About the Expats’ Career Coach

From feeling unfulfilled in Italy to living abroad with purpose… 

Now, I live in the Netherlands and run a career coaching business (I’m known as the Expats’ Career Coach for high-earning but dissatisfied professionals, craving change and fulfillment abroad). A few years ago, though? 

I was traumatised by a toxic work culture and kept jumping from one crappy job to the next in Italy, feeling like moving abroad was simply not possible for me. 
But I eventually said “enough”. I got really strategic with my job search and landed my first HR/Recruitment job in Switzerland. Sadly, 4 years later, I was made redundant during a reorganisation (when living abroad with a Visa… yay). 

So, as an unemployed person, I got back to the drawing board and set a new goal: finding a job in the Netherlands. Even though I didn’t speak Dutch, had zero connection, and didn’t live there, I landed a position at Booking.com in Amsterdam only one month after the start of my search (including a full relocation package and benefits for my partner).

Flash forward a few years, I had the chance to hire for top global tech companies like TomTom and Atlassian…until an unstable economy knocked at my door again. But this awakened the courage to transform yet another setback into an opportunity and find my true calling.

Becoming a Career Coach for Expats

In 2024 (and with the external help of a coach, because when it comes to our own situation, it’s difficult to assess it objectively and spot untapped opportunities), I finally created THE Right Job for me (yes, with capitals!): combining my experience and insider knowledge as a recruiter with career coaching to support other expats and aspiring expats.

So, despite it being an unregulated industry, I decided to train properly and get certified by both Erickson Coaching International and the International Coaching Federation.

The only regret I have as an expat who’s completely changed her career multiple times? If only I had done it sooner!
So, I now help other experienced professionals find the right job abroad faster and more confidently. What’s more rewarding than this?

  • Having a session with Roberta was exactly what I needed. I was struggling with the remote job market and had tons of specific questions, and she tackled every one with incredible efficiency and directness. What really impressed me was how she pulled concrete answers straight from her years as a recruiter and gave me advice I could use right away. Even after just one session, she helped a lot of things finally make sense. Since then, I've had more success with remote job applications, I know how I want to approach my search, and I'm better prepared for things like salary negotiations.

    Max V.

  • Before we worked together, I did not have a coherent strategy and narrative regarding my professional history and strengths. Roberta helped me understand what my real values are and how I can use my skills and interests to contribute in any career path I choose. Roberta’s keen perception and structured approach was essential to organise my thoughts and feelings towards a productive career strategy that is fully aligned with my values. Since working with Roberta, I was able to steer my career in the exact direction I wanted and I’ve never felt more confident in my abilities. I recommend working with Roberta for any expat who wants to feel confident navigating current trend and market conditions while gaining insights about one’s deepest interests and real values.

    Bruno R.

  • I worked with Roberta in two coaching sessions, and the impact was remarkable. She didn’t just refine my CV — she reshaped how I present myself, from tailoring applications to preparing for interviews with confidence. Most importantly, she helped me see the value in my earliest jobs, turning them into strengths. Roberta is warm, resourceful, and deeply supportive — I’d recommend her to anyone ready to elevate their career.

    Frank O.

  • Roberta was just the right mentor that I needed to help me refresh my own understanding of my strengths and skill set. She listened attentively, provided feedback in a warm and encouraging manner. She helped me see my value and my strengths in a new way. If you want thoughtful, professional, experienced and encouraging coach then Roberta is the coach for you.

    Joyce S.

  • I recently had an incredibly positive session with Roberta. She's an amazing listener, creating a safe and comfortable space for me to share my thoughts and feelings. She was very warm and genuine and put me very much at ease.Roberta is also incredibly generous with her knowledge and insights. She shared practical tips with me in terms of what recruiters look for in a candidate.If you're looking for a compassionate and knowledgeable coach, I highly recommend reaching out to Roberta.

    Romi M.

  • Roberta, thank you so much for creating a safe space where I was able to reconnect with my true self, discover new possibilities, see new perspective and gain confidence! I really appreciate your support, your unique coaching style which helped me to finally feel “unstuck” after many months of struggling to find a solution. With your help I could see my situation from a completely different angle and I am very grateful!

    Irina A.

  • I have coaching sessions with Roby on a regular basis. One thing that I absolutely love is the safe space Roby has created for me during our coaching sessions, that I felt listened and heard. Because of active listening, Roby always asks very simple yet powerful questions so that I’m able to see the situation holistically and from different perspectives. I always leave the sessions feeling calm, contented, and inspired - which is a feeling that I’m looking for in coaching sessions. I would recommend Roby to anybody who is looking for powerful transformations in their mindsets.

    Vickly L.

Am I the right expats’ career coach for you?…

If you value this, we’ll be an even better match than a pizza margherita and a blonde beer - simply perfetto!

● Former senior recruiter with 9+ years of experience hunting talent for top global companies with crazy interview processes. So, I know exactly what gets you noticed by recruiters and makes you stand out from all candidates in front of hiring teams.

● Helped 100+ expats and experienced professionals across 24+ nationalities

● In an unregulated industry, I’m a certified career coach (by Erickson Coaching International and ICF, International Coaching Federation).

Official certification badges for Roberta Basili, ICF-certified expat career coach, confirming professional coaching credentials.
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