What is unconscious bias? And why does it matter so much in our personal and professional lives? Research from Harvard’s Project Implicit shows that millions of people worldwide demonstrate unconscious biases around race, gender, age, and more, even when they consciously reject stereotypes. In the workplace, these hidden assumptions still influence who gets hired, promoted, and heard in meetings - shaping careers, cultures, and everyday interactions in ways we often don’t realize.
*Culture Chat*
In this episode, Frauke and Marie-Christine dive deep into the hidden assumptions that shape how we perceive others, make decisions, and interact across cultures. Joined by their guest Kristina Roppelt, an expert in intercultural communication, they unpack how unconscious bias shapes global teams, gender dynamics, language power, and everyday interactions; sharing real stories, intercultural insights, and practical tools to challenge bias in action.
*What you’ll learn in this episode:*
• What unconscious bias is and how it forms from childhood
• How cultural norms (like trust-based societies in Denmark and Germany) shape perception
• Real examples of cultural, gender, and language biases in global workplaces
• Why speaking English (or not) changes power dynamics in international teams
• Common cognitive biases that influence hiring, collaboration, and leadership
• The difference between cultural awareness and unconscious bias
• Practical exercises to recognize and reduce bias, including:
- Bias journaling
- The “Veil of Ignorance” exercise
- Flipping the script to challenge assumptions
- Using kind and aware communication to address stereotypes
• Organizational strategies for building inclusive and bias-aware cultures
Key Takeaway:
Bias is not a personal failure - it’s a human default. But just like democracy, it requires continuous awareness, reflection, and effort to maintain fairness and inclusion.
Call to Action:
Reflect on your own unconscious biases this week. Try one of the exercises discussed and share your insights with us - awareness is the first step toward inclusion.
References:
- Implicit associations test by Harvard: https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/
- Unconscious bias training that works by Harvard University Press: https://hbr.org/2021/09/unconscious-bias- training-that-works
- How to outsmart your own unconscious bias, TEDx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP-cqFLS8Q4
About Kristina Roppelt:
Kristina is an intercultural communication & soft skills consultant with 10 years of global business experience. She has lived, worked, and travelled to 63 countries and currently resides in Denmark. She is trusted by Maersk, Greenpeace, Hasbro, Goethe Institute and other corporations and international institutions to help with their international development or intercultural teams. She provides intercultural consultations, workshops, research, and business support for individuals and corporate clients. Kristina is the author of the book "50 intercultural questions".
Connect with Kristina Roppelt:
Website: https://kristinaroppelt.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinaroppelt/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kristina_roppelt
Kristina's Book:
https://buymeacoffee.com/kristinaroppelt/e/416960
Kristina's posts on unconscious bias mitigation techniques:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kristinaroppelt_bias-awareness-tools-pt-2-activity-7421462724519432192-F7A4/
Kristina's Intercultural Workshops:
https://kristinaroppelt.org/service-2
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