In this member spotlight series, we will delve into the heart of the profession by shining a spotlight on the diverse and accomplished members of WERC. As the premier trade association dedicated to advancing the field of talent management and global talent mobility, WERC brings together professionals from various industries, backgrounds, and expertise levels. Each installment of this series will introduce you to a different member of WERC, offering a glimpse into their unique career trajectories, insights, and contributions to the talent mobility space.
For this spotlight, we connected with John Merriweather, president and CEO of GO Destination Services, an award-winning company that provides personalized home-finding, school search. area tours, orientations, and destination services across the United States and hundreds of international destinations.
How did you get started in the global talent mobility space?
Like the majority of my colleagues in the industry, I fell into it unwittingly. Instantly, I fell in love with the people, the opportunities, and the challenges of the industry. I pitched a high-touch area orientation service to a global pharmaceutical company to help with recruitment and retention, and that soon into morphed into a full suite of global destination service and support.
What are some of the key milestones or achievements in your career?
I cherish the myriad industry awards and recognitions that I have received over the years for innovation, global charitable causes, diversity, and leadership. I have immensely enjoyed sitting on ERC boards in service to my colleagues. Most of all, I love mentoring and coaching high-potential professionals to make their mark on the global mobility industry.
What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities in this industry?
Many of the usual, perennial challenges remain including volatility in the economy, budget reductions, and changing consumer preferences. I, however, am fascinated and fixated on the vast opportunities this industry offers. There are enormous opportunities to infuse the perfect dose of artificial intelligence with high-touch service from our destination service consultants.
Are there any emerging trends or innovations in talent mobility that excite you or that you believe will shape the future of the industry?
Yes, several actually! The mixture of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and virtual reality in talent mobility processes holds promise for enhancing efficiency, personalizing employee experiences, and improving destination decision-making.
Furthermore, the industrys growing emphasis on employee well-being, with a focus on mental health, work-life balance, and family support during international assignments demonstrates a positive shift toward holistic employee and assignee care.
The integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives into talent mobility strategies is particularly noteworthy, fostering equitable access to global opportunities and creating inclusive environments for globally mobile employees.
At GO Destinations, we see that these trends collectively signal a dynamic and exciting evolution in talent mobility, aligning with the changing needs and values of both organizations and employees.
Do you have any recommendations or advice for aspiring leaders in this industry?
Aspiring leaders in the global mobility industry can benefit from several key recommendations and pieces of advice to navigate and excel in this dynamic field that we hold so dearly. Global mobility offers a world of opportunity for leadership development.
First, its essential to develop a comprehensive understanding of the industrys intricacies, including immigration regulations, cultural nuances, emerging trends, and destination needs.
Second, prioritizing exceptional customer service is essential. Ambitious leaders should aim to exceed client expectations by providing highly personalized support, clear communication, and innovative solutions tailored to each clients unique needs"internally to colleagues and externally to clients, counselors, and associates.
Aspiring leaders should actively build a strong network within the industry. Networking provides valuable opportunities to connect with peers, clients, and potential partners, exchange insights, and stay abreast of industry developments.
Engaging in our industry association, attending conferences, and participating in local relocation networking events fosters collaboration and opens doors to new opportunities for growth and leadership.