The Shift

intelligence combined with kindness and connection. What happens when we face global tensions, political uncertainties, and fractured communities? How can we move beyond understanding to action that truly builds bridges?

Discover why cultural intelligence alone isn't enough and how adding kindness and meaningful connections transforms the way we navigate differences. Trisha previews conversations ahead with practitioners working in cross-cultural storytelling, music, Japanese multinationals, and social cohesion, while responding to recent events that have tested our collective compassion.

The episode closes with a concrete CQ action: participating in the National Day of Mourning for Bondi through acts of mitzvah—simple, everyday kindness that creates waves of goodwill. This is cultural intelligence in practice: not just knowing, but doing.

Join Trisha in this journey of growth and discovery throughout the year via Substack or LinkedIn.

National Day of Mourning for the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack​

Content note: This episode addresses recent acts of terror and may be difficult for some listeners.

In this solo episode, Trisha responds to the recent Bondi Beach shooting with a gentle but powerful reminder: cultural intelligence isn't just for crossing borders—it can be lifesaving in times of crisis.

What happens when fear spikes and communities fracture? How do we stay motivated to understand rather than retreat into tribalism? Trisha explores how CQ's four capabilities—Drive, Knowledge, Strategy, and Action—offer a framework for navigating tragedy, trauma, and rising tensions. She honours the diverse heroes who ran toward danger, from Ahmed Al Ahmed to Jessica Rosen, showing how humanity transcends cultural boundaries in moments that matter most.

This episode asks: Who are we standing with? Who are we standing for? And what does it mean to stand together when the world tries to pull us apart? Trisha offers practical guidance on processing trauma while maintaining the curiosity and connection that CQ requires, even—especially—when it's hardest.

If you're struggling, help is available 24/7:

For Australian listeners:

NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511

Lifeline: 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online

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International listeners can find support at https://findahelpline.com/

Join Trisha in this journey of growth and discovery throughout the year via Substack or LinkedIn.

In this episode, Trisha interviews returning guest Lucy Butters, a master facilitator in cultural intelligence with the Cultural Intelligence Centre and author of the new book "Cultural Intelligence in Practice: Expert Insights for Trainers in a Multicultural Globalised World."

What happens when a CQ trainer discovers that the most challenging cultural contexts aren't in distant lands, but close to home? How can holding discomfort with curiosity rather than rushing to judgment transform the way we navigate cultural differences? Lucy shares insights from interviewing 12 CQ experts across the globe, revealing how the writing process itself became a mirror—exposing hidden cultural assumptions in everything from word choices to argumentative tone. The conversation explores her father's wisdom about looking out "with love and respect," and why Lucy explicitly asks readers to use their own cultural intelligence while reading her book.

Buy Lucy's book, Cultural Intelligence in Practice, here! And take a look at Cross Cultural Catalysts. Cross Cultural Catalysts will be a home for cross-cultural facilitators by fostering a collaborative community where members can sharpen their skills, share expertise, and amplify their impact. In 2026, Lucy and Dr Lyla Kohistany will be launching this network. If you wish to be kept up to date about the launch, please register your interest here.

Listen to Lucy's first episode on the Shift - Shifts for Cultural Intelligence Facilitators

Make sure you join Trisha in this journey of growth and discovery throughout the year via Substack or LinkedIn.

In this episode, Trisha interviews Emma Jordaan, founder and CEO of Infinite Consulting, TEDx speaker, and author of Dubai Decode, who helps leaders navigate cultural dynamics in one of the world's most diverse workplaces—the UAE.

What happens when your team knows you're making the wrong decision but stays silent because "you are the boss"? How do you bridge the gap between having cultural knowledge and actually applying it with intentionality? Emma unpacks her proprietary RAPID framework—a cultural intelligence strategy tool that helps professionals slow down their cross-cultural interactions before they react. Discover how recognising, assessing, pausing, interpreting, and deciding can transform cultural complexity from a barrier into a competitive advantage, and why listening with your whole body might be the CQ strategy skill you've been missing.

Connect with Emma on LinkedIn and explore her book Dubai Decoded for deeper insights into navigating cultural diversity. You can also check out Emma's podcast, The HR and CQ Show with Emma Jordaan and Sarah Brooks.

Make sure you join Trisha in this journey of growth and discovery throughout the year via Substack or LinkedIn.

In this episode, Trisha reviews five powerful transformation stories to uncover what practitioners can learn about creating conditions for genuine perspective shifts.

What if we stopped trying to teach people into transformation and instead learned to cultivate the conditions where change becomes inevitable? Through stories of systemic awakening, identity work, and unexpected wisdom from a 10-year-old, this episode explores how dissonance, experience, and reflection intersect to create profound shifts—not just in thinking, but in being.

For intercultural trainers, coaches, and CQ facilitators, the insights here challenge conventional approaches: brave spaces over safe spaces, productive discomfort over protection, sustained journeys over quick fixes. Discover why the most powerful shifts often can't be taught—only witnessed and supported.

The episode revisits conversations with Dr. Kristal Walker, Andrew Sykes, Amel Derragui, Dr. Hanlie Van Wyk, and Jerry Jones, drawing practical lessons for anyone working to help others expand their cultural intelligence and capacity for perspective-taking.

Make sure you join Trisha in this journey of growth and discovery throughout the year via Substack or LinkedIn.

Amel Derragui - From School Canteens to Global Communities

Andrew Sykes - Building Trust, Floor by Floor

Dr. Kristal Walker - Building Authenticity and Cultural Intelligence Together

Jerry Jones - Helping Teams Get Unstuck Through Human Connection

Hanlie van Wyk - Reasonable Revolutionaries and Human Eco-Cultures

Quinton Pretorius - Shifts Through Experiential Learning

In this solo episode, Trisha examines a critical question that every global professional using AI should consider: Are artificial intelligence systems as globally representative as we assume? Drawing on groundbreaking 2010 research about WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich, Democratic) populations in psychology, she explores whether today's AI models might face similar challenges.

Through conversations with Claude from Anthropic and ChatGPT's Monday persona, Trisha uncovers surprising perspectives on data sources, training biases, and the cultural blind spots that might influence AI responses. These AI systems offer candid assessments of their own capabilities when it comes to representing diverse global viewpoints, revealing insights that could reshape how we interact with artificial intelligence.

Can artificial intelligence develop genuine cultural intelligence, or does it require culturally intelligent humans to unlock its potential? What would it mean to bring your CQ to every AI interaction rather than assuming these systems provide universal, unbiased knowledge? Whether you're a leader implementing AI tools across cultures, an HR professional considering AI solutions, or anyone curious about the intersection of technology and cultural intelligence, this conversation challenges fundamental assumptions about artificial intelligence as a neutral, global knowledge source.

Make sure you join Trisha in this journey of growth and discovery throughout the year via Substack or LinkedIn.

In this episode, Trisha explores how teams can move beyond cultural stereotypes to build environments where everyone feels valued and understood. What happens when cultural training leaves participants feeling uncomfortable about their own backgrounds? How can we shift from oversimplified country-based assumptions to embracing the complexity that exists within every individual?

Sparked by a story shared at the Employee Mobility Institute's recent summit, Trisha examines the critical difference between cultural competence—knowing about other cultures—and cultural intelligence—being able to function effectively together as unique teams. She challenges listeners to consider whether we're reinforcing divisions or co-creating understanding in our workplace interactions.

This episode offers valuable insights for global mobility professionals, team leaders, and anyone working in culturally diverse environments who want to transform how their teams navigate differences together.

Check out The Employee Mobility Institute (TEMi) - Mobility Exchange Compass for Change Summit

Make sure you join Trisha in this journey of growth and discovery throughout the year via Substack or LinkedIn.

In this episode, Trisha interviews Amel Derragui, a truly global citizen, business coach, and powerhouse behind The Time is Now and the Cosmopolitan Table. Born in India to Algerian parents and raised across Serbia, Algeria, and Uganda, Amel has built her career helping women create portable businesses while navigating cultures worldwide.

What happens when a 14-year-old witnesses racial fights at an international school and decides to take action? How does a school canteen project teach us about breaking down barriers through shared experiences?

Amel's journey from teenage entrepreneur to global community builder reveals the complex intersection of entrepreneurship and social impact. Through compelling stories spanning continents and decades, this conversation will challenge how you think about identity, justice, and building bridges in our divided world.

Connect with Amel at thetimeisnow.biz and learn more about her work empowering globally mobile women through entrepreneurship.

Make sure you join Trisha in this journey of growth and discovery throughout the year via Substack or LinkedIn.

In this episode, Trisha revisits her conversation with Dr. Tanya Finnie, introducing it with context about Tanya's newly released book "From Shadows to Safari." What happens when someone grows up witnessing apartheid's segregation, yet is raised with values that challenge the system around them? How do early experiences of injustice shape a lifelong commitment to bringing people together across cultural divides?

This revisited conversation explores the complex journey from South Africa to Australia, examining how childhood experiences of racism and cultural difference can become the foundation for transformative leadership in diversity and inclusion. In their original discussion, Tanya shares compelling stories about adapting to new cultures, from misunderstanding Australian dinner party etiquette to her unique approach of inviting strangers to share meals while travelling alone.

Tanya's book "From Shadows to Safari" provides deeper context to the stories shared in this conversation. Get your copy at redheadcommunications.com/living-book/#subscribe

Connect with Tanya on LinkedIn and via her website.

Make sure you join Trisha in this journey of growth and discovery throughout the year via Substack or LinkedIn.

In this solo episode, Trisha explores whether the same cultural intelligence capabilities that help us work across cultures might also be tools for building peace.

Drawing from insights at the International Positive Psychology Association World Congress, Trisha examines Peter Singer's concept of expanding our "moral circle" and Barbara Fredrickson's research on positive emotions, sparked by reflections from David Livermore and Martin Seligman.

Discover how CQ Strategy, Knowledge, Drive, and Action might offer pathways beyond tribalism, and learn practical approaches for designing learning experiences that broaden perspectives rather than reinforce divisions.

Resources mentioned include Peter Singer's work on expanding moral circles (petersinger.info), David Livermore's cultural intelligence research (davidlivermore.com), and Martin Seligman's positive psychology foundations (positivepsychology.com).

Make sure you join Trisha in this journey of growth and discovery throughout the year via Substack or LinkedIn.