As an international ‘travel purist,’ I have to admit I fall into that category that looks with disdain at those eating at McDonald’s when in another country. “How could they possible travel this far and then eat at…McDonald’s?” I would think with a certain air of superiority. Well, the joke’s on me! Especially as a…
DetailsLet me clarify two things upfront, before explaining my most recent revelation of unconscious bias: 1) Self-revelation of an unconscious bias is the best way to address it and overcome it. It’s like the old AA adage. You have to acknowledge there’s a problem first. 2) I was about to defend my use…
DetailsDoesn’t everyone have that one friend who doesn’t dress up for Halloween, but likes to come up with ways to describe his/her costume anyway, as in “I’m dressed as a pedestrian.” At first I declared I was dressed Brazilian, after deciding not to change my shirt in response to my 8 year old’s announcement that “I…
DetailsI went to a going away party for a long time colleague last night, and ran into a young man I had worked with on art installations at Chicago’s airports more than 10 years ago. I was happy to see that his business was still thriving (I was possibly even patronizing, since I am older and he had to…
DetailsI’ve been following Cindy King both on the internet and on Twitter. She’s an International Sales Expert, but also an amazing connector of all things interntional and intercultural. In the past I’ve referenced websites like culturecrossing.net, which aim to provide a quick “How To” guide to cross-cultural etiquette and understanding. I have said I find the sites…
DetailsThe short version of this post is a summary of the workshop I presented today at the C-E-O conference for collegiate entrepreneurs in Chicago. One person who arrived at the end had asked if there was anywhere to capture the information in the 50 minute workshop. So, here is the “objective” short version: We covered the “Why”…
DetailsTrue American experience for international visitors? How about White Castle… This blurb on Brandfreak about endearing images of Twinkies in popular media reminded me of past attempts to showcase our culture to international visitors. For David from Paris, we spent the week trying to find the perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie. We tried Potbelly’s (sidenote–best day ever was being…
DetailsIn the past three days, direct to my in box, without having to lift a finger, I’ve received info about an amazing symposium on Stereotypes of Women in the Middle East, info on a workshop for Cultural Competency Facilitation Skills, a note from a friend in St. Louis re-connecting me to a mutual friend in…
DetailsThere are many reasons to learn about other cultures. While some may be ‘cramming’ to prepare for a business trip to China next week, I was thinking more about an interest in learning about another culture in general. Granted in today’s fast-paced purpose driven business world where meaning is communicated in 140 character snippets, learning…
DetailsI came across this quote today, and it reminded me of the value of intercultural communications based on knowing and embracing one’s own identity, first voice, and respect for others. “I, with all my abilities, potentials and talents both physical and spiritual, am unique in the universe. Amongst all those alive today there is no other…
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