While they've both made sacrifices for each other's careers, they've kept their family strong even when physically separated.
In this interview, Melissa tells the story of their difficult decision to live in different countries to take advantage of career opportunities. She also shares her recipe for success: be open to what's available!
.
BIO
Melissa Dokurno, Esq. is a career public servant and proud mom. Over the past decade, she has strived to find the necessary work-life balance to both thrive as an EFM and build a career she is passionate about.
Melissa began her career as a local prosecutor in Long Island, NY, serving for 3 years to help victims find their voice in an often daunting criminal justice system.
Capitalizing on an opportunity to test-run EFM life, she and her 2-year-old daughter took a leap of faith to join her husband in El Salvador while he worked as a third-party contractor for U.S. Embassy San Salvador.
In life’s twists and turns, Melissa returned to Washington, D.C. to work as a Staff Attorney for Bread for the City Legal Clinic representing low-income and marginalized clients facing unlawful evictions; she served in that role until she departed Washington to officially begin her new life as an EFM.
Melissa has also lived in Matamoros, Mexico, and Bangkok, Thailand, and used these opportunities to pivot her career to become an Investigative Analyst for Diplomatic Security.
Building on that wealth of knowledge, Melissa finally joined the Civil Service in 2024 where she continues to serve as an Analyst while her family is posted in D.C. for the next two years.
Melissa remains ready to discover new and enriching career opportunities while also enjoying where life takes her!
.
.
AW Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by the Available Worldwide Network. AWN is a community-led private social network – i.e. not on Facebook – providing professional development, personal connection, and social support for the accompanying partners of the US Foreign Service.
We all contribute a small fee to fund the platform, but right now in October 2024, you can check us out for free using coupon code FALL24.
If you’re a motivated EFM or MOH looking for connection in an empowering community, we invite you to join what we’re building together!
We know the challenges of trying to build and maintain careers both at home and abroad. But making friends in a safe and supportive community like AWN can make life a little easier and a lot more fun.
Check out all the FAQs and find the coupon code FALL24 on our website: https://availableworldwide.net/awn/ -
In this episode, Lauren meets yet another life trajectory twin, Janelle Meyer, who went to college with dreams of being a graphic designer, but who eventually came back to her true calling, work helping students succeed. Janelle is a special educator with a real passion for using brain-based methods to help children learn to read and succeed in school. This episode covers her journey to becoming a special education teacher, the reasons why she loves having a partner in her small business, and the importance of finding continuity (in both your professional and social life!) in the otherwise unpredictable Foreign Service lifestyle.
--
Janelle Meyer is an international educator, inclusion advocate, avid runner, and mom. Having spent the last 15 years living and working in Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), London, and the USA, she has developed a deep understanding of educational practices and how to support neurodiverse needs.Having an older brother with significant special needs, she has always sought inclusionary practices supporting the whole learner and family outside the classroom. In Malaysia, she was a founding board member of SENIA’s local chapter (SENIM). Bridging the classroom to the real world, she founded chapters of Best Buddies International in China & Malaysia.With her masters in Special Education and as a certified dyslexia practitioner, she is the co-founder of Global Village Tutors, which reflects a holistic and evidence-based approach to nurturing well-rounded, resilient international students with Dyslexia and/or ADHD. GVT has experienced educators and professionals dedicated to helping students overcome their challenges and succeed academically in the world. They offer various services, from one-on-one instruction or school guidance through the learning support process tailored to each student and family's unique needs.
Global Village Tutors Website
Janelle's LinkedIn
Contribute to her World Vision team's fundraising goals for the Chicago Marathon
Learn more about and get involved with Janelle's favorite global organizations supporting the needs of diverse children:
SENIA Network
Best Buddies -
Purvi Gandhi Irwin works in a job that didn't exist when she entered her career field as a preservation project architect. She's a design tech consultant working with 3D modeling software and was recently hired by Overseas Building Operations (OBO). In our interview, Purvi shares questionable choices in high school, how her career has evolved, her special connection to the bathroom tiles in Eastern Market, and how she's managed to maintain a successful career as her family moves around the world. We also discuss ideas for a new podcast that she'd be great at!
.
BIO
Purvi has spent the last 9 years supporting architects, interior architects, and engineers with their design technology needs at Shifted Paradigm Design. This includes teaching a 3D modeling software called Revit, creating digital content, developing workflows and standards, troubleshooting issues, and finding creative solutions to both design and modeling problems.
With over 25 years of design experience, most spent as a preservation project architect, Purvi specialized in using innovative technologies to facilitate the documentation and rehabilitation of institutional buildings, and 16+ years of Revit experience working with existing buildings (most historic), from conceptual design, through construction administration and project close-out.
She recently joined the DOS Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations and is working in a DETO position as her husband is an FSO. Purvi is a registered architect with degrees in Architecture and Historic Preservation and was a 10-year board member on the Alexandria, Virginia Board of Architectural Review.
Additionally, she has presented at a variety of conferences and webcasts around the world and has also been involved in DEIA-related initiatives in both the design fields and in her community. She is a Girl Scout leader, an avid crafter, and loves to travel in her free time.
Connect with Purvi:
https://shiftedparadigm.wixsite.com/spdesignhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/purviirwinhttps://x.com/BIMchiq.
This episode is sponsored by U.S. History for Expats
Calling all parents! U.S. History for Expats has U.S. history courses forming right now.
Did you know that all 50 states require U.S. history in middle school and 40 states require a U.S. history for graduation? Don’t let your children miss out.
U.S. History for Expats has an elementary, middle, and high school program to fit your needs. This year, in grades 1-4 we are introducing ‘live’ biweekly activities in addition to the Studies Weekly program.
Our accredited middle school and high school classes have been designed specifically for the children of American diplomats and cover the entire spectrum of U.S. history using the most recent Virginia Standards of Learning.
What makes us different? We provide tons of feedback, unlimited support, and we are the first EFM-owned program to be accredited. Using experience from teaching in seven international schools, we fill in the gaps your international school might be missing.
Sign up for a course or an information session by visiting www.ushistoryforexpats.com today. And don’t forget, all of our classes can be 100% reimbursed using the Supplemental Instructional Allowance. -
We're on summer break! We just wanted to share a quick update about how you can get involved in the next season of episodes AND how to stay connected to the Available Worldwide community.
Apply to be a guest: https://availableworldwide.net/contact/
Join the Available Worldwide Network: https://availableworldwide.net/available-worldwide-network/
You'll hear from us again in September! -
Special Episode: Guest Updates!
We’ve asked past guests to send in audio updates. We’ll hear from 4 guests in Part 2 of this two-part series.
We asked past guests to tell us what’s new with them since their interview, what’s the same, what effect being on Available Worldwide had on them or their business, and if they’ve learned any additional lessons since being on the show or have other advice to share with Foreign Service accompanying partners.
We hope you’ll enjoy listening to their updates, and be sure to revisit their original interviews using the links below.
.
In this episode, you'll hear updates from:
Kent Blakeney - U.S. History for Expats
Listen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/kent-blakeney-us-history-for-expats--49737453
Website: https://www.ushistoryforexpats.com/
.
Melissa Finkenbiner - artist
Listen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/melissa-finkenbiner-artist--47268915
Website: https://www.melissafinkenbiner.com/
.
Mary Stange - Ponte Travels
Listen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mary-stange-ponte-travels--47044476
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marystange/
Website: www.pontetravels.com
.
Patricia Linderman - Fierce after 45
Listen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/patricia-linderman-fierce-after-45--48246500
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-linderman-63a83213/
Website: www.fierceafter45.com
.
.
This episode is sponsored by Fierce After 45
We’ve all got health goals. So why aren’t we there yet? We’re human! And so many other things get in the way. Having a health coach is like riding an electric bike on your journey toward your personal health goals. It’s faster, easier, and a whole lot more fun!
Health coach Patricia Linderman is a longtime EFM who totally gets the Foreign Service lifestyle. She offers affordable Zoom coaching in any time zone, specializing in women over 45 but open to all.
Visit FierceAfter45.com to find out more and schedule your free consultation today!
Website and blog: www.fierceafter45.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FierceAfter45
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fierceafter45/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fierceafter45 -
Special Episode: Guest Updates!
We’ve asked past guests to send in audio updates. We’ll hear from 5 guests in Part 1 of this two-part series.
We asked past guests to tell us what’s new with them since their interview, what’s the same, what effect being on Available Worldwide had on them or their business, and if they’ve learned any additional lessons since being on the show or have other advice to share with Foreign Service accompanying partners.
We hope you’ll enjoy listening to their updates, and be sure to revisit their original interviews using the links below.
.
In this episode, you'll hear updates from:
Erica Green - Iceland Writer's Retreat co-founder
Listen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/erica-green-iceland-writers-retreat--46617849
Learn more:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericagreen1/
Website: https://icelandwritersretreat.com/
Dr Fae Frederick - online therapist
Listen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/fae-frederick-online-therapy-international--51681934
Learn more:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drfaefrederick/
Website: drfae.com
Crystaline Randazzo - master storyteller and media creatrix
Listen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/crystaline-randazzo-storyteller--49444392
Learn more:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crandazzostorytelling/
Website: www.crystalinerandazzo.com
Erin Semelka - financial planner
Listen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/erin-semelka-clockwise-capital--47716977
Learn more:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-semelka/
Website: https://www.schorn.net/
Valeria Laitinen - resume writer
Listen to our original interview: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/valeria-laitinen-better-see-v--52650636
Learn more:
Website: https://betterseev.com/
.
.
This episode is sponsored by DiploDash
Are you struggling to figure out how to get your consumables? If shopping and packing out your consumables is a challenge, DiploDash® can help!
When you hire DiploDash to manage your consumables, you get a partner in the process. We’ve been there – hungry for certain foods and frustrated by what's available in the local market. We've also been confused by the endless lists of recommendations.
Working with DiploDash you’ll be guided through the consumables process from start to finish. Your biggest task is deciding what you want us to buy for you.
Get the consumables you want and never leave Post. Contact DiploDash to schedule a complimentary call today.
www.DiploDash.com
https://www.facebook.com/diplodashservice
https://www.instagram.com/diplodash/ -
On the Available Worldwide podcast, we want to highlight the inspiring stories of the accompanying partners of the Foreign Service. But, we don't want to hide the very real challenges that many spouses face.
In this interview for Pride month, you'll hear Maciej Szumny share some of the challenges he has faced as a same-sex partner and foreign-born spouse. You'll be inspired by Maciej's resilience, optimism, and adaptability. And he's a great storyteller!
Maciej also shares important, actionable advice for other spouses who leave their home countries to join diplomatic spouses moving from post to post.
.
BIO
Born and raised in Warsaw, Poland, Maciej Szumny had a successful career working in Public Relations and Marketing for big international companies like Nike and Reebok. He was a published poet and a writer, cooperating with different lifestyle magazines in Poland and the UK.
One day he met his future husband who was posted to the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw. They fell in love, and Maciej decided to leave everything behind to start a new life as a diplomatic spouse.
Maciej has lived in Praia, Cabo Verde, Montreal, Canada, and Washington DC, where he became the number-one seller of the luxury line of Armani fragrances in the United States.
Maciej was most recently living in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, where he took care of his family of six, including four canine members. He also spent time saving the lives of homeless animals, earning him the nickname Saint Maciej of Assisi.
Maciej and his spouse are currently PCSing back to Washington D.C. where Maciej is open to new professional opportunities.
.
.
AW SPONSOR: DIPLODASH
This episode is sponsored by DiploDash
Are you struggling to figure out how you will survive PCS? If sorting your shipments, planning logistics, and managing pack-out days wakes you from a deep sleep, DiploDash® can help!
When you hire DiploDash to support your PCS, you get a partner in the process. We have been there -- overwhelmed by the packers swirling around us while battling decision fatigue. We've also struggled with PCS amnesia and the strong desire to pretend like it isn't really happening.
Working with DiploDash you have an advocate supporting you through your move. You don't have to go it alone!
Get the PCS help you want. Contact DiploDash to schedule a complimentary call today.
www.DiploDash.com
https://www.facebook.com/diplodashservice
https://www.instagram.com/diplodash/ -
In this episode, meet Mikell Reed Carroll, an EFM with a job you probably couldn’t imagine being portable: pagentry!Mikell has been competing in pageants since she was around 20 years old, and has won numerous titles over the past 26 years. This June, she plans to compete for the Miss Virginia USA title, which would make her the oldest contestant to do so.
Her tenacity and confidence grow every day as she adds more experiences to her life story: law school, advocacy work, television appearances, health challenges and now being one of the top Pageant Coaches in the world.
Listen as she advises host Lauren how to build confidence and why she (and all EFMs!) should build a “Win List” to help us get through challenging days. The skills of a pageant winner are the extremely portable skills of confidence under pressure, facing challenges on the spot and, in today’s online world, personal branding and representing your supporting organization.
Mikell is a Maine native, graduate of the University of Maine School of Law and has 26 plus years of experience in the world of beauty pageants. She is a former Mrs. Maine International, Mrs. DC, World's Mrs Tourism, International Ms USA and Ms USA Universe.
She opened her full service pageant coaching and consulting business in 2021 and has since been named to Pageant Planet's Top 20 Best Coaches in 2023.She is currently in training to compete in the Miss Virginia USA competition in June.
On Facebook and Instagram:
@carrollcrownconsulting
@mikellreedcarroll
This Episode is Sponsored by Diplodash
Are you struggling to figure out how you will survive PCS? If sorting your shipments, planning logistics, and managing pack-out days wakes you from a deep sleep, DiploDash® can help!
When you hire DiploDash to support your PCS, you get a partner in the process. We have been there -- overwhelmed by the packers swirling around us while battling decision fatigue. We've also struggled with PCS amnesia and the strong desire to pretend like it isn't really happening.
Working with DiploDash you have an advocate supporting you through your move. You don't have to go it alone!Get the PCS help you want.
Contact DiploDash to schedule a complimentary call today.
www.DiploDash.comhttps://www.facebook.com/diplodashservice
https://www.instagram.com/diplodash/ -
Early in her career, Alaina had to learn how to translate all she'd learned in culinary school to the traveling life of the partner of a Foreign Service Officer.
After years of running a successful catering business in several countries, she's now back in D.C. discovering what her next version of success will look like.
Listen in as Alaina shares the lessons she's learned, including why she values contentment over happiness. As an added bonus, Alaina shares tips on what to bring that next international school potluck!
.
BIO
Alaina Missbach is, first and foremost, an avid eater and, secondly, a chef.
She’s a former Army officer turned graduate of The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park (earning her diploma at 8 ½ months pregnant) before being whisked off to their first post with her two small kids and newly-appointed FSO husband
Delighting in the truth that “Everybody eats!” she started her own catering business, serving the Embassy and International School communities.
Fast forward 12 years, 5 posts, and more events/dinners/meals than she can count, Alaina has experienced the ups and downs of changing careers, finding her way as an EFM business owner, and maintaining all aspects of her identity in the meantime.
In her business, Alaina specializes in custom menus created for each client and event. She loves sharing her joy for American food and culture with her friends and Foreign Service family overseas.
Alaina is a lifelong learner and takes on the challenge of always increasing her knowledge, learning new things, and trying new methods—both in cooking and in life.
Learn more about Alaina:
www.instagram.com/ChefAlainawww.facebook.com/TheGlobalForkwww.linkedin.com/in/alaina-missbachwww.theglobalfork.com (soon to be live!).
This episode is sponsored by DiploDash.
Are you struggling to figure out how to get your consumables? If shopping and packing out your consumables is a challenge, DiploDash® can help!
When you hire DiploDash to manage your consumables, you get a partner in the process. We’ve been there – hungry for certain foods and frustrated by what's available in the local market. We've also been confused by the endless lists of recommendations.
Working with DiploDash you’ll be guided through the consumables process from start to finish. Your biggest task is deciding what you want us to buy for you.
Get the consumables you want and never leave Post. Contact DiploDash to schedule a complimentary call today.
www.DiploDash.com
https://www.facebook.com/diplodashservice
https://www.instagram.com/diplodash/ -
After 3 years of producing the Available Worldwide Podcast, we're celebrating by re-interviewing our first guests, each other. Lauren talks with Steph about what's changed with Global Nomad English and how podcasting changed her work with clients and pushed her into developing skills she never knew she'd need.
Steph's Bio:
Stephanie loves helping people tell their stories.
In 2018, she started Global Nomad English, building on her English language teaching background, to offer global professionals online writing coaching, editing, and interview prep services. She now primarily works with hopeful Foreign Service applicants to help them write strong, concise personal narratives and practice telling compelling work experience stories in oral assessments and interviews.
Stephanie is a passionate supporter of the accompanying partners of the US Foreign Service, from co-founding the Available Worldwide podcast to launching the Available Worldwide Network. She firmly believes that by sharing our stories we not only inspire each other but can build solidarity leading to lasting change for the EFM professional community.
Stephanie recently secured a position as an Adjunct Faculty DETO (domestic employee teleworking overseas) for the Foreign Service Institute. As an LE Staff Training Instructor, she facilitates online and in-person classes on Communication Skills, Team Building, and Supervisory Skills. Her goal is for LE Staff to feel heard and to help them build skills to find greater fulfillment and success in the workplace.
Stephanie enjoys bike touring and traveling with her IRM spouse. Together, they’ve served at Posts in Moscow, San Salvador, and Berlin. Since being posted to London, she’s reentered the rowing world and trains/competes with a Thames women’s rowing club.
Learn about Steph's English and Writing Coaching Services at Global Nomad EnglishFind Steph on LinkedIn or Facebook.
This episode is sponsored by Career Valet
EFMs have many different career paths – really too many to count: travel enthusiast, embassy workhorse, dog mom, children organizer, remote work trailblazer…
But the one thing that we almost all have in common? Our paths aren’t straight or straightforward. And often it takes someone else to help us tease out our strengths, skills, and value.
That’s what they do at Career Valet, an EFM-owned and entirely EFM-staffed career consultancy that works with you to tell your best narrative on paper and online, aligned with target jobs. They’ve worked with EFMs, FSOs, members of Congress, Fortune 100 leaders, nonprofit and technology professionals, just to name a few.
Check out www.careervalet.com to read advice on their blog or subscribe to their newsletter.
You can also sign up for a free call and learn about their customized packages. They offer a $100 discount to EFMs.
It’s your story. They amplify it.
www.careervalet.comwww.linkedin.com/company/career-valetwww.instagram.com/career_valet -
On the 3rd anniversary of the Available Worldwide Podcast, we chat with co-host Lauren Steed about her small business, Nomad Educational Services. Lauren shares how her students are changing, how she's adapting, and what she's learned more about the value she adds in the process. We also touch on the stress of PCSing while running a business, plus the AW Podcast and Network.
.
BIO
Dr. Lauren Steed has over 20 years of experience in test prep, classroom and college teaching, and student mentorship at all levels of education.
She started Nomad Educational Services in 2017, building on past work as a college prep consultant and executive functioning coach in Northern Virginia, and as a freelance writing and essay coach for expat undergraduate and graduate student applicants.
Dr. Steed works with families looking for a low-stress, high-confidence mentoring approach for their college-bound students. Families can feel confident that their student:
will be fully supported along their path to college,will apply to schools that match their academic history and interests and will help them succeed, andwill submit applications they are proud of.
Nomad Educational students apply to all kinds of schools — from the Ivy League to art school, from hands-on, career-focused schools to those specializing in the classics, from small and supportive to massive and athletic, and every type and size of school in between. All of Dr. Steed's students are excited about the schools where they end up.
Find out more about Nomad Educational Services:
nomad-ed.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-steed-phd/https://www.facebook.com/NomadEdServices/.
This episode is sponsored by the Available Worldwide Network.
Are you looking for a safe and supportive online community where you can connect with other Foreign Service spouses who just get it?
The Available Worldwide Network is a community-led platform providing professional development, personal connection, and social support for the accompanying partners of the US Foreign Service.
Our goal is to help EFMs and MOHs who are trying to maintain or build careers abroad or at home to feel connected, valued, and empowered; to share our challenges and celebrate our successes, and to work together to find solutions through solidarity.
You can join the Available Worldwide Network today to participate in co-working sessions, LinkedIn and resume workshops, professional development book clubs, small business masterminds, and monthly member match-ups to expand your network.
Find all you need to know at https://availableworldwide.net/available-worldwide-network/ -
First time EFM Amanda Zelaya saw EFM life as the chance to finally go all in on her dream career. She describes life as an indie romance author and ghostwriter, her journey into self-publishing, the challenges of being an indie author, and how her writing career has evolved alongside her husband's Foreign Service posting. Hear her insights into the realities of promoting her "spicy" romance novels, navigating the world of BookTok and Amazon, and the importance of adaptability in the ever-changing publishing landscape.
Amanda Zelaya is an Indie Romance author and Ghostwriter who has published over fifty romance novels spanning multiple genres. As a ghostwriter, she has written two novels that became Amazon Kindle best-sellers, and as a solo indie writer, she has had a book hit the Top 100.
While ghostwriting started as a way to make extra money for her wedding and break up the monotony of teaching middle school English, Amanda discovered a passion for creating stories and developed a lucrative side hustle that has allowed her to support her husband as he follows his career dreams.
She has taken a break from ghostwriting and exclusively writes spicy mafia romances under her pen name, Kennedy Slope.
Check out her books on Amazon and
Join her mailing list for exclusive material
.
This episode is sponsored by Emily Cornell, Transition and Transformation Coach.
Emily knows change. From seismic personal transformation to the neverending transitions of her own EFM life, she has experienced plenty. She knows that change—even the good kind—can often be hard and sometimes scary.
That’s why Emily became a coach: to help other women tap into their courage, creativity, and strength as they move through transitions and transformations of their own.
Emily holds an International Coaching Federation credential and is committed to a trauma-informed approach. Her virtual practice supports clients wherever they are in the world from wherever she is.
Learn more at emilycornell.com -
Erika Furey is a self-described "jack-of-all-trades." From barista to public relations, from esthetician to yoga teacher, from CLO to health coach, Erika demonstrates commitment and consistency in pursuit of her passions.
In this interview, Erika delves into the difficulties of maintaining connections and a sense of belonging as a Foreign Service spouse, highlighting the emotional toll of constantly uprooting and rebuilding relationships at each new Post. She emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, deep connections, and meaningful friendships despite the transient nature of diplomatic life.
Erika shares her journey towards self-discovery, personal growth, and healing, particularly in overcoming long COVID and finding her calling as an integrative health coach.
BIO
After working just about every service industry job in Missoula, Montana during college, Erika started at a Public Relations consulting firm which led to doing outreach for a DC software start-up. Then, just as she was starting to get some experience under her belt, she went and married into the Foreign Service turning her career life on its head.
Shortly after joining the FS and getting married, Erika had two children back-to-back. While raising kids, she’s worked at every Embassy they’ve served at. In between jobs and while being posted abroad, she’s collected multiple health and wellness certifications.
Erika believes there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to health. With this in mind, she set out on a path of self-discovery to explore how her own habits and decisions have shaped her and how she can use her personal experience, growth, and self-healing to inspire others to set out on their own journey toward positive transformation.
You can learn more about Erika’s work as an integrative health coach at:
http://erikafureyintegrativehealthcoach.com/homehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/erikafurey/https://www.instagram.com/esfurey_healthcoach.
This episode is sponsored by Career Valet
EFMs have many different career paths – really too many to count: travel enthusiast, embassy workhorse, dog mom, children organizer, remote work trailblazer… But the one thing that we almost all have in common? Our paths aren’t straight or straightforward. And often it takes someone else to help us tease out our strengths, skills, and value.
That’s what they do at Career Valet, an EFM-owned and entirely EFM-staffed career consultancy that works with you to tell your best narrative on paper and online, aligned with target jobs. They’ve worked with EFMs, FSOs, members of Congress, Fortune 100 leaders, nonprofit and technology professionals, just to name a few.
Check out www.careervalet.com to read advice on their blog or subscribe to their newsletter.
You can also sign up for a free call and learn about their customized packages, including a new entry-level package for any young professionals in your life.
It’s your story. They amplify it.
Find Career Valet at their Website or on LinkedIn -
In this week's episode, Lauren and Natalie Kortum share a discussion about teleworking, taxes, and legal obligations while working remotely for domestic or international businesses when overseas. Natalie shares how she successfully negotiated teleworking with her employer, the importance of portraying confidence in teleworking negotiations and how to communicate in a way that reassures the corporate tax and HR offices. They cover the importance of post selection, internet availability, and impermanence.
Natalie Kortum is Chief Technology Strategist for Data Analytics and AI working to develop the next great solutions from Dell. She is renowned in the world of marketing analytics for skills in investment optimization having optimized Dell’s $1.2 B marketing spend for multiple years. She has worked for a multitude of companies from all different verticals including Humana, IBM, Home Depot, BP, Sabre, Charles Schwab with 20 years spent in the data science and analytics space as an AI/analytics consultant and evangelist. She holds two US patents tor innovative modeling approaches and leads training efforts for Dell's internal salesforces to get them up to speed on AI.
Connect with Natalie at LinkedInOr her WebsiteDownload the Sample Letter mentioned in this episodeMore resources on Teleworking
Official instructions from the GCLOFall 2023 FAMER statistics
This episode is sponsored by Career Valet
EFMs have many different career paths – really too many to count: travel enthusiast, embassy
workhorse, dog mom, children organizer, remote work trailblazer…
But the one thing that we almost all have in common? Our paths aren’t straight or
straightforward. And often it takes someone else to help us tease out our strengths, skills, and
value.
That’s what they do at Career Valet, an EFM-owned and entirely EFM-staffed career
consultancy that works with you to tell your best narrative on paper and online, aligned with
target jobs. They’ve worked with EFMs, FSOs, members of Congress, Fortune 100 leaders,
nonprofit, and technology professionals, just to name a few.
Check out www.careervalet.com to read advice on their blog or subscribe to their newsletter.
You can also sign up for a free call and learn about their customized packages and interactive
resume building course launching in March.
It’s your story. They amplify it.
Find Career Valet at their Website or on LinkedIn - Se mer
