Brenda Chute - President - Global Relocation Solutions Inc.

Name: Brenda Chute

Position: President

Company: Global Relocation Solutions Inc.

Professional Background

Global Relocation Solutions Inc., President (Canada): 2014 – Present

VRV Global, Vice President (Canada): 2006 – 2013

WRRI, Client Services Manager (Canada): 2004 – 2006

Career Insider

Q: Why global mobility, and how did you get started in the industry?

A: An individual from a Real Estate Agency approached me years ago to join his company, which worked in the relocation industry. I was living in Edmonton at the time, and after working there for a few years I realized that to progress with my career I needed to be in a head office town, which I knew was Calgary at the time. I moved down for a one-year contract and never looked back. I was then approached by a USA based, third party relocation company and my career took off from there. I knew from day one that I loved the industry and after many years have chosen to work exclusively with the c-suite because it is much more challenging as you can imagine. We find ourselves working with new cultures each and every day while offering concierge services that are key to our success. Success which comes in the form of c-suite referrals.

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Q: What aspect of your work at Global Relocation Solutions do you find most exciting?

A: What I find the most exciting about our work at Global Relocation Solutions is the same thing that has kept me in the industry for so long; building relationships through one on one interactions at the employee, corporate, and recruiter level. We work very closely with multinational blue chip corporations including candidates at c-suite level, members of the board, and leading recruiters. The diversity and wealth of experience these individuals have makes every day interesting. We rarely see a day without a unique situation!  

Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to build a career in global mobility?

A: Find a mentor. Throughout your career there will be different types of mentoring relationships. Some will be future focussed, and some will focus on the day to day aspects of relocation. Trust and mutual respect are key in building a mentoring relationship that will serve both parties. There is a wealth of knowledge to be shared from the mentor, and the mentee will bring a fresh perspective to an industry that is always evolving.

Industry Insider

Q: What aspect of global mobility is likely to keep you up at night?

A: As an entrepreneur, the list of things that keeps me up at night is more extensive than it was when I was working for a multinational corporation! Every night I do a mental review of the business at hand and how best to address current issues with unique, effective, and practical solutions. There are no policies or procedures that can deal with the unique issues that arise during the c-suite relocation process. Rather, my team and I work intimately with our clients and find the best solutions. Our collaborative approach builds strong relationships that have allowed us to carry on working and growing in that segment of the industry.

Q: What is the most important strategic tip you can give to companies handling executive global mobility?

A: The relocation process truly starts during the interview stage. Retaining our expertise at the earliest stage possible is essential, without which candidates waste valuable time attempting the process on their own. At this early stage, confidentiality is key. We work closely with the corporation’s board members, senior human resource departments, and recruiters to ensure expectations are exceeded while keeping details private.

Q: What kind of tech or software would you suggest for global mobility processing?

A: A simple telephone call is immeasurably valuable. Global Relocation Solutions utilizes all technology mediums; however, nothing can replace a dedicated conversation with the candidate and their partner at the beginning of the process or during the relocation lifecycle.

Visionary Insider

Q: How can global mobility practices get better in the next 5 years?

A: The business world is becoming increasingly complex, as are the personal lives of the c-suite families we are relocating. I believe that flexibility and outside of the box thinking as opposed to strict policy adherence will help the mobility industry evolve over the next 5 years.  

Q: What more can be done to improve current global mobility practices to benefit executives on the move?

A: A collaborative approach, when we move past the traditional relationship of corporation and supplier and into a team approach, the relocating executives benefit immediately. By working as a team, we are able to find creative solutions that fit each executives’ unique real-life needs. This allows the executive to move more quickly through the process delivering value and innovation to their corporation sooner.

Q: What are the major developments you currently see happening in the industry, and how do you feel about them?

A: We are seeing more and more lump sum offerings to all levels of employees. This is not an appropriate approach when relocating the c-suite. Ideally, we would like to see executives focusing on their areas of expertise and leaving the relocation pieces to the experts! Often, we hear that people see mobility services a money pit. However, if we reframe this to the view that when relocating employees have to spend time organizing various components of their relocation, this inevitably interrupts their productivity at work. Effective relocation solutions offered by our team of experienced individuals always leads to happier candidates, corporations, and recruiters. At Global Relocation Solutions the user experience is the most important aspect of every relocation. It’s less about the money you’re spending, and more about how you’re spending it.

Either/Or…

• Short-term or long-term assignment? This is situation and person dependent. Different business environments require different lengths of assignment.
• Airbnb or serviced apartments? For relocation purposes; serviced apartment. As long as you work with the right provider, the level of service in unmatchable. Serviced apartments also provide a global consistency that you will not see through Airbnb.
• Excel or global mobility software? Neither is the basis of Global Relocation Solutions! We thrive because of our focus on one on one communication. We do not believe the relocating employees at a c-suite level should be tasked with any administrative work even through a slick app. This is our responsibility.
• Lump-sum or flex-ben? Neither one of these approaches is appropriate for executive relocations.
• Facebook or LinkedIn? LinkedIn.
• Outlook or Gmail? We use both for work! I personally prefer the font features, colous, and usability in outlook, but find the search function in gmail to be far superior.
• Taxi or Uber? Uber. Uber has proven to be more reliable, timely and customizable for our global relocating employees. They are able to set their children up on the account and with easy visibility on who the driver is each and every time, there is a safety factor that many relocating employees appreciate.
• iOS or Android? iOS!
• Mac or PC? PC, I would not be able to turn a mac on!
• Computer or tablet? Computer. Tablets are too small, we work with multiple windows open at time.
• Work hard or play hard? Both when appropriate.