Mirela Marin on Global Mobility: The Human Impact Beyond the Game.
Mahaprasad & Atal
25 Feb 2025
Mirela, Director of Global Mobility at a leading gaming company, has been in the mobility space for over 20 years. Her journey into this dynamic field began somewhat accidentally while working in HR for a consulting firm. During a slowdown in recruitment activity, she was drawn to a colleague's previous role handling international relocations, a field then called "case management." This serendipitous encounter marked her entry into the world of Global Mobility, a field she has found both captivating and multifaceted.
Mirela’s perspective on global mobility has evolved over her two decades in the field. She believes that global mobility is more strategic than operational, encompassing much more than simply moving people from one location to another. She sees it as an integral part of a company's broader strategy, encompassing talent acquisition, development, and retention, as well as business expansion and growth.
One of the aspects Mirela loves most about her job is the variety it offers. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, from discussing cutting-edge technology to understanding global growth strategies. She has even been involved in setting up new businesses and expanding operations into new countries.
Mirela also finds deep satisfaction in knowing that her work has a tangible impact on the world. She views global mobility as a means of facilitating the movement of people who are making a difference. She recalls an instance where she helped relocate a large number of consultants worldwide for a major SAP implementation project at a multinational corporation. This company's products were ubiquitous in households, and Mirela realized that she had played a part, however small, in ensuring their availability.
Despite the many rewards of her job, Mirela acknowledges the inherent frustrations as well. Balancing the needs of employees with the financial constraints of the company is an ongoing challenge. Providing comprehensive support to relocating employees while adhering to budgetary limitations requires a delicate balancing act.
Another source of frustration is the unpredictable nature of global mobility. External factors, such as maritime disruptions, customs delays, or unforeseen events, can derail even the most meticulously planned relocations. These disruptions can cause significant stress for employees, who are already dealing with the upheaval of moving to a new country.
Despite these challenges, Mirela remains passionate about her work. She believes that global mobility is a vital function that enables companies to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
The Immigrant Experience
Mirela's personal experience as an immigrant has profoundly influenced her approach to global mobility. She was born in Romania and immigrated to Canada with her parents at the age of ten. She vividly remembers the sense of anticipation and excitement as she embarked on this life-changing journey.
Mirela has since traveled to 60 countries, both for work and leisure. She embraces the opportunity to immerse herself in new cultures and learn from different perspectives. She believes that travel is an invaluable form of personal and professional development.
Mirela's immigrant experience has given her a unique understanding of the challenges and rewards of global mobility. She is committed to helping others navigate the complexities of relocating to a new country and making the most of their international assignments.
Advice for First-Time Expats
Mirela's advice for first-time expats is simple: embrace the experience. She encourages them to immerse themselves in the new culture, learn the language, and connect with people. She also recommends leveraging their networks and seeking guidance from those who have already made similar moves.
Mirela's own journey is a testament to the transformative power of global mobility. She is a role model for anyone considering an international assignment, demonstrating that with courage, determination, and an open mind, it is possible to thrive in a new environment and make a lasting impact on the world.
The Evolving Landscape of Global Mobility
Mirela has witnessed significant changes in the field of global mobility throughout her career. One of the most notable trends is the increasing importance of technology. She believes that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to streamline many of the operational aspects of global mobility, freeing up HR professionals to focus on more strategic initiatives.
However, Mirela cautions against over-reliance on technology. She emphasizes the importance of the human element in global mobility, particularly when it comes to supporting employees through the challenges of relocating to a new country.
Mirela believes that the future of global mobility lies in striking a balance between technology and human interaction. She envisions a world where AI and other technologies are used to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of global mobility programs, while HR professionals continue to provide personalized support and guidance to relocating employees.
The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion
Mirela is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She believes that global mobility can be a powerful tool for promoting diversity and inclusion, by enabling companies to attract and retain top talent from around the world.
Mirela also recognizes the challenges that can arise when employees from different backgrounds are brought together. She emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural training in helping employees to navigate these challenges and build successful working relationships.
Mirela believes that diversity and inclusion are essential for creating a thriving workplace culture. She is committed to working with companies to create global mobility programs that are inclusive and welcoming to all employees.
The Future of Global Mobility
Mirela is optimistic about the future of global mobility. She believes that the field will continue to evolve and grow in importance, as companies become increasingly globalized.
Mirela sees a number of trends that will shape the future of global mobility, including the rise of remote work, the increasing importance of employee experience, and the growing focus on sustainability. She believes that global mobility professionals will need to be adaptable and innovative in order to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Mirela is excited to be a part of the global mobility community and is committed to helping shape the future of the field. She believes that global mobility has the potential to make a positive impact on the world, by connecting people and cultures and fostering understanding and collaboration.
Looking ahead
Mirela's story is an inspiring example of the power of global mobility. She has dedicated her career to helping others experience the transformative benefits of living and working in a new country. Her passion for diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being shines through in everything she does. As a leader in the field of global mobility, Mirela is helping to shape the future of work and create a more connected and inclusive world.
This article is part of LegalBridge's ongoing series featuring immigration law practitioners who bring unique perspectives to the field. Follow us for more insights from legal professionals shaping the future of immigration law.
We invite law firms, corporate leaders, and immigration professionals to join us in these discussions. Your unique perspectives and experiences can help shape the future of immigration law and policy.
If you're an immigration law firm or Leader of In house Global Mobility, interested in sharing your insights and being featured in our next interview, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us to be part of this important conversation about the future of global mobility.
