My honest advice for everyone working in a multicultural environment or different country
After spending 20 years in China and working across APAC experiencing rich and diverse cultures and nearing 2,500 hours of coaching and delivering training workshops across APAC, I’ve learned this: Cultural intelligence (CQ) is not optional; it’s essential.
Learn to read between the lines of cultures, adapt your communication, and build genuine connections across boundaries.
→ You can’t and shouldn’t have to fully replicate someone else’s cultural experiences—CQ is personal and grows from your own journey.
→ You should approach every interaction with curiosity, respect, and a willingness to understand.
→ We must foster empathy—it transcends cultural differences and opens doors to collaboration.
Be:
→ Open to learning.
→ Adaptable in your communication.
→ Curious about other perspectives.
Not:
→ Judgmental.
→ Stuck in one mindset.
→ Resistant to change.
Developing cultural intelligence is a lifelong journey, but the rewards are amazing: stronger relationships, better leadership, and real impact in a globalized world.
