Culture Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All: Navigating Successful Global Teams

In this episode of Collaborative Culture, Kristine interviews Monica as they dive deep into the realities of global workplace dynamics—from culture disconnects across continents to the hidden biases baked into our definitions of professionalism. They explore what happens when DEI is fully embedded into a company’s operating system versus treated as a surface-level add-on. Monica shares her signature 3-pillar framework (mindset, measurability, and practice) for improving cross-cultural collaboration, and offers real-world advice for working across borders, time zones, and traditions. Plus, a case study of a high-potential leader navigating a transition from IT to international vendor negotiations in India—and thriving!

If you're a leader managing global teams or expanding internationally, this episode is packed with practical insights and powerful mindset shifts.

Show Notes

Timestamps & Key Topics:

• 00:00 – Welcome & setting the stage: Why global context matters in culture and DEI

• 01:00 – DEI backlash in the U.S. vs. global expectations: Why some companies can’t just “drop” DEI

• 04:00 – Monica’s client focus: Global companies at a pivot point

• 06:30 – The command-and-control trap: How legacy companies lose out on innovation

• 15:30 – Monica’s 3-Pillar Framework: Mindset, Measurability, and Practice

• 25:00 – Kristine’s take: Why anthropological principles like ethnocentrism matter

• 27:00 – Monica’s example of cultural differences yes, even in road trips and your family!

• 30:00 – Success story: From IT specialist to cross-cultural leader

• 34:00 – The ROI of preparing expats—and why companies should invest early

• 36:00 – The 60% mistake: Why expats often leave for the competitors after return from assignments abroad

Resources Mentioned:

CEOs Touting Smaller Headcounts as Strategic Wins

Instagram Reel on Small Teams, Big Impact

Challenger Gray Report on June 2025 Layoff Trends

“CEO Pride in the Shrinking Workforce” Podcast Episode

Next Episode Teaser:

We’ll be diving deeper into AI and its impact on company culture.

Thanks for Listening!

We’d love to hear from you.

Kristine Gentry, PhD

[e-mail]

🌐 www.culturegrove.com

🔗 LinkedIn: Kristine McKenzie Gentry

Monica M. Smith

[e-mail]

🌐 www.tradewindscareerconsulting.com

🔗 LinkedIn: Monica Mary Smith

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