Why I Finally Wrote the Book I’d Been Putting Off for Years
Episode Description
Global Mobility has become increasingly important to organizations around the world. Yet despite its growing relevance, the function often remains trapped in operational conversations about policies, processes, exceptions, and compliance.
In this episode, Ben shares the story behind his new book, From Operational to Strategic Global Mobility, available October 20. He explains why the idea developed over nearly two decades of research, consulting, and conversations with Global Mobility professionals and business leaders, and why he ultimately decided to turn those experiences into a book.
What began as a project about Global Mobility gradually became something much broader: an exploration of organizational influence, leadership, trust, decision-making, and what it really means for a specialist function to become strategic.
What This Episode Covers
• why Ben decided to write From Operational to Strategic Global Mobility
• the recurring challenges he observed across organizations over two decades
• why positioning may be Global Mobility's biggest strategic challenge
• how the book evolved beyond international assignments and mobility management
• why becoming strategic is not necessarily about doing different work
• why the book deliberately avoids simple formulas and management buzzwords
• what readers can expect from future podcast episodes exploring the stories behind the book
Key Reflection Questions
• is your Global Mobility function recognized for the strategic value it creates, or primarily for the operational services it delivers?
• what prevents specialist functions from becoming influential within their organizations?
• are you trying to become more strategic by changing what you do, or by changing how others understand your contribution?
Key Insight
Becoming strategic is not simply about taking on new responsibilities or adopting new technologies. It is fundamentally about positioning, influence, trust, and demonstrating value. The challenges facing Global Mobility are often the same challenges facing specialist functions throughout an organization.
Related Themes
This episode connects closely to discussions around strategic Global Mobility, organizational positioning, leadership, stakeholder influence, decision-making, organizational value creation, and the transition from operational excellence to strategic relevance.
The Book
From Operational to Strategic Global Mobility explores how Global Mobility professionals can rethink their role, challenge established assumptions, and build a function that creates meaningful talent and business value.
Available October 20.
Find out more: https://strategicgm.benjaminbader.com
Host
Hosted by Benjamin Bader, Professor of International HRM and co-founder of MasteringGM®.
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