#399: How To Approach Culture Differences

In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, host Etienne Nichols sits down with Olga Chashchina, a MedTech startup founder with extensive international experience. They explore how cultural differences affect communication in the medical device industry and the importance of understanding intercultural nuances.

Drawing from the book The Culture Map by Erin Meyer, Olga shares practical insights on managing global teams, the role of context in communication styles, and how cultural awareness can improve both workplace dynamics and patient care.

Key Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro & Sponsor: Introduction to the episode and Greenlight Guru sponsorship
• 02:20 – Meet Olga Chashchina: Olga’s background in MedTech and international work experience
• 06:45 – Understanding Cultural Missteps: Common mistakes when navigating cultural differences in teams
• 12:15 – High vs. Low Context Communication: How context affects communication styles across cultures
• 15:00 – Cultural Impact on Healthcare: How cultural backgrounds influence patient care and medical communication
• 18:30 – Feedback Across Cultures: Differences in giving and receiving feedback globally
• 20:00 – Building Personal Connections in Professional Settings: Balancing personal relationships and cultural norms in business
• 22:00 – Final Thoughts: Olga’s key takeaway for appreciating cultural diversity

Quotes:

"The biggest problem in intercultural management is thinking everybody thinks the same way." – Olga Chashchina

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"Positive feedback should be well-measured and well-argued; a vague 'amazing' doesn’t help anyone improve." – Etienne Nichols

"Sometimes you need the culture map in the beginning, but eventually, you just see the person in front of you." – Olga Chashchina

Takeaways:

Key Insights on MedTech Trends:

1. Global Teams Need Cultural Awareness: Effective communication hinges on understanding cultural contexts.
2. Healthcare is Deeply Cultural: Patient care varies across cultures due to differences in symptom expression and medical expectations.
3. Feedback Styles Differ Greatly: Recognizing how cultures approach feedback can prevent misunderstandings and improve collaboration.

Practical Tips for MedTech Professionals:

1. Educate Yourself: Read books like The Culture Map to understand global communication styles.
2. Ask, Don’t Assume: Always ask clarifying questions rather than assuming shared context.
3. Balance Praise and Constructive Feedback: Be specific and culturally sensitive when providing feedback.

Future-Focused Questions:

1. How will global team dynamics evolve with remote work becoming the norm?
2. Can AI tools help bridge cultural communication gaps in healthcare?
3. What future training will be essential for MedTech leaders to manage diverse teams effectively?

References:

• The Culture Map by Erin Meyer – A pivotal resource discussed in the episode for understanding intercultural communication.
• Etienne Nichols’ LinkedIn – Connect with Etienne for more insights and MedTech discussions.