From Zurich to Tokyo – a journey of growth, discovery, and connection. Curiosity led Elyes from Switzerland to Brazil, China, and now Japan. Each step an adventure in learning, adapting, and thriving across cultures. Elyes tells us how living and working abroad shaped his perspective, his career, and his family’s story.
My name is Elyes, and I’ve always been curious about the world beyond my hometown. That curiosity has taken me from Zurich to Brazil, then China, and now Tokyo. Along the way, every step has been an incredible journey. I started at Sika Technology in Zurich, and in 2015, I took the leap to Sika Automotive in Brazil, eager to experience a new market and broaden my horizons.Since then, each move has tested me, taught me, and helped me grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Working abroad isn’t just about changing locations - it’s about stepping into different cultures, understanding unique customer needs, and learning to collaborate across functions like marketing, sales, operations, and procurement. Being on the ground has allowed me to see the full picture, tailor solutions effectively, and strengthen relationships that make a real impact. The challenges, such as language barriers, differing business practices, and balancing global and local demands, have been intense, but they’ve also been the most rewarding lessons in adaptability and cross-cultural communication.Moving with my family added a whole new dimension. Experiencing life together in different countries has brought us closer, taught resilience, and made every cultural difference a shared adventure. We’ve navigated new schools, languages, and communities, and in the process, created memories that will last a lifetime.
For sure there are things I miss from home: family, friends, familiar food, but Japan has shown me vibrant city life, rich traditions, and endless opportunities to grow professionally. Every challenge has been a step forward, and every experience has shaped me into a more capable, confident professional.Looking back, if I had to sum up my journey in three words they would be: Challenging, Enriching, Transformative.
