Become a Global Leader

What if the behaviour that is frustrating most, you does not mean what you think it means?

In this conversation with Kelly Goodwin, founder of Culture Savvy, we explore one of the most practical habits at the heart of Cultural Intelligence- going deeper than our first interpretation of what we see, hear and experience in the workplace.

We explore why assumptions can create misunderstanding and conflict within teams where people have different preferences driven by their cultural norms, and Kelly explains why creating a shared language for these differences can reduce frustration and help teams value a variety of perspectives. Plus, we look at the question often asked- who should adapt in the team, and how to do that while staying authentic.

Kelly helps leaders and teams work effectively across cultures around the globe and has spent much of her own life between cultures. Born in Istanbul to American parents, raised in Türkiye, and later living in the Middle East, she developed an early instinct for helping people understand different perspectives and meanings.

What you will learn:

• Why our first interpretation of behaviour can be culturally wrong
• How different behavioural preferences create friction
• Creating a shared language to help discuss differences in approach
• What leaders can do when attitudes to hierarchy prevent some people from speaking up
• Why adaptation is a two-way responsibility when somebody new joins the team
• The question that can interrupt assumptions

What might be a different way to interpret the communication style or behaviour of somebody in your team?

Who in your team may be bringing a valuable alternative perspective, precisely because they do not see things the way you do?

Resources:

• Learn more about Kelly Goodwin and Culture Savvy: https://www.culturesavvy.co/
• Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-pinar-goodwin/
• Listen to the audiobook of Become a Global Leader by Victoria Rennoldson: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Become-a-Global-Leader-Audiobook/B0HGYF1LHR
• Read the book, Become a Global Leader by Victoria Rennoldson: https://culturecuppa.com/book/
• Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more global leadership, strategic communication and Cultural Intelligence insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson
• Talk to Victoria about Cultural Intelligence workshops, leadership development or speaking: https://culturecuppa.com/contact/

Watch the video of this Episode here:

• Are you misreading intentions? with Kelly Goodwin: https://youtu.be/mRYjdSuXBU8

Read this Episode's Blog post here:

• Are you Misreading the People you Work with?: https://culturecuppa.com/are-you-misreading-the-people-you-work-with/

Confidence is sometimes treated as something some people naturally possess and others do not. But after speaking to almost 100 women on a stage earlier this month about why talented and experienced professionals still stay invisible, I share in this episode why we need to start rethinking confidence and visibility.

In this solo episode, we explore how visibility has to be connected to your personal goals, why confidence is not a personality type and why hard work alone is not a visibility strategy.

I share more of my own personal journey with confidence and visibility, from the early days in my career avoiding presentations and the spotlight, to regularly speaking on stages and giving keynotes today, and what made the difference to help break through the visibility barriers.

What you will learn in this episode:

• Why there is no single formula for visibility
• Defining your personal visibility code
• How to grow your confidence level to become more visible
• Why hard work is not a visibility strategy
• How culture shapes what confidence and visibility look and sound like
• The importance of saying yes before you're ready
• Knowing the true impact of your visibility

Where do you want greater influence?

Who could benefit if you became more visible?

Who misses out if you are not visible?

Resources:

• Listen to the audiobook of Become a Global Leader: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Become-a-Global-Leader-Audiobook/B0HGYF1LHR
• Read the book, Become a Global Leader: https://culturecuppa.com/book/
• Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more global leadership, strategic communication and Cultural Intelligence insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson
• Talk to Victoria about your visibility and confidence questions: https://culturecuppa.com/contact/

Watch the video of this Episode here:

• Visibility is Choice plus Action: https://youtu.be/hZgFIdrdhT0

Read this Episode's Blog post here:

• Who misses out if you stay invisible?: https://culturecuppa.com/who-misses-out-if-you-stay-invisible/

What happens when fear of saying or doing the wrong thing becomes a reason to do nothing?

In this conversation with Rob Neil OBE, founder of KA Harrow and long-standing inclusion, Cultural Intelligence and leadership expert, we explore what inclusive leadership asks of leaders and what actions are needed.

Sharing this episode in Black History Month in the UK, we explore why inclusion is not a linear journey, how fear of 'getting it wrong' can leave behind silence, and why awareness without action changes very little.

Rob shares practical examples from his own work, starting with the 'why' of inclusion initiatives, and sharing what's needed for good intentions to translate into successful implementation.

Rob's view is clear- inclusion is not something you complete once, and it cannot sit only at the level of organisational statements, one-off training sessions or awareness. It becomes meaningful when there is curiosity, personal responsibility and action.

Born in Paddington to Jamaican parents and raised in the London Borough of Brent, Rob spent 38 years in the Civil Service, working across Justice, Education and Human Rights, before establishing his own consultancy, specialising in developing and encouraging inclusion across sectors.

What you will learn:

• The difference between hearing people and genuinely listening to what they are saying
• How fear of 'getting inclusion wrong' can create leadership paralysis
• Moving inclusion from intention into action
• Starting with the 'why' to make inclusion work more enduring
• How involving the people most affected can prevent well-intentioned decisions from landing unsuccessfully
• Curiosity, humility and action matter more than trying to be perfect

Where are you creating more opportunities for diverse views and voices to be listened to?

Resources:

• Learn more about Rob Neil and KA Harrow: https://www.kaharrow.co.uk/about/the-ka-team/rob-neil-obe-profile/
• Explore KA Harrow's work on inclusive leadership, Cultural Intelligence and workplace equity: https://www.kaharrow.co.uk/
• Explore Black History Month UK 2026 and the theme 'Honouring Our Communities': https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/black-history-month-2026/
• https://www.reachsociety.com/
• Read or listen to Victoria's book, Become a Global Leader: https://culturecuppa.com/book/
• Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more global leadership, strategic communication and Cultural Intelligence insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson

Watch the video of this Episode here:

• Inclusion- Moving Beyond Good Intentions to Action, with Rob Neil: https://youtu.be/-TxYj7Vz2YM

Read this Episode's Blog post here:

• When fear of getting inclusion wrong leads to silence and inaction: https://culturecuppa.com/when-fear-of-getting-inclusion-wrong-leads-to-silence-and-inaction/

What happens when the power structure you see is not the one that matters?

Moving into a new role, team, project or department, or even starting a relocation assignment can be deeply disorienting when the 'rules' of influence suddenly seem to change. You may understand the formal hierarchy on paper, yet still find decisions happening elsewhere, unexpected people shaping outcomes, or apparently informal teams operating with strong underlying power structures.

In this episode, I explore how Cultural Intelligence can help you observe those invisible power lines, with examples where the organisation chart, job titles and meeting structures did not tell the full story of how influence and decision-making really worked.

What you will learn in this episode:

• Why visible informality does not always mean low hierarchy
• How Cultural Intelligence can help when familiar professional 'rules' shift
• Why the organisation chart is not the same as the influence map
• How to identify the hidden power lines
• A practical approach to invisible power
• Navigating decisions that happen outside the meeting structures

What could you ask to make the invisible power lines clearer in your workplace?

Resources:

• Talk to Victoria about your team's leadership development: https://culturecuppa.com/contact/
• Listen to the audiobook, Become a Global Leader: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Become-a-Global-Leader-Audiobook/B0HGYF1LHR
• Read the print book/ e-book: https://culturecuppa.com/book/
• Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more global leadership, strategic communication and Cultural Intelligence insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson

Watch the video of this Episode here:

• Power and Hierarchy across Cultures: https://youtu.be/Nui7mPlVU8o

Read this Episode's Blog post here:

• How to Navigate Invisible Power with Cultural Intelligence: https://culturecuppa.com/how-to-navigate-invisible-power-with-cultural-intelligence/

What happens when leaders become so focused on speed, delivery and efficiency that they start to become almost machine-like themselves?

In this conversation with Kate Jones, founder of Neon and architect of Deeply Human® leadership, we explore why humanity is not the opposite of performance, but one of the conditions that enables people and teams to perform at their best.

We discuss what Kate calls the 'hamster wheel' of modern work, where pace, task focus and constant delivery can squeeze out reflection, creativity and meaningful connections and relationships. We also explore how leaders can create connection in remote and global teams, and why care is something people need to experience, not simply an intention.

Kate's challenge is clear - demonstrating high levels of humanity as a leader does not mean accepting lower standards or weaker performance. Leaders can make tough decisions, expect high performance and still lead with care, connection and compassion.

Kate Jones brings 30 years of experience in leadership, organisational culture and change, including 20 years across social work and corporate consulting before founding Neon in 2013. Her work focuses on helping purpose-led organisations build leadership capability without losing the human qualities that create trust, connection and wellbeing.

What you will learn:

• Why humanity and high performance are not opposites
• How the 'hamster wheel' of work can make leaders increasingly disconnected
• Why self-awareness is the starting point for more human leadership
• Focusing on relationships to change the impact of conversations
• Ways to build genuine connection across remote and global teams
• Why self-care is a leadership responsibility, not an optional extra
• How small, everyday choices can communicate care

When has the pace made you less connected to the people around you?

What are the small ways you could communicate care to your team?

Resources:

• Connect with Kate Jones on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katerjones
• Learn more about Kate Jones' Deeply Human® leadership work and Neon: https://deeplyneon.com
• Find all of Kate Jones' links here: https://linktr.ee/katejonesneon
• Discover your leadership archetype with Kate Jones' quiz: https://neon4.scoreapp.com/
• Listen to the audiobook of Become a Global Leader: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Become-a-Global-Leader-Audiobook/B0HGYF1LHR
• Read the book, Become a Global Leader: https://culturecuppa.com/book/
• Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more global leadership, strategic communication and Cultural Intelligence insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson
• Talk to Victoria about you or your team's leadership development: https://culturecuppa.com/contact/

Watch the video of this Episode here:

• Escaping the Leadership Hamster Wheel with Kate Jones: https://youtu.be/mzJA5H0icuQ

Read this Episode's Blog post here:

• Humanity is the Leadership Advantage: https://culturecuppa.com/humanity-is-the-leadership-advantage/

What can 200 conversations teach us about leadership?

This is a very special episode, celebrating 4 years and 200 episodes of the podcast. When I started, the show was called Cultural Communication Confidence and every episode was solo. Since then, the podcast, my work and my own thinking have evolved, shaping not only the topics we explore here, but the questions we have been asking the guests who have joined us.

For this very special episode 200, I look back at 6 ideas from recent conversations that have stuck in my head, and I believe deeply matter to leaders now.

Very different perspectives and ideas from a range of guest experts and leaders, but one thought connects them all- being a human leader.

What we explore in this episode:

• Why leadership is an apprenticeship
• Are we outsourcing too much judgement to AI
• Courageous leadership under pressure
• How to create impact without simply becoming louder
• What your ego may be trying to protect you from
• Listening and silence in multicultural teams

Which idea most changes your perspective?

Resources:

• Explore more podcast episodes: https://culturecuppa.com/podcast
• Listen to the audiobook: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Become-a-Global-Leader-Audiobook/B0HGYF1LHR
• Read the book: https://culturecuppa.com/book/
• Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more global leadership, strategic communication and Cultural Intelligence insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson
• Talk to Victoria about you or your team's leadership growth: https://culturecuppa.com/contact/

Listen to the full guest episodes:

• Leadership is an Apprenticeship with Helen Brocklebank - https://culturecuppa.com/podcasts/188-leadership-is-an-apprenticeship-with-helen-brocklebank/
• Are you outsourcing your judgement to AI? with Rahim Hirji - https://culturecuppa.com/podcasts/192-are-you-outsourcing-your-judgement-to-ai-with-rahim-hirji/
• The Courage to Lead with Humanity, with Diana Osagie - https://culturecuppa.com/podcasts/196-the-courage-to-lead-with-humanity-with-diana-osagie/
• Unique is Better than Better, Impactful Communication with Andrea Wojnicki - https://culturecuppa.com/podcasts/178-unique-is-better-than-better-impactful-communication-with-andrea-wojnicki/
• Ego in Leadership with Mary Gregory - https://culturecuppa.com/podcasts/163-ego-in-leadership-with-mary-gregory/
• Cultural Intelligence, From Knowledge to Action, with Lucy Butters - https://culturecuppa.com/podcasts/167-cultural-intelligence-from-knowledge-to-action-with-lucy-butters/

Watch the video of this Episode here:

• 6 Leadership Ideas from 200 Episodes - https://youtu.be/BUQ1lKBHuqo

Read this Episode's Blog post here:

• 6 leadership ideas from 200 episodes - https://culturecuppa.com/6-leadership-ideas-from-200-episodes/

What are you communicating before you even say a word?

In this conversation with Jude Jennison, founder of Leaders by Nature, we explore how unconscious non-verbal behaviour shapes trust, relationships and leadership impact.

Jude spent 17 years at IBM before developing her methodology that uses horses to reveal the behaviours leaders may not realise they are bringing into their professional relationships.

We discuss how stress, fear and past experiences can influence behaviour, especially during uncertainty, even when leaders believe they are presenting as calm and confident.

She shares why horses are so powerful at revealing incongruence between what we feel and what we project, and how this can expose patterns around trust, control, compassion and clarity.

Jude has coached more than 5,000 leaders, written 3 leadership books, and describes horses as the most honest feedback mechanism leaders can engage in.

What you will learn:

• How unconscious behaviours affect leadership impact
• Why uncertainty amplifies unhelpful default patterns
• What your non-verbal behaviour reveals about trust and psychological safety in your team
• The way to give and receive feedback without judgement
• The changes that can shift a difficult relationship

How aware are you of what you communicate non-verbally when under pressure?

Resources:

• Connect with Jude Jennison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judejennison/
• Learn more about Jude's leadership work with horses: https://www.leadersbynature.com
• Read Jude's books, 'Leading through uncertainty' and 'OPUS: The Hidden Dynamics of Team Performance': https://www.leadersbynature.com/books
• Listen to the new audiobook of Become a Global Leader: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Become-a-Global-Leader-Audiobook/B0HGYF1LHR
• Read the book, Become a Global Leader:https://culturecuppa.com/book/
• Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more global leadership, strategic communication and Cultural Intelligence insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson
• Talk to Victoria about you or your team's leadership development: https://culturecuppa.com/contact/

Watch the video of this Episode here:

• The Non-Verbal Behaviours Shaping Trust with Jude Jennison: https://youtu.be/UAgi8ys4tWA

Read this Episode's Blog post here:

• What are you Communicating Unconsciously? https://culturecuppa.com/what-are-you-communicating-unconsciously/

What kind of leader do you need to become now?

Leadership has not stood still over the last 12 months. AI is accelerating, workplace expectations are shifting and organisations are navigating growing uncertainty. So this episode explores a deeper question for ambitious professionals - not only what do you want to achieve, but who do you need to become?

I reflect on why human capabilities matter even more now, especially confidence, clarity, Cultural Intelligence and challenging conversations, the four pillars at the heart of my work.

Plus, in this episode, I share the latest thinking behind the audiobook edition of Become a Global Leader, including why I recorded a new bonus chapter.

What you will learn in this episode:

• The leadership shift from 'what you need to achieve' to 'who you need to become'
• How AI makes human leadership capabilities more important
• A new definition for confidence in this context
• How leaders can create clarity when answers are uncertain
• How Cultural Intelligence helps leaders develop greater range to respond
• What recording an audiobook taught me about being human

Where do you need to experiment more?

Which human capability do you most need to focus on?

Resources:

• Listen to the new audiobook of Become a Global Leader: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Become-a-Global-Leader-Audiobook/B0HGYF1LHR
• Read the book, Become a Global Leader: https://culturecuppa.com/book/
• Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more global leadership, strategic communication and Cultural Intelligence insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson
• Talk to Victoria about you or your team's leadership development: https://culturecuppa.com/contact/

Watch the video of this Episode here:

• The Human Capabilities Leaders Need Now: https://youtu.be/9yRSNVf_TnE

Read this Episode's Blog post here:

• Who do you need to become as a leader? https://culturecuppa.com/who-do-you-need-to-become-as-a-leader/

What does it really take to influence when you do not have formal authority?

In this conversation with Laura Sellers, global executive and team coach for Procurement professionals, we explore why influence, confidence and relationship-building are essential leadership capabilities for professionals who want to elevate their impact across an organisation.

Laura shares why introverted energy is not a barrier to influence or leadership presence, and how some of the most impactful leaders are not the loudest in the room, but those who choose their moment, build strong relationships and communicate with intention.

We discuss the shift many professionals need to make as they become more senior, moving from technical expertise into relationship-based influence. This is especially important when you are influencing without authority, working across functions, collaborating remotely or navigating cultural differences.

What you will learn in this episode:

• Why introverted energy can be a strength in leadership and influence
• How to challenge narrow ideas of what confidence should look like
• Ethical influence is not manipulation
• Why relationships are central to influencing without authority
• 'What does good look like?'- a simple question for complex dynamics
• How the drama triangle can help you understand conflict patterns
• Bringing more of yourself into your leadership

How does your natural communication style help you influence, and where might it need to flex?

Before you step into a difficult conversation, what role could you be playing in the relationship dynamic?

What part of yourself might you be leaving behind when you communicate in a different culture, language or context?

Resources:

• Connect with Laura Sellers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-sellers/
• Visit Laura Sellers' website: https://www.coachingforprocurement.co.uk/
• Buy Victoria's book, Become a Global Leader:https://culturecuppa.com/book/
• Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more strategies, ideas and inspiration: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson

Watch the video of this Episode here:

• How to Influence without Authority, with Laura Sellers: https://culturecuppa.com/podcasts/197-how-to-influence-without-authority-with-laura-sellers/

Read this Episode's Blog post here:

• Why influence starts with relationships: https://culturecuppa.com/why-influence-starts-with-relationships/

Courageous leadership is often misunderstood as being bold, forceful or unafraid.

In this conversation with Diana Osagie, leadership coach, trainer, consultant, author and keynote speaker, we explore a much more human definition of courage at work.

Diana's core idea is that courageous leadership means staying human when the situation is challenging you to become something else. Under pressure, many leaders revert to the habits that keep them safe, but those habits may not be what the team or organisation needs.

She challenges us to consider whether we care enough to hold up the mirror, tell the truth and help people do excellent work, even when that may feel uncomfortable.

Diana also introduces Juggernaut Thinking, her approach to helping leaders and organisations build deeper clarity around what they are for, how they behave under pressure and what they need to stop carrying.

Diana is the founder of Courageous Leadership Consultancy and The Academy of Women's Leadership. With 26 years' experience leading secondary education, she brings deep practical insight into leading under pressure, alongside her work as an author of five books on leadership.

What you will learn in this episode:

• How pressure can push leaders into unhelpful habit patterns
• What it means to stay human when leadership feels difficult
• What professional love encompasses, and how it supports accountability
• The role of clean motivations in difficult conversations
• The cultural dynamics in courageous conversations
• A practical structure for speaking truth to power with respect
• Diana's framework, Juggernaut Thinking

What habits do you default to under pressure?

How comfortable are you holding your team truly accountable?

What does courageous leadership look like to you?

Resources:

• Connect with Diana Osagie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-osagie
• Visit Diana Osagie's website: https://www.courageousleadership.co.uk/
• Buy Diana Osagie's book: Courageous Leadership: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Courageous-Leadership-quash-tummy-butter/dp/1527249182
• Buy Diana Osagie's book: Juggernaut Thinking: https://www.courageousleadership.co.uk/services/juggernaut-thinking/
• Buy Victoria's book, Become a Global Leader: https://culturecuppa.com/book/
• Follow Victoria on LinkedIn for more strategies, ideas and inspiration: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson

Watch the video of this Episode here:

• The Courage to Lead with Humanity, with Diana Osagie - https://culturecuppa.com/podcasts/196-the-courage-to-lead-with-humanity-with-diana-osagie

Read this Episode's Blog post here:

• Stay Human as a Leader when under Pressure - https://culturecuppa.com/stay-human-as-a-leader-when-under-pressure/