Moved US Consulting Business To Braga, Portugal - Amir Ghannad

Amir Ghannad discusses his and his family's move to Portugal and the resulting changes in his business operations. He highlights the importance of cultural integration, balancing work activities, and building local connections.

When moving to a new country, many wonder how it will impact their business operations. For Amir Ghannad, moving to Portugal prompted some intentional changes. Before the move, he had been consistently publishing a weekly podcast with significant guest interest. He decided to pause the podcast to reduce his overall activity level, including his presence on LinkedIn. This shift wasn’t about retirement but rather about finding a new balance.

Living in different countries has taught Amir the importance of integrating into the local culture and language. In Thailand, he made efforts to learn the language and understand cultural nuances. In Portugal, he's doing the same, taking Portuguese classes to avoid living in an expat bubble. While it's possible to navigate life without the local language, truly connecting with the community requires more effort.

Amir's immigration journey has had its challenges. Though he anticipated an easier transition, he still faced moments of feeling like a stranger. Interestingly, Amir and his wife haven’t experienced significant culture shock in Portugal, which they attribute to managing their expectations and emotions. Minor frustrations, like unmet deadlines, are handled with patience, knowing that such experiences are part of the journey.

In terms of business, Amir has started networking locally, joining a group in Braga and speaking at events across Europe. His European business has grown organically through past connections rather than an active pursuit. Despite occasional stereotypes about Portugal's infrastructure, Amir has found the technology and internet services to be excellent, even in smaller villages.

Amir has always worked from home, a practice that continued seamlessly in Portugal. However, he acknowledges that coworking spaces are widely available and affordable for those who need them. This adaptability extends to how Portugal has influenced his approach to success. No longer in a rush, Amir focuses on “commitment without attachment,” valuing personal connections and a relaxed pace over constant goal-chasing.

Cultural differences, such as the mid-day closures of stores and restaurants, initially frustrated Amir but eventually led to an appreciation for the Portuguese prioritization of rest and family time. Adjusting to local customs, like meal times and business hours, has been part of the learning curve.

Amir's family business has smoothly transitioned to Portugal, with his children also moving and continuing their roles remotely. His daughter has even branched out with her own business, contributing to the family’s entrepreneurial spirit.

For those considering a similar move, Amir advises starting early on business structure and tax considerations. He also emphasizes researching the local market to ensure the viability of business plans. Networking has been crucial for Amir, allowing him to engage in meaningful conversations beyond administrative logistics. He highlights the importance of connecting with like-minded individuals, both expatriates and locals, to enrich the business experience.

Amir Ghannad is a frequent and highly sought-after international keynote speaker, and the founder of The Ghannad Group, which offers speaking, workshop facilitation, executive coaching, and consulting services, focused on guiding leaders in creating extraordinary cultures that deliver breakthrough results and unprecedented fulfillment.

For over 31 years prior to founding The Ghannad Group, Amir led multi-functional, multi-national teams in manufacturing and supply chain roles in a variety of business situations in the US, Asia, and Europe with companies like Procter & Gamble and Campbell Soup Company. Through his family-owned private consulting practice, founded in 2015, Amir is committed to sharing what he's learned about the leadership potential hidden within each one of us, and providing the tools and cultivating the mindset to unleash that innate potential and thereby achieve unprecedented levels of success and fulfillment at work and in life.

Amir's greatest passion is to energize clients to discover the Transformative Leader within and embrace and fulfill their accountability for creating extraordinary workplace cultures. In his roles as an author, blogger, podcast host, consultant, and coach, Amir provides ongoing support to teams in their transformative journeys.

Amir’s book, The Transformative Leader, has been shipped to over 30 countries, and is available in English and Spanish. Amir and his wife of over 41 years, Connie, reside in Portugal and serve clients in multiple regions of the world through virtual and in-person engagements.

In conclusion, moving to Portugal has not only changed Amir’s business operations but also his approach to life and work. By embracing local culture, building connections, and adapting to new rhythms, he has found a fulfilling balance that supports both personal and professional growth. For anyone looking to relocate and maintain their business, Amir’s journey offers valuable insights and strategies for a successful transition.