People, places & big life decisions. The human side of global mobility

Jenna Gallagher Business Manager for the Global Professional Services team talk about the human side of moving to a senior role across the globe.

When people think about international job moves, they often picture new cities, exciting roles, and fresh opportunities. And yes, that’s part of it. But behind every successful relocation are late-night family conversations, anxious children, and grandparents who worry they’ll never see the kids as often again.

At Meraki, my team and I work with senior professionals across the world, helping them move into roles within the Big 4 and other outstanding firms. But my job isn’t just about matching skills to jobs, it’s about helping people navigate life-changing decisions. That means supporting them, their partners, and their families through every stage of the journey.

It starts long before the job offers

Relocation begins long before a contract is signed. In fact, it often starts before an interview is even scheduled.

The first thing we do is understand the person, not just their career goals, but the people around them:

• Who influences their decision to move?
• How does their partner feel?
• What about schools for the children?
• And yes… what do the grandparents think?

I’ve seen dream jobs turned down, not because the role wasn’t right, but because the personal impact was too big. One candidate walked away from an incredible opportunity because her parents couldn’t bear the thought of missing their grandchildren growing up.

That’s why, from the very beginning, we talk openly about what relocation really means, the practical, the emotional, and the personal.

Beyond recruitment: being navigators

Once someone accepts an offer, the real work begins. Yes, there are relocation packages to handle the big things including flights, visa sponsorship, temporary accommodation, and onboarding support. But the real challenges are often in the details:

• Which neighbourhoods are best for families and commutes?
• Where are the good schools?
• How do you register with a doctor or dentist?
• Where’s the café that makes a flat white just the way they like it?

This is where our team goes above and beyond. Because helping someone get the job is one thing; helping them build a life is another. When families know they’re supported, the move becomes far less daunting.

Aitolkyn’s story: Trust, resilience & big adventures

One of the journeys I’m proudest of is with Aitolkyn Stamkulova. We first connected when she was based in Kazakhstan, working as a Senior Manager in Transaction Services.

“For me, it was very easy to connect with Jenna and to build an honest and trustworthy relationship,” Aitolkyn told me recently. “I always knew I could reach out and get a prompt response to my questions and concerns. Since September 2024, we’ve worked together on three opportunities, and finally received an offer from the third one — which turned out to be the perfect fit.”

She moved from Kazakhstan to Stockholm for her first international role, and now she’s preparing for her next chapter: relocating to Dublin as an Associate Director at one of the Big 4.

“Jenna’s calls before each stage of the interview process were so helpful,” she said. “Her positive attitude kept me focused, and I’m very grateful for her support in helping me secure life-changing opportunities.”

Aitolkyn’s journey is proof that relocation isn’t just about jobs  it’s about relationships built on trust.

You can’t fake empathy

I often say you can’t fake empathy. Candidates need honesty, not sugar-coating. If a move is going to be challenging, and many are, we talk about it upfront. That builds the trust we need to get through the hard parts together.

I also understand this personally. I have a daughter, and I know what it means to balance career ambitions with family priorities. That’s why I ask about lifestyle, hobbies, and passions as much as I ask about qualifications. Because relocation isn’t just about finding the right job, it’s about finding the right fit for a family’s whole life.

Final thoughts

Relocating for a senior role is rarely straightforward. It can be daunting, emotional, and complicated, but it can also be one of the most rewarding adventures someone will ever take.

For us at Meraki, it’s never just about filling roles. It’s about being your partner, the person on the other end of the call when doubts creep in, the guide who helps find the right neighbourhood and the right school, and the team that stays in touch long after the move is made.

If you’re thinking about an international move or your firm is looking to attract global senior talent, we’d love to share what we’ve learned and help you get it right.

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t about jobs. It’s about people.

🔗 Learn more about our Professional Services expertise