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.

Roberta Basili, expat career coach, reflecting on her personal career transition from Italy to the Netherlands.
Vibrant European city landscape, vith view of Amsterdam, where Roberta Basili coaches expats to thrive in fast-paced top global companies.

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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).

Roberta Basili, ICF-certified expat career coach, sitting in a cozy setting, symbolizing approachable, expert career support.
Official certification badges for Roberta Basili, ICF-certified expat career coach, confirming professional coaching credentials.
Book your career coaching package
Choose the right path for you