We’re excited to shine a spotlight on Daksha Hirani, our Director of Global Services in our EMEA office. From her beginnings as a relocation consultant to an unforgettable tale of riding a transferee’s horse, Daks’s commitment to assisting others shines through in her role. She plays a pivotal part in guiding individuals and families through the intricacies of relocations. Over the past two years, she has led crucial efforts in evacuating our clients’ employees out of conflict zones in Ukraine, Russia, and Israel, demonstrating resilience and compassion. Her profound knowledge of EMEA relocations has been impactful in ensuring the safety and security of families in their new environments.
We chatted with Daks to discuss her experiences, advice, and personal stories that shed light on the world of relocations and beyond.
Navigating the Unconventional Paths in Relocation
Daks, a seasoned relocation professional, has had several instances of expertly navigating the unconventional paths of relocation. From orchestrating the seamless transportation of a VIP’s horse to playing a pivotal role in evacuating families from war-torn regions, Daks exemplifies adaptability and dedication, demonstrating how the field extends beyond traditional moves to encompass unique challenges that require a special touch. Her stories not only shed light on the intricacies of relocation but also highlight the impact she has made in ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of our clients in diverse and unexpected circumstances.
Interviewer: Share a funny or memorable experience you’ve had while assisting someone with their relocation.
Daks: When I was a relocation consultant, I was assigned a VIP move, and they wanted to bring their horse along to Oxfordshire in the UK. I spent my time scouting nearby stables, making sure both the family and the horse had a smooth and stress-free move. With the help of some pet shipping pros and constant updates, I even became a bit of a horse expert myself and what all is needed to move these elegant animals. Additionally, throughout the process I had built a great rapport with the assignee and his family. Once they had settled into their new home, I was invited up to meet them all – where I even got to ride the horse on the stable grounds.
Interviewer: Share a heartwarming story of how you made a positive impact on an employee or their family during a relocation.
Daks: In the past two years, many of us in the industry have been involved in evacuating our assignees from war-torn locations. While these situations aren’t our traditional relocation moves, knowing that we have played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of families serves as a meaningful reminder of the positive impact we can make. Despite the challenges, these moments make the demanding days in the relocation field truly worthwhile.
The Art of Balancing Adventure, Passion, and Personal Harmony
Whether contemplating an ideal city for relocation, embracing the vibrant lifestyle of Barcelona, expressing musical passion through karaoke, or finding comfort and joy in the act of cooking, Daks embodies the art of harmonizing work, play, and personal well-being.
Interviewer: If you could relocate to any city in the world, where would it be and why?
Daks: Barcelona is just awesome! The city’s got this beautiful vibe, and you can’t beat having tons of beaches at your fingertips. Plus, let’s not forget the epic combo of Tapas and Sangria—it’s a game-changer. We’ve relocated loads of folks to Barcelona, and the word from everyone? It’s hands down one of the best places to mix work and play, as the work-life balance there is next level.
Interviewer: What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Daks: Oh, tough one … but it’s got to be Nelly Furtado’s “Turn off the Lights!” In my head I believe I sound like her … and I’ve never managed to clear the room so I will hold on to the hope I might sound ok!
Interviewer: What’s your favorite hobby outside of work?
Daks: I love to cook and find it is a great stress reliever for me…and my Boxer puppy also enjoys waiting for anything to fall on the floor so she can vacuum it up.
Interviewer: What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
Daks: My partner and I drove across Europe through 6 countries in 4 days for charity. As part of this journey, we converted our car into a pirate ship and raised over £3500 for Macmillan Cancer research. Each day had different fancy dress themes, making it a fun and slightly creative way to raise money. It was also my first time driving on the “wrong” side of the road so it was a little scary but exhilarating seeing Europe in a way you wouldn’t tend to as we went off the beaten track.
Embarking on daring journeys for charity, such as transforming a car into a pirate ship and driving across six European countries in four days, reflects not only her brave nature but also her commitment to making a tangible impact on the world. This distinctive blend of adventures not only showcases Daks’ ability to push boundaries but also highlights the parallel she draws between her passions and the dynamic, ever-evolving nature of her role. In a world where relocation demands adaptability and a willingness to explore the unknown, Daks stands out as an embodiment of compassion, creativity, and a drive to make a positive difference, both in her charitable pursuits and in the field of relocation.
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