WAVE Impact Series: Transforming GM from Good to Gamechanging

 

June 9, 2026, Houston, TX, USA

Join us in Houston for an immersive, experiential workshop designed for Global Mobility professionals ready to move beyond operations and focus on real impact. This invite-only session brings together a select group of peers to explore the future of Global Mobility, challenge current approaches, and build a clear, practical strategy playbook that delivers measurable value.

About

Transforming GM from Good to Gamechanging

Due to strong demand following our successful session at the Empire State Building in New York, the WAVE Impact Series is returning to the United States in 2026 — this time across multiple cities. Our first stop: Houston, Texas. This one-of-a-kind, invite-only workshop is designed for Global Mobility professionals who want to move beyond operations and focus on real, measurable impact. Through immersive, interactive sessions and hands-on exercises, you will explore the future of Global Mobility, challenge current approaches, and develop a clear, practical strategy playbook.

You will take part in future-focused exercises, including scenario work such as future headlines, and translate these insights into concrete actions. The focus throughout is simple: helping you position Global Mobility as a strategic function that delivers value and stands up to scrutiny.

30

Participants max
Ensuring a focused and engaging environment for personalized learning and meaningful interactions.

1

Packed Day of In-Depth Learning
Dive deep into Global Mobility value and impact strategies with 8 hours of dedicated content.

5

US Cities
Will be part of our exclusive US event tour across the United Stats. The MasteringGM® WAVE Impact
Series 2026.

Exclusive Event for Members of the

Workshop Process

Through structured, hands-on exercises, participants in the WAVE Impact Series workshop in Houston will work individually and in small groups to explore, challenge, and redesign how Global Mobility creates value. This immersive, invite-only experience features interactive sessions, future-focused activities such as the Future Headlines exercise, and dedicated time to build a practical strategy playbook.

Designed as a full-day experience, the workshop prioritizes depth, application, and meaningful exchange. With participation limited to just 30 professionals, it ensures a focused and engaging environment where ideas are tested, refined, and translated into action — creating a clear path toward measurable impact in Global Mobility.

What Participants of Previous Workshops Say

Taking time out of a busy schedule is so important and the Workshop was the right place to set personal goals for this year. My favourite activity was using PlaymobilPro and I strongly recommend trying this method if you haven’t done yet. Thank you all for this wonderful event. I am very much looking forward to the next Workshop.

Sybille Schneider

Manager Global Mobility, Cognizant Technology

What I loved about the workshop in London was learning how the HR Business Partner role can truly shift from operational to strategic. One key takeaway was how important it is to use metrics, communicate clearly, and actively share your wins. HRBPs need to advocate for themselves to gain visibility within the organization. Strategic alignment with business goals — especially around continuous improvement, competitiveness, and revenue growth — is essential for making a real impact.

Rafaela Schleifer Mente

Global Mobility Attorney, Air Products

The workshop “Charting the Future of Global Mobility” in January 2025 was truly a great event in an inspiring location with many fellow GM colleagues. Highly recommended!

Dr. Jan Knocke

Global HR Business Partner, Balluff

The session in New York was simple yet spot-on, addressing many of the real questions professionals face in this space. I’m especially glad I didn’t miss it, as you focused on one of the most critical aspects—ROI in Global Mobility.

The way you broke down complex ideas into relatable examples made it easy to understand how to communicate the value of strategic investments to leadership. Your practical approach to demonstrating meaningful returns was both refreshing and actionable.

Looking forward to more such engaging sessions and the opportunity to connect again!

Lakshmi Satyadass

Vice President HR, EXL

The workshop in Herzogenaurach was a great experience! The atmosphere with Ben and Stefan leading the workshop was inspiring and collaborative, with a perfect balance of focus and creativity. I truly appreciated the interactive sessions, the academic input, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded Global Mobility professionals. The activities helped me think differently about myself as a GM professional and set clear, actionable goals to develop next stepstones of my career. It was time well spent, and I left feeling energized and equipped with new strategies to drive impact in the professional world. And most of all, it was great fun! Thank you to Mastering GM and People Mobility Alliance for this opportunity.
Justyna Truszkowska-Wadi

Senior Global Mobility Manager

The workshop in Herzogenaurach was a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and to hold discussions in a trustful environment. The focus on AI was particularly interesting and inspiring this time.
Sabine Reiter

Global Mobility Manager, Knorr-Bremse AG

About the WAVE Ecosystem

MasteringGM® WAVE Ecosystem in 2026

The MasteringGM® WAVE Ecosystem is built for Global Mobility professionals who want to move beyond execution and step into a more strategic, value-driven role. It combines practical tools, structured insights, and a carefully curated group of peers, all designed to help you create real, measurable impact.

What makes it different is its focus on application with a solid research-based background. You won’t get passive content or generic discussions. The Ecosystem brings together high-quality resources, clear frameworks, and immersive formats that challenge how Global Mobility is approached and positioned within organizations.

A core part of this experience is our in-person workshops. Designed as invite-only, highly interactive sessions, they create the space to think, test ideas, and translate them into concrete strategies. These are not events you attend, they are experiences you actively work through.

Following the strong success of our workshops across Europe and in NYC last year, we are now bringing the WAVE Impact Series to the United States with a dedicated multi-city tour. Starting in Houston and continuing across the country, this next chapter is focused on one thing: helping Global Mobility professionals turn ambition into impact. I can’t wait to see you there!

Professor Benjamin Bader
Co-Founder of MasteringGM®

The Workshop's Strategic Intersections

The whole workshop is designed to help GM professionals step back from day-to-day execution and focus on what truly drives impact. Through future-focused, hands-on exercises, participants explore how Global Mobility is evolving and identify the priorities that will shape its role going forward. This creates a clear foundation for positioning mobility as a meaningful contributor to business success.

 

At the same time, the sessions focus on translating these insights into strategic alignment. Participants will connect their work to broader business goals and talent strategies, ensuring Global Mobility is not just supporting the organization, but actively driving it. The emphasis is on defining clear priorities and building a structured approach that holds up in real-world decision-making.

Finally, the workshop builds confidence in communication and influence. By turning ideas into clear, compelling narratives, participants learn how to engage stakeholders, gain buy-in, and strengthen their strategic position. The outcome is Global Mobility that is understood, trusted, and recognized as a forward-looking business function.

A few words from co-organizer Chris Kline

From Experience to Impact in Global Mobility

Having spent over four decades in the Global Mobility industry — and reflecting on that journey in my book Unpacking Employee Relocation — I have seen the function evolve in many ways. Yet one challenge has remained consistent: translating what we do into something the business truly understands and values.

Global Mobility has always been complex. Policies, processes, and compliance requirements are essential, but they are not what define impact. What matters is how we connect mobility to broader business outcomes and how clearly we can communicate that value.

What excites me about initiatives like the WAVE Impact Series is the shift in focus. This is not about adding more layers or complexity. It is about stepping back, challenging how we think, and finding practical ways to position Global Mobility as a strategic driver.

Looking ahead, I am convinced that the future of Global Mobility will belong to those who can combine deep expertise with clear, outcome-focused thinking. That is exactly what this experience is designed to support.

Chris Kline
Global Mobility Growth and Transformation Leader &
Author of “Unpacking Employee Relocation

Our Partners

The MasteringGM® WAVE Ecosystem is proud to partner exclusively with a select group of organizations that share our commitment to advancing Global Mobility as a strategic function. Together with Arpin International Aprio, Orion Mobility, and Weichert Workforce Mobility, we bring deep expertise, fresh perspectives, and a shared focus on delivering real impact.

The Venue

Details about the exact venue will follow in due course.

What to expect

This is NOT another Global Mobility Conference

MasteringGM® has been founded by professional educators and Global Mobility industry experts — deliberately bridging both worlds. We combine academic rigor with real-world experience, and that shapes everything we do. One thing is clear to us: real learning does not happen by listening alone. It happens through experience.

That is why this workshop is fundamentally different. There are no passive sessions, no endless PowerPoint presentations to endure, and no content designed just to inform. Instead, every element is built around active participation. You will engage with ideas, challenge your own assumptions, and work through structured exercises that push you to think and act differently.

Experiential learning is at the core of this approach. You will not just discuss the future of Global Mobility, you will explore it, test it, and translate it into a clear, practical strategy. The focus is always on application, ensuring that what you take away is not abstract, but directly usable in your organization.

Adding more knowledge is great. But it only makes sense when it also creates clarity, direction, and the confidence to position Global Mobility as a function that delivers real impact.

Tentative Agenda

9:00 | Welcome and Framing the Day

09:30 | From Activity to Impact:
              What Will Actually Matter in Global Mobility?

10:15 | If This Was the Headline Tomorrow… What Would It Say?

10:45 | Coffee break

11:00 | The Strategy Trap: Why Doing More Is Not the Answer

12:30 | Lunch

13:15 | Redefining Relocation:
              Where Value Is Created and Where It Is Not

14:00 | Building Your Global Mobility Strategy Playbook

14:45 | Wrap-Up and final thoughts

15:00 | Networking

Anything else you need to know...

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about the workshop. From what to expect to how to prepare, we’ve covered all the details to ensure you’re fully informed and ready to make the most of this experience. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help!

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is designed for Global Mobility and HR professionals who want to move beyond operational delivery and take on a more strategic role. It is particularly relevant for those who feel that GM has more to offer than administration and are looking for practical ways to demonstrate impact, influence stakeholders, and position mobility as a driver of business value. Whether you are leading a function or shaping it from within, this session is built for people who want to actively elevate their role.

What is the cost of the workshop?

This is an invite-only workshop with no public ticket pricing. Participation is limited and curated to ensure a high-quality experience and meaningful exchange among attendees. Access is typically granted through invitation, partner allocation, or direct application, depending on availability.

All attendees must be active members of the MasteringGM® WAVE Ecosystem.

Please note: This workshop is designed exclusively for corporate Global Mobility and HR professionals who want to strengthen their strategic impact. To ensure open, honest exchange and a highly relevant discussion environment, participation is limited to in-house professionals. No vendors or service providers are admitted unless they are official partners of the WAVE Impact Series. If you are not a corporate GM/HR professional or a confirmed partner, we are sorry, but you cannot attend.

What will I get out of the workshop?

You will leave with a clear, structured understanding of where Global Mobility is heading and how your role needs to evolve. More importantly, you will develop your own Global Mobility Strategy Playbook — a practical, tailored framework you can immediately apply in your organization. The focus is on clarity, direction, and actionable outcomes rather than abstract ideas.

Beyond that, you will benefit from high-quality, focused interaction with a carefully selected group of peers who face similar challenges and operate at a comparable level. The small-group, invite-only setting enables open discussion, honest exchange, and real insight — not surface-level networking. You will also have direct access to MasteringGM® throughout the day, allowing you to challenge ideas, test your thinking, and get immediate, expert input on your specific context. The result is not just learning, but real progress.

What makes this workshop different?

This is not a conference. There are no neverending presentations, no passive sessions, and no generic content. Every part of the workshop is designed around active participation and real application. You will not just hear about strategy — you will build it. The combination of experiential learning, the MasteringGM® WAVE framework, and the MasteringGM® ROAI lens creates a focused environment where real thinking and real progress happen.

How do I know if this workshop is right for me?

If you are looking for passive inspiration alone, this is probably not the right fit. If you are ready to challenge how you currently approach Global Mobility, rethink your priorities, and actively work on your own strategy, then this workshop will be highly valuable. It is designed for people who want to leave with something concrete, not just ideas.

Is this workshop relevant if I’m not in a senior GM role?

Yes — as long as you are interested in shaping, influencing, or delivering Global Mobility. While some discussions will touch on strategic leadership, the workshop is designed to be practical and applicable across levels. Many participants are in roles where they drive change without formal authority, and the sessions are highly relevant for that reality.

What will I leave with?

You will leave with your own Global Mobility Strategy Playbook — a clear, structured, and highly practical outcome tailored to your context. Built around the ROAI framework, it will give you a focused set of priorities: what to amplify, what to optimize, what to rethink, and what to let go of. This is not a generic template, but a working strategy you can take back and start using immediately.

Beyond that, you will leave with clarity. Clarity on where Global Mobility is heading, where your function creates real value, and where it may be spending time without impact. You will walk away with concrete ideas, a defined action plan, and specific next steps — not just inspiration, but things you can actually do.

At the same time, the workshop is designed to re-energize how you think about your role. Previous participants have described the experience as “eye-opening,” “refreshingly practical,” “challenging in the best possible way,” and “one of the few sessions that actually changed how I approach my work.” You leave not only with a plan, but with renewed confidence, sharper thinking, and the ability to communicate your value in a way that resonates with stakeholders.

In short: you leave with direction, with tools, and with momentum.

How does this workshop benefit my organization?

Your organization benefits directly from the clarity and structure you bring back. Instead of incremental improvements, you will be able to take a more focused, strategic approach to Global Mobility. This includes better alignment with business goals, clearer prioritization, and stronger communication of value to leadership.

What do I need to prepare?

Come with an open mind and a willingness to engage. We’ll provide all materials and instructions beforehand to help you get the most out of the experience.

What if I’m not satisfied with the workshop?

The workshop is designed to be highly engaging and outcome-driven, with a strong focus on practical value. If something does not meet your expectations, we encourage open feedback during the session — the format allows for flexibility and adjustment in real time to ensure relevance.

Is this workshop suitable for HR professionals outside GM?

Yes, especially for those working closely with talent, workforce planning, or international assignments. The workshop provides valuable insights into how mobility connects to broader business strategy and can help HR professionals better integrate mobility into their overall approach.

How is this different from other professional development programs?

Most programs focus on knowledge transfer. This workshop focuses on application. Instead of learning about concepts, you will actively work through them and apply them to your own context. The combination of experiential exercises, strategic frameworks, and peer exchange creates a much deeper and more practical learning experience.

What is this workshop not about?

This workshop is not about policy details, compliance deep-dives, or operational checklists. It is also not about listening to long presentations. The focus is entirely on strategy, positioning, and impact — and on building something you can actually use.

Does the workshop bridge academia and practice?

Yes — by design. MasteringGM® is built on the combination of academic insight and real-world experience. This workshop reflects that by combining structured thinking with practical application, ensuring that what you develop is both conceptually sound and directly usable in practice.

Key Benefits

This Workshop Directly Benefits Your Organization and Your Career

Personal Growth

Cultivate self-awareness and personal development by better understanding and leveraging your strengths.

 

Efficiency Gain

Streamline your Global Mobility processes and approach, saving time and effort in your daily responsibilities.

 

Increased Visibility

Gain recognition by aligning your efforts with key business goals, making your contributions more visible.

 

Adaptability

Equip yourself with the skills to adapt quickly to changes in the Global Mobility landscape and make best use of the upcoming trends.

 

Career Advancement

Boost your professional growth by acquiring skills that position you as a leader in your field. When you drive organizational success, you succeed as well.

 

Strategic Impact

Enhance your confidence and ability to influence organizational strategy and decision-making within Global Mobility.

 

Actionable Plans

Leave with a clear roadmap and actionable steps tailored to your professional context. Remove the guesswork from the next steps and derive a solid plan.

 

Leadership Skills

Enhance your leadership abilities and learn to guide teams through strategic changes in order to best leverage the trends relevant for your organization.

 

Problem-Solving Skills

Develop innovative solutions to complex Global Mobility challenges through guided, interactive exercises.

 

Get in touch for more information!

Your Workshop Facilitators

Benjamin Bader and Chris Kline will be leading this workshop. With their combined expertise in Global Mobility and HR management, they bring deep insights and innovative approaches to the table. By pooling their knowledge, they ensure a top-notch event, offering you the very best in industry trends, strategies, and personalized development.

Professor Benjamin Bader

Professor Benjamin Bader

Co-Founder MasteringGM®

Ben, Co-Founder of MasteringGM® and Professor in International Human Resource Management, blends advanced academic insights with global HR management experience. A recognized expert and innovative educator, he’s shaped Global Mobility through teaching, consulting, and thought leadership. Ben is a certified LEGO® Serious Play® Advanced Systems Facilitator. His work has been featured e.g., on CNN, Reuters, ARD Tagesschau, and other media outlets.

Chris Kline

Chris Kline

Growth and Transformation Leader, Orion Mobility

With 35+ years in employee mobility, Chris helps organizations turn relocation programs into strategic tools for talent acquisition and retention. He identifies inefficiencies, reduces costs, and implements data-driven mobility strategies that deliver measurable ROI. Outdated contracts, unclear cost structures, and rigid policies often limit impact. Chris supports organizations in regaining control through strategic relocation planning aligned with business goals, vendor and contract optimization, transparent cost structures, performance analytics, and flexible, tech-enabled relocation models.

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.

Henry Ford, American Industrialist and FOunder of Ford Motors

Join

Book your space now before it is too late!

The workshop spaces are strictly limited and once it is full, we will not be able to accept any additional attendees. So act now, before the spaces are gone.