A Consultant on a Mission: Global Travel Log
By Hélène Strauch
What a privilege it is to be a consultant at IVY and to have the opportunity to travel to different countries for work. These journeys weren’t just about boarding planes, they were about building bridges between cultures, teams, and technologies.
I’m Hélène, HRIS Project Manager at IVY Partners. Over the course of 14 months, I led the full implementation of a new human resources system for an international client, rolling it out across several international subsidiaries. From initial scoping to final deployment, each phase demanded precision, empathy, and adaptability.
Mission Objectives
The goal of these trips was to ensure that our remote work translated seamlessly on-site. Each visit involved:
- Verifying that the software implementation aligned with the specifications defined months earlier with stakeholders.
- Conducting hands-on training sessions with local users, tailored to their workflows and cultural nuances.
- Supporting the Go Live process to ensure smooth transitions and minimal disruption to operations.
Beyond the technical aspects, these missions were about change management, helping teams embrace new tools, new ways of working, and sometimes, entirely new mindsets.
Travel Log
While the professional agenda was always the priority, I made space to explore each destination. Traveling for work offers a unique rhythm: intense, focused days followed by evenings and weekends of discovery, free from everyday obligations.
LONDON
London’s blend of tradition and innovation mirrored the project itself.
Between meetings and workshops in Mayfair, I wandered through Covent Garden’s lively streets, tasted noodles and dim sum in Chinatown, and caught panoramic views from The Garden at 120.
MUNICH
In winter, the Weihnachtsmarkt brought warmth to cold evenings.
At Hofbräuhaus, I tasted Bavarian culture and bonded with colleagues over hearty meals and local beer.
SINGAPORE
Singapore was a sensory feast!
Tourist highlights: Gardens by the Bay, Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, Marina Bay, Chinatown, Little India, and Sentosa Island, especially Universal Studios. Nightlife: Marquee’s vibrant energy contrasted with the historic charm of the Long Bar, birthplace of the Singapore Sling, where peanut shells still crunch underfoot.
BANGKOK
A whirlwind stop!
Between rooftop cocktails, a hidden speakeasy, and unforgettable Thai cuisine, I barely had time to catch my breath, but the city’s pulse stayed with me.
SEOUL
Seoul was a revelation, and I can’t wait to go back with my family.
Culture & heritage: Street food adventures with tteokbokki and gimbap in Namdaemun, exploring historic gates, Changgyeonggung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and peaceful walks along Cheonggyecheon Stream. Modernity: Gangnam’s Starfield Coex Library, the dizzying heights of Lotte World Tower, the romantic skyline from N Seoul Tower, and the timeless beauty of Bukchon Hanok Village.
A Few Snapshots to Remember
This project was more than a professional challenge, it was a personal journey. I learned to navigate cultural differences, lead with empathy, and adapt quickly to shifting environments.
I saw firsthand how technology can empower people, and how human connection lies at the heart of every successful transformation.
I return with sharpened skills, deeper insights, and a suitcase full of stories, and, above all, a renewed sense of purpose: to keep building, connecting, and exploring.
A big thank you to Hélène for sharing her journey with us and for embodying the spirit of trust and collaboration that makes Ivy Partners thrive.