Navigating Diversity Initiatives Globally | Part 2 with Linda Berlot

This is the second part of a two-part episode, if you haven't yet, we recommend you listen to Part 1.

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.

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. Together we'll explore 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.

Learn more about the work that Linda does at berlotgroup.com

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.

Read More about:

• Global Leadership - How to Become a Culturally Agile Leader

• Applying Cultural Agility to DEIB

• The Key to Unlock Success in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives

Listen to all the podcast episodes of Unlocking Cultural Agility here.

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