As from the beginning of 2010 I am moving to Mumbai, India. What is the reason I am moving there? I am going to do a business development project for a French/Belgian cosmetics company called Dermo Expert. My main professional aim is to launch their products in India and Middle-East. In order to do this challenging project I receive support from the Prince Albert Fund. The Prince Albert Fund helps talented Belgian professionals acquire experience in conducting international projects by offering financial support for a project abroad through a company established in Belgium.

Useless to say that the business part of this mission is very important. I am sure I am going to learn a lot about doing business in a foreign country. I will also learn to bootstrap my resources as this is a grassroots project starting from scratch. The entrepreneurial mind in me will definitively have the opportunity to explore and prove its worth. Further, I will learn about the health care and cosmetics industry. For all this reasons I deeply believe that this project abroad will provide an unlimited amount of professional growth.

Nevertheless, the project also offers huge possibilities for personal growth. The main thing I think about is the unavoidable paradigm shift I will encounter. Needless to say that my current perceptions where I adhere to will be thoroughly challenged. The difference between an Indian and European mindset is staggering. In order to be successful in the human relationships I will develop there, I have to open myself up. I have to put myself in a vulnerable place and really try to listen to people and investigate the beliefs and principles that are behind their doings and expressions. By doing this it will be possible to learn to truly appreciate the Indian culture. This experience will certainly have a big impact on my frame of mind and my beliefs and principles.

I believe that this expat project will have a profound impact on different sides of my life. First, It will be a huge leap in my professional growth. Second, It will literally be a mind blowing experience because it will challenge my current perception of the world.

Bottom line: I keep you further posted about my experiences