Navigating Borders and Building a Life with Ankia Coetzer-Ep 57

Explore the compelling story of Ankia Coetzer, a South African whose life has spanned several countries, careers, and personal challenges. Her journey highlights the complexities of migration, the importance of resilience, and the evolving meaning of home.Ankia shares  how her early relocation from Johannesburg shaped her perspective on migrationShe talks about the experiences and lessons learned during her two decades of living and working in London and how she navigated visa pathways, citizenship, and tax implications across the UK and South AfricaShe highlights the impact of family, health crises, and personal growth on her international decision-makingTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Ankia´s unique relocation story01:16 - Early beginnings and moving between South African towns02:41 - First move to London and initial work experiences03:24 - Why London was the chosen destination in 200004:44 - Starting her career in retail and retail management06:26 - Transition into recruitment and HR consulting08:08 - Returning to South Africa and the challenges of visa and education rules10:29 - Deciding to study HR and career development in South Africa12:02 - Balancing work, study, and entrepreneurial efforts as a student14:23 - Re-entering the UK visa system and professional growth16:53 - Building lasting relationships and community across different years and countries18:57 - The complexities of immigration compliance and becoming a UK citizen22:26 - Reflections on the privilege of citizenship and the costs involved24:09 - Moving back to South Africa in 2020 during the pandemic33:27 - Navigating homelessness and repatriation during COVID lockdowns36:52 - Realising her impact through coaching and relationships in her current career40:07 - The importance of soft skills and emotional intelligence in leadership42:13 - Family, safety, and balancing dual identities across borders45:42 - What South Africa means to her and the pull of home53:52 - The challenges and opportunities of working in both countries54:12 - Looking back and advice for her younger selfConnect with AnkiaLinkedIn - Ankia Coetzer MBAEmail - [email protected] your digital home with fellow Relocated South Africans around the world. Visit https://therelocatedsouthafrican.com and connect with Jan at [email protected]