Founder of Höferle Consulting. Interculturalist. Transatlanticist. Trainer. Coach. Consultant. I help companies & their talent bridge the cultural gap in work & life. German by birth, Tennessean by choice, Bavarian at heart.
My intercultural training programs cover a variety of issues by working out the differences and idiosyncrasies as well as the commonalities between the lifestyles and work ethics of different cultures. Participants receive valuable information to adopt in their respective professional environments. The main goal of cultural training & coaching is to develop intercultural competence by creating a structured awareness of the impact of culture on all business functions and communications. I prepare clients and program participants to be successful in a global, transatlantic business world. In building on their professional and personal experiences participants learn how to expand their competencies, improve their behaviors, and increase their effectiveness. My intercultural development and education programs are conducted in various formats. Tailored to clients' individual needs I customize content and delivery - usually in close cooperation with C-level leadership and/or Human Resources/Organizational Development departments.
I assist German (European) companies in establishing their business in the United States. Some of the services I provide:
incorporation/business filing bank account, payroll, CPA search immigration assistance real estate search talent search destination services market research establishing business/vendor contacts liaison with government agencies, service providers, etc.
The #1 reason why international job assignments fail is spousal dissatisfaction. My support services try to alleviate this concern by providing a structured introduction to the United States job market for spouses and domestic partners of expatriate employees and by providing a localized support system which will assist participants in improving their employability with U.S.-based organizations. In building on their prior professional experiences participants will expand their intercultural business competencies, knowledge and job search skills. The program can be adapted depending on each participant’s individual needs. Services and assistance for program participants can, but don’t have to, include:
Acclimation and settling-in into the new environment Personal interests and questions about the challenges of a sojourner Identify and set professional and personal goals for duration of assignment (and upon repatriation) Identify education & training opportunities in the area Identify volunteering and nonprofit work opportunities in the area Understanding the main features of U.S. work culture Customized job search Forwarding leads on local employment opportunities Matching individual skills and interests to available work opportunities Establishing or improving professional social networking profile Developing CV, résumé and cover letter Attending networking events, job fairs, business expos Plugging in with industry associations and networking groups Connecting with area businesses, Chambers of Commerce, Business Development Centers Becoming an entrepreneur/starting a small business in the new location Challenges of temporarily living and working in the U.S. Business and professional practices in the U.S. Lifestyle resource In-person counseling and coaching sessions (option for remote service)
Christian was always very fast, correct, detailed and well informed. It was a pleasure working with him, he is very reliable and a sincere person you can trust.
It has been a great pleasure meeting with Christian after I moved from Bavaria to Tennessee. His German and Bavarian cultural background is even impressing for me as a Bavarian. If you need support in any intercultural topic then Christian will definitely be the right person to talk too.
It has been a great pleasure working with Christian at IOR. His tremendous ability to network and leverage social media has been a key asset to the company. Additionally, his German cultural background and bilingual abilities have been extremely useful within our client base. Speaking as a colleague, I will miss his good nature and sense of humor.
Christian introduced himself to me via LinkedIn, and has since impressed me with his first-hand knowledge of German and European culture, drilling down to regional differences. The key for Christian, however, is his ability to bring that knowledge to bear to apply to business situations, especially communications. His experience as a writer in multiple languages is a valuable asset to his consulting toolbox. Those benefits extend into marketing, management, planning, and a range of cross-cultural business situations.
Christian provided excellent translation services and advice in reaching out to European, specifically German, companies. He is eager to assist and is very effective. I highly recommend his services.
Christian is extremely knowledgeable on the German culture and how it compares and relates to the American experience. He is passionate about connecting these two societies and facilitating positive business and personal relationships.
Christian's passion and dedication to bridging the communication gap between American and European cultures for business purposes is unique and effective. He provides great insight in a shrinking world.
Christian is the consummate professional: dedicated, passionate about his business, innovative and committed to success. He is highly self-motivated and driven in his mission to encourage stronger communication and deepen the cultural exchange between Chattanooga and the international companies with a presence there. Here is someone can offer concrete ideas on how to expand your business footprint. Highly recommended.
Christian is very unique, intelligent individual. His knowledge of international business cannot be matched by anyone that I know. He is very passionate about his culture and loves to share this passion with others. Feel very confident in using Christian.
I recently attended an eye-opening workshop conducted by Christian Höferle of Höferle Consulting called, Introducing: The German Way. During the workshop, Christian provided specific, first-hand pointers and advice about the German Way, along with an informative historical context. Christian presented information that will be essential to developing and maintaining business relationships with German clients.
I initially met Christian at the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Expo. Outgoing and friendly, I was immediately struck by how well versed Christian is on a wide range of topics. After hearing about the nanofiber manufacturing capabilities and products of eSpin Technologies, Christian quickly suggested a business contact that he thought could benefit from our products. From this introduction, I have been able to schedule a meeting with a company that has the potential to become one of our largest clients. The possibility of a joint working relationship between two companies exists because of Christian’s networking skills and his ability to identify opportunities for business development and growth.