By Dr Tanya Finnie | Cultural Strategist I’ve lived and worked across several countries — from the sunburnt landscapes of Namibia and the souks of Morocco to the structured rhythm of Germany and now Australia, my home. Along the way, one subtle yet powerful cultural difference has stood out to me time and again: the […]
The Sound of Silence: Why It Doesn’t Mean the Same Thing Everywhere Read More »
By Dr Tanya Finnie | Cultural Strategist In an increasingly globalised business world, effective leadership isn’t just about vision and strategy, it’s also about communication. The way we communicate shapes trust, decision-making, and collaboration. Yet, leaders often overlook one crucial factor: not all cultures communicate in the same way. Understanding the difference between high-context (indirect)
High-Context vs Low-Context Communication: A Leadership Imperative Read More »
Leadership is often presented as a universal skill set: learn the right framework, apply it consistently, and you’ll succeed. But managing a multicultural team requires more than just following a leadership model. The biggest mistake leaders make? Assuming that what works in one culture will work everywhere. Leadership Styles Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All Across the world, different
The Biggest Mistake Leaders Make When Managing Multicultural Teams Read More »
Cross-cultural communication is a fascinating yet often frustrating aspect of working in a globalised world. Even when speaking the same language—as English—different cultural interpretations of words, phrases, and timeframes can lead to confusion, misunderstandings, and missed opportunities. The Problem: Words Don’t Always Mean What You Think A shared language doesn’t guarantee clear communication. Cultural backgrounds
Why Your Message Gets Lost in Translation (Even in English) Read More »
By Dr Tanya Finnie Currently Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are a focal point for organisations worldwide, especially in the current political landscape, where some are considering scrapping them altogether. Many businesses still struggle with moving beyond performative allyship—symbolic gestures without meaningful action. Think of the companies that post support for marginalised communities on
Beyond Performative Allyship: How Organisations Can Build Genuine Inclusive Cultures Read More »
In today’s interconnected world, consumers face complex ethical dilemmas when deciding where to spend their money. One such dilemma arises when a company’s leadership holds beliefs or makes decisions that conflict with the personal values of the consumer. Let’s explore the ethical tension of purchasing products from companies whose CEOs or business practices may not
When Beliefs and Brands Collide: The Ethics of Supporting Controversial Companies Read More »
Have you ever hesitated to voice your opinion on a controversial topic, fearing that you might be the odd one out? This social phenomenon, known as the Spiral of Silence, is something we all experience from time to time. Originally developed by German political scientist Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann, the theory suggests that people are less likely
Breaking the Silence: How Social Media is Changing the Game in Opinion Formation Read More »
Recently two headlines from opposite sides of the Atlantic illustrate a stark contrast between the cultures and political climates of America and Denmark. Denmark’s men’s soccer team made headlines by refusing a pay increase and accepting a 15% cut in their insurance coverage to ensure equal pay for the women’s national team. Meanwhile, in America,
A Tale of Two Cultures: Leadership Lessons from America and Denmark in 2024 Read More »
As an expert in Cultural Leadership with decades of experience in this space and I’ve observed a recurring issue during the holiday season within workplaces, particularly concerning how employers approach the celebration of special holidays like Christmas. Australia’s demographic landscape is evolving, with over 26 million people and increasing religious diversity. Notably, while Christianity remains
How you celebrate the Holidays can ruin relationships Read More »
Omicron, masks, restrictions, and border backflips, this our new reality and it has dominated our conversations ever since Covid-19 reared its ugly head and changed the world. Now more than ever, all of us are looking forward to a distraction, a way to kick back with our loved ones while holding onto some semblance of
