The People Mobility Alliance (PMA) started as a network but in a few short years has become much more than that. It’s a movement reshaping the future of global mobility. PMA was founded on the principles of cultural diversity, inclusivity and innovation. Since 2020, it has grown from a simple idea into a leading force in the global mobility industry. By developing connections and promoting collaboration across borders, PMA empowers businesses and individuals to thrive in an interconnected world.
To celebrate our recent growth, expansion and success, we want to share our story with you. From the idea to the impact, we will highlight all the milestones that got us to where we are today, as well as share the passion and dedication of the people who made it all possible.
The Visionaries Behind PMA
Let’s start with the masterminds behind the People Mobility Alliance. These three HR experts brought the vision of PMA to life. Get to know them a bit better:
Meet Daniel Zinner: Founder
Daniel Zinner has always been passionate about cultural diversity and global collaboration. A seasoned entrepreneur, global workforce consultant and business angel, he has more than 20 years of experience working with global mobility teams across various countries. Furthermore, he worked as an expat in London, Amsterdam and Montreal.
Daniel has successfully managed remote marketing and communications teams in India and Ukraine from his current base in Berlin. But his heart never strays far from his home city of Leipzig, a place where he is working to create a hub for global mobility transformation in Germany.
Daniel firmly believes that a creative and open-minded environment can drive significant growth and transform the industry.
Introducing Mira Pathak: Founder
Mira Pathak is a German-Indian professional with extensive experience in bridging cultures in global mobility. Since 2006, she has worked across multiple countries, spending most of her professional life in London before returning to Germany in 2019.
Her multicultural background and belief in the importance of personal connections and experiences have been instrumental in shaping PMA’s approach to global mobility. Mira’s passion lies in understanding the human side of business.
She strongly believes that just because it is a professional setting does not mean we should forget to add a personal touch – it makes all the difference!
Spotlight on Stefan Remhof: Managing Partner
Stefan Remhof joined the PMA family in 2023, bringing with him a wealth of academic knowledge. and a deep understanding of global leadership, global mindset, and cultural intelligence. Since 2008, Stefan has been diving into different topics of expat management, global leadership, global mindset, and cultural intelligence. Stefan believes that the connection between academia and practical implications delivers the best results and a significant value added for a better understanding of people mobility. Stefan has a passion for cultural differences and the chances of cultural diversity and awareness.
2020: The Story Begins
Challenging the Status Quo
In 2020, People Mobility Alliance (PMA) emerged from a desire to shake up the traditional global mobility landscape. Founder Daniel Zinner had spent decades working across various countries and corporations, gaining valuable insights into the nuances of different mobility frameworks. Through this experience, he recognised that many of them are UK and US-dominated with opportunities to expand or adapt for a global workforce. His vision was clear: to create a trusted, innovative community that better reflected the needs of Europe and Germany.
The initial spark for PMA had been ignited back in 2019. Inspired by Berlin’s creative energy and the region’s unique challenges, he envisioned an alliance that catered specifically to European needs—an alternative to the outdated models that no longer aligned with the rapidly changing global workforce.
Laying the Foundation
As the vision for People Mobility Alliance took shape, early branding efforts became a crucial focus. The team worked diligently to craft a logo that encapsulated their mission of fostering collaboration, innovation, and diversity within global mobility. However, the foundation of PMA wasn’t just about visuals—it was about building a trusted network of like-minded professionals passionate about breaking boundaries and setting new standards for cross-border collaboration.
By the end of 2020, the alliance had laid the groundwork for a growing community that valued local expertise, cultural understanding, and the human side of mobility, creating a space where real change could happen in global mobility, especially for the German and European markets.
2021: Establishing the People Mobility Alliance
From Vision to Reality
In March 2021, the People Mobility Alliance (PMA) was officially launched from a shared vision among industry leaders who recognized the pressing need for enhanced collaboration in the realm of global mobility. The founding members developed one core mission: to promote cultural diversity and foster global collaboration. In an increasingly interconnected world, the PMA sought to create a community that not only supports businesses navigating the complexities of global mobility but also champions the individuals at its heart.
PMA’s Key Principles
At the core of the PMA’s philosophy is the importance of a global mindset—a commitment to recognizing and valuing cultural differences. This principle is fundamental in today’s globalized economy, where diverse perspectives and approaches drive innovation and success. Embracing a global mindset allows professionals to transcend geographical barriers and build meaningful connections.
Technology also plays a critical role in the PMA’s framework. By leveraging cutting-edge tools and platforms, the alliance aims to dismantle the constraints of distance, enabling seamless collaboration across borders. In industries where talent is often dispersed, the right technological solutions can bridge gaps, ensuring that individuals and businesses can connect, share knowledge, and explore new opportunities.
Early Successes and Community Growth
Since its inception, the People Mobility Alliance has witnessed remarkable growth, marked by a series of successful events and networking opportunities designed for industry professionals. These initiatives have not only facilitated knowledge exchange but have also laid the groundwork for a vibrant community of like-minded individuals dedicated to advancing global mobility.
The PMA extends its gratitude to its founding partners: AIRINC, CLEVIS, BDO, and Noah Mobility. Each of these organizations is renowned for their innovative approaches to mobility solutions, making them exemplary collaborators in this initiative. Together, they embody the alliance’s belief that global mobility should be centered around people, focusing on knowledge sharing and providing valuable business opportunities for all members.
As the People Mobility Alliance continues to expand, its commitment to promoting a global mindset and embracing technological advancements remains unwavering. By fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, the PMA is paving the way for individuals and businesses to unlock the full potential of global mobility—driving growth, innovation, and a deeper understanding of our interconnected world.
2022: Rapid Expansion and Growing Influence
Attracting New Members and Building Momentum
In 2022, the People Mobility Alliance experienced remarkable growth, attracting over 20 corporate member organizations that actively support and promote the alliance’s goals. This expanding network encompasses a diverse range of expertise and backgrounds, including mobility startups, researchers, government agencies, and investors. Each member brings unique insights and resources, enriching the PMA’s mission and fostering a collaborative environment that empowers all participants.
Incorporation and Structural Development
Recognizing the increasing support and interest in the alliance, the decision was made to officially incorporate the People Mobility Alliance. This strategic move not only formalized the organization’s structure but also provided the stability and resources necessary to enhance its activities and outreach. The incorporation marked a significant milestone in the PMA’s evolution, laying a solid foundation for future initiatives and growth.
In the fall of 2022, Stefan Remhof joined the People Mobility Alliance as an Academic Advisor. His expertise further strengthened the team’s capabilities, ensuring that the PMA continues to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications in the field of global mobility. With a growing membership base and a solid organizational structure, the PMA is well-positioned to influence the global mobility landscape, driving innovation and collaboration across the industry.
As the People Mobility Alliance moves forward, its commitment to promoting cultural diversity and enhancing global collaboration remains steadfast, with exciting opportunities on the horizon.
2023: PMA Becomes a Legal Entity
May 2023 marks a pivotal moment for the People Mobility Alliance, as it officially transitions into a legal entity under the name HR People Mobility GmbH in Berlin. This new chapter is spearheaded by the founding visionaries, Mira Pathak and Daniel Zinner, along with Stefan Remhof as Managing Partner. Their collective leadership aims to enhance the alliance’s capacity to drive meaningful change within the mobility industry.
The core mission of the People Mobility Alliance is to facilitate connections and collaborations among individuals and organizations in the mobility sector. By creating a dynamic platform, the PMA fosters an environment where mobility experts and supporters can share knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects that promote sustainable and efficient people mobility solutions.
Through various events and networking opportunities, the PMA nurtures a sense of community among its members, providing access to valuable insights, data, and connections. These resources empower members to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the mobility space, ultimately helping them succeed in their endeavors.
Making it Official
With its incorporation in May 2023, the People Mobility Alliance has established a robust framework for future initiatives. The leadership team—comprising Daniel Zinner, Mira Pathak, and Stefan Remhof—is dedicated to guiding the alliance toward its vision of fostering collaboration and innovation within the global mobility landscape.
PMA’s Vision and Goals
At the heart of the PMA’s mission is the aspiration to create a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange among industry stakeholders. By providing essential resources and insights, the People Mobility Alliance aims to advance global mobility solutions and pave the way for a more interconnected and efficient future.
Central to this vision is the use of people-centric technology that not only supports the technical demands of global mobility but also enhances human collaboration and organizational performance. By putting people at the core of its efforts, PMA is leveraging technology as a tool to foster stronger global connections and drive more impactful results.
2024: Launching PMA Consult and Expanding Horizons
Introducing PMA Consult
In the early summer of 2024, the People Mobility Alliance proudly launched PMA Consult, a new consulting service dedicated to international business transformation. Drawing on years of experience, expertise, and a robust network, PMA Consult is designed to address the evolving global mobility needs of organizations. Our approach is grounded in evidence-based strategies, utilizing established models and methodologies to ensure the highest quality and reliability in our consulting services. By developing tailored strategies that align with clients’ unique international mobility requirements, PMA Consult aims to empower organizations to navigate change and thrive in today’s globalised landscape.
Building a Stronger Team
As part of our commitment to growth, the PMA team welcomed Alexia Schmolling as our first Junior Transformation Consultant in 2024. Specialising in international human resource management (IHRM), expat mental health, and employee wellbeing management, Alexia brings valuable insights and years of international experience to the team. Her expertise will be instrumental in enhancing our consulting services and ensuring that we address the diverse needs of our community effectively. Additionally, our collaboration with Kiez Digital continues to strengthen our communications and outreach efforts.
Content
Beyond consulting, we are deeply committed to advancing the conversation on global mobility through regular content. We release weekly podcasts and thought leadership pieces, offering fresh perspectives on key industry trends and challenges.
Our podcasts feature expert interviews and in-depth discussions with corporate leaders, guests from academia and other partners from the global mobility landscape on topics ranging from expat mental health, cooperation in global teams to the future of global mobility technology.
The PMA Perspective articles cover everything from global conferences to national, regional and local events. Our team offers their expert analysis and takeaways from the most important happenings in the global mobility world. We aim to ensure that even if you can’t attend an event, you’re always in the loop with the latest trends and insights.
To ensure accessibility for our diverse audience, all of our content is available in both English and German, making it easier for global mobility professionals to stay informed and engaged. Our goal is to foster ongoing dialogue and innovation within the global mobility community. By providing valuable insights, we help organisations and individuals stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field.
You can explore more of our content on our resources page.
The International HR Tech Conference
This year also marks a significant milestone as we hosted the International HR Tech Conference, the premier global mobility event in Germany. This landmark gathering showcased the latest advancements in global mobility and technology, fostering engagement within our community. Through podcasts, articles, and expert perspectives, we invited industry leaders and members to share their experiences and insights on critical topics such as people mobility, virtual teams, repatriation, and expatriate wellbeing.
The People Mobility Alliance represents an exciting evolution in the global mobility sector, and we eagerly anticipate the impact it will have in the coming years. With a strong focus on community-building and collaboration, the PMA has the potential to drive significant innovation and growth in the mobility space, benefiting everyone involved.
How You Can Get Involved with PMA
The People Mobility Alliance is more than just an organisation; it’s a thriving community dedicated to advancing global mobility. We invite you to join us in our mission to promote cultural diversity and foster global people collaboration within the industry. Whether you’re an individual, a startup, or a corporate entity, your participation is invaluable in shaping the future of global mobility.
We encourage you to attend our upcoming events, where you can connect with like-minded professionals, gain insights from industry leaders, and contribute to meaningful discussions on the challenges and opportunities within the mobility sector. Together, we can work towards innovative solutions that benefit everyone involved.
By joining the People Mobility Alliance, you will not only expand your network but also play an active role in influencing the evolution of global people mobility practices. Let’s collaborate to create a brighter, more interconnected future for individuals and organizations alike.
We look forward to welcoming you to our community!
