Abstract
In this qualitative study, we explore the journeys of repatriated Self-Initiated Expatriates (SIEs) and examine how their intelligent career capital fuels the ongoing development and sustainability of Born Global SMEs within the Irish animation industry sector. By utilising the intelligent career framework, we unravel the intricate narratives of these repatriated SIEs through three interconnected ‘ways of knowing’: understanding why they work, how they navigate their roles, and with whom they collaborate. This research highlights the significant influence of repatriates mobilising their capital in a thoughtfully chosen case study of a collective of pioneering Born Global Irish animation firms. By investigating the real-world impacts of repatriated SIEs’ capital mobilisation, this study directly addresses the near absence of research on SIEs’ use of repatriated capital, opening up new avenues for understanding and supporting these global professionals.