cultureXchange

By Frauke Bender & Marie-Christine Dobro

Podcast on Living and Working Abroad, Expat Life, Culture, Identity and Belonging. Co-Hosts: Frauke Bender, Professor for International Management, Facilitator for Intercultural Learning, Book Author ... more

· Society & Culture

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The podcast currently has 43 episodes available.

cultureXchange episodes:

August 15, 2025#33 The American Dream - Starting Over & Finding Success In The U.S. with Monique Menesi
What happens when you win the Green Card Lottery, leave everything behind in Germany, and start over in Florida?
You reinvent your life.
You launch not one, but two businesses.
You pitch your product on Shark Tank.
And then — you find your true calling: helping other expats build successful businesses abroad.
Culture Chat
In this inspiring episode, Frauke and Marie-Christine sit down with Monique Menesi to talk about her remarkable journey from Germany to the United States — both personally and professionally. Monique shares how she reinvented her life, built multiple businesses, and now empowers other German-speaking entrepreneurs to succeed in the U.S. It’s a story about risk, reinvention, and building community across borders.
✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Insights on what it takes to start over in a new country and build a thriving business from scratch
How to navigate cultural shifts and how to build business resilience abroad
Leadership & mindset lessons from the U.S. market
What most people get wrong about investor visas
If you're thinking about working internationally, scaling a business abroad, or just want a dose of entrepreneurial inspiration — this one is for you.
About Monique Menesi:
Monique Menesi is a seasoned leadership expert, business mentor, podcaster and entrepreneur with 30+ years of global experience, particularly in the U.S. market. She supports entrepreneurs launching businesses with investor visas, executives transitioning into U.S. leadership roles, and women building independent ventures abroad. As founder of several successful companies in Europe and the U.S., including Neustart USA, Equilibrium Mindful Leadership, and meetus@US, Monique combines deep strategic insight with a passion for empowering global leaders.
Connect with Monique:
https://www.moniquemenesi.com
https://meetus.us/transformational-leadership
https://www.neustartusa.com
Connect with cultureXchange:
Instagram: @culturexchange
https://www.instagram.com/culturexchange/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/people/cultureXchange/100086022011425/
Website:
https://www.culturexchangepodcast.com/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@culturexchange.podcast
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin:
The cultureXchange Podcast
https://www.linkedin.com/company/98639813/admin/dashboard/
Connect with Frauke
linkedin.com/in/fraukebender
Connect with Marie-Christine
linkedin.com/in/marie-christine-dobro-02910b44
The cultureXchange Podcast has been selected as one of the TOP EXPAT PODCASTS 2024
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/expat_podcasts/
...more
44min
July 18, 2025#32 Can AI Understand Culture? What Technology Still Misses About Cultural Intelligence with Dr Stephan Ruppert
As AI tools like ChatGPT become increasingly integrated into education, communication, and even personal development, a crucial question emerges: What does this mean for how we understand—and teach—culture? Can machines truly grasp cultural nuance, or are they just mimicking what they've been trained on?
Culture Chat
In this episode, Frauke and Marie-Christine explore the complex and evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and intercultural training. They are joined by Dr. Stephan Ruppert - trainer, lecturer, and AI working group leader at SIETAR Germany—who brings both practical insight and critical reflection to this timely conversation.
From the hidden cultural biases embedded in large language models to the use of AI-powered tools like the TOPOI Bot, we unpack the promises and pitfalls of using AI in culturally sensitive contexts. We also ask: Where should we draw the line between human judgment and machine assistance in education and training?
✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
How AI is being used in intercultural education
The limits of AI in grasping cultural nuance
Why cultural bias in AI is a real concern
The TOPOI Bot: a new AI tool for intercultural analysis
Balancing AI support with human expertise in training
Whether you're are an international living abroad, trainer, educator, or just curious about how technology is shaping our global conversations, this episode offers a thought-provoking look into the future of intercultural learning in a tech-driven world.
About Dr. Stephan Ruppert:
Stephan is based in Hamburg, Germany, where he works as a trainer and lecturer specializing in intercultural communication and leadership. His regional focus lies in Germany and Asia—particularly China—where he spent three years in a managerial role. Driven by a strong interest in emerging technologies, Stephan developed a specialized training program that equips trainers, coaches, and educators with the skills to leverage generative AI, enhancing both the efficiency and quality of their work in real-world scenarios.
He leads the AI Working Group within SIETAR Germany, which explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and interculturalism, including the ethical challenges that arise from this convergence. Stephan is also the co-author of the book "ChatGPT and Global Higher Education."
Connect with Stephan:
linkedin.com/in/stephan-ruppert
https://www.linkingcultures.de
Connect with cultureXchange:
Instagram: @culturexchange
https://Instagram.com/culture_x_change
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/people/cultureXchange/100086022011425/
Website:
https://www.culturexchangepodcast.com/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@culturexchange.podcast
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin:
The cultureXchange Podcast
https://www.linkedin.com/company/98639813/admin/dashboard/
Connect with Frauke
linkedin.com/in/fraukebender
Connect with Marie-Christine
linkedin.com/in/marie-christine-dobro-02910b44
The cultureXchange Podcast has been selected as one of the TOP EXPAT PODCASTS 2024
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/expat_podcasts/
...more
48min
June 20, 2025#31 From Life Abroad to Global Community - Creating Connection in Dubai with Navine Eldesouki
What happens when one woman turns her personal expat experience into a global movement of connection and support? If you’re navigating expat life, passionate about community building, or simply curious about what it takes to create meaningful connection in a global world—this episode is for you.
Culture Chat
In this episode, Frauke and Marie-Christine sit down with Navine Eldesouki, a Dubai-based expat and founder of "Coffee with an Expat". What started in 2019 as a vlog has since evolved into a thriving, women-only community that brings expat women together through both in-person and online events. From intimate coffee meetups to larger community gatherings, Navine has created a powerful space for connection, learning, and personal growth—helping women navigate expat life with confidence and support.
From shifting expat demographics and the rise of global nomads to raising third-culture kids and building inclusive support networks, this conversation dives deep into the realities of expat life. Navine also shares the behind-the-scenes of running her membership-based organization, her vision for global expansion, and the power of showing up, even when it’s hard.
✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
How the Expat Demographics in Dubai shifted toward self-initiated relocations.
The need to actively build connections and inclusive spaces.
How to create a Global Community from scratch.
Insights on overcoming early challenges and staying persistent.
Advice for Expat Parents and Tips for raising third-culture kids.
Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation to foster understanding across differences.
About Navine Eldesouki:
Navine is an Australian-Egyptian expat, community builder, and the founder of Coffee with an Expat (CWAE), a platform dedicated to empowering and connecting expat women globally. With over 24 years of experience living in eight countries, including Australia, Egypt, the United States, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, France, the United Kingdom, and the UAE, Navine has navigated the complexities of expatriate life firsthand.
Connect with Navine:
linkedin.com/in/navine-eldesouki-46356061
https://www.coffeewithanexpat.com
Connect with cultureXchange:
Instagram: @culturexchange
https://Instagram.com/culture_x_change
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/people/cultureXchange/100086022011425/
Website:
https://www.culturexchangepodcast.com/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@culturexchange.podcast
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin:
The cultureXchange Podcast
https://www.linkedin.com/company/98639813/admin/dashboard/
Connect with Frauke
linkedin.com/in/fraukebender
Connect with Marie-Christine
linkedin.com/in/marie-christine-dobro-02910b44
The cultureXchange Podcast has been selected as one of the TOP EXPAT PODCASTS 2024
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/expat_podcasts/
...more
29min
May 30, 2025#30 Why We Clash - The Neuroscience Behind Culture, Connection, and Polarization with Mai Nguyen
What drives cultural and political polarization—and how can these divides be bridged?
This episode examines the underlying causes of polarization, from identity-based group dynamics to the influence of fear, social media, and echo chambers. It explores how cultural differences shape communication, trust, and conflict—and how these patterns contribute to growing division across societies. Tools such as empathy, neutral language, and cultural awareness offer pathways to more constructive communication across political, cultural, and personal boundaries.
Culture Chat
In this episode, Frauke and Marie-Christine welcome Dr. Mai Nguyen, who shares her journey from journalism to academia and her recent transition into consulting—highlighting her passion for the intersection of neuroscience and intercultural communication. As a consultant, Mai specializes in organizational neuroscience, applying insights from brain science to enhance leadership, diversity, change management, bias awareness, mindfulness, and overall well-being in the workplace.
✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Why debates feel more personal than productive.
How fear, identity, and social media fuel division—and what neuroscience says we can do about it.
The power of neutral language, empathy, and storytelling in bridging polarized perspectives.
Practical tools to reduce bias and create connection—in classrooms, workplaces, and everyday life.
Mai’s personal method for emotional regulation (OAK: Observation, Analysis, Kindness) and how elephant training inspired her consulting approach.
Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation to foster understanding across differences.
About Dr. Mai Nguyen:
Mai is a renowned expert in the intersection of neuroscience, culture, and leadership. She is a former associated professor at Amsterdam School of International Business, consultant and keynote speaker, known for helping people understand how our brains shape the way we connect - or disconnect - across differences. Following her study at King's College London in a Master program on Applied Neuroscience, in 2020, she published her latest book “Cross-Cultural Management with Insights from Brain Science". Mai also leads CultureMove, a consultancy that applies neuroscience to enhance leadership, diversity, and inclusion practices.
Connect with Mai:
www.facebook.com/culturemovehttps://
www.linkedin.com/in/culturemove/
https://twitter.com/CultureMove_Com
[email protected]
Connect with cultureXchange:
Instagram: @culturexchange
https://Instagram.com/culturexchange
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/people/cultureXchange/100086022011425/
Website:
https://www.culturexchangepodcast.com/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@culturexchange.podcast
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin:
The cultureXchange Podcast
https://www.linkedin.com/company/98639813/admin/dashboard/
Connect with Frauke
linkedin.com/in/fraukebender
Connect with Marie-Christine
linkedin.com/in/marie-christine-dobro-02910b44
The cultureXchange Podcast has been selected as one of the TOP EXPAT PODCASTS 2024
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/expat_podcasts/
...more
50min
April 24, 2025#29 HYGGE - The Danish Art of Happiness with Marie Tourell Søderberg
What is Hygge - and why does it resonate far beyond Denmark? At its heart, Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is a Danish word with no direct English translation, but its feeling is instantly recognizable. It’s that cozy, contented sense of well-being you get when you’re wrapped in a blanket with a cup of tea, laughing with friends around a candlelit table, or simply enjoying the quiet comfort of being fully present in a moment. More than just a trend or aesthetic, Hygge is a way of living—an intentional slowing down, a focus on gratitude, connection, and the small joys that make life meaningful. Though it’s deeply rooted in Danish culture, Hygge is universal and adaptable, offering anyone a gentle reminder to find comfort, beauty, and peace in the everyday.
Culture Chat
In this episode, Frauke and Marie-Christine welcome Marie Tourell Søderberg who invites us into her world of Hygge — a Danish concept centered around coziness, connection, and mindfulness. Drawing from her personal experiences and her bestselling book on Hygge, Marie shares how this practice has shaped her life across seasons, cultures, and even sorrowful times.
✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Marie’s favorite Hygge moments,from baking with her children to enjoying tea in peaceful solitude
The role of food, shared experiences, and simple rituals (like lighting a candle) in creating a Hygge atmosphere
How Hygge goes beyond seasons and borders—it's not just for Danes or winter nights
The deeper values behind Hygge: mindfulness, humility, gratitude, and emotional connection
How Hygge helped Marie find unity and comfort during personal grief
Insight into the challenges of social integration in Denmark and how Hygge can be both inclusive and, at times, unintentionally exclusive
Marie’s reflections on her book’s global reach and her preference for offline, real-world moments over social media hype
Marie's Book on Hygge:
Marie Tourell Søderberg (2016): Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness.
Available on Amazon and in local bookstores, Marie's book has been translated into over 20 languages and continues to inspire readers around the world to seek and cherish the “little pearls” of joy in daily life.
Stay Connected with Marie:
While she's not heavily into self-promotion these days, you can find Marie on Instagram and Facebook—or better yet, in a quiet café with a warm cup of tea.
Connect with cultureXchange:
Instagram: @culturexchange
https://Instagram.com/culture_x_change
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/people/cultureXchange/100086022011425/
Website:
https://www.culturexchangepodcast.com/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@culturexchange.podcast
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin:
The cultureXchange Podcast
https://www.linkedin.com/company/98639813/admin/dashboard/
Connect with Frauke
linkedin.com/in/fraukebender
Connect with Marie-Christine
linkedin.com/in/marie-christine-dobro-02910b44
The cultureXchange Podcast has been selected as one of the TOP EXPAT PODCASTS 2024
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/expat_podcasts/
...more
34min
March 20, 2025#28 Belonging Beyond Borders - Finding Home as an Adult Third Culture Kid with Megan Norton
What does it mean to truly belong? For Adult Third Culture Kids (ATCKs) who have grown up across multiple cultures, the concept of belonging is complex and ever-evolving. Rather than being tied to a single place, belonging can be found in relationships, a sense of purpose, and personal values.
Join us as we unpack what it truly means to belong—wherever you are in the world.
Culture Chat
In this episode, Frauke and Marie-Christine welcome Megan Norton, an US-American author and global mobility expert, to explore the complexities of belonging for Third Culture Kids (TCKs) who have grown up across multiple cultures. Drawing from her personal experiences as an ATCK, Megan shares valuable insights on fostering a sense of belonging, using the metaphor of a garden to illustrate the evolving nature of identity. Together, they discuss the importance of self-awareness, adaptability, and the realization that belonging is not a fixed state but a dynamic journey.
Megan emphasizes the significance of understanding one’s limits, prioritizing meaningful relationships, and offering oneself grace throughout the process. She encourages Third Culture Kids (TCKs) to reflect on their unique experiences and use them to communicate their stories more effectively.
Episode Highlights
This episode
offers guidance and support for globally mobile families navigating identity, belonging, and transitions.
Explains the concept of belonging, particularly for Adult TCKs.
Highlights how belonging is more than a circumstance—it’s a feeling shaped by relationships, purpose, and personal values.
Examines the challenges of maintaining long-distance relationships and adapting to different cultural norms.
Recognizes the unique skills of TCKs and their potential to contribute to global understanding and diplomacy.
Our Guest Megan C. Norton:
Megan is an Adult Third Culture Kid who calls 10 countries and 6 U.S. states “home”. As a certified intercultural trainer and TCK consultant, she specializes in supporting families in global transition. Her expertise is valued by clients ranging from international schools to diplomatic communities, from mission organizations to seasoned expats and TCKs. She shares her first-hand experience and knowledge as an author and host of the podcast A Culture Story. She has appeared in person and virtually as a global speaker delivering socio-emotional programming tailored to globally mobile families and youth.
Book:
Norton, Megan (2022): Belonging Beyond Borders: How Adult Third Culture Kids Can Cultivate a Sense of Belonging. Belonging Beyond Borders, LLC.
https://www.amazon.com/Belonging-Beyond-Borders-Culture-Cultivate/dp/B0BQ9LM382
Connect with Megan
https://www.adultthirdculturekid.com
Connect with cultureXchange:
Instagram: @culturexchange
https://Instagram.com/culture_x_change
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/people/cultureXchange/100086022011425/
Website:
https://www.culturexchangepodcast.com/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@culturexchange.podcast
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin:
The cultureXchange Podcast
https://www.linkedin.com/company/98639813/admin/dashboard/
Connect with Frauke
linkedin.com/in/fraukebender
Connect with Marie-Christine
linkedin.com/in/marie-christine-dobro-02910b44
The cultureXchange Podcast has been selected as one of the TOP EXPAT PODCASTS 2024
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/expat_podcasts/
...more
36min
February 13, 2025#27 Ssukgat & Self-Care - The Korean Art of Wellness and Longevity with Michelle Jungmin Bang
Korean wellness traditions have been passed down through generations, focusing on harmony between mind, body, and nature. Ssukgat embodies this philosophy, integrating herbal wisdom, mindful rituals, and nourishment from natural ingredients. In today’s fast-paced world, these ancient practices offer a refreshing approach to self-care, emphasizing longevity, resilience, and holistic well-being. By learning from these traditions, we can cultivate a deeper connection with ourselves and our surroundings.
Culture Chat
In this episode, Frauke and Marie-Christine welcome Michelle Jungmin Bang, the author of "Sun and Ssukgat - The Korean Art of Self-Care, Wellness & Longevity", a book that unveils the time-honored wisdom of Korean wellness practices. Rooted in holistic healing, mindfulness, and nature-based self-care, Ssukgat offers a guide to living a balanced and healthier life.
Michelle's journey into these traditions became deeply personal when she felt the toll of modern life on her well-being. Seeking change, she reconnected with her Korean heritage, uncovering centuries-old wellness practices. From Buddhist nuns mastering fermentation for gut health to haenyeo (female free divers) using breathwork for healing, she explored holistic longevity secrets-including the daily habits of centenarians and the communal rituals of Korean bathhouses.
From the power of nutritious food to the importance of ritualistic wellness, we discuss how you can incorporate these practices into your daily routine for long-term health and vitality. Tune in to discover how these Korean well-being traditions can inspire a more balanced, intentional life.
Episode Highlights
Introduction to Ssukgat:
Understanding the meaning and philosophy behind Korean self-care.
Food as Medicine:
How traditional Korean cuisine supports holistic health and longevity.
Applying Ssukgat in Modern Life:
Practical tips for integrating Korean wellness principles into a busy lifestyle.
Join the Conversation
Have you tried any Korean self-care rituals? Share your experiences with us on social media. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!
Our Guest Michelle Jungmin Bang:
Michelle is an award-winning eco-entrepreneur and Harvard Business School graduate who spent 16 years living in Asia as a Korean-American from New York City. She is the author of Sun & Ssukgat, a wellness guide covering her research, interviews, and personal eco-conscious journey in uncovering centuries-old well-being traditions from her time in Asia and Korea, where scientists project its people will top longevity charts in 2030. Michelle is the co-founder and founding CEO of The R Collective (formerly BYT), a sustainable fashion brand that creates affordable luxury pieces out of high-end materials that would otherwise have been disposed of in a landfill. She is passionate about driving social impact and serves as a board director and founding member of various mission-driven organizations, most recently GrowNYC, an environmental non-profit focused on food access, agriculture, and green spaces.
Book:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063341522?
Connect with Michelle
https://www.instagram.com/michelle.jungmin.bang/
Connect with cultureXchange:
Instagram: @culturexchange
https://Instagram.com/culture_x_change
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/people/cultureXchange/100086022011425/
Website:
https://www.culturexchangepodcast.com/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@culturexchange.podcast
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin:
The cultureXchange Podcast
https://www.linkedin.com/company/98639813/admin/dashboard/
Connect with Frauke
linkedin.com/in/fraukebender
Connect with Marie-Christine
linkedin.com/in/marie-christine-dobro-02910b44
The cultureXchange Podcast has been selected as one of the TOP EXPAT PODCASTS 2024
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/expat_podcasts/
...more
38min
December 19, 2024 #26 Breaking Out of the Expat Bubble - How to Make Friends Abroad with Marian van Bakel
When expats relocate abroad, the process of building local friendships plays a crucial role in their ability to adapt and thrive in the new country. Beyond practical adjustments like finding housing, navigating public services, or learning the local language, establishing personal connections within the local community provides cultural insights, emotional support, and a sense of belonging. Local friendships help expats bridge cultural gaps, offering firsthand knowledge of traditions, norms, and social etiquette that can’t always be learned from books or formal training. These relationships are essential for both personal well-being and long-term satisfaction with the expat experience.
Culture Chat
In this episode, Frauke and Marie-Christine welcome Marian van Bakel, an associate professor at a University in Denmark, a consultant at intersango and book author. The trio discusses the process of integrating into local communities, breaking free from the expat bubble, and forming meaningful bonds with locals. In her recent book 'Breaking out of the Expat Bubble', Marian equips expatriates with tools to forge meaningful intercultural connections and friendships, both at work and in their personal lives. Drawing on nearly two decades of research and featuring many insightful expat stories from around the globe, her book offers actionable advice for expatriates, organisations, and societies alike.
Connect with Marian:
linkedin.com/in/marian-van-bakel-7a00a82
Website:
www.intersango.dk
Book:
van Bakel, Marian (2024). Breaking out of the Expat Bubble: How to Make Intercultural Connections and Friends (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003246855
Connect with cultureXchange:
Instagram: @culturexchange
https://Instagram.com/culture_x_change
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086022011425
Website: https://www.culturexchangepodcast.com/
YouTube:
https://youtu.be/NOAe697Zo_U
@culturexchange.podcast
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/98639813/admin/dashboard/
Connect with Frauke
linkedin.com/in/fraukebender
Connect with Marie-Christine
linkedin.com/in/marie-christine-dobro-02910b44
The cultureXchange Podcast has been selected as one of the TOP 10 EXPAT PODCASTS 2023
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/expat_podcasts/
...more
38min
November 15, 2024#25 Cross-Cultural Networking - What Expats Need to Know with Sven Horak
Cross-cultural networks are like the 'secret sauce' for success in today’s global world. Imagine a network where people from different cultures come together, bringing unique perspectives, ideas, and solutions. These networks drive innovation, help us understand diverse markets, and open doors to new opportunities. However, in many cultures, there are closed or fixed networks that can be nearly impossible to access as an outsider. These networks are often built on long-standing traditions, deep family ties, or shared cultural experiences, and they play a major role in how people connect, collaborate, and trust each other.
For expats, these closed or fixed cultural networks can be both challenging and isolating. Moving to a new country, expats often look to build local relationships and integrate into the community. But when local networks are tightly bound by shared histories, traditions, or family ties, it can be nearly impossible for an outsider to break in. This can make expats feel disconnected or even excluded, adding to the culture shock.
Without access to these networks, expats may struggle to find the informal support or social connections that locals rely on—like insider job tips, housing leads, or help with navigating bureaucratic systems. Instead, many expats end up forming their own communities with other expats, which can provide support but may also limit their immersion in the local culture.
On the upside, awareness of these dynamics can help expats adjust expectations, and they might find ways to connect through open, inclusive networks, like hobby groups, language exchanges, or multicultural communities. These networks help expats gain cultural insights and foster meaningful connections without pushing against the boundaries of more exclusive local groups.
Culture Chat
In this episode, Frauke and Marie-Christine welcome Dr. Sven Horak, Professor of Management at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John's University in NYC. The duo discusses with Sven how fixed networks can make adaptation to the new environment harder, but understanding and working around these cultural boundaries can lead to a more authentic and respectful expat experience.
In this episode, you’ll gain valuable insights into:
why cross-cultural networks matter
the differences between effective and instrumental networking
the challenges and limitations of cultural boundaries
how Expats can understand and work around these boundaries
Our Guest Sven Horak:
Sven is an expert in Global Management, International HR, and Leadership. His research focuses on networking and relationship-building in a global context. Through his work, Sven explores the underlying structures, motivations, and principles of networking within and across countries, providing valuable insights that help managers expand their global networking capabilities.
Book:
„Informal Networks in International Business”, Sven Horak (Ed.).
https://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/doi/10.1108/9781839828782
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Informal-Networks-International-Business/dp/183982879X
Connect with Sven
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sven-horak-00899770
Connect with cultureXchange:
Instagram: @culturexchange
https://Instagram.com/culture_x_change
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/people/cultureXchange/100086022011425/
Website:
https://www.culturexchangepodcast.com/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@culturexchange.podcast
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/98639813/admin/dashboard/
Connect with Frauke
linkedin.com/in/fraukebender
Connect with Marie-Christine
linkedin.com/in/marie-christine-dobro-02910b44
The cultureXchange Podcast has been selected as one of the TOP 10 EXPAT PODCASTS 2023
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/expat_podcasts/
...more
46min
September 20, 2024#24 Cultures Don't Meet, People Do with Arjan Verdooren
In today’s interconnected world, many individuals navigate international and multicultural environments in their daily lives, education, and work. As a result, intercultural communication has gained prominence across various professional and academic domains. However, due to the complexities brought by globalization, simply understanding cultural norms and differences often proves inadequate. The focus shifts to interpersonal communication, emphasizing the interaction between individuals rather than solely between cultures.
Culture Chat
In this episode, Frauke and Marie-Christine welcome Arjan Verdooren, a consultant, lecturer, author, and speaker about intercultural communication and diversity & inclusion. Arjan outlines what is meant by diversity competence, highlighting the processes, challenges, and skills that are crucial in navigating a "superdiverse" world. He explains how the TOPOI model—a structured framework designed to focus on key aspects and interventions for diversity-sensitive communication—provides an inclusive and communicative strategy for analyzing and resolving potential miscommunication.
As co-hosts who have lived, worked, and navigated diverse cultural environments ourselves, Frauke and Marie-Christine have seen firsthand the challenges and rewards of intercultural communication. This episode with Arjan Verdooren is particularly meaningful to them because it offers practical insights and tools that resonate deeply with their own experiences.
In this episode, you’ll gain valuable insights into:
Shifting from cultural differences to personal connections: Discover how real communication happens between individuals, not just across cultures.
Mastering diversity competence: Equip yourself with essential skills to thrive in today’s multicultural world—whether you’re living abroad or working in an international team.
Applying the TOPOI model: Learn how this powerful tool helps expats and international professionals avoid miscommunication and build stronger, more inclusive relationships, especially in high-stakes environments like mediation, business, and healthcare.
Our Guest Arjan Verdooren:
Arjan is a consultant, lecturer and researcher in the fields of Intercultural Communication and Diversity and Inclusion. He is a long time associate of the Royal Tropical Institute, a knowledge center in Amsterdam. He has provided courses and consultancy for a variety of organizations within e.g. government, education, finance, healthcare, police and even professional football. In addition, he has been a lecturer at several universities including the University of Gothenburg and the HTW University in Berlin, as well as a guest lecturer at many other universities. He is the author of several publications in the field, most prominently the book Diversity Competence- Cultures Don’t Meet People Do (with Edwin Hoffman, PhD). Arjan divides his time between Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and Gothenburg (Sweden).
Connect with Arjan:
linkedin.com/in/arjanverdooren
Book:
Hoffman, Edwind and Verdooren, Arjan (2019): Diversity Competence: Cultures Don’t Meet, People Do. CABI Publishing.
Connect with cultureXchange:
Instagram: @culturexchange
https://Instagram.com/culture_x_change
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086022011425
YouTube:
https://youtu.be/NOAe697Zo_U
@culturexchange.podcast
Email: [email protected]
Connect with Frauke
linkedin.com/in/fraukebender
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The cultureXchange Podcast has been selected as one of the TOP 10 EXPAT PODCASTS 2023
https://podcasts.feedspot.com/expat_podcasts/
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52min

FAQs about cultureXchange:

How many episodes does cultureXchange have?

The podcast currently has 43 episodes available.