Two Chaps - Many Cultures

In this episode, we dive into the unique challenges expats face when returning to their home country after an international work assignment. We’ll explore why early planning is essential to make the transition smoother and how having a slush fund can help bridge the gap during potentially longer periods without predictable income. We'll also discuss the changing cost of living — what might have shifted while you were away — an...

Ever wondered how your cultural background shapes your vacation habits? Join us as we unpack the profound effects of regional and professional environments on the way we take time off. From the importance of vacations for wellness to the intricacies of planning around family and pets, you’ll gain insights into how various factors influence your break from the grind. We also delve into the distinction between loving your vocation an...

Ever wondered how the best leaders foster innovative problem-solving within diverse teams? Discover the secret sauce of curiosity and self-awareness in our latest episode of "Two Chaps, Many Cultures." Hosts Christian Höferle and Brett Parry take you on an illuminating journey into the heart of effective questioning. By categorizing questions into investigative, speculative, productive, and interpretive types, they reveal...

Can the nationality of a CEO truly determine their leadership success? On this episode of "Two Chaps. Many Cultures.," we challenge you to rethink the stereotypes and misconceptions tied to leaders' national origins. We delve into how cultural traits like the confidence often linked with American leaders and the assertiveness attributed to German, Dutch, French, and Russian executives shape our biases and decisions w...

Expecting a "red carpet" welcome when relocating abroad? Think again. Join us on "Two Chaps Many Cultures" as we dismantle the common myths that expats face and highlight the importance of cultural intelligence in ensuring seamless integration. We'll share our personal experiences and insights into how organizations can either support or obstruct this process, depending on their cultural training strategies...

Can a football tournament reshape a nation's identity? Join us as we explore the cultural impact of the UEFA Euro 2024, hosted by Germany. This episode takes you on a journey through the power of major sports events to redefine national narratives and challenge stereotypes. Reflecting on Germany's transformation during the 2006 World Cup, we discuss how countries use such platforms to showcase their diversity and tell new...

Curiosity killed the cat? More like curiosity kept it alive! Join us on this lively episode of "Two Chaps. Many Cultures," where we passionately argue that curiosity is the lifeline for culturally aware individuals. From debunking this age-old myth with personal anecdotes to exploring its immense power in fostering cultural intelligence, we make a case for why curiosity is essential. Listen as we share how our own inquisi...

Ever wondered what drives professionals to pack up their lives and move across the globe for work? Discover the motivations, fears, and preferences of global talent in this episode of "Two Chaps Many Cultures." We unravel the factors that make certain cities and countries magnets for expats, such as financial perks, the thrill of adventure, personal growth opportunities, and a welcoming, inclusive environment. Learn why i...

Embark on a cultural voyage with us as we peel away the veneer of stereotypes to reveal the rich mosaic of Italian heritage and its profound global influence. Say goodbye to the worn-out image of Italians as merely expressive gesture-users or the aggressive, uneducated characters you see in films. We're promising you a fresh perspective, uncovering how Italian migrants have woven their traditions into the fabric of societies f...

When the world seems brimming with division, can the concepts of DEI and cultural intelligence be the bridge to unity? That's the question at the heart of our conversation with Taj Suleyman, DEI Director for the City of Springfield, Missouri. Together, we venture into the nuances of language power dynamics and the regional cultural quirks that shape our discussions on social issues. Taj brings his seasoned perspective to the t...

How we show love for the work of others is not the same around the world. The way we recognize and reward the efforts of team members needs to take cultural differences into account. While words of affirmation work well in Brazil and China, the best way to show appreciation in Türkiye and Thailand is through acts of service. So let's look at the "love languages" of appreciation at work. 

Here's a link t...

Navigating the age-old conundrum of whether to bring your entire being into the workplace is like tiptoeing through a minefield of identity politics and professional decorum. We humans, bless our intricately woven souls, are kaleidoscopes of identities; we're not just cogs in the corporate machine but intricate tapestries of experiences, beliefs, and quirks. 

Culture, that invisible hand guiding our social dance, shap...

Why do we go to work? Well, most likely, we do so in order to make a living and provide for ourselves and others. And yet, understanding the reasons of why we work transcends mere economic necessity; it delves into the areas of culture, societal norms, and individual aspirations. Culture shapes our perspectives and attitudes towards labor; it also defines the relationship between employees and the organizations they serve. 

The stakes are high and the financial implications massive. Justifying the costs associated with international assignments or preparing personnel for engaging with global markets can rest with various stakeholders. Questions can come thick and fast concerning just what is the value of the cultural intelligence learning aspect of the preparation.

In this episode we discuss that it is not just about the financial costs; we d...

Can we measure how happy big groups of people are? The World Happiness Report tries to do exactly that – for entire nations! It is like a big mood check for countries. The WHR is a yearly ranking that looks at how happy people are around the world based on factors like income, social support, life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. Basically, it tries to measure how satisfied and co...

Strategically establishing and sustaining company culture is no easy feat for any organization. It can be quite a challenge particularly for smaller and midsize enterprises (SMEs). Lean human resource departments in global companies have to get creative when building and developing effective teams across international branch offices. 

Meet Addie Johnsen, who serves as Chief People Officer at Aperian, and discover the profo...

Ever felt a twinge of unease at the thought of venturing into unfamiliar territory? Our latest episode peels back the layers of fear, the fear of the foreign, the unknown, the undiscovered. From a story of encouraging a loved one's trepidation towards traveling to a country, ew dig into the intricate web of influences, from the primal instincts of our amygdala to the vast, sometimes skewed, media portrayals that shape how we s...