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Life Coaching for Expat Executives & Experts

Hartmut Samtleben

Expat. Executive. Coach.

I have lived abroad for almost two decades. After growing up in Hamburg, I worked in Paris, Chicago, and Bonn before moving to Amsterdam in 2010.

I know what it means to arrive professionally — and still need time to arrive personally.

As an executive and expert, I experienced the pressure of demanding roles, long hours, and the quiet impact this can have on integration.

I also learned how strongly family life shapes the expat experience — as a source of stability, and sometimes as a reason to stay within familiar circles.

Since 2012, I have studied Individual Psychology and the principles of human motivation. This framework helps us understand what drives us, the importance of community, and what stands in our way when we try to build a life abroad.

I am currently deepening this understanding through MSc studies in Coaching for Behavioural Change at Henley Business School.

Motivation and goals shape our actions.

And that brings me to a simple question:

Why do I do this work?

Why I do this Work

Looking back on more than 20 years abroad, I know that expat life is both stimulating and demanding. It can expand your world — and quietly isolate you at the same time.

There are things I wish I had understood earlier. Conversations I wish I had had. Encouragement that would have helped.

This work is my way of giving back — supporting others as they navigate their own chapter abroad.

And I genuinely love coaching.
Helping someone gain clarity, shift perspective, and take a decisive step forward is deeply meaningful to me.

If you feel that I can support you in building a life that feels connected and grounded here, book a first conversation.

Book a first free conversation

Accolades

"You are an unbelievable mind & heart reader and this is something that I value a lot. I now realized how you have been important for my development during the years and I will owe you that forever." — A manager from France

"Hartmut is a fantastic leader and coach. He provided me with unwavering support, impartial advice and insightful coaching, making a lasting impact on my professional growth. Even now, I actively seek out his guidance, knowing that he will always provide a judgement-free, safe space to discuss sensitive topics!" — A manager from the UK

"You made a lot of difference in my growth, explicitly or implicitly. Your direction led my years in Adobe so far. And I will always acknowledge your incredible role in leading our team. My heartful thanks." — A manager from Italy

"Hartmut is an insightful and inspiring coach who I would recommend to anyone seeking a positive experience with outcomes. His gentle curiosity coupled with his ability to ask those ‘killer’ questions provides a safe space for those light bulb moments of self realisation." – An HR director from the UK