Woven Spotlight: Susan Kremer
Embracing Change and Building Community
Susan's Journey From Hungary to Berlin
Susan stands at the edge of Tempelhofer Feld, watching people fly kites on what was once an airport runway. Around her, roller skaters weave between picnicking families while dancers claim their own patches of concrete. The scene captures everything she's come to love about Berlin: "freedom, creativity, and a sense of openness."
Four years ago, when Susan first visited from Hungary, she felt the city's energy immediately. What began as curiosity about a place with a "grandiose reputation, bringing colourful people together" has evolved into a profound personal transformation that challenges everything she thought she knew about home, success, and belonging.
"Berlin had a grandiose reputation and idea, bringing colourful people together, the scene to be when you want to be part of contemporary art, thousand and even more things to do, endless nights and days, be whoever you want to be," Susan reflects. "And honestly, it lived up to its name. Berlin is a playground, where if you want you can prolong your time in Neverland."
But Susan's journey reveals something deeper than the playground narrative. For this Hungarian-born coach who took the leap without fluent German and only a signed contract, Berlin became a laboratory for discovering what it means to thrive in uncertainty.
The Courage to Leap into the Unknown
The most challenging decision wasn't choosing Berlin—it was "choosing to step away from the comfort of familiarity, leaving behind a well-established routine, close relationships, closely knit friendship and relationships, well-known corners and a sense of certainty."
Moving to a country where she didn't speak the language was undeniably a leap into the unknown. Yet Susan approached this uncertainty with remarkable intentionality: "I reminded myself that growth happens when we allow ourselves to embrace new experiences and step out of our comfort zone just a little bit."
This philosophy shaped not just her geographical move but her entire approach to building a life abroad. Rather than seeking safety in familiar patterns, Susan chose curiosity. "By shifting my focus from what I was leaving behind to what I was moving toward, I was able to approach the transition with curiosity, resilience, and a sense of possibility."
Her family's response surprised her: "My parents, for example, always had a feeling that my brother and I would eventually leave Hungary, it was just a matter of time." Sometimes the people who know us best see our paths before we do.
Redefining Success Beyond Traditional Metrics
Living abroad fundamentally changed Susan's understanding of achievement and fulfillment. "One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that there is no single definition of success, happiness, or even 'normal,'" she explains. "Living in multiple countries has shown me how deeply our upbringing shapes our perspectives, and how stepping outside of those familiar frameworks allows for growth."
This shift led to an unexpected professional transformation. Susan's natural ability to connect across cultures and her comfort with uncertainty eventually drew her toward coaching. "Supporting people from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate challenges, and empowering them to find clarity in their personal and professional lives has become a true passion."
Her approach to building meaningful relationships reflects this evolved understanding: "I believe that meaningful connections are built on trust, active listening, and a willingness to embrace different viewpoints, something I bring into both my personal life and coaching practice."
The Hidden Skills of Cross-Cultural Living
Perhaps Susan's most valuable discovery was identifying capabilities she never knew she possessed. "One of my top skills is getting by and understanding a situation even when I understand only every third word," she shares with evident pride. "It is a skills to get by even if your level in that specific language is 'not getting sold for a kilo of oranges.'"
Beyond linguistic flexibility, Susan developed what she calls essential expatriate confidence: "I also gained more confidence, optimism. If one wants to build a life abroad, make friends, and meet people, you have to be open to putting yourself out there starting conversations, asking questions, and embracing the unknown."
These aren't soft skills—they're professional assets. In our increasingly connected world, the ability to navigate uncertainty, communicate across cultures, and build trust quickly has become invaluable.
Discovering Community in Unexpected Places
Susan's understanding of community evolved from abstract concept to lived reality through specific Berlin experiences. "Boulderklub holds a special place in my heart because it's where I met great friends and challenged myself, both physically and mentally. It represents growth, resilience, and community for me."
But her definition of community extends far beyond close friendships: "Community, to me, is the foundation of belonging, it's the people we surround ourselves with, whether they are friends, colleagues, neighbors, or the groups we choose to be part of."
She paints a picture of daily connection that many miss: "It is your neighbour who you share a freshly baked cookies with and ask to water their plants when they are away. Its the local barista who knows your favourite coffee already, it's the shop owner who you always pass when leaving your flat in the morning."
This expanded understanding changed everything: "Living abroad has taught me that building a strong community isn't just about proximity, it's about shared experiences, support, and mutual growth. When we cultivate meaningful connections, we don't just adapt, we thrive."
Embracing Cultural Values That Transform
One of the most unexpected aspects of Susan's Berlin experience was how the city's values gradually reshaped her own priorities. "One of the aspects of German culture that has deeply influenced me is the emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly living. Coming from other places where this wasn't as ingrained, I've learned to be more mindful of my environmental impact."
This shift connected to a broader transformation in how she approaches life: "Germany has also shaped my relationship with nature. Before moving here, I had only a few encounters with the outdoors but never truly experienced hiking and camping in a German way. Now, I appreciate the simplicity of being outdoors, the sense of freedom that comes with it, and the gratitude for 'less' for moments rather than material things."
Berlin's specific energy also captured her imagination: "If I had to pick one specific tradition that stands out, it would be the 1st of May. Coming from Hungary, I always felt there was a complicated relationship with Workers' Day. But here in Berlin, it's something else entirely, an electrifying mix of protests and parties, discussions and dancing. It's a day full of energy and contrast, and I wouldn't have it any way."
The Evolving Relationship with Place
Susan's perspective on Berlin itself reflects the non-linear nature of cultural adaptation. "Over time, however, I started seeing the city from a different perspective. The initial excitement gave way to a deeper understanding of both its beauty and its challenges."
Her relationship with place has become more nuanced and personal: "I recently realized that I don't have one specific favorite spot in Berlin. The city is always changing, with new places constantly popping up, and we often explore recommendations from friends. Instead of having just one go-to place, I associate different spots with meaningful experiences and first moments."
This approach extends beyond geography: "Berlin isn't about one single spot for me, it's a collection of places that hold memories and stories."
The Wisdom of Self-Discovery
When asked about the most surprising discovery about herself, Susan's response reveals the depth of her transformation: "Living abroad has shown me how adaptable I truly am. I've always embraced change, but being in a completely new environment repeatedly has reinforced my ability to navigate uncertainty with resilience and curiosity. I've learned that no matter where I am, I can create a sense of belonging by staying open, building connections, and trusting myself and the people around me."
Her approach to challenges reflects this hard-won wisdom: "I remind myself that challenges are often the moments that lead to the most growth. Instead of resisting difficulties, I've learned to approach them with curiosity, asking myself what they are here to teach me."
A Promise to Future Adventurers
Susan's advice to women considering their own international journeys reflects both her optimism and her honesty about the challenges ahead: "Trust yourself and own your story. Moving abroad can be both exhilarating and challenging, but every step of the journey shapes you in ways you might not even realize yet. Build your support system, stay curious, and don't be afraid to take up space. The world needs your voice, your perspective, and your unique way of navigating life."
For Susan, Berlin transformed from playground to laboratory to home—not in the traditional sense of a permanent address, but as a place where she discovered dimensions of herself that might have remained hidden in more familiar surroundings. Her journey illustrates that sometimes the most profound transformations happen not when we find the perfect place, but when we find the courage to become fully ourselves wherever we are.
Susan Kremer is a Hungarian-born coach based in Berlin who transforms cross-cultural challenges into opportunities for growth. Her coaching practice draws on years of international experience across Prague and Berlin, helping others navigate life transitions with authenticity and resilience.
Connect with Susan:
LinkedIn: Susan Kremer / WMHA Coaching
Instagram: @wmha.coaching
The Woven Spotlight Series features women who have created meaningful lives abroad, sharing their unique perspectives on cultural adaptation, professional reinvention, and personal growth across borders.