Doerte Druecker talks about her exciting journey as a career expat

What made you want to become an expatriate in the first place?

I always wanted to go abroad. Already right after I finished high school, I took the chance and worked for one year as ‘Parents Help’ in Calgary, Canada. Both parents worked full time, and I looked after their three children the whole day. Looking back now, this was probably the most challenging year so far, being at once responsible for three small children. But, it was nevertheless a valuable and precious experience, and I only regret that I didn’t have more time to explore wonderful Canada!

Can you tell us about your life as an expat so far?

I got my first expat experience as International Sales Manager in Singapore. It was actually a very sudden opportunity. At that time, in 1997, part of the transshipment department in Hamburg was moved to Genoa and the ‘young and independent’ colleagues were asked if they could consider to take over a new job at a different location, in order to enable colleagues with family to stay in Hamburg. There were also several posts vacant in Inland Germany, but I quickly reflected and then spontaneously replied that I would be keen on working abroad. Before I could even think a second time, I sat in an airplane to Singapore. I will never forget this feeling, not knowing what lies ahead of me- completely thrilling!

After Singapore, I moved to Shanghai and took over a new role as a Sales Manager, which was quite challenging because of the cultural differences. I realized for instance that doing business with customers was not as straight forward as in Germany. Often the meetings seemed very positive and everyone was aligned – but we could only be sure once the bookings were actually received.

Thereafter I returned to Bremen as a Sales Executive. After some years in Bremen, I got a sudden opportunity as Global Account Manager in Gothenburg. There I got to work with the world’s largest furniture producer. In 2011, I relocated to Vienna and took over as Customer Service Director for the former Area Central Europe. With the countries Austria, Switzerland, Czech and Hungary, Central Europe is a very diverse Area and I enjoyed very much working together with my teams. Last year I moved once again, this time to Genoa where I am still located.

How has your work changed since you have been in Genoa?

I started in Genoa exactly one year ago together with the other colleagues and I consider it as privilege to be part of the new Region South Europe right from the beginning! It was indeed a special situation, all colleagues gradually arriving ‘to the scene’ from various countries, in fact we have at least 10 different nationalities here. It is like a melting pot!

We were received very warmly by the colleagues in Italy and got great support. For me it is the first time to work in a Region, so this alone is a big change. Currently the focus is of course the Hapag-Lloyd Strategy 2023 with topics like the Quality Promises and Project Horizon. There is an intense collaboration not only within the Region itself but also between Corporate Headquarters, Region and Areas, which I find very rewarding. Also different Regions support each other and share best practices. As a matter of fact, none of our Quality Promises can be reached by one stakeholder alone!

How is life in Genoa so far?

I felt very comfortable and at home from the beginning in Genoa. The city is very lively and the Genovese very communicative and friendly. This is of course also supported by the great Italian cuisine and the Italian way of life – with important little details like a good espresso at any time of the day.

When I travel, I always explore the new surroundings by foot. That is what I did in Genoa too when I moved here, and soon I got lost in the labyrinth of small alleys, called ‘caruggi’. Genoa actually has one of the biggest medieval old towns in Europe. Then of course, there are the palaces, sign of the immense wealth of the Genovese at that time.

I live in a wonderful village called Camogli, directly located at the ‘Golfo Paradiso’ and it is the perfect place for swimming and hiking! In the Middle Ages, Camogli was an important seaport with hundreds of vessels registered there. And it is said that the houses are so colorful in order to help the fishermen to find their way back to the port at that time. The Portofino National Park and famous Cinque Terre are close so on the weekends I take the chance to go hiking.

Would you recommend expat life for colleagues who are thinking about their next career step?

Absolutely! Being an expat is a true personal and professional enrichment. You expand your horizon and for me it has always been a great experience to get involved ‘in the adventure’ to meet and work with different cultures. And especially after returning from Asia, I saw things from a different angle. I certainly became more self confident, and on the other hand I was thankful for conditions in my home country, which I earlier took for granted. Professionally I am convinced that I wouldn’t be here in Genoa now, if I didn’t take the early step to go abroad.