As our world becomes increasingly connected, we work with teams spanning continents, cultures, and contexts. What works brilliantly in one culture can completely miss the mark in another. For example, silence in a meeting might mean respect, not disengagement. Humility might be mistaken for a lack of leadership potential, and direct communication styles can either build trust or create distance, depending on who’s listening. If you’re ready to stop making assumptions and get curious about the people you lead and coach, this episode is for you. Join us!
Dr. Ling Hua is an ICF-certified executive leadership coach and former global biotech executive. In today’s episode, she discusses the critical importance of cultural awareness in leadership and shares helpful tips and techniques we can put into practice. Dr. Ling has become an expert in something the world needs more of: leading with cultural respect. Drawing on her experience working across three continents, she explores how leaders and coaches can navigate high- and low-context communication styles, avoid cultural assumptions, and create inclusive environments for diverse teams.
Show Highlights:
- Understanding what it means to lead with cultural respect
- High-context vs. low-context communication styles: reading non-verbal cuesFactoring cultural differences into performance reviews
- Mistakes in cross-cultural relationships happen when we don’t understand humility vs. assertiveness.
- Dr. Ling’s tips for cultural awareness in different types of organizations
- The impact of coaching and a coaching mindset on diversity within organizations and individuals
- Dr. Ling’s observations about the evolution of company culture and overall cultural awareness in organizations
- Dr. Ling’s key takeaways about cultural respect in leadership:
- Don’t assume, ask questions.
- Adapt your approach.
- Look beneath the surface.
- Meet people where they are.
- Remember, our differences make us stronger, not weaker.
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Resources:
Connect with Dr. Ling Hua
Recommended resources for leaders to raise their cultural awareness:
The Culture Map by Erin Meyer and a Harvard Business Review article
“Develop Cultural Intelligence to Lead Global Teams,” by Dr. David Livermore (May 2025)
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