TEAM SPOTLIGHT: MARY WEAVER

August 16, 2024

Mary Weaver is a global mobility expert with over 20 years of experience. She has a deep understanding of global mobility trends thanks to her unique blend of corporate global mobility roles and consulting experience supporting companies across all sizes and industries. She has been instrumental in designing and implementing innovative strategies to bridge the gap between global relocation and talent management, ensuring a seamless transition for employees moving across borders. Mary lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures with her husband and three children. She is passionate about leveraging her experiences to create a more supportive environment for globally mobile employees.

Walk us through your journey in the global mobility industry.

How did you get started, and why are you interested in this field?

My career journey began with a clear passion for international business, cultivated through early volunteering at global organizations in Atlanta. My career path is distinguished by a dual focus on corporate roles and service provider positions. I joined the global mobility team at The Coca-Cola Company early in my career and then again late in my career. In between, I worked as a global mobility consultant for Arthur Andersen, spent 17 years as VP of Global Client Service for HRToolbox, and did some consulting on my own. Prior to joining NetExpat, I was a Client Development Manager at Benivo. In each of these roles, I supported diverse global mobility programs, enhanced client experiences through comprehensive process redesign and policy consulting, alongside technology solutions.


As VP of Global Advisory for North America for NetExpat, I see significant growth opportunities to support mobility programs, business travelers, and global teams. Throughout my career, I have understood the importance of intercultural training and spouse/partner support in mobility programs. I have supported both domestic and international relocations, so I have a clear understanding of why our Partner Support services are relevant for both programs. This is increasingly important with more dual-career families, where providing targeted support can be more effective and cost-efficient than cash incentives, offering significant benefits for employees and their partners.


Once I joined NetExpat, I eagerly embraced an opportunity to focus more on these critical areas, reflecting my commitment to enhancing employee well-being beyond technology and process-driven aspects of mobility management.

What are the most significant transformations you've observed in global mobility and talent management, and how can organizations better adapt to these changes?

 

Two significant transformations stand out to me. Firstly, there's a stronger connection with talent. Historically, global mobility teams were order takers, executing the business's requests to relocate employees. Now, they are involved earlier in the process, helping determine if the right candidate is being chosen, if relocation is necessary, or if the role can be filled locally. Different companies are at various stages in this journey, but there's a clear trend towards greater involvement of global mobility professionals.


The second major shift is the increased focus on leveraging data analytics. Previously, it was challenging to even know the number and locations of assignees. Now, with advanced technology, we can track assignees accurately, analyze trends, and use this data for strategic planning and policy changes. Both of these transformations are evolving, improving global mobility programs significantly.

How do you see technology continuing to evolve within global mobility services?

I see our industry becoming more comfortable with AI, leveraging it to handle many administrative tasks that global mobility teams often struggle with due to being understaffed. These teams frequently get caught up in putting out fires and managing day-to-day tasks, leaving little time for strategic thinking. Technology can help by freeing up time, allowing teams to work more closely with talent, be more intentional about policy changes, and improve program design.


As an industry, we handle a lot of confidential data, so there is some hesitation about fully embracing AI. Ensuring the right guardrails are in place to protect employee data is absolutely critical as we continue to integrate AI into our processes.

Tell us about your experience being on the Board of Directors for the Metro Atlanta Relocation Council and your experience with Exceptional Futures.

As a board member and Community Outreach leader for the Metro Atlanta Relocation Council, we support Atlanta through two main initiatives. Firstly, our scholarship program spans the 13-county metro area, inviting high school students who have relocated to share their stories.


Secondly, MARC dedicates itself to supporting a local charity. Our current charity is Exceptional Futures, a program aiding young adults with disabilities transitioning from school into the community. My MARC involvement also led me to the board for Exceptional Futures. Serving on both boards has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to give back to the global mobility community and to the Atlanta community.


Mentoring is also something I’m passionate about. I try to offer support to newcomers in the industry, just as others did for me.

You've worked at prominent companies like Coca-Cola and Benivo. How have those past experiences influenced your approach at NetExpat?

My previous experiences have given me insights into how multinational companies operate and helped me develop a strong understanding of how global mobility supports various HR functions and business units while partnering closely with tax, immigration, and relocation teams.


The combination of client service, corporate experience, and business development has brought me here, and I utilize aspects of all three daily. Engaging with others in the industry, both peers and supply networks, greatly enhances our programs through shared learnings and collaboration.

Contact us to schedule a call with one of our experts in your region to learn more about best practices in intercultural solutions, partner assistance and talent management. 
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