$1 M
Average Annual Expatriate Packages¹
Expat programs are often the largest expenditure most companies spend on one employee, other than the CEO
%
Of all US expats return early¹
Of those who stay the duration, nearly ⅓ do not perform up to the expectations of their superiors
%
Of Families are unable to adapt¹
Assignments abroad demand big changes professionally and personally
Living and working in a foreign environment is
a life-changing and lucrative opportunity.
If not planned and well thought out, it is also difficult and exhausting.
And for your company and your family…
failure is not an option.
typical expat experience

Living and working abroad starts with huge possibility and promise…for your career, for your family and for your future.

The expectations are high. Your company is investing in you and your family but demands a strong return.

When reality sets in that it’s not as easy as imagined, we often find ourselves stuck. Our colleagues are not responding as we expected. Our teams are not where we thought they’d be. Progress slows.

Coupled with slower than expected results and we often find in crisis with decisions to make.
about tom
Years in Business
Days Overseas
Diverse Countries Served
It’s difficult to describe the pressures of an expat executive to someone who hasn’t been through the experience. Those pressures are unique, exhilarating, and potentially costly. After over a decade abroad taking on 4 international assignments and guiding teams in 11 different countries, with country, unit, and area P&L responsibilities, Tom Roberts knows the ups and downs of leading abroad. The stakes are high for your career, your company’s objectives, and – perhaps most importantly – for your family.
“After 30 years of diverse business experience, working abroad for many years and interviewing expat executives from the world’s largest companies, I founded Cranberry Leadership with the goal of making every expat assignment a success for the company, for the expat leader, for the host team, and for their families.
No matter how much you prepare, it’s more complex than you think.
With you we will use the best data-driven assessments, science and experience to help make your assignment a tremendous success.”
-Tom Roberts
the process:
science + experience + you
Your internal drivers, personality and work style are determined by your external environment, your experiences, your home culture and your innate values.
01
Using the latest research-based assessment tools we will quickly interpret your culture experiences, identify preferences or possible biases, and create a snapshot of your intercultural leadership style.
02
Using the results of assessments + the unique experience of the Cranberry team we will identify the potential hurdles and pinch points between you, your company’s culture and your host country culture.
03
Together we create a customized plan to bridge the gaps in your unique situation. We will take the journey together to ensure success.
FAQs
Why Cranberry?
The Science Behind Cranberry Leadership Coaching
expatriate
onboarding
Considering an overseas offer? Family helping you think it through? There are so many unknowns. One of the biggest life-changing events deserves careful consideration and planning. It’s never too early. Start now.
global leadership executive coaching
Perhaps you’re already in your new host country. You’re doing your best based on your years of experience, but you are facing challenges you did not expect. You cannot afford to fail…for your company or your family.
custom
solutions
You’ve reached a unique, critical impasse in your journey. You need an experienced expert guide to help with your team. Together we can create a plan to bridge the gaps and ensure success.
the latest from cranberry
Browse our recent posts, short essays & case studies.
Cranberry Coaching Science
https://youtu.be/tlvBW9Gn84k
New Cigna Data Shows COVID Disproportionately Affected Expat Leaders
https://youtu.be/M3Qx_JtGjA0
Michelle’s take: Culture shock from your own…
How using your new found expat cultural skills can translate to better relationships with your fellow home country people. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyAvJmJYaI0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyAvJmJYaI0 Michelle talks about her culturally difficult experience...
Real life negotiating mistakes through an intercultural lens
Jane, a member of Cranberry's Expat Advisory Group, talks about her most critical mistakes in East/West negotiating Negotiating a contract in a foreign country can be a daunting task, and even the most prepared executives can make mistakes. This was the case for Jane,...
Expat Execs and “Language Bias”
Four ways to mind your English Bias Our team is conducting interviews with expat executives from all over the world. I was struck by a particular comment in a recent one. A South Korean senior director, currently working in Hong Kong, was talking about her years...
COVID increased burnout by +20% in expat leaders vs those working at home according to CIGNA data
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench into the idyllic vision of expat execs living abroad. Suddenly, expats find themselves grappling with mental health issues and struggling to access healthcare in countries where the system is already strained. And it's not...
testimonials
“After working with Tom and his teams over many years, it is clear that he understands the difficulties of living and working abroad….”
Read More +Jeff O’Dea
InspiringBiz | Owner & Coach
“Tom’s advice helped me realize what my family’s transition for an overseas assignment would entail and prepared me for aspects of my expat role that I had not considered….”
Kathy Love-Weitz
“Coming from the United States to Japan was no easy feat. Tom’s approach in the beginning days was direct and aggressive at times…”
MS
VP in Japan