Unlocking Intercultural Agility

In this episode, George Kesselaar joins Marco Blankenburgh for a powerful conversation that redefines how we think about change.

George brings insight from his PhD research at the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business, where he explores the behavioral side of change in global organizations. What makes his work stand out is its intentional design through the lens of Intercultural Agility. Instead of treating change as something that is rolled out, George shows how it can be co-created with people across cultures.

Together, Marco and George explore questions like:

·       What causes change efforts to stall, even when the strategy is clear?

·       How can we move from rollout to resonance?

·       What does it take to create culture rather than dictate it?

This conversation offers practical insight into frameworks such as the Three Colors of Worldview, the 12 Dimensions of Culture, and the idea of building a Third Cultural Space. But more than that, it invites us to reflect on how leaders show up in times of change, how they listen, and how they align with people before inviting into a journey of change.

If you are working on (digital/technology) transformation, navigating resistance, or designing culture in a global environment, this episode will offer you a new way to see and lead change that lasts. 

- - - - - - - - 

Looking for a book to take your cultural agility to the next step? Check out the Ultimate Intercultural Question Book brought to you by KnowledgeWorkx

In this episode of the Unlocking Cultural Agility Podcast, Marco Blankenburgh is joined by Chris O’Shaughnessy to explore what Third Culture Kids can teach us about identity, belonging, and culture creation in a transient world. Together, they unpack powerful metaphors, practical examples from family life, and why language and frameworks matter when navigating life between cultures. A rich conversation for parents, educators, and anyone working across cultures.

- - - - - - - - 

Looking for a book to take your cultural agility to the next step? Check out the Ultimate Intercultural Question Book brought to you by KnowledgeWorkx

Stephanie shares her journey from growing up in a culturally diverse Lebanon to becoming an intercultural coach in Saudi Arabia, highlighting how travel and exposure to different cultures shaped her worldview and professional approach.

• British-Lebanese background with extensive experience in hospitality and learning & development
• Set a personal goal to visit 30 countries by age 30, which sparked a lifelong passion for cultural exploration
• Believes travel and cultural exposure challenges judgment, understanding, and personal worldviews
• Completed certification in intercultural coaching to better serve diverse teams in hospitality
• Currently witnessing rapid cultural change in Saudi Arabia as the country develops its hospitality industry
• Values cultural assessment tools that help people understand their own worldviews and biases
• Navigates the balance between international hospitality standards and local cultural practices
• Advocates connecting with people beyond cultural labels while respecting different beliefs
• Building her coaching business "Step by Step" focusing on leadership and intercultural coaching

If you'd like to learn more about getting certified in intercultural intelligence, check out the links in our show notes. Share this podcast with someone you think would benefit from these insights.

- - - - - - - - 

Looking for a book to take your cultural agility to the next step? Check out the Ultimate Intercultural Question Book brought to you by KnowledgeWorkx

In this conversation, KnowledgeWorkx founder Marco Blankenburgh interviews Roberta Saffels—Brazilian-American psychologist, 25-year expat, and positive-leadership consultant based in Doha, Qatar. Roberta explains how Positive Psychology shifts focus from “fixing what’s wrong” to enabling people and organisations to flourish—from zero to plus ten. She describes Positive Leadership’s practice of spotlighting strengths first, then “calibrating” over-used talents rather than patching weaknesses.

The dialogue explores why wellbeing at work is tightly linked to the quality of a leader’s relationships, and how Inter-Cultural Intelligence (ICI) provides the missing language for navigating honour-shame dynamics, collective agency, and communication styles in the Gulf region. Marco and Roberta share real-world stories—from Qatari start-ups to global NGOs—showing how an appreciative, culturally agile approach unlocks engagement and performance.

Roberta also previews her upcoming Positive Leadership Academy, a 12-week formation journey blending cultural intelligence, emotional intelligence, and an AI “nudge coach” to embed new habits.

Listen in to discover practical ways to shift your leadership from problem-solving to possibility-finding—and help your team thrive across cultures.

In this podcast you will learn:

• How Positive Psychology moves leaders beyond “removing distress” to creating flourishing, high-engagement cultures.
• Why spotlighting existing strengths shifts the whole organisation’s performance more effectively than fixing weaknesses.
• How Inter-Cultural Intelligence helps leaders navigate honour-shame dynamics, collective agency, and communication styles in the Gulf region.
• Practical ways to balance credibility and collaboration—priming conversations so teams contribute without leaders losing face.
• The vision behind the new 12-week Positive Leadership Academy and how its AI “nudge coach” embeds lasting behaviour change.

Learn more about Roberta's work here: https://robertasaffels.com/

Additional suggested reading:

• How to increase your effectiveness as a global leader 
• Introducing the Three Colors of Worldview 
• Introducing the 12 Dimensions of Culture 

- - - - - - - - 

Looking for a book to take your cultural agility to the next step? Check out the Ultimate Intercultural Question Book brought to you by KnowledgeWorkx

The surprising shifts in American foreign policy under Trump aren't just political—they're deeply cultural. Marco Blankenburgh and Rana Nejem break new ground by applying KnowledgeWorkx' Three Colors of Worldview framework to decode global politics, revealing patterns that traditional analysis misses entirely.

Trump's leadership represents a seismic shift from America's traditional innocence-guilt orientation (centered on laws and being "right") to a power-fear approach with honor-shame as a secondary driver. His language consistently emphasizes strength, winning, and position: "America's back in charge," and "The Chinese will learn not to test us again." This fundamental change forces both domestic and international actors to recalibrate their responses.

The cultural clashes playing out globally provide fascinating case studies in intercultural misalignment. JD Vance's disastrous NATO security summit appearance violated European diplomatic conventions of respect and consensus-building. Yet the same Vance demonstrated remarkable cultural agility during his visit to India, only to revert to power-oriented rhetoric upon returning home. Meanwhile, China's response to being called "peasants" wasn't about power assertion but about restoring honor in the face of shame—a critical distinction for understanding their behavior.

Saudi Arabia's masterful reception of Trump—from F-16 escorts to purple carpets signifying royalty—shows how cultural intelligence can be strategically deployed to build relationships, while a small misstep with traditional coffee service reveals how easily cultural nuances can be missed.

In our increasingly divided world, with rising nationalism and hardening borders, intercultural agility becomes not just beneficial but essential. The journey begins with self-awareness—understanding our own cultural lenses—and extends to developing skills for effectively engaging across cultural divides, whether in family relationships, workplace collaborations, or international diplomacy.

Discover how you too can develop these critical skills for navigating our complex multicultural world. Visit KnowledgeWorkx.com to explore certification options and access hundreds of articles on intercultural agility.

| In this episode, you will learn:
   -- How to respond to powerful leaders making powerful decisions—you can comply, disengage, resist (if you can win), or work within the system
   -- Why Saudi Arabia's reception of Trump displayed masterful intercultural agility through symbolic honors tailored to his worldview
   -- How China's response to being called "peasants" demonstrates honor-shame dynamics rather than simple power assertion

| Learn More about:
   -- Global Leadership - How to Become a Culturally Agile Leader
   -- The Top 10 Organizational Values Around the World
   -- Interculturally Agile Consulting

- - - - - - - - 

Looking for a book to take your cultural agility to the next step? Check out the Ultimate Intercultural Question Book brought to you by KnowledgeWorkx

Cultural misunderstandings can derail business deals, fracture teams, and create seemingly intractable workplace conflicts—but most of us lack the language to identify what's really happening beneath the surface. Through vivid stories and practical examples, this episode reveals how the KnowledgeWorkx 12 Dimensions of Culture framework provides that missing language, empowering us to navigate complex cultural landscapes with confidence and skill.

Marco Blankenburgh shares a powerful coaching story where a single conversation using the Status dimension helped a frustrated senior female leader understand the cultural barriers she faced in her financial institution. This clarity ultimately led her to launch a successful independent advisory company, realizing the depth of the cultural dynamics at play.

From dress codes to decision-making processes, from coaching methodologies to conflict management, the 12 Dimensions framework illuminates hidden cultural factors shaping our everyday interactions.

What sets this approach apart is its focus on the individual cultural journey rather than national stereotypes. When asking, "Where are you from?" we learn not to make assumptions, but to be curious about the unique person before us. And rather than getting stuck in cultural differences, teams use this framework to consciously craft their shared culture—deciding together who they want to be.

Whether you're managing diverse teams, expanding internationally, or simply seeking more meaningful connections with colleagues, this episode provides practical insights for becoming more interculturally agile in today's complex world.

In this episode, you will learn: 

• How to identify and navigate hidden cultural dynamics
• How to apply cultural insights to real-world challenges
• About how to build inclusive, intentional team cultures

Read More about:

• How to Navigate "People" and "Time"
• Leadership and Communication for a Global World
• Context in Intercultural Organizations

- - - - - - - - 

Looking for a book to take your cultural agility to the next step? Check out the Ultimate Intercultural Question Book brought to you by KnowledgeWorkx

Have you ever wondered how cultural differences shape our interactions? In this episode, Marco and Shelley explore the transformative concept of intercultural agility through the lens of the 12 Dimensions of Culture. Each dimension offers a unique perspective on how we understand ourselves and others in a multicultural world. From defining growth strategies to navigating communication styles, understanding these dimensions can enhance your intercultural skills, building stronger relationships in both personal and professional settings.

We start by unpacking the Growth dimension, discussing how different cultures approach development and teamwork. We also differentiate between universal and situational relationships, offering insights into how your perception of connections influences your relationships at work and beyond. Furthermore, we examine various outlooks on the future, from tradition-focused to innovation-driven perspectives, which inform our decision-making processes in diverse contexts.

Communication is crucial in any intercultural interaction - we dive into the differences between direct and indirect styles and how being adaptable can lead to more effective engagement. The episode also addresses accountability, emphasizing the importance of community alongside individual responsibility, reshaping how future generations view their roles in the workplace.

This rich tapestry of cultural dimensions not only enhances self-awareness but also provides tools for fostering better connections across cultures. 

| In this episode, you will learn:
   -- About the Cultural Mapping inventory (CMi), discovering each dimension.
   -- How development and teamwork can be approached when considering the Growth dimension.
   -- About fostering connection through understanding individual culture.

Read More about:

• 12 Dimension of Culture Framework (https://www.knowledgeworkx.com/framework-12-dimension-of-culture)
• 12 Dimensions of Culture in Traffic
• How to Navigate People and Time 

- - - - - - - - 

Looking for a book to take your cultural agility to the next step? Check out the Ultimate Intercultural Question Book brought to you by KnowledgeWorkx

Around 70% of most change initiatives are unsuccessful in organizations around the world. How can we create organizations that have the agility to successfully create real change?

Join us as Marco Blankenburgh, International Director of KnowledgeWorkx, shares his insights into how agility has shifted from sports and military roots to a key component in business leadership and development. Together, Marco and Shelley explore the significance of collaborative cultures inspired by sports teams and military units, and the journey of agility's integration into business, especially in project management and software development, while tackling the real challenges of change management in the corporate world.

The conversation takes a cultural spin, navigating the complexities of implementing agile methods across diverse global landscapes. Cultural interpretations of agility can vary dramatically—sometimes even clashing with established hierarchical structures and traditional leadership roles. Dive into discussions on what truly defines a healthy organization beyond Western-centric norms, and the impact of different organizational structures on productivity and effectiveness. The episode untangles the assumptions tied to organizational health and their influence on agility implementation across various cultural contexts.

In a world where organizations are increasingly global, Intercultural Agility becomes indispensable. Learn from real-world examples how businesses have adapted their processes to respect cultural nuances, ensuring global success. Marco and Shelley discuss the "two spotlights approach" for fostering agile cultures, emphasizing the need for collaboration and creating pockets of success as catalysts for broader cultural change. With insights from John King's book "Tribal Leadership," discover how transitioning from competitive to collaborative modes propels organizations to the "we" level where true agility thrives. Join us to unlock strategies for building agile, culturally aware organizations ready to conquer the global stage.

| In this episode, you will learn:
   -- About the linguistic and cultural issues that need to be taken into account when developing an agile environment.
   -- The role of hierarchy within agile systems: directed vs directive destiny.
   -- How to gauge when your organization has 'global DNA' and is ready to take on other geographies.

| Learn More about:
   -- Global Leadership - How to Become a Culturally Agile Leader
   -- How Global is Your Company's DNA? 

- - - - - - - - 

Looking for a book to take your cultural agility to the next step? Check out the Ultimate Intercultural Question Book brought to you by KnowledgeWorkx

What truly makes diversity initiatives succeed in today's complex global world?

Join Marco Blankenburgh and Linda Berlot as they uncover the qualities of courage and cultural learning necessary for engaging in impactful intercultural dialogues. Their conversation navigates through the intricate layers of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives, dissecting the global hurdles these face. The episode reveals why some DEIB efforts fall short and how giants like Microsoft are rethinking their strategies to heighten cultural adaptability, specifically in regards to relationship-centric and problem-centric cultural approaches.

Cultural dynamics and intercultural relationships take center stage as we share insights on the significance of humility and forgiveness. Through a lens of personal experiences and organizational examples, we examine cultural assumptions tied to agency and hierarchy, illustrating the delicate bridge between respecting cultural expressions and maintaining authenticity. We discuss the unique challenges in developing leadership assessments that resonate universally, stressing the importance of considering cultural perspectives to avoid skewed results. With tools like the Three Colors of Worldview and the Cultural Mapping Inventory, we aim to enhance survey designs and data interpretation to better reflect organizational realities.

The discussion ventures into the realm of vulnerability in leadership, exploring how it can forge powerful connections, though its acceptance varies across cultural landscapes. We tackle the complexities of cultural sensitivity in addressing global issues and the clever adaptation required to foster meaningful change without imposing a one-size-fits-all approach. The episode invites you to embrace courage as a cultural learner, offering resources to deepen your understanding of intercultural intelligence. Special thanks to Linda Berlot and all contributors who made this enlightening exploration possible. Engage with us as we chart pathways to a more culturally agile world.

| In this episode, you will learn:
   -- About creating DEIB solutions that thrive beyond an individual-accountability perspective.
   -- How to acknowledge the significance of humility and forgiveness in cross-cultural spaces, especially in regards to language barriers.
   -- The nuances of transparency and vulnerability in leadership among hierarchical organizations.

| Learn More about:
   -- Global Leadership - How to Become a Culturally Agile Leader (https://www.knowledgeworkx.com/post/global-leadership-how-to-become-a-culturally-agile-leader)
   -- Applying Cultural Agility to DEIB (https://www.knowledgeworkx.com/post/applying-cultural-agility-to-deib)
  -- The Key to Unlock Success in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives (https://www.knowledgeworkx.com/post/the-key-to-unlock-success-in-diversity-inclusion-and-belonging-initiatives) 

- - - - - - - - 

Looking for a book to take your cultural agility to the next step? Check out the Ultimate Intercultural Question Book brought to you by KnowledgeWorkx

Discover the secrets to applying cultural agility successfully on teams with our esteemed guest, Linda Berlot, whose 20 years of living in Dubai and working across various countries have uniquely positioned her to identify and bridge cultural differences. Linda's rich tapestry of experiences reveals how intercultural agility can transform team miscommunication into curiosity and mutual understanding, ultimately enhancing collaboration and effectiveness.

Navigate the complexities of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in a global context with us. We contrast problem-centric and relationship-centric cultural approaches, shedding light on the challenges and strategies for fostering healthy organizational cultures. Embrace a cultural learner mindset with insights into balancing direct and indirect communication styles, and discover the significance of creating a "third cultural space" for collaborative delivery.

Learn how to apply a "think local, act global" approach and avoid the pitfalls of imposing solutions across different cultural contexts. With rapid technological changes, we underscore the irreplaceable value of human skills like empathy, creativity, and relationship-building. Equip yourself and your team to navigate change effectively while fostering a culture of curiosity and mutual respect.

| In this episode, you will learn:
   -- The art of cultural agility and its impact on team dynamics and collaboration.
   -- Practical tools offer a roadmap for navigating the complexities of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in a global context.
   -- How teams can unlock their full potential and create a more inclusive and effective working environment.

| Learn More about:
   -- How to Have Better Conversations (http://kwx.fyi/better-conversations)
   -- Creating the “Multiplier Effect” on Your Team (http://kwx.fyi/multiplier-effect) 

- - - - - - - - 

Looking for a book to take your cultural agility to the next step? Check out the Ultimate Intercultural Question Book brought to you by KnowledgeWorkx