In this episode, host Emma Bellamy-Dodd sits down with cultural psychologist Deborah Ko for an eye-opening conversation on identity, belonging, and adaptation across cultures. Deborah shares her personal experiences growing up at the intersection of American and Hong Kong backgrounds, and reveals how cultural psychology became a lens for understanding her multiple selves. The discussion explores the discomfort of duality and dialecticism, Western versus Eastern notions of selfhood, and the fluid meaning of authenticity for those living between cultures. They unpack leadership and workplace dynamics, examining how the “ideal leader” looks like across cultures and how multicultural teams navigate these hidden norms. Deborah offers insights on communication, self-presentation, and adapting to professional norms abroad. The conversation also tackles how AI risks ironing out our individual quirks and cultural nuances, highlighting the critical importance of intentional engagement with technology. Memorable reflections on home, third-culture kids, and embracing complexity round out this compelling exploration of life in the in-between.

Chapters

00:00 Cultural Psychology: An Introduction

02:30 Growing Up Between Cultures

06:17 Understanding Identity Across Cultures

11:31 The Interdependent vs. Independent Self

16:32 Self-Presentation and Cultural Expectations

22:52 Leadership and Cultural Biases

28:16 Cultural Morality: What’s Right or Wrong Across Contexts

33:33 Communication Styles and Cultural Norms

40:14 Emotional Expression Across Cultures

45:59 Honesty vs. Kindness in Communication

51:17 The Impact of AI on Authenticity

57:05 Cultural Nuances in AI Communication

01:05:40 The Role of Critical Thinking in the Age of AI

01:13:28 Cultural Identity and the Migrant Experience

01:19:50 Closing Reflections

Resources mentioned:

“Geography of Thought” by Richard Nisbett

“The Culture Map” by Erin Meyer

“On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong

“Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner

Connect with Deborah:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahko/

Medium: https://psykobabble.medium.com/

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