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 X-Expats interviewed Norman Viss, co-founder of Isolated Internationals, a new online coaching service provided to global citizens. Norman answered our questions on the purpose of coaching, the types of challenges his clients face, and his use of online tools in helping isolated individuals achieve their personal or professional goals. Originally from the United States, Norman is a Third Culture Adult (“TCA”) having lived in Nigeria and the Netherlands, and traveled extensively. He is the father of three Third Culture Kids (“TCK”), and plans to repatriate to the US for the foreseeable future later this year.
X-Expats: What brought you to coaching?
Norman Viss: I got into coaching quite by accident. Several years ago a number of people asked me to coach them regarding various issues. I enjoyed it very much, because coaching works with healthy people with strong motivation to make changes or follow new paths in their lives.
I completed the Certified Professional Coach Program at the International Coach Academy in 2009. Since then, I have been coaching part-time in addition to my other activities.
X-E: How did Isolated Internationals come about?
NV: My coaching training at ICA was 100% online. Through the seminars and coaching practice I realized how effective the Internet could be used as a coaching setting. The Internet does not eliminate the need for face-to-face coaching contact, but can be a very effective addition; and a replacement when face-to-face is not possible. Because of my own experience as a global citizen, and the tools that Internet can offer, I came up with the idea to start an online coaching business for global citizens. My partner and I feel that online coaching tools can be very effective in reaching out to global citizens who are struggling with isolation issues. That can be literal, physical isolation (someone living in a remote area), isolation that comes with cross-cultural living (language or friendship issues, for example), or even the isolation that can occur when partners have trouble connecting. So we started Isolated Internationals, designed to provide global citizens with tools to overcome isolation.
X-E: Based on your experience, in which areas do global citizens require and/or seek out coaching assistance?
NV: A quote from a global citizen: Isolation comes in many forms and many degrees. For some, the quiet stillness of the phone is a daily reminder of it. For others, the absence of recognition when you walk into your favourite res taurant or shop - back home they called you by your first name. For myself, I feel the isolation most when I need to whine, to cry, or vent to a sympathetic ear. You find out what your Achilles' heel is. When everything is going your way, isolation is just another aspect of living in a foreign country. But when you need help, it becomes the number one impediment, your biggest challenge. Relationships are primary causes of concern and stress for global citizens. Partner, children, social, and work relationships. Also, ties/relationships with family and friends abroad or in the home country.
Another quote: “I look around at the world I have created for myself and I feel like a foreigner in my own home.” Even when personal relationships are good, global citizens experience the stress of entering another culture. Language, friendships, cultural values – any or all of these can contribute to a sense of insecurity and loneliness which leads to seeking coaching assistance.
X-E: How do their needs/expectations differ from other individuals (if applicable)?
NV: During my training at ICA, we were told that all coaching is essentially ‘life coaching’. In a sense that is true. People are people, regardless of circumstances. The changes that global citizens experience are abrupt, startling and confrontational. They are easily identified. Most global citizens are prepared before they leave for the changes they will face. Companies and organizations provide quality training and resources. The isolation and stress sets in; in a deeper, and often unexpected way, after the expat has been in the new location for some time. S/he thinks: “I’ve got this” and then gets “ambushed” in a totally unexpected way or form. And it is hard for family and friends at home, or others, to understand what is happening. The cross-cultural training provided by the employer lies far behind and long ago. Global citizens often do not know where to turn for help at that point. “Is this a cliché mid-life crisis, or more than that?”
X-E: How are your modules developed? Which topics do you cover?
NV: We provide a variety of modules designed to help global citizens identify and overcome isolation. Among the modules we offer are: Saying goodbye; Making Friends; Reconnecting with your partner; Maintaining health and fitness; Language learning; Connecting through internet; Learning to laugh; How you got where you are; Time management (Planning your Passions). Our modules are designed to help the coachee identify issues, understand what is happening, and take concrete steps to move forward. Essential in this process is the fact that people learn and process information in different ways. We work very hard to give people the opportunity to take steps forward in ways that really do work for them. Because we at Isolated Internationals have years of global citizen experience behind us, including raising TCKs, we understand what is happening, can identify and provide empathetic support.
X-E: The format of the coaching module is both dynamic and flexible (you feature a wide range of tools and references). Please tell us more about your objectives behind these features
NV: We use a coaching platform called JigsawBox. Because JigsawBox is an online tool, we can offer web links, video and audio files, surveys, images, interactive themes, and more, all within the context of the modules and related to specific topics. Depending on the type of package that is chosen, clients can benefit from written responses right in the modules, group coaching and forums, personal contact with the coach via Skype, telephone or face-to-face. This online tool means the client has 24/7 access to the coaching content, and can always go back and refresh or review the coaching and learning process, even after the formal coaching relationship has ended.
X-E: Thank you very much Norman for this new initiative which will interest many global citizens. If you wish to learn more about this online coaching service, please visit isolatedinternationals or follow Norman on Twitter.
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