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By Dr Tanya Finnie | Cultural Strategist In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to navigate cultural differences isn’t just a bonus for leaders—it’s essential. While many leaders are familiar with IQ (intelligence quotient) and EQ (emotional intelligence), there’s another critical form of intelligence that often flies under the radar: Cultural Intelligence (CQ). Cultural Intelligence […]

By Dr Tanya Finnie | Cultural Strategist In today’s global workforce, giving feedback is no longer a one-size-fits-all skill. It’s an art that requires cultural sensitivity, emotional intelligence, and a nuanced understanding of what motivates (or demoralises) people from different backgrounds. Delivering feedback well can strengthen a team; getting it wrong can erode trust overnight.

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

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)

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

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

The recent proposal by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to mandate a full-time return to the office for Australian Public Service (APS) employees has ignited debate about the future of work. His policy aims to enhance productivity and efficiency within the public sector by requiring all APS staff to work from their respective offices five days

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

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

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