Part 2

The speaker discusses the challenge of managing teams across different cultures based on their personal experiences working in various countries. They emphasize the importance of cultural awareness and understanding the nuances of each country's work culture. They highlight the significance of building relationships in Latin America, task-oriented approach in Europe, and balancing authority and cultural understanding in Morocco and the Arab world. The speaker also mentions the need to adapt and communicate effectively in multicultural teams, recognizing that not everyone communicates the same way. Part two, navigating cultural differences. Now, let's talk about the challenge of managing teams across different cultures. This is something that really hits home for me. I have worked in Germany and Brazil, lived for a few months in Mexico and Korea, and when I was living in Germany, I also took on personal projects in France and Morocco. So trust me, I know what navigating the work culture in those places is like. Each country has its own nuances, but one of the biggest lessons I have learned is that cultural awareness is key. In Latin America, the personal touch is vital. It's about building relationship first, then business. In Europe, it's more about task-oriented, and there's no expectation of independence. But let me tell you, managing teams in Morocco and the Arab world, well, that was a whole other level. People have a deep respect for authority, but they also need a space to express themselves. In those settings, you've got to balance being the boss lady, as they affectionately call me, while also showing that you understand their values, their needs, and their culture. What's fascinating, though, is how these cultures interact when working together. Managing a multicultural team remotely means you are constantly learning. One of my biggest lessons was realizing that not everyone communicates the same way. In some cultures, silence is a sign of respect, while in others, it's a sign of disengagement. So you have to become a translator, both literally and figuratively. You have to communicate in ways people understand without losing your authentic self. It's about adapting, not changing who you are.