Team Spotlight: Irini Lasaridis
Irini brings a thoughtful blend of intercultural insight, global mobility expertise, and people-centered support to her role at NetExpat. Growing up in Germany in a Greek-German family and later building a career spanning market research, relocation consulting, and global mobility, she developed a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and human connection. Drawing on both personal and professional experience, Irini is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate international transitions with confidence, empathy, and a sense of belonging.
Tell us a little bit about your journey before joining NetExpat.
Before joining NetExpat, my career was shaped by a strong curiosity about people, cultures, and how individuals experience change—something that also reflects my personal background.
I grew up in the Ruhr region of Germany in a Greek-German family, in a very multicultural environment. At the time, this was something very natural to me and not something I questioned much. It was only later, during my academic studies and through learning more about culture and intercultural dynamics, that I began to consciously reflect on these experiences and understand how much they had shaped the way I see the world today.
I initially started my career in market research, because I genuinely enjoy engaging with people and understanding their perspectives. This interest also carried into my academic work, where for my Master’s thesis I conducted interviews with expats in Spain, focusing on how intercultural competence influences their careers. That experience was very impactful, as it highlighted not only the opportunities of international careers, but also the personal challenges behind them.
This led me to pursue a more hands-on role in the field. I began working as a freelance relocation consultant in Germany, supporting international assignees and their families with housing, schooling, and immigration topics. Later, I transitioned into a global mobility role within a multinational company, where I gained insight into the corporate side of managing international assignments. While this broadened my perspective, I realized that what I value most is the direct connection with people. That’s why I moved back into a more people-focused role with a global relocation company, before ultimately joining NetExpat. What I bring together today is a combination of personal intercultural experience, academic insight, and practical expertise—along with a strong belief that successful international assignments are not just about logistics, but about supporting people in building a life where they can truly thrive.
What energizes you most about your day-to-day work at NetExpat?
What energises me most in my day-to-day work at NetExpat is the variety—no two days are ever the same. I have the opportunity to interact with people from very diverse cultural backgrounds, which constantly allows me to discover new perspectives and, in a way, see the world through their eyes.
In addition, my role as a Regional Coordinator adds another layer that I find particularly rewarding. I enjoy working closely with our consultant network across Europe—ensuring quality, supporting onboarding and development, and acting as a trusted point of contact for both consultants and internal teams. Alongside this, I’m also part of the IT team as an SME for Application Gatekeeping & Quality Assurance. In this role, I work with Jira tickets, supporting testing and validation to ensure that our systems are reliable and truly meet operational needs. I particularly enjoy bridging the gap between operational teams and IT, and contributing to process improvements
At the same time, I’m deeply motivated by the impact of our work. Whether it’s intercultural trainings, partner support, or group sessions for international employees, I genuinely believe that what we do makes a meaningful difference—helping people feel more confident, more connected, and more at ease in a new environment.
That combination of human connection, coordination across the globe, creating a positive impact and continuous improvement is what inspires me the most.
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Looking ahead, how do you envision the global mobility industry evolving in 2026 and beyond?List Item 1
Although we work more internationally than ever before, I believe it is always worthwhile to take a step back, question your own culture, and genuinely reflect on the cultures you work with. That awareness does not come automatically, it takes intention. And that is exactly why supporting people who move and work internationally, as well as their partners, is more important than ever. Having a human counterpart, someone who truly understands the complexity of cultural adaptation and can guide you through it, makes all the difference between simply relocating and truly thriving.
Technology and AI will undoubtedly continue to shape how we deliver support. But there is one thing AI cannot truly replicate: empathy. The ability to genuinely feel what someone is going through, to sit with their uncertainty, and to respond with real human warmth and understanding, that is irreplaceable. Cultural adaptation is deeply personal, and people navigating it need more than information. They need to feel heard.
The future of global mobility is more human, more personalised, and driven by true cultural empathy
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What’s something you’ve learned from working across cultures or borders?List Item 2
Honestly? Patience. That is the biggest thing working across cultures has taught me.
Culture shapes how we communicate, what we expect, and what we actually mean when we say or do something. And I have learned that what I think I heard is not always what the other person meant.
So I have made it a habit to slow down and ask: "Did I understand you correctly?" It sounds simple, but it changes everything. It shows respect, it prevents misunderstandings, and it opens up a real conversation rather than one built on assumptions.
I have also come to realize that understanding another culture starts with questioning your own. Once you stop seeing your way as the default, everything becomes a lot more interesting.
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If you could give one piece of advice to someone entering the industry, what would it be?List Item 3
It may sound simple, but it holds real depth: stay curious, keep an open mind, and stay eager to broaden your horizons—because this is where genuine connection happens, across people, perspectives, and cultures. And at its core, this is what cultural empathy is all about: truly understanding and relating to others beyond your own frame of reference.
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