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Expat Coach - Gulhis Sarap
My Story & Why I Coach
Hi, I'm Gülhis, an ICF-certified coach, HR professional, and an expat woman who moved from Turkey to Sweden.
After working for years in the corporate world in People & Culture roles — including in high-performing environments like McKinsey & Company — I found myself navigating not just a new job, but an entirely new country, language, and identity. Moving to Stockholm was exciting but also deeply disorienting at times. I experienced what many expats do: loneliness, cultural mismatch, questions of belonging, and the internal push-pull between who I was and who I was becoming.
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In the midst of this transition, life brought more unexpected changes — going through a company layoff, starting a new life in a new home, and exploring what it means to build a future and a family far from everything familiar. These weren’t just external challenges; they were inner turning points. Each of them invited me to pause, reflect, and re-align with my values and purpose.
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Even with nearly a decade of coaching experience, I found myself facing the very human challenge of starting over — proving myself in a new context, rebuilding confidence, and redefining success beyond titles or roles. That personal journey deepened my understanding of what it truly means to hold space for transformation.
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It was in that space of uncertainty and change that I turned inward and rebuilt myself. Coaching tools like values work, mindset shifts, and future visioning gave me clarity and direction. I reconnected with my strengths, redefined success on my own terms, and slowly created a life that felt true to me.
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That transformation inspired me to support others who are walking similar paths.
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Now, I work with expats and international professionals to help them thrive — not just survive — in their new chapters. Whether you're navigating cultural shock, career transitions, emotional overwhelm, or simply seeking a grounded space to reflect and grow, I’m here to hold space for you — with structure, empathy, and clarity.
My Areas of Expertise
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Expat transition & cultural adaptation
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Identity exploration & sense of belonging
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Career direction & work–life integration
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Emotional clarity & mindset transformation
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Mindfulness practices & coaching tools for grounded presence
(Breathwork is used as a supportive tool where needed, but the main focus remains on coaching conversations.)
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Who I Work With
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Individuals who’ve recently relocated and feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected
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Professionals navigating life and career abroad, seeking clarity and direction
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Expats dealing with emotional struggles, identity shifts, or a loss of belonging
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Organizations supporting international employees during cultural transitions and integration
Topics Often Requested:
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Navigating cultural transitions as a team
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Building emotional safety & connection
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Inner resilience for international employees
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Mindfulness & stress release in uncertain times
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Communication beyond language barriers
What Makes My Approach Unique?
I blend structured coaching with embodied practices like mindfulness and breathwork — creating space for both emotional depth and actionable clarity.
My coaching style is warm, intuitive, and grounded. You’ll find both reflection and real tools to help you move forward.
Because I’ve walked the expat path myself, I bring more than just methods — I bring lived experience and deep empathy.
I know how heavy it can feel to “start over” — to rebuild your identity, career, and life in a whole new environment. And I also know the transformation that unfolds when you do it with presence, intention, and support.
Services
Team Coaching & Workshops for Institutions/Companies
I offer coaching sessions and facilitated workshops for institutions, organizations, and multicultural teams — particularly those navigating the complexities of relocation, transition, and integration.
Sessions focus on creating a psychologically safe space where team members can enhance their self-awareness, communication, and sense of belonging. Themes include emotional clarity, mindset resilience, intercultural collaboration, and connection during change.
Each session is tailored to the team’s specific needs and may include coaching tools, guided reflection, and optional breath-based grounding practices.
Discovery Call
I am offering 20 minutes of free discovery call. You can book it below.
"Moving abroad felt overwhelming. I was excited but also lost and disconnected. Gülhis helped me find clarity in the chaos.
Through her warm and grounding coaching sessions, I was able to reconnect with my values, build a sense of belonging in a new country, and approach challenges with confidence. I’m incredibly grateful for the journey we’ve shared."
Sofia, relocated from Spain to Sweden