Strategic Localization: When a 'Local Plus' is More Than Just a Policy

What if the difference between a successful international move and a costly failure comes down to one overlooked detail – whether the accompanying partner can work? In this episode, we dive deep into strategic localisations with two powerhouse guests: Gill Gordon from the Permits Foundation and returning favourite Ros Harvey from Warner Music Group.

 

Gill brings 25 years of experience advocating for spousal work authorisation across 40 countries, while Roz shares practical insights on building mobility programs that recognise we're "moving people, not widgets." Together, they reveal why 83% of accompanying partners want to work but only 50% can – and how this gap is costing companies hundreds of thousands of dollars in failed assignments.

 

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(01:10) How Gill founded the Permits Foundation

(07:47) Why localizations shouldn't mean abandoning the duty of care for employees and families

(13:50) The number one reason international moves fail today

(21:22) Pre-move briefings that make employees feel valued

(26:14) The issue with loneliness

(29:51) The countries leading the way in family-friendly immigration policies

(32:52) How immigration sensitivity prevents companies from advocating directly with governments

(37:00) Gill's key insight when families thrive, moves succeed and companies benefit

(38:32) The importance of understanding individual circumstances rather than treating people as widgets