Podcasts about Cultural intelligence

Most entrepreneurs chase strategy, hustle, and visibility, but overlook the one advantage they already carry: their culture. When you know how to translate your lived experience into market intelligence, your business doesn't just grow. It becomes unstoppable.This week, we revisit one of the most downloaded and transformative episodes of Amiga Handle Your Shit, my conversation with the brilliant Liliana Gil Valletta. Liliana is a former corporate executive turned global entrepreneur, Cultural Intelligence® pioneer, and business commentator whose insights are reshaping how brands understand diverse markets. Born in Colombia, she arrived in the U.S. at seventeen without speaking a word of English, yet built a career that broke ceilings most people never reach.Today, she is the co-founder of CIEN+ and Human Dot Plus, as well as CEO and co-founder of the Culture+ Group. Her story is not just about rise. It is about intention. It is about refusing the victim narrative, stepping into uncomfortable spaces, and owning the power of identity as a business asset.Tune in to Episode 260 of Amiga, Handle Your Shit, and learn how Cultural Intelligence® was born, why your background is your competitive edge, and how to stop shrinking in rooms that need your voice. You'll also hear Liliana's insights on navigating the dark side of corporate success, how to market effectively to diverse audiences, how to face fear in pivotal moments, and her top strategies for handling your s#it as a Latina entrepreneur.In This Episode, You Will Learn:• Why Liliana's early years “solita” shaped her leadership and grit (4:50)• The hidden truth about reaching the top of the corporate ladder (8:10)• Why rejecting the victim mentality changes everything (13:30)• How Cultural Intelligence® was born and why it matters now more than ever (21:00)• How to respond when life hands you a “face the bear” moment (30:20)• Liliana's top strategies for how amigas can handle their s#it and lead boldly (40:00)Connect with Liliana Gil Valletta:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeCulture+ Group websiteLet's Connect!WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInJackie Tapia Arbonne's websiteBook: The AMIGA Way: Release Cultural Limiting Beliefs to Transform Your Life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When I learnt that past guest Renae Ninneman runs a business providing cultural intelligence assessments and intercultural training I was immediately fascinated. And when Renae offered to guide me through a CQ - cultural intelligence - assessment complete with a debrief, and was happy to record it so I could share some on the podcast, I was thrilled! Cultural differences have captivated me particularly strongly since I began teaching in Japan in 2001, when I had a perfect opportunity to learn many of the nuances of cultural differences in my conversational lessons with students. In this episode, Renae discusses the results of my CQ assessment and we also talk about what to do with this knowledge - taking it beyond just a point of interest to help with communication in all kinds of situations, including when meeting people of different cultures on your travels. Links: Renae Ninneman - Beyond Tourism: Cultural Travel and Training - https://www.goingbeyondtourism.com/ Renae on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goingbeyondtourism Renae on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond_tourism Join our Facebook group for Thoughtful Travellers - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thoughtfultravellers Join our LinkedIn group for Thoughtful Travellers - https://notaballerina.com/linkedin Sign up for the Thoughtful Travellers newsletter at Substack - https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com Show notes: https://notaballerina.com/374 Support the show: https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How well do you really understand the people you lead? Nathaniel Chapman and Charmaine Reid dive into cultural intelligence and why it's essential for modern leaders. From communication differences to trust styles, this episode reveals simple shifts that make global teams work better together.Follow Impel TalentLinkedIn: Impel TalentTwitter: @ImpelTalentFacebook: @Impel TalentInstagram: @ImpelTalentJoin us for illuminating discussions, practical insights, and a roadmap for thriving in an ever-shifting world. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we break new ground in leadership excellence!

Cultural intelligence strategist Scott Ketterson joins me for a high-level conversation about the information war reshaping modern society. Drawing on his background in cultural analysis, narrative design, and influence architecture, we explore how power now operates through perception, belief, and meaning. Together, we map out the mechanics of narrative warfare — how institutions, platforms, and state actors engineer stories, shape cultural identity, and compete for cognitive territory in ways the public rarely sees but constantly experiences.We also break down the newly announced AI Genesis Mission — the executive order issued by President Trump to accelerate national AI deployment. Ketterson and I discuss what this move signals, how rapid integration of AI into government and industry will reshape human society and reshape the relationship between humans and machines. This is an advanced, practitioner-level conversation about power, culture, and the technologies now steering both.See part 2 on Substack at https://SarahWestall.Substack.com

Cultural intelligence strategist Scott Ketterson joins me for a high-level conversation about the information war reshaping modern society. Drawing on his background in cultural analysis, narrative design, and influence architecture, we explore how power now operates through perception, belief, and meaning. Together, we map out the mechanics of narrative warfare — how institutions, platforms, and state actors engineer stories, shape cultural identity, and compete for cognitive territory in ways the public rarely sees but constantly experiences.We also break down the newly announced AI Genesis Mission — the executive order issued by President Trump to accelerate national AI deployment. Ketterson and I discuss what this move signals, how rapid integration of AI into government and industry will reshape human society and reshape the relationship between humans and machines. This is an advanced, practitioner-level conversation about power, culture, and the technologies now steering both.Links and Offers:See exclusives at https://SarahWestall.Substack.comProtect your assets with a company you can trust - Get the private & better price list - Go to https://SarahWestall.com/MilesFranklinBuy Exercise Mimicking & Muscle Building Peptide SLP-PP-332 at https://www.limitlesslifenootropics.com/product/slu-pp-332-250mcg-60-capsules/?ref=vbWRE3JCopyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.Disclaimer: "As a journalist, I report what significant newsmakers are claiming. I do not have the resources or time to fully investigate all claims. Stories and people interviewed are selected based on relevance, listener requests, and by suggestions of those I highly respect. It is the responsibility of each viewer to evaluate the facts presented and then research each story furtherSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, hosts Joel Lawrence and Matt Kim speak with Gerald Hiestand—senior pastor of Calvary Memorial Church and co-founder of the Center for Pastor Theologians—about cultural intelligence and the work of preaching. Drawing from his ministry in the diverse and politically complex context of Oak Park, Illinois, Gerald describes the challenges and opportunities of engaging culture thoughtfully from the pulpit. He reflects on how pastors can understand the visible and invisible layers of culture, avoid the “ditches” on either side of cultural and political extremes, and use cultural “types” as pathways that point people toward the gospel. The discussion explores how preaching can form a theological vision of culture, how to love congregations well by understanding their varied backgrounds, and how pastors can navigate political tensions with a Christ-centered framework. Gerald also shares personal reflections on growing in pastoral confidence, learning to give clearer admonition with less scaffolding, and shepherding faithfully through turbulent cultural seasons.Living Church - Awe and Presence

Send us a textIn global teams, most misunderstandings don't come from English mistakes – they come from clarity. You can say something that feels clear to you, but people in other cultures may hear it in a completely different way. In this episode, we look at why this happens, why “yes” doesn't always mean yes, and why some people expect every detail in writing while others rely on context and tone.You'll learn four practical tools to make your message easier to understand in any culture: asking better questions, recapping decisions, making your intentions clear, and creating space for honest answers. These simple habits help you avoid rework, mixed messages, and confusion and help you communicate with more confidence at work.Speak up, be heard, get promoted. Imporve your communication skills with a Talaera coach. https://offers.talaera.com/busines-english-coaching-programs

In this podcast episode, I'm celebrating a very special moment: my book, Become a Global Leader, launched last week and has already become a best-seller in Career Advancement and Professional Development! This episode focuses on the final and, in my view, most important pillar of my book: Connecting across Cultures with Cultural Intelligence. In today's world, AI and technical skills and fluency are of course vital, but what truly sets great global leaders apart is the ability to connect with others, communicate genuinely in conversations that show their human side, and connect in meaningful relationships across cultural boundaries. This episode explores why human connection is a superpower, the challenge in communication overload and collaboration tools, and highlights the key skills that make a real impact in connection. What you will learn in this episode: Why connecting with others, human to human, is a fundamental leadership superpower. How Cultural Intelligence can help you go beyond awareness to action. The reason why non-verbal communication can amplify your communication and impact, even virtually. Why genuine conversations are not only good for people, but also drive results. How intentional are you with the way you connect with people? Where could cultural intelligence help you connect better with your team? If you haven't got your copy of my book, Become a Global Leader, now is the time. It's packed with practical strategies and activation exercises designed to elevate your visibility, influence, impact and connection globally. Get your copy here https://culturecuppa.com/book/ I'd also love to hear how this episode and the book resonate with you. Reach out to me on LinkedIn at Victoria Rennoldson, or leave a review on Amazon to help others discover the book. Resources: Buy my new book, Become a Global Leader:https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson

CMO's Katherine Melchior Ray & Nataly Kelly dive deep into the nuances of global marketing . Both are experienced global CMOs and authors of the book 'Brand Global, Adapt Local.' They share their insights on the complexities and rewards of building a brand that balances global consistency with local relevance. From discussing their extensive backgrounds in various industries to examining successful case studies like Kit Kat and Kerry Gold, Katherine and Natalie offer valuable frameworks and strategies for marketers aiming to expand globally. This episode is brought to you by Tracksuit, the affordable brand tracking dashboard covering over 25 countries. Tune in to learn about the challenges and rewards of global marketing, the importance of cultural intelligence, and the role AI might play in the future of marketing. Don't forget to leave a review and share this episode with your marketing community!02:35 Katherine's Global Marketing Experience04:32 Natalys Background and Contribution05:18 The Power of Global Connections08:31 Foundations of Marketing and Branding09:40 Cultural Intelligence and AI Limitations10:31 Localisation and Cultural Nuances15:14 Organisational Attitude and Flexibility16:35 Proximity Bias in Large Economies17:49 Freedom Within a Frame Framework19:04 Kit Kat's Global Strategy20:46 Kerry Gold's Adaptation to US Market22:05 Global Brand Consistency26:33 The Impact of AI on Global Branding28:23 Cultural Nuances in Marketing29:36 Anecdotes and Lessons LearnedBuy the book https://www.amazon.ie/Brand-Global-Adapt-Local-Cultures/dp/1398619825 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I talk with Julia Middleton, founder of Women Emerging, about how women everywhere are redefining what it means to lead. Julia shares how her global “expeditions” help women discover their own authentic way of leading and introduces her Four E's framework — Essence, Elements, Expression, and Energy. We explore why traditional models of leadership don't always fit women, how to lead in alignment with who you are, and the courage it takes to lead your way in systems not designed for you.

In public relations, success often depends on one quiet skill: knowing how to adapt. The best communicators read the room, sense the temperature, and adjust their tone without losing their message. In this episode, we explore what it really means to be a PR chameleon – someone who can blend into the cultural landscape enough to connect, yet still stand out enough to be remembered. Jessica Hope, founder of Wimbart, has built one of Africa's most respected tech PR agencies by mastering that balance. From WhatsApp-based storytelling to navigating privilege, identity, and power across 54 distinct markets, Jessica reveals how empathy, adaptability, and emotional intelligence have become the true currencies of influence in global communications. Listen For4:36 How Do You Break the “One Africa” Myth in PR?7:40 What Is Emotional Intelligence in African Business?9:22 How Do Comms Channels Differ in Africa?12:06 Should Brands Adjust Their Values in Africa?16:26 What's Africa's Media Landscape Really Like?18:30 Answer to Last Episode's Question from Jo JamiesonGuest: Jessica Hope, WimbartWebsite | Contact Page | Email | LinkedIn | X | InstagramChimamanda Ngozi Adichie Ted Talk Farzana mentionedhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg  Rate this podcast with just one click Follow Farzana on SubstackFollow Doug on SubstackCurzon SubstackStories and Strategies WebsiteCurzon Public Relations WebsiteAre you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show

Get early access to all of the 2025 RENEW Gathering Breakout Tracks: https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/  Visit RENEW.org for great resources on Disciple Making and Theology.  Today's episode will help us understand the profound impact of cultural intelligence on the growth and adaptation of the Latino Christian community within diverse and evolving urban centers in the United States. The provided script titled "Latino Christian Movement" features a discussion and workshop led by Alex Diaz, the campus pastor at Trader Point Christian Church's Midtown campus. The episode focuses on cultural intelligence and the growth and adaptation of the Latino Christian community in the United States. Alex begins by introducing himself, sharing his background of immigrating from Venezuela to the U.S. and detailing his ministry journey across several states. He highlights significant demographic changes in cities like Indianapolis, depicting the rise in Latino populations and the proliferation of Hispanic restaurants even in traditionally white supremacist areas. The core of the workshop hinges on the concept of cultural intelligence, which is described as the ability to function effectively in culturally diverse settings. Alex explains the rapid demographic shifts occurring in the U.S., showcased by census data, and how these shifts indicate a future where urban centers will predominantly consist of minority communities, particularly Hispanic and multiracial groups. He emphasizes the importance of adapting church practices to reflect current and anticipated demographic realities, noting common misconceptions and anxieties about cultural change. Alex is joined by Pastor Miguel Lara of White River Christian Church, who shares his journey from Venezuela to the U.S., focusing on his experiences in leading a Hispanic ministry within a predominantly Anglo church. Miguel underscores the value of mutual respect, shared meals, and activities in fostering cross-cultural friendships and unity. He highlights various outreach programs, including sports ministries, marriage seminars, and mentoring initiatives, which have successfully integrated Hispanic members into the church community. Pastor Miguel also details practical steps his church has taken to serve and grow their Hispanic congregation, such as bilingual online presence, ESL programs, and culturally relevant outreach like the music program “Elma,” inspired by a similar initiative in Venezuela aimed at keeping youth engaged through orchestral music. Throughout the episode, multiple facets of building and sustaining multicultural congregations are discussed, including the importance of friendship, learning from each other, and leveraging existing church structures and processes. In conclusion, Alex and Miguel's stories highlight the broader strategic and operational measures necessary for churches to adapt to and embrace cultural diversity. They underline the inevitable demographic changes sweeping the U.S. and the need for churches to develop cultural intelligence as part of their mission to effectively minister to increasingly diverse communities.

Can customer success strategies be replicated across different regions and cultures? In this episode, we sit down with Jomilsa Sousa, a Customer Success Manager based in Dubai, to explore why standardized playbooks often fall short in international markets.Jomilsa shares her firsthand experience contrasting customer success approaches between the UK and the Middle East, revealing how communication preferences, relationship-building expectations, and client engagement vary dramatically across regions. From tech-driven approaches in some markets to high-touch, personal interactions in others, she explains why adaptability and human connection trump rigid frameworks.Key topics include:

In this inspiring interview, Goolarri Radio's Sandy Dann catches up with Broome-born go-getter Kaimina Hoogland, now based in Perth and working with Saltwater Country Inc. and The Cultural Intelligence Project. Kaimina shares her journey from growing up in Broome in the vibrant ‘90s to building a career around cultural intelligence, empowerment, and remote work opportunities. She speaks about the innovative programs PowerPlay VA and Sales Sirens, which are helping people — from as young as 14 — gain new digital skills, work from home, and create their own employment pathways without leaving community or culture behind. Through honesty and heart, Kaimina also opens up about overcoming fear, mindset challenges, and the importance of taking chances to grow personally and professionally.

In this episode, Aveline sits down with Dr. Kimberly Harden, CEO of Harden Consulting Group, to explore what it means to build WE-centric workplaces rooted in trust, cultural intelligence, and courage. Kimberly shares her powerful journey from healthcare to academia to entrepreneurship—and how divine callings, family legacy, and life pivots shaped her mission to dismantle bias and advance racial equity in the workplace. Dive in as they discuss cultural intelligence, the reality of social media illusions, and the deep importance of alignment in both leadership and life.Here's a summary of what they discussed:(02:52) Kimberly's mission: empowering leaders to build WE-centric workplaces(03:59) From healthcare to professor: teaching teamwork and cultural intelligence(08:03) Divine intervention and starting her business after her mother's passing(17:11) Why she returned to education and pursued communication and leadership studies(22:24) The LEAD philosophy: Love, Enthusiasm, Awareness, Development(33:44) Why WE-centric workplaces are essential for the future of leadership(40:25) Self-care, grief, and setting boundaries as an entrepreneur(47:49) Kimberly's superpower—and why she's like a silicone spatula…and much more.Enjoy!YouTube episode:https://youtu.be/JKdkdcxw198Here's some information about our guest, Kimberly:CEO of Harden Consulting GroupDr. Kimberly Harden is a Leadership and Culture Consultant specialising in Cultural Intelligence (CQ) and WE-Centric workforce solutions. She is an award-winning educator with over a decade of experience as a professor of Communication Studies and a 2x Amazon best-selling author. Kimberly is also an advocate for racial equity and eliminating racism in the workplace. Beyond her professional life, she's a weightlifter, loves Tim McGraw, and even eats salad for breakfast!Here's how you can connect with Kimberly:Website – www.hardenconsultinggroup.com LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlylhardenThe purpose of the Mission Activated podcast is to inspire people with the stories of people who are activated on their mission, and are living a life of purpose, passion and alignment. Being in business is not just about money: it's about bringing our genius and our gifts to the world to impact others.If you'd like to get in touch please contact us at contact@6starleaders.com

Do your Hispanic crews trust you—or are you unknowingly creating resentment, risk, and delays on your job site? Many construction leaders default to task-based trust without realizing that different cultures build trust in different ways. This leads to miscommunication, accountability issues, and slow performance—all of which can sabotage your leadership without you even knowing it. In this episode you will: Learn why your leadership style may be unintentionally creating resistance to change. Discover how cultural intelligence builds stronger teams, safer job sites, and faster schedules. Walk away with one simple action that builds trust without costing time or money. Press play to learn how cultural intelligence can eliminate confusion, improve accountability, and help you lead your team better—starting today.    This episode is brought to you by The Simple Sales Pipeline® —the most efficient way to organize and value any construction sales rep's roster of customers and prospects in under 30 minutes once every 30 days. *** If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together. If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.  

If you're leading global or cross-functional teams and finding your meetings fall flat, with cameras off, periods of silence and little interaction, this episode is for you. In today's podcast, I look at the culturally-driven behavioural preferences that could be silently shaping the level of your meeting engagement. Whether you're hearing from only one or two dominant voices, or struggling to encourage participation at all, this isn't only a communication issue, it's a cultural one. I share how understanding and applying your Cultural Intelligence (CQ) can transform your meetings from disengaged to dynamic. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why silence in meetings doesn't always mean disinterest. Which behavioural preferences shape who speaks up in the meeting. The impact of power distance and hierarchy on meeting dynamics. The behavioural preferences that can cause friction or frustration. Practical ways to design more engaging meetings to encourage contribution and participation. How to use Cultural Intelligence to build team connection and collaboration. Reflection Questions: Which of the behavioural preferences do you recognise in yourself? What preferences might be influencing your team's meeting dynamic? To go further and explore more of the communication skills every global leader needs, download my free resource: Global Leader Impact. It's designed to help you lead with clarity and cultural intelligence: https://culturecuppa.com/leader Resources: Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Email me: victoria@culturecuppa.com Website: https://culturecuppa.com

Andre Banks, founder of NewWorld, unpacks how media, identity, and culture intersect—and what it means for modern marketing. Learn why cultural intelligence matters more than ever in building trust and relevance today.

Moving abroad isn't just about visas and packing boxes—it's about learning to thrive in a completely new culture. That's where cultural intelligence (CQ) comes in.In this episode, intercultural trainer and expat coach Renae Ninneman joins me to unpack what CQ really is, why it matters, and how you can strengthen it to feel confident navigating life overseas.What you'll hear in this episode:What cultural intelligence really means (beyond surface-level customs)The most common mistakes expats make when adapting abroadHow to embrace a new culture without losing yourselfPractical ways to grow your CQ—even before you moveWhy curiosity, not “fitting in,” is the key to thriving overseasIf you've ever wondered whether you'll truly adapt abroad, this conversation will give you the tools—and reassurance—you need.Want to explore our Freedom Life Programs?Hop on a call with Katti No matter when you're ready to start, we'll help you find the right fit. → Follow Move Abroad Coach on Instagram→ Follow Move Abroad Coach on Facebook→ Visit Renae's website: Beyond Tourism→ Follow Beyond Tourism on FB→ Follow Beyond Tourism on IGLove this Episode? What to Listen to Next:#83 How to Handle Culture Shock Like a Pro (+ Some Wild Stories From My 12 Years Abroad)#7  How Do I Move Abroad Without Ruining Economies and Making Locals Hate Me?#49 How to Make Friends and Meet People Abroad#74 No Fluency Required: How to Move Abroad Without Speaking the Language

Chris Holman welcomes Fathy Shetiah, Founder, President & CEO, 7C Lingo, Lansing, MI, to the MBN studio at the Capital Region International Airport, Lansing, MI. Chris had several questions for Fathy to lead into these topics over a series of interviews for which this is the first. To kick things off, how would you explain Cultural Intelligence—and why is it more than just being culturally “aware”? You talk about CQ Drive and CQ Knowledge as foundational—what do those mean, and why do they matter in real-life interactions? Can someone develop Cultural Intelligence over time—or is it something you're born with? How can someone deepen their cultural understanding without making assumptions or falling into stereotypes? What kind of impact do you see when Cultural Intelligence is strong—or missing—in a workplace or community setting? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Here's a question that'll flip your understanding of cultural intelligence in sales upside down: How do you win over a room full of skeptical Spanish teenagers when you're the obvious American outsider who barely speaks their language? That's exactly what Spencer Birmingham from Arkansas faced when he called into Ask Jeb. Fresh out of college with a marketing degree and an internship at International Paper under his belt, Spencer was heading to Spain for eight months as a language teaching assistant. His challenge? Figure out how to connect with Spanish students and "sell" them on American culture and the English language. What started as a simple question about gaining cultural perspective turned into a must-listen discussion of the universal principles of influence—principles that work whether you're closing deals in boardrooms or winning over teenagers in Spanish classrooms. The Universal Language of Human Connection Spencer had already absorbed one of the key lessons from Sales EQ—the brown paper bag of bread story about understanding what matters to your prospect. But he was struggling to see how those principles would translate across cultural and language barriers. Here's the breakthrough: The five core decisions people make before they buy into you—Do I like you? Do you listen to me? Do you make me feel important? Do you get me? Do I trust and believe you?—are universal. They transcend language, culture, and geography. Whether you're selling software to executives in Atlanta or teaching English to teenagers in Madrid, every human being makes these same emotional decisions before they'll open their hearts and minds to your message. The Listening Advantage That Trumps Language Barriers Most teachers (and salespeople) make the same fatal mistake: They walk in talking. They assume their job is to deliver information, share knowledge, and demonstrate expertise. Wrong approach. The secret weapon that works in every culture? Start by listening. Instead of walking into that Spanish classroom and immediately launching into English lessons, what if Spencer started by asking questions: "Tell me something about yourself that not many people know. What are your biggest challenges with English? Why do you want to learn this language?" This approach leverages what we know about human psychology in complex sales: When you listen first, you accomplish three critical things simultaneously. First, you demonstrate likability through genuine interest. Second, you prove you're actually listening—the foundation of all trust. Third, you make people feel important, which is the most insatiable human need. Speaking Their Language (Even When You Don't) Here's where it gets fascinating. Spencer worried about the language barrier, but that's actually his biggest opportunity. The language that matters most isn't Spanish or English—it's the language of being a teenager in Spain. It's the language of their challenges, their dreams, their world. When Spencer takes what they share about themselves and incorporates it into his lessons, suddenly he's not the outsider trying to force American culture on them. He becomes the person who gets them. "Remember when you told me about your soccer tournament? Let's practice describing that experience in English." Suddenly, English isn't a foreign concept—it's a tool for expressing what matters to them. This mirrors exactly what happens in complex sales. The most successful salespeople don't speak the language of their product features—they speak the language of their prospect's business challenges, industry pressures, and personal goals. The Power of Making People Feel Heard There's a reason why building trust through active listening is foundational to every sales methodology: It's the fastest way to move from outsider to trusted advisor. Spanish teenagers, like buyers everywhere, are drowning in noise. Everyone's talking at them—parents, teachers, social media.

In this episode of the How to Lead – 2025 Edition series, Julia shares the practical steps that can turn a nerve-wracking speaking slot into a powerful moment of connection.She breaks a good speech into two halves: preparation and delivery. From using A5 cue cards and writing your opening and closing lines first, to finding the right pauses, stories, and shifts in volume, Julia's approach is rooted in years of trial, error, and speaking to audiences around the world.Along the way, she shares tips for calming nerves, holding attention, and making sure your message lands and lasts.Listen to this episode to learn how a well-prepared, well-delivered speech can change the room, the conversation, and maybe even the course of events.About the Speaker: Julia Middleton is the host of the Women Emerging podcast and a best-selling author of “If that's leading, I'm in” as well as two previous books: "Leading beyond Authority" and "Cultural Intelligence". She is deeply committed to helping people from all backgrounds to find their own approach to leading. In 2022, Julia led an expedition of 24 women to find 'an approach to leading that resonates with women'. In 2024, she founded Women Emerging. She leads expeditions with women all over the world using the 4Es methodology, discovered on the first expedition. Prior to that, Julia was founder and, for over thirty years, Chief Executive of Common Purpose, which grew to become one of the biggest leadership development organisations in the world. Julia is also an Ambassador for the Aurora Prize based in Armenia, on the boards of Alfanar Venture Philanthropy in the Arab World and Equality Now which operates globally, and on the Advisory Councils of Fundacao Dom Cabral in Brazil and Synapse in Pakistan. Born in London and brought up in New York, Julia was educated at French Lycées and graduated from the London School of Economics. She is married, with five children and lots of grandchildren.

What does it take to build a brand that resonates across cultures… not just across markets?   In this special dual-guest episode, Lacey Peace sits down with Nataly Kelly, Chief Marketing Officer at Zappi, and Katherine Melchior Ray, UC Berkeley lecturer and former executive at brands like Nike, Hyatt, and Louis Vuitton. Together, they co-authored the new book Brand Global, Adapt Local: How to Build Brand Value Across Cultures and they're here to share the lessons learned from decades of global brand-building. Nataly and Katherine dive deep into why cultural intelligence is the most under-leveraged skill in modern CX, why brands that ignore cultural context are building in globalization debt, and how something as simple as a melon can repair — or ruin — customer trust. They explain the importance of shared values, the risks of applying the same CX metrics globally (spoiler: NPS doesn't mean the same thing in every country), and how AI is both accelerating and complicating cross-cultural brand connection. From real stories about Kit Kat's flavor strategy in Japan to awkward CX blunders in global grocery stores, this episode is packed with tangible takeaways and perspective shifts for any business looking to scale with humanity and intention. Get your copy of Brand Global, Adapt Local: How to Build Brand Value Across Cultures now!   https://www.amazon.com/Brand-Global-Adapt-Local-Cultures/dp/139861971X Key Moments:   00:00 Do Customer Service Expectations Differ Across Cultures?06:03 Why Cultural Intelligence Is Crucial for Global Business07:04 Co-Authors' Nataly Kelly & Katherine Melchior Ray's Meet cute  15:18 Real-Life Cultural Missteps and Surprising Service Norms24:13 Can AI Replace Cultural Insight? Why Human Context Still Matters34:38 What's at Stake When You Ignore Cultural Differences38:23 Globalization Strategy: Why Flexibility Beats Uniformity39:09 How Cultural Agility Builds Better Customer Experiences40:34 Style Switching & Cultural Intelligence in Leadership42:18 Kit Kat's Local Flavors & HubSpot's Global CX51:01 How Tech Adoption Varies by Country (And Why It Matters)55:12 Daily Habits That Boost Strategic Thinking & Creativity01:00:24 How AI Is Changing Global Marketing and Customer Experience01:15:46 Final Leadership Lessons on Trust, Culture & Global Growth –Are your teams facing growing demands? Join CX leaders transforming their AI strategy with Agentforce. Start achieving your ambitious goals. Visit salesforce.com/agentforce Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org

American Eagle's ‘Sydney Sweeney has Great Jeans' campaign has unleashed hysteria online, with the woke left accusing it of being a subliminal propaganda campaign for eugenics, fascism and white supremacy. The more rational see a cheeky ad with an attractive actress, selling jeans. So, is Sydney Sweeney the new poster girl for White Supremacy? Or is it all, as one commentator put it, just 'ugly girl jealousy'? Piers Morgan speaks to host of ‘'The Jedediah Bila Show', Jedediah Bila, conservative influencer Debra Lea, academic and host of ‘BET News', Marc Lamon-Hill and author of ‘Cultural Intelligence for Marketers', Dr Anastasia Gabriel. Piers Morgan Uncensored is proudly independent and supported by: Incogni: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Get 60% off an annual plan at https://incogni.com/PIERS and use code PIERS at checkout. Oxford Natural: To watch their full stories, scan the QR code on your screen or visit https://oxfordnatural.com/piers/ to get 70% off your first order when you use code PIERS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode #9 of the Today's Your Day Podcast, Tedi welcomes his special guest, Fathy Shetiah, the Founder & CEO at 7C Lingo, a cross-cultural communication, training, and language services organization, which is located in Lansing, Michigan.  Fathy and Tedi talk about what Cultural Intelligence (CQ) in and why it's so important, especially today!  Fathy shares with us the benefits of CQ and how his team can assist individuals and businesses by having a Cultural Assessment done.  Tedi shares some stats on how important CQ is to younger generations.   Make sure to join us in this very informative conversation!  You can connect with Fathy at:Website:  https://7clingo.com/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/7CLingo LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/7c-lingoInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/7c.lingoEmail:  fathy@7clingo.comPhone:  (517) 337-2700RESOURCES:https://uyc.thecenterforsalesstrategy.com/blog/company-culture-statistics https://teamstage.io/company-culture-statistics/ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/cultural-intelligence https://www.ujji.io/posts/company-culture-statistics EPISODE SPONSOR:https://www.grazecraze.com/okemos-miThe opinions and statements made on the Today's Your Day Podcast are/or do not necessarily reflect those of the Today's Your Podcast Podcast or Tedi Parsons. To learn more, please visit: https://owningtheday.comThe music used for this podcast was provided by: total-happy-up-and-sunny by sascha-ende-from-filmmusic-io. https://filmmusic.io/standard-license. License (CC BY 4.0):

Send us a textYou know what breaks my heart? I see brilliant young minds - maybe just like you - limiting themselves because they think career success is only about degrees and certifications. But here's the truth bomb: while everyone's fighting over the same technical skills, multilingual professionals are quietly building empires.Connect With Kapeel Guptaor Click on the link: http://bit.ly/4jlql8sWhat You May Learn0:00 Introduction2:13  Mission Statement2:31 #1 - Global Professional Reach - Your Gateway to the World4:38 #2 - Cultural Intelligence & Empathy - The Hidden Career Acceleration6:48 #3 - Competitive Differentiation in Hiring - Standing Out in the Crowd9:20 #4 - Cognitive Agility & Career Adaptability - Your Brain's Secret Weapon11:18 #5 - Action Roadmap & Learning Resources - Your Language Strategy14:29 Conclusion16:41 Call to ActionSupport the show

In this episode of Women Making Impact, Shrey Gupta sits down with Smitha Krishnamurthy, Vice President – People Strategy for APAC at Nasdaq. Smitha shares her inspiring journey from a local HR leader to a regional strategist, highlighting how asking for opportunities shaped her career growth.The conversation dives deep into the power of cultural intelligence, empathy in leadership, and the importance of building inclusive workplaces. Smitha shares real-world examples of how employee networks and a sense of belonging can create lasting impact across global teams.Tune in to learn how the role of HR is evolving—from being transactional to becoming a strategic driver of change—and why agile methodologies, identity, and belonging are now at the heart of the modern workplace.

How can cultural intelligence reshape the way leaders connect with diverse teams and foster inclusivity? This week I am joined by David Livermore, the renowned global thought leader and author of “Leading with Cultural Intelligence, the bestselling book on the topic. As we navigate the nuances of cultural intelligence, we explore its application across various cultural contexts and the importance of the four core capabilities: drive, knowledge, strategy, and action. Learn how traditional leadership traits may shift when viewed through different cultural lenses, and how biases can affect self-assessment of cultural competence. We also delve into the generational dynamics within teams, emphasizing the delicate balance between authenticity and adaptability, to ensure everyone can thrive without sacrificing their identity.Our episode takes a deep dive into the intricacies of cultural integration, particularly in global operations and mergers. David shares strategies for addressing politically sensitive topics and fostering open conversations that respect diverse perspectives. We navigate the challenges of remote work environments, where cultural differences are often magnified, and discuss how curiosity and openness are crucial for effective leadership. This episode reinforces the role of leaders in facilitating respectful and productive discussions, aligning with the mission of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, to enhance understanding and growth through meaningful dialogue.What You'll Learn- The inspiration behind David's best-selling book, "Leading with Cultural Intelligence."- The four key components of Cultural Intelligence: motivation, knowledge, strategy, and action.- The impact of generational dynamics and authenticity in team settings.- Strategies for navigating cultural integration in global operations and mergers.- The crucial role of curiosity and openness in developing Cultural Intelligence.Podcast Timestamps(00:00) – What is Cultural Intelligence?(10:59) - Assessing Cultural Intelligence and Team Dynamics(20:58) – Navigating the Interplay Between Diversity and Authenticity(35:59) - Navigating Cultural Integration in Global Operations(45:27) – Curiosity: The Foundational Upon Which to Build Cultural IntelligenceKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Cultural Intelligence, Diversity, Inclusion, Leading Global Teams, Authenticity, Generational Dynamics, Cultural Integration, Managing Remote Work, Curiosity, Openness, Respectful Conversations, Inclusive Leadership, Cultural Differences, Organizational Culture, Inclusive Environments, Managing Biases, Driving Positive Organizational Change, Leveraging Data, Unintended Consequences, Data-Driven Decisions, CEO Success

Today we explore what it really takes to lead across cultures in a way that drives results, builds trust and enhances your impact as a global leader. Whether you're expanding your global team, leading across regions, or developing your leadership for future global opportunities, this latest episode is for you. We look at how Cultural Intelligence (CQ) enables leaders to adapt their communication style, navigate cultural complexity and stay authentic, while connecting to people and delivering results. We explore why CQ is not only a nice-to-have, but an essential leadership skill to thrive as a global leader and thrive in your career. What you'll learn:  Why your leadership style may not land the same way across different cultures How to shift from one version of leadership to a global leadership mindset The four-part CQ framework from the Cultural Intelligence Center and how it applies to real leadership challenges Practical ways to adapt your communication and leadership style without losing authenticity Why cultural intelligence fuels your leadership impact  Reflection questions: How well do you understand your own cultural influences and behavioural preferences? What cultural differences are you currently navigating, and how are you responding? Where might you need to adapt your leadership or communication to be more effective? Don't forget to download your free training resource to develop your leader communication and cultural intelligence further: http://www.culturecuppa.com/leader/ Want to dive deeper and explore your own Cultural Intelligence profile? Message me on LinkedIn – I'd love to hear from you. If you're serious about growing your communication, your career and your leadership future, this episode is your next step. Resources: Access the free training, Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Email me: victoria@culturecuppa.com Website: https://culturecuppa.com

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast hosted by Severin Sorensen with an episode titled "Leading with Kindness: On Executive Coaching and Cultural Intelligence." In this episode, Severin engages with Dr. Krista Crawford, a distinguished Vistage Chair, speaker, consultant, professor, and leadership strategist. Krista holds a PhD in Organizational Management and is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). With over 30 years of experience spanning human resources, organizational development, and executive leadership, she has significantly impacted leaders across corporate and nonprofit sectors. This episode was recorded on March 26th, 2025, via Zoom. Krista's journey into executive coaching and Vistage Chairing is as unique as it is inspiring. After decades in HR, where she led organizations with up to 8,000 employees, Krista transitioned into leadership coaching serendipitously during the COVID-19 pandemic. A neighbor introduced her to Vistage, leading to her eventual certification and the establishment of multiple peer advisory groups. Her career is deeply rooted in observing and addressing the human dynamics within organizations. Krista identified early the gaps in leadership development, particularly how some employees flourish while others feel disconnected. Her doctoral research focused on "social monitoring" and "cultural intelligence," exploring how individuals adapt and integrate into diverse cultural settings. Conducted in Belize with service-learning students, her research revealed that active engagement with local cultures significantly enhances cultural intelligence. Beyond her coaching, Krista serves as an adjunct professor at Virginia Tech and Champlain College, teaching leadership, ethics, and organizational development. She brings a rich blend of academic rigor and practical experience, leveraging her HR expertise, research acumen, and passion for continuous learning to guide executives and emerging leaders. Key Insights 1. The Art of Listening and Pausing Krista emphasizes the importance of listening to hear rather than listening to respond. In coaching, silence is a powerful tool, allowing clients to reflect deeply. She practices intentional breathing to create space for reflection and meaningful dialogue. 2. The Power of Vulnerability and Group Dynamics She highlights how vulnerability within peer groups fosters deeper trust and growth. Krista shared a pivotal moment when a group conflict tested cohesion; addressing it transparently strengthened the group's unity and resilience. 3. Job Crafting for Engagement Krista advocates for job crafting, encouraging leaders to engage employees in designing roles that align with their strengths and passions, thus enhancing satisfaction and retention. 4. Measuring Success Through Joy Joy serves as Krista's personal metric for professional fulfillment. She believes that work should bring joy and that leaders should reassess their roles when joy diminishes. 5. Use of Psychometrics and AI in Coaching Krista integrates tools like Wiley DiSC and various psychometric assessments to deepen understanding of team dynamics. She also creatively employs AI for ideation, content creation, and meeting preparation, demonstrating adaptability to emerging technologies. 6. Kindness and Continuous Learning as Guiding Values Krista's mantras of "kindness is underrated" and lifelong learning reflect her approach to leadership and coaching. She stresses the importance of being both kind and courageous in providing candid, constructive feedback. The Arete Coach Podcast explores the art and science of executive coaching. You can find more about this podcast at aretecoach.io. This episode was recorded on March 26, 2025 Copyright © 2025 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Brenda Scott and Richard D'Ambrosio join Cary Broussard to talk how being culturally intelligent -- not just culturally aware -- is key to creating a strong work culture. They share their own experiences on how this philosophy has improved their professional and personal relationships.Podcast Host Cary Broussard, author, From Cinderella to CEO interviews two amazing executives who bring perspective and real life experience with applying the tenets of Cultural Intelligence.For this podcast discussion, Cary defines Cultural Intelligence as relating and working effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds and knowing how to strategically use cultural differences for innovative solutions.Guest: 1: Richard D'Ambrosio, author and founder of StoryTelling that Sells – Richard also writes the Substack column “Mindful Masculinity. ”Guest 2: Brenda Scott, Director of Cultural Intelligence at SMU Athletics, works with student athletes, faculty and parents to build teams and relationships across cultures. Brenda is a mom and has also written a children's book: All I need is my Tablet. Through life experiences, her passion for youth development, and leading with purpose, BScott Visions (and Brenda) are on a mission is to help people reach their full potential so they can have a better quality of life.At CinderellaCEO On Air – it is our mission to connect you with people with transformational stories - modern day fairy tales if you will – We select guests who are kind-hearted warriors who show us that believing in the power of good, living our values and surrounding ourselves with hopeful, positive peers and role models - and inspirational stories can guide us to the palace of our dreams. Find CinderellaCEO On Air podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts or go to CinderellaCEO.com/podcast.

We explore the future of inclusive leadership with Kelli Lester, co-founder of Onyx Rising. Zoë opens with reflections on ageing, robotics in aged care, and the value of connection. And introduces Kelli, who shares insight on navigating today's polarised workplace and equipping leaders for diverse, resilient teams. Kelli unpacks the backlash against DEI programs, reframing them as essential business strategies rather than politically charged mandates. She explores how organisations can move beyond performative initiatives by anchoring their diversity efforts in clear objectives—be it talent, innovation, or community alignment. This conversation covers emotional and cultural intelligence, generational divides, psychological safety, and the systemic barriers to inclusion. Practical frameworks like Kelli's seven inclusive leadership traits provide a tangible pathway to fostering a thriving, human-centred workplace. SHOWNOTES are here: https://www.zoerouth.com/podcast/leading-through-difference Planet Human: Robots in aged care boost retention by reducing carer injuries and burnout. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1069918 Kickstarter link: Support Power Games: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zoerouth/power-games-stop-toxic-power-in-the-workplace Key Quotes: “Maps are helpful, but they are not the territory.” – Zoë Routh “Inclusive leadership is not just nice to have. It's the future of leadership.” – Kelli Lester “Any time you don't share your thoughts, you're hurting the company.” – Kelli Lester “Just because someone's pro-Black doesn't mean they're anti-white.” – Kelli Lester Questions Asked: Why is there so much resistance to DEI in today's climate? How can leaders reframe diversity as a business enabler? What are the seven traits of inclusive leadership? How do we build psychological safety and trust across generations? What does it take to dismantle systemic bias in hiring and promotion? Take Action: Self-Audit: Reflect on your own lens—what influences how you see the world, and how does that shape your leadership? Amplify Voices: In your next meeting, actively include perspectives from quieter or less-represented team members. Define It Clearly: Have a leadership-level conversation about what diversity, equity, and inclusion means in your context and why it matters. Tip of the Week Facilitate a “Bias Interrupt” session: Identify where decisions are being made based on assumptions—hiring, promotions, even meeting invitations—and ask, “Who's missing and why?” Key Moments 00:00 Introduction and Weekly Question 00:15 Robots in Nursing Care Homes 02:07 Kickstarter Campaign for Power Games 03:48 Understanding Human Behavior and Categorization 07:27 Inclusive Leadership with Kelly Lester 08:26 Challenges and Misconceptions of DEI 28:48 America's Mythmaking and Cultural Conflicts 30:23 Polarization and Political Correctness 34:27 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Valuing Differences 37:49 Promoting Psychological Safety and Amplifying Voices 40:25 Emotional and Cultural Intelligence in Leadership 41:49 Managing Inclusively and Effective Mentoring 45:49 Fast Three Questions with Kelly 50:01 Book Recommendation: Why Are We Yelling? 51:05 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Changes  

Send us a textI'm pleased to welcome Tracey Gee to the podcast — author, coach, keynote speaker, and the thoughtful spirit behind The Magic of Knowing What You Want. Tracey brings clarity, warmth, and wisdom. You'll love this conversation - it'll help you, too, as it did me.Tracey holds degrees from UCLA in Anthropology and Business, a Master's in Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary, and certifications in StrengthsFinder, Cultural Intelligence, the Enneagram, and Working Genius. She serves on the coaching faculty for LEAP and works with incredible organizations like Coca-Cola, Amazon, UC Berkeley, and the Miami Heat.We first connected at a leadership conference at the JB Duke Hotel, where Tracey was in her element — speaking, coaching, and gifting her book to every participant.In this episode, we talk about the “desire fog” so many of us feel, and why it can be hard to name what we really want. Tracey shares her own journey — from piano to dance, ministry to coaching — and her four-part framework for rediscovering purpose: Calibration, Expansion, Experimentation, Integration.I open up about my own season of loss and rediscovery — and how desire and purpose are deeply connected.Tune in for a rich, encouraging conversation. SHOW NOTESSupport the showBecome a Patron - Click on the link to learn how you can become a Patron of the show. Thank you! Ken's Substack Page The Podcast Official Site: TheBeachedWhiteMale.com

In this episode, Julia wraps up the Cultural Intelligence series with a powerful conversation with Ukonwa Ojo, founder and CEO of Zaia Ventures. What starts as a meeting of two very different "cores" becomes a deep exploration of how we lead, how we listen, and what it takes to connect across differences. Ukonwa speaks candidly about the concept of Core and Flex, and how finally having language for this idea helped her understand and explain how she moves through the world. She shares that while her core is firmly rooted in her Christian faith, her capacity to flex beyond that allows her to connect across cultures, beliefs, and ideologies with empathy and openness. It's not a contradiction, she says, it's clarity. Julia and Ukonwa dive into the realities of clashing cores: how to stay in conversation when you disagree at a fundamental level, and how to decide when to speak, when to stay silent, and when to walk away. Ukonwa reflects on moments of being misunderstood, being triggered by cultural language, and making space for others. “Everybody doesn't deserve your point of view. But if someone's open, you owe them curiosity,” expresses Ukonwa. Listen to this one to gather how to listen through discomfort, stay present through difference, and hold onto curiosity even when our backs go up. It's a fitting and moving end to a series about what it takes to lead with Cultural Intelligence in a deeply divided world. About the Guest: Ukonwa Ojo is a dynamic leader with 27 years of experience across industries, having held senior roles at Amazon Prime Video & Studios, M.A.C Cosmetics, Coty, COVERGIRL, Unilever, Reckitt, and General Mills. Now Founder/CEO of Zaia Ventures, she builds businesses that uplift underrepresented communities, including Zaia, a global Christian social platform and Ada & Edith, a luxury womenswear brand redefining comfort.

In this episode of the Cultural Intelligence series, Julia speaks with Francesca Cavallo, an author and co-creator of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls to explore what it truly means to lead in a world where boys and girls are raised on radically different emotional blueprints. From childhood the stories we're told, girls are invited to understand emotions, their own and others'. Boys, on the other hand, are often cast in roles of action and control, with little space given to their emotional lives. This absence, Francesca felt in her own personal sphere and further states that it comes with consequences. When boys grow up into men, many bring into workplaces and relationships a deeply ingrained sense that masculinity must be earned and it can easily be lost. What happens, then, when a woman is leading men raised on this narrow model of masculinity? Francesca brings sharp insight and practical wisdom to this question. She shares how women can navigate moments of resistance, projection, or even emotional overwhelm in male-dominated teams without surrendering authority or compassion. She also challenges the common understanding of misogyny, reframing it not as hatred of women, but as hatred of the feminine qualities men have been taught to reject in themselves. “You don't need to dominate to lead men. But you do need to remember you're in charge,” said Francesca. Listen to this conversation to gain a new lens on cultural intelligence: one that includes gendered storytelling, emotional safety, and the quiet, often invisible pressures shaping how men show up and how women can lead them with clarity, empathy, and strength. About the Speaker: Francesca Cavallo is the co-author of the New York Times bestselling Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls series, which sold over 8 million copies worldwide and was translated into 49 languages. In 2019, she founded Undercats to radically boost diversity in children's media. A year later, she released Doctor Li and the Crown-wearing Virus (translated into 38 languages) to fight Anti-Asian racism. In 2022, she launched Paralympians!, celebrating extraordinary Paralympic champions. A sought-after public speaker, Cavallo champions women's and minorities' rights at conferences around the globe. Her newest project is about masculinity, and it's called Boys of the Future.

Today, Andy sits down with Simmer Singh, a seasoned HR leader with extensive experience spanning Fortune 500 companies across the globe. This episode dives deep into workplace culture and the concept of cultural intelligence. Simmer shares; Her journey of rebuilding her career in a new culture as an immigrantUnique insights into diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The power of cultural intelligence, how it differs from emotional intelligence, and its vital role in today's global workplace. Her thoughts on the evolving landscape of workplace culture post-pandemic, emphasizing the importance of authentic leadership and creating a culture of trust and open communication. Whether you're navigating cultural transitions, leading diverse teams, or looking to enhance your workplace environment, this episode is packed with valuable insights for talent development professionals. With a rich HR leadership background in Fortune 500 companies, Simmer has navigated complex cultural challenges and spearheaded global transformation projects. Her expertise spans cultural transformation and organizational development, having supported diverse teams across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.As a Certified Global Leadership Coach, consultant, and speaker, Simmer empowers diverse leaders and organizations to thrive by fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, enhancing cultural intelligence, and shaping organizational culture. She works closely with clients to engage stakeholders, explore challenges thoughtfully, and deliver actionable solutions tailored to their unique contexts.As an immigrant who had to rebuild her career in a completely different culture, Simmer deeply understands the unique challenges faced by those navigating unfamiliar environments while holding onto their cultural values and is passionate about supporting immigrant moms from diverse backgrounds.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Simmer Singh here:LinkedInThanks to our sponsor, Learnit, you can get a free 45-day trial to help your people build more skills that drive success Learn more here.

Episode Highlight: On this episode of the Embracing "Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 64 with guest Shiva Roofeh. Do you value your work experience and education over your lived experience in corporate spaces? Shiva is here to tell you why you shouldn't. Shiva is a culture creator and learning design specialist. She's worked at all levels of organizations, from director to individual contributor. In her personal life, she has been a refugee, an immigrant, and a migrant. Shiva says that her lived experience is as valuable as her work experience, and she leverages both to create mile-deep change and relationships with and for her clients.This episode is just a short snippet that highlights the best and most powerful learning moment from a past episode. You can listen to the full episode (filled with more wisdom) here: Episode 64: Cultural Intelligence in Corporate Spaces.Key Discussion Points:00:59 Embracing Cultural Intelligence:  Cultural intelligence is about understanding your paradigms. What are the deep-seated beliefs that structure your understanding of the world that then lead to your behaviors?04:35 Valuing Your Lived Experience in Corporate Spaces: Your lived experience is as valuable as your work experience and your education. It is a unique perspective that informs your work.06:50 Understanding Your Origin Story: You are the only person who knows the full depth and nuance of your story. Take the time to understand it and give yourself credit for it.In Summary: Shiva Roofeh encourages us to embrace our unique lived experience in corporate spaces. She urges us to take the time to understand our own origin stories and realize just how valuable they are to informing our work.  Resources from this episode:Follow Shiva on LinkedIn or visit her website. If you happen to be a woman of color and you are looking for a community of like minded women, join Olivia here: https://www.mysistersshoulders.com/ Connect with your hosts:Follow Archita on Linkedin or check out her website.Follow Olivia on Linkedin or check out her website.Follow Embracing Only on Linkedin, Instagram, and Facebook, or check out the website._________Produced by Ideablossoms

In this fifth episode of the Cultural Intelligence series, Julia Middleton pauses to answer the questions you've been sending in. After four episodes unpacking the Core and Flex model and exploring what happens when cultures collide, both between people and within individuals, this episode dives into real-world dilemmas, confusions, and curiosities. “Almost everybody you meet will have a different culture from you,” says Julia. “CQ is about interfacing with cultures that aren't your own. Way beyond just race.” Julia responds to questions such as: • Does your Core ever change? • Can organisations have Core and Flex? • Do you always have to stand up for cultural intolerance? • How do you find your knots, your biases, and what do you do about them? She shares personal stories. Choosing whether or not to cover up in Jeddah. Picking a sari for her son's wedding in Bangalore. Moments that show how her own Core and Flex have evolved. Listen to this episode to reflect on your own Core and Flex, learn why self-awareness is key to leading across cultures and discover how CQ is not about perfection, it is about staying curious, courageous, and committed to growing.

In the fourth episode of the Cultural Intelligence series, Julia Middleton explores what happens when two people meet, and both are in their Core. Through metaphors and real stories, Julia dives into how seemingly aligned values can still lead to tension, and how clashing cores if not carefully navigated can result in misunderstandings, resistance, or even breakdowns in communication. "The stronger your core, the more you need to think carefully before dismissing someone else's," says Julia. She offers practical guidance on how to avoid misreading moments of cultural collision, and how to recognise the difference between disagreement and disrespect. Drawing on her own experience from facing difficult conversations to moments when she chose to stand by her Core at great cost, Julia illustrates how courage, clarity, and the language of Core and Flex can transform confrontation into productive disagreement. The episode also explores what happens when cultures collide within a person. Listen to this episode to understand how to manage cultural collisions between people and within yourself with empathy, strength, and a grounded sense of your core and flex.

Discover how to revolutionize your organization by embedding inclusion into its very DNA. Explore the foundations of Amri's groundbreaking book, "Reconstructing Inclusion," which challenges the norms of traditional DEI approaches. Through his experiences at Novartis, Amri shares how organizations can cultivate environments where everyone thrives by aligning skills and capabilities with their purpose.Addressing the elephant in the room, we tackle the current backlash against DEI efforts and explore the concept of anti-fragility. Learn how creating spaces for civil dialogue and fostering cognitive diversity can combat ideological resistance and enhance productivity. Amri also highlights how focusing on agency and prevention versus (over)reaction leads to a more sustainable and inclusive organizational culture.We close the conversation unpacking the nuances of cultural intelligence and relational fitness, vital tools for navigating the complexities of building inclusive environments for all. Join us for this transformative conversation where you will walk away with actionable strategies to foster growth, collaboration, and inclusivity in your organization.What You'll Learn- How to build sustainable and inclusive organizations.- A challenge to traditional DEI frameworks.- An introduction to the COST model—Care, Openness, Safety, and Trust.- Ways to create vibrant, thriving work environments that inspire and empower everyone.Podcast Timestamps(00:00) - Creating Inclusive and Generative Organizations(10:27) - Navigating DEI Backlash and Anti-Fragility(23:02) - Creating Inclusive Organizations(28:20) - Embracing Inclusion Beyond Surface Identities(41:51) - Navigating Cultural Intelligence for Inclusion(47:46) - Sustainable Inclusion Practices in OrganizationsKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Inclusive Organizations, Social Capitalism, Inclusion Strategy, DEI Frameworks, Sustainable Practices, Anti-Fragility, Cognitive Diversity, Respectful Dialogue, Cultural Intelligence, Relational Fitness, Inclusive Leadership, Collaborative Growth, Mutual Understanding, CEO Success

In the third episode of the Cultural Intelligence series, Julia explores what happens when different cultures come together. She dives into the tensions, misunderstandings, and moments of growth that emerge when people with different cultures interact and how that shapes their leading. "Sometimes, when cultures collide, we feel it as a clash, but what if we saw it as an opportunity instead?" says Julia. Through real-life stories and thought-provoking insights, she unpacks why these clashes occur, how to navigate them with curiosity rather than frustration, and what leaders can do to turn cultural differences into strengths rather than obstacles. Listen to this episode to discover how embracing cultural collisions can deepen your understanding, strengthen your leading, and help you build more cohesive, high-performing teams.

In this second episode of the Cultural Intelligence series, Julia Middleton, Mother of Practical CQ, founder of Women Emerging and the podcast host dives into the Core and Flex: a simple yet powerful way to understand how Cultural Intelligence works in practice. She explains why women with high Cultural Intelligence to have clarity on what is non-negotiable in their identity (Core) and where they can adapt and evolve (Flex) when crossing cultural boundaries. "The stronger your core, the more people will trust you. And the more flexible your flex, the more people will trust you," said Julia. Julia explains how finding the line between core and flex should keep moving as that is what helps in navigating different generations, sectors, beliefs, specialisms, aspirations and backgrounds while staying true to ourselves. Through personal stories she illustrates the risks of having either an overwhelming core with little adaptability or too much flexibility without a clear identity. Listen to this episode to discover how understanding your Core and Flex can help you lead across cultures, build trust, and navigate complexity with confidence.

In this first episode of the Cultural Intelligence series, Julia Middleton, Mother of Practical CQ, founder of Women Emerging and the podcast host, explains what Cultural Intelligence (CQ) means, why it is essential for leading today, and the foundational mindsets needed to develop it. CQ is often assumed to be just about geography, but as Julia explains, it goes far beyond that, spanning generations, sectors, beliefs, specialisms, backgrounds, and aspirations. "The really big, complex problems that we dream of solving have no respect for boundaries. If we insist on staying within them, we have no hope of addressing these challenges. We must develop cultural intelligence to cross them," said Julia. Julia unpacks four prerequisites for Cultural Intelligence - A deep interest in people, being genuinely curious about others; willingness to unpick personal biases and habits that hinder CQ; the stamina for an endless journey, knowing CQ is something we build over time; the courage to stand up to cultural intolerance when we see it. Listen to this episode to learn why Cultural Intelligence is no longer optional while leading in a global world and how you can start building it.

First generations and virtually every immigrant in the US know what diversity looks and sounds like. They know the struggles and the advantages of growing up in diverse environments but as entrepreneurs, do they know how to market their businesses in places where diversity is queen? Do you?In this episode, we meet a true powerhouse, Liliana Gil Valletta. Liliana is a former corporate executive turned entrepreneur, Cultural Intelligence® expert, and television business commentator. Born in Colombia, Lili came to the States at 17 without speaking a single word of English and with a bag full of dreams she didn't take long to accomplish. She is the co-founder of CIEN+ and Human Dot Plus and the CEO and co-founder of the Culture+ Group.Tune in to Episode 224 of Amiga, Handle Your Shit, and learn more about this badass Latina who refused to be a victim, thrived by putting herself in uncomfortable places, and never stopped until she got what she felt she deserved. Liliana also talks about the dark side of corporate success, the importance of embracing and understanding our diverse backgrounds as entrepreneurs, how to market our business to diverse audiences, and much more.Episode Takeaways:A bit about Liliana's background and growing up "solita" in America (4:50)What never tells you about what's at the top of the corporate ladder (8:10)Liliana talks about her decision to reject the victim mentality (13:30)How Cultural Intelligence® was born (21:00)We get to choose how to react on our "facing the bear" moment (30:20)Liliana shares her top tips on how amigas can handle their s#it (40:00)Connect with Liliana Gil Valletta:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeCulture+ Group websiteLet's Connect!WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedInJackie Tapia Arbonne websiteBuy The Amiga Way's Book Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've been thinking a lot about culture recently, and reflecting on how–whether or not we're aware of it–culture is a force that's always exerting influence on us. It's typically only when we get outside of our daily routine, our city or even our country, and are confronted with new ways of doing things that we can clearly see the values, norms, and practices that make up the culture we live in. Today, we're re-running a thought-provoking conversation we had with Michele Gelfand about notions of what she calls “tight” and “loose” cultures. It's a conversation that helps illuminate some of the invisible forces of culture, and also sheds light on how understanding these forces helps us better navigate the world. We hope you'll take another listen and enjoy. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your quest. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Michele Gelfand Mindset QuizConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces Michele Gelfand, a professor of psychology and business studies at Stanford University.(00:02:22) What is Culture?Defining culture as a set of norms, values, and beliefs.(00:03:36) The Tight-Loose ContinuumTight versus loose cultures and their enforcement of social norms.(00:06:20) Individual vs Societal Tight-LooseThe differences in tight-loose orientation across individuals and nations.(00:08:25) Tight-Loose Across Societal LevelsHow history, ecology, and mobility shape cultural tightness or looseness.(00:11:25) Cultural Intelligence (CQ)The role of cultural intelligence in negotiations and leadership.(00:16:21) Tight-Loose in Personal & Professional LifeNegotiating cultural differences in relationships and organizations.(00:19:53) Cultural Evolutionary MismatchCultural responses to crises and the influence of perceived vs. real threats.(00:23:45) Tight-Loose Differences in BusinessCultural differences in mergers, acquisitions, and financial performance.(00:25:58) Improving Cultural IntelligenceWhether individuals can improve their CQ through practice and exposure.(00:28:37) Tight-Loose in PoliticsThe growing tight-loose divide in political and social issues.(00:31:09) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

How do you succeed in this global culturally-diverse business environment?Meet Latifa Aarab!Latifa is a Leadership Coach & Intercultural Expert who helps senior executives in global companies manage multicultural teams and lead across cultures. She is also an Award-winning Speaker.As the founder of Compatible, I offer a truly international perspective. Born in France to Moroccan parents, I am fluent in French, English, Spanish, and Arabic.With over 17 years as a financial professional, she has worked for the European markets, North America, the Middle East, and Asia.Latifa leverages advanced coaching techniques and customized solutions, making her a trusted advisor for businesses striving to excel in the global marketplace.In today's world where global connectivity is the norm, cultural intelligence isn't just an advantage—it's a necessity. Multicultural expertise matters now more than ever and Latifa has experienced this first-hand. Without proper training and knowledge in cultural intelligence, organisations risk:- Reduced efficiencies- missed business opportunities- lack of team cohesion- damaged relationships. Latifa believes that Cultural Intelligence (#CQ) is the key to overcoming these obstacles and achieving success. Her mission is to help organisations and leaders build effective multicultural teams and create successful intercultural business relationships through: Key Points:- Cross-cultural communication in the workplace- Enhancing understanding and collaboration- Leading and building effective multicultural teams- Building trust when working with different cultures- Leadership in culturally diverse environments- Cultivating skills for leading in a global context- Succeeding in cross-cultural business- Communication skills for working with different cultures ...and so much more!Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/global-cultural-intelligence-how-to-work-with/id1614151066?i=1000698930553Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/2DyWgy3X8jKI7xcB3bbsE8?si=cBRSvuWPRvyafJ97x9qXXghttps://open.spotify.com/episode/2DyWgy3X8jKI7xcB3bbsE8YouTube: https://youtu.be/enr3XVqENnk

Today, Tracey Gee and I talk about the unexpected vulnerability of naming what we want. Tracey Gee is a certified leadership coach and consultant dedicated to guiding individuals toward transformative self-awareness and meaningful personal and professional growth. As an author, Tracey draws insight from her extensive experience across workshops, speaking engagements, and personalized coaching sessions. She is also a certified facilitator in four frameworks—Gallup CliftonStrengths, Working Genius, Enneagram, and Cultural Intelligence. Her diverse clientele includes UC Berkeley, Firm Foundation, AltaMed, Nomi Network, Coca-Cola, Amazon, and the Miami Heat. Tracey is originally from the Bay Area of California and now lives in Los Angeles with her husband, children, and dog, Kona. She loves coffee shops and every dog she's ever met.You can buy The Magic of Knowing What You Want wherever you get books. Follow Tracey on Instagram @traceygee.me. Get her freebie at the link in her Insta bio or click on the link in the episode description. Quick note: During the interview, I mention a phrase without giving proper credit for where it came from. I borrowed the phrase "background work" from Devi Abraham, writer and co-host of the Where Do We Go From Here podcast. You can follow her on IG here and check out her podcast wherever you listen. Support the show

In this episode Judith Germain speaks to Dane Deutsch about character-driven leadership and ethics. Dane shares how his experiences growing up in different cultures, including Venezuela and Türkiye, taught him the importance of building meaningful connections and leading with character. This episode was originally recorded on 28 November 24.  Key Takeaways Character is the foundation of effective leadership, but is often overlooked in business Character skills can be developed through practice, unlike personality which is more fixed Leading with character means prioritising adding value to others, not just technical competence Cultural context impacts perceptions of character, but universal positive traits exist across cultures In this conversation Dane defines character as the imprint or habits we develop, which can be practiced and improved over time. He discusses how character skills like care and empathy are often overlooked in corporate settings, but are crucial for adding value to others and achieving lasting significance. Dane is a Character Leadership Coach. You can find out more about our guest and today's episode in this Maverick Paradox Magazine article here. --- Maverick leadership is all about thinking outside the box and challenging the status quo. It's about having the courage to take risks and the confidence to lead in a way that is authentic and genuine. But amplifying your influence as a leader isn't just about having a strong vision or a big personality. It's also about having the right leadership capability and being able to execute on your ideas and plans. The consequences of not having the right level of influence as a leader can be significant. Without the ability to inspire and motivate others, you may struggle to achieve your goals and make a real impact. How Influential Are you? Take the scorecard at amplifyyourinfluence.scoreapp.com and see.  Catalysing Transformation - 1 min video Judith's book: The Maverick Paradox: The Secret Power Behind Successful Leaders.  Judith's websites:  Judith Germain (mentoring, Speaker, author) - judithgermain.com The Maverick Paradox Magazine - themaverickparadox.com The Maverick Paradox Website - maverickparadox.co.uk Judith's LinkedIn profile is here, her Twitter profile (MaverickMastery) is here, Facebook here and Instagram here.  

On this episode of Crazy Wisdom, host Stewart Alsop speaks with Ivan Vendrov for a deep and thought-provoking conversation covering AI, intelligence, societal shifts, and the future of human-machine interaction. They explore the "bitter lesson" of AI—that scale and compute ultimately win—while discussing whether progress is stalling and what bottlenecks remain. The conversation expands into technology's impact on democracy, the centralization of power, the shifting role of the state, and even the mythology needed to make sense of our accelerating world. You can find more of Ivan's work at nothinghuman.substack.com or follow him on Twitter at @IvanVendrov.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Setting00:21 The Bitter Lesson in AI02:03 Challenges in AI Data and Infrastructure04:03 The Role of User Experience in AI Adoption08:47 Evaluating Intelligence and Divergent Thinking10:09 The Future of AI and Society18:01 The Role of Big Tech in AI Development24:59 Humanism and the Future of Intelligence29:27 Exploring Kafka and Tolkien's Relevance29:50 Tolkien's Insights on Machine Intelligence30:06 Samuel Butler and Machine Sovereignty31:03 Historical Fascism and Machine Intelligence31:44 The Future of AI and Biotech32:56 Voice as the Ultimate Human-Computer Interface36:39 Social Interfaces and Language Models39:53 Javier Malay and Political Shifts in Argentina50:16 The State of Society in the U.S.52:10 Concluding Thoughts on Future ProspectsKey InsightsThe Bitter Lesson Still Holds, but AI Faces Bottlenecks – Ivan Vendrov reinforces Rich Sutton's "bitter lesson" that AI progress is primarily driven by scaling compute and data rather than human-designed structures. While this principle still applies, AI progress has slowed due to bottlenecks in high-quality language data and GPU availability. This suggests that while AI remains on an exponential trajectory, the next major leaps may come from new forms of data, such as video and images, or advancements in hardware infrastructure.The Future of AI Is Centralization and Fragmentation at the Same Time – The conversation highlights how AI development is pulling in two opposing directions. On one hand, large-scale AI models require immense computational resources and vast amounts of data, leading to greater centralization in the hands of Big Tech and governments. On the other hand, open-source AI, encryption, and decentralized computing are creating new opportunities for individuals and small communities to harness AI for their own purposes. The long-term outcome is likely to be a complex blend of both centralized and decentralized AI ecosystems.User Interfaces Are a Major Limiting Factor for AI Adoption – Despite the power of AI models like GPT-4, their real-world impact is constrained by poor user experience and integration. Vendrov suggests that AI has created a "UX overhang," where the intelligence exists but is not yet effectively integrated into daily workflows. Historically, technological revolutions take time to diffuse, as seen with the dot-com boom, and the current AI moment may be similar—where the intelligence exists but society has yet to adapt to using it effectively.Machine Intelligence Will Radically Reshape Cities and Social Structures – Vendrov speculates that the future will see the rise of highly concentrated AI-powered hubs—akin to "mile by mile by mile" cubes of data centers—where the majority of economic activity and decision-making takes place. This could create a stark divide between AI-driven cities and rural or off-grid communities that choose to opt out. He draws a parallel to Robin Hanson's Age of Em and suggests that those who best serve AI systems will hold power, while others may be marginalized or reduced to mere spectators in an AI-driven world.The Enlightenment's Individualism Is Being Challenged by AI and Collective Intelligence – The discussion touches on how Western civilization's emphasis on the individual may no longer align with the realities of intelligence and decision-making in an AI-driven era. Vendrov argues that intelligence is inherently collective—what matters is not individual brilliance but the ability to recognize and leverage diverse perspectives. This contradicts the traditional idea of intelligence as a singular, personal trait and suggests a need for new frameworks that incorporate AI into human networks in more effective ways.Javier Milei's Libertarian Populism Reflects a Global Trend Toward Radical Experimentation – The rise of Argentina's President Javier Milei exemplifies how economic desperation can drive societies toward bold, unconventional leaders. Vendrov and Alsop discuss how Milei's appeal comes not just from his radical libertarianism but also from his blunt honesty and willingness to challenge entrenched power structures. His movement, however, raises deeper questions about whether libertarianism alone can provide a stable social foundation, or if voluntary cooperation and civil society must be explicitly cultivated to prevent libertarian ideals from collapsing into chaos.AI, Mythology, and the Need for New Narratives – The conversation closes with a reflection on the power of mythology in shaping human understanding of technological change. Vendrov suggests that as AI reshapes the world, new myths will be needed to make sense of it—perhaps similar to Tolkien's elves fading as the age of men begins. He sees AI as part of an inevitable progression, where human intelligence gives way to something greater, but argues that this transition must be handled with care. The stories we tell about AI will shape whether we resist, collaborate, or simply fade into irrelevance in the face of machine intelligence.

Today our guest is Andrea Freile the Family Engagement and Communications Coordinator at Wayne County Public Schools. We talk to Andrea about Cultural Intelligence and she highlights the critical work around helping teachers and staff to engage with families empathetically. She emphasizes the importance of striving for greater understanding to better serve the diverse students in our classrooms. Andrea also reminds us that while educators may work locally, they are, in fact, global educators, shaping students for a connected world. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Register for the FREE 2025 School Counseling Summit Access FREE Tier 2 Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong Website   Andrea Freile is the Family Engagement and Communications Coordinator for Wayne County Public Schools and the founder of VivaCultura Consulting, a strategic communications and cultural intelligence firm. With years of experience in community engagement and strategic communications, she has cultivated a passion for helping organizations foster belonging and validate human worth. Her unique approach equips teams with the tools needed to bridge cultural gaps, drive engagement, and enhance communication, all while leveraging the dynamics of today's ever-evolving demographic landscape.