As part of WERC’s member spotlight series, we connected with Lisa Beranich, CRP, GMS-T, AMP, director of corporate and government accounts at Paxton International and Paxton Van Lines. Beranich reflects on her career journey, sharing insights into the challenges and opportunities within talent mobility and exemplifying one of the many voices that shape WERC and the future of our industry.
How did you get started in the global talent mobility space?
Mobility is a second career for me as I began my career in the mortgage, finance, and real estate industries working for companies such as Freddie Mac, Countrywide, and GMAC Mortgage. While exhibiting at the Texas Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) conference, our booth was placed between Graebel and Prudential, which afforded me the opportunity to learn from some great leaders in the mobility industry like Jill Wylie.
I quickly found myself drawn to the complexities and rewarding aspects of domestic and international assignments and relocations. I was fortunate enough to start my journey in the mobility industry in 2008 after landing a position with the Graebel Companies. My interest deepened as I recognized the transformative impact talent mobility can have on both companies and individuals.
What are some of the key milestones or achievements in your career?
Key milestones in my career include working with various civilian federal government agencies, which allowed me to travel to over 65 countries while visiting U.S. embassies, consulates, and international partners to ensure cost-effective, seamless relocations for transferees.
Serving on the boards of the Greater Washington Employee Relocation Council (GWERC) and New England Relocation Association (NERA) was also significant, where I contributed to creating impactful programs and networking opportunities for industry professionals. Additionally, gaining in-depth knowledge across all aspects of international freight forwarding—from rates and quotes to operations, customer service, and handling ocean and air freight—has been instrumental in my career development.
What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities in this industry?
Managing compliance amid evolving global regulations is a significant challenge, but it also opens opportunities for companies to innovate and lead in global talent strategies. The growing importance of sustainability in relocations offers another area for impactful change.
Are there any emerging trends or innovations in talent mobility that excite you or that you believe will shape the future of the industry?
I'm particularly excited about the advancements in digital relocation tools and predictive analytics for talent mobility, which are helping companies make more data-driven decisions and improve the employee experience.
As a talent mobility professional, how do you manage stressors resulting from your work? Are there any self-care habits you practice?
I prioritize diet, exercise, and mindfulness practices—like daily meditation—to keep balance in my day. When I am not traveling, I enjoy cooking with my husband and making new recipes with unusual ingredients. Making time to disconnect and focus on family has been instrumental in managing the demands of my role.
Do you have any recommendations or advice for aspiring leaders in this industry?
Stay curious and build a strong network—this industry evolves quickly, and learning from peers is invaluable. Don’t shy away from challenges, as these often lead to the most meaningful growth and opportunities for impact.