Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco Blankenburgh

How can you truly appreciate, honor, and empower diverse perspectives? By understanding and applying the Three Colors of Worldview, you can develop intercultural agility and recognize individual uniqueness.

In this 2nd episode of the Three Colors of Worldview series, we clarify its purpose and emphasize the importance of not misusing it to stereotype regions or cultures. By stretching beyond natural preferences, one can f...

What if understanding three simple colors could transform your perspective on intercultural connection? Join us as Shelley Reinhart welcomes Marco, International Director of KnowledgeWorks, to discuss the innovative framework known as the Three Colors of Worldview. We challenge the limitations of traditional intercultural literature by unveiling a more profound approach that transcends country-specific clichés. Drawing inspiration ...

In a world that's rapidly shrinking due to globalization, the role of human resources (HR) is evolving just as quickly. Erika, a seasoned HR professional, sat down with Marco Blankenburgh to share her remarkable journey from Pennsylvania to becoming a global HR expert. Her story is not just one of personal growth but also a lesson on the critical importance of intercultural agility within the HR space.

This episode is...

When cultures collide within the coaching arena, the game changes entirely. That's why this episode, featuring Matt Trenchard and Sarah Anthony, peels back the layers to expose the intricate dance of intercultural coaching.  We uncover how these experiences enrich our professional coaching, inviting a deep-seated respect and endless curiosity for the untapped potential in every individual we encounter.

Venture with us...

Nancy Wolf captivates us with her experiences of moving from America to Africa, a decision that propelled her family into a whirlwind of cultural discoveries and personal growth. This journey is not just about relocating geographically but also about transitioning through a cultural metamorphosis, which often requires courage and openness to the unknown.

 Her insights illuminate the courage it takes to immerse oneself in a...

We're delighted to introduce our esteemed guest, David Myles, who brings a unique perspective on race and intercultural agility. Born and raised an African-American in a largely white community, David's journey is one that shines a spotlight on the importance of investing in relationships and going beyond the conventional right and wrong approach. Our in-depth chat dives into the necessity of intercultural agility, a skil...

Are you ready to turn the intricacies of intercultural meetings from minefields into gold mines?

Let's embark on this journey together with, Marco Blankenburgh, the International Director of KnowledgeWorkx. We'll interrogate the challenges of cultural nuances in meeting spaces, and how to navigate the virtual and face-to-face interactions in our current work environment. Get ready to learn from Microsoft's intriguing ...

"Power tends to corrupt, absolute power corrupts absolutely." Lord Acton made this statement in 1887 and it still informs our view of power today.

 But is power all bad? Is there any beauty in it? If we have power, what do we do with it? Are hierarchical cultures based on power, "bad"? 

Through these questions and many more, Marco and Ming-Jinn guide you in this exciting and enlightening deep dive into t...

How can teachers create a cultural space in their classrooms where students of all backgrounds can thrive?

Listen as Shelley Reinhart, KnowledgeWorkx Director of Education, unpacks this question with educators and Ph.D. students Yasemin Altas and Victoria Hopkin.

Yasemin has been teaching at universities for nearly three decades. She is a faculty member teaching intercultural studies at the  Higher Colleges of T...

How did a small team from Northern Ireland create a world-renowned service and build up an international clientele winning multiple national and global awards for their excellence?

Find out as Marco talks with Iain Wilson the CEO of IBC- Music and a Certified Inter-Cultural Intelligence Practitioner.

IBC-Music specializes in helping international musical instrument brands find manufacturing and distribution partn...

Whether it's leading staff living around the world, navigating different cultural and personal workstyles, or working on teams across borders — leading globally keeps becoming more complex. Global leaders must guide their teams through local and regional instabilities, drastic industry changes, political upheaval, protests and strikes, and many other turbulent surprises.
 
In this episode, Marco and Shelley walk throug...

Most psychometric tools are created by researchers in the West. These tools are shaped by cultural human beings with Western biases.  Are these tools viable in non-Western settings?

How do you avoid marginalizing non-western team members if you do use those tools?

Listen as Linda Berlot shares deep insights to help managers and facilitators alike use psychometric assessments to help their intercultural teams thriv...

How do you create a thriving intercultural marriage or relationship?
 
The challenges of the last few years have taught us that quality relationships are crucial for success in work and life. Listen to these stories of relational success to learn how to build better relationships at home and work.

Bart and Julie Heiligenberg and Bryce and Thelma Dzirbik share their stories walking through life bringing together cul...

What is trust? What causes it to erode? How can a team build a resilient culture of trust?

In 2022, Gallup ran a poll and released statistics revealing that up to 70% of employees would leave their job if they could. Much of that dissatisfaction is rooted in distrust. A lack of trust creates misunderstanding and a breakdown in collaboration. Work culture turns toxic, resulting in a traumatized workforce. 

In thi...

We'll be back with more episodes of the Cultural Agility Podcast in November. In the meantime, I got to sit down with my good friend and host of the "Cup of Tea" podcast Chris O'Shaughnessy.

We explored all sorts of helpful topics to help you develop your own cultural agility. You can listen to this episode and more here.

The Cup of Tea Podcast is organized within the InterCultural Approach pro...

Join George Kesselaar and Marco as they explore the complexities of intercultural consulting and how to successfully facilitate positive behavior change in people in this global world.

George Kesselaar is a seasoned corporate transformation specialist with 25 years of executive level experience in Big 4 consulting firms and deep experience in managing strategic change, human resources transformation, high-performance learn...

Hasan Rafiq has worked as a senior Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) leader at some of the world's largest companies, including EY (Ernst and Young) and Facebook.

Join Hasan and Marco as they explore how to create a culture of belonging in organizations both large and small.

Currently, Hasan Rafiq is the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging of Newsela, where he drive...

Our 10th episode features an authentic conversation with KnowledgeWorkx’s founder and International Director, Marco Blankenburgh.

Shelley Reinhart, KWx's Global Network Liaison, conducts this engaging interview. She asks Marco about his childhood in the Netherlands, his service in the Dutch Special Forces, his love of plants, and the story of the creation of KnowledgeWorkx.

Listen to Marco's journey an...

Join Ming-Jinn Tong, Andy Gray, and Marco as they unpack how cultural agility is building exciting new bridges in racial equity and diversity and inclusion work in Minneapolis.

Ming-Jinn Tong is a Certified Intercultural Intelligence Practitioner and owner of Cultivate, specialty consultation firm helping companies connect better across cultures. As an amateur chef, Ming-Jinn likes to equate culture with a good meal. He l...