This week I share my conversation with Nida Sheriff. Born Indian, she studied in the UK, then in Dubai where she started to work there. She explains the challenges she faced upon returning to India even though she is originally from this country. We discuss cultural differences at work when we communicate with people from different places and some cultural shocks she faced. Finally, we talk about the impact of languages on personal identity. If you work across cultures or are simply cur...

In this episode, I chat with Rachel Eels, an international teacher from the US who’s lived and worked across Germany, Lebanon, Congo, India, and the U.S. She shares how she’s picked up cultural habits across the countries she’s lived in, experienced cultural misunderstandings, and learned what it really takes to adapt in different cultures. Rachel also talks about how clothing, hierarchy, greetings, and even giving directions can mean totally different things depending on where you are. We wi...

In this episode I chat with a colleague from Kenya Stella Wangu Washira. We discuss insights into her personal and cultural background. Stella talks about how names are given in Kenya and the different tribes in this country. She also reflects on common misconceptions about Africa. We talk about the cultural diversity within Kenya and Africa. We finish with practical advice for Westerners traveling to and wanting to work in Kenya or with Kenyans. Chapters 00:00 Introdu...

In this episode, I talk with Kusshaal Polepally from Bangalore, southern India. He works for a big tech company and we connected via a common friend. His story is a fascinating one. We talk about how Kusshaal learnt to navigate and understand cultural differences when he worked in the hospitality business. He now collaborates with colleagues from everywhere. He also shares how learning French completely changed his perception of languages and cultures. We also explore the cultural differences...

In this episode I chat with Petra Nenning about life between Germany and India. Petra and I used to work together in Bangalore. She shares her stories of fitting in with Indian traditions when she was living and working there. We also talk about how speaking different languages changes who we are, and how living abroad helps you be aware of your own country’s culture. Chapters 00:00 Cultural Habits and Traditions 06:04 Personal Cultural Insights 11:59 Cultural Differences and Ster...

In today’s episode, I sat down with Amy Zimmerman, an American woman, married to an Indian man. She shares with us her experiences of moving from the USA to India. We discuss the cultural differences in family life, relationships, and the challenges she faced in adapting to a new environment. She highlights the importance of family culture, the dynamics of her marriage to an Indian man, and the warmth and generosity she encountered in Indian society. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Back...

In this thought-provoking episode, I virtually sat down with Augustine Colebrook. She is a global midwife whose work has taken her to different places around the world. This is a deep dive into the heart of cross-cultural communication and experiences. 💡 We explore amongst other points: How Americans and others living abroad face the challenges of communication across cultures.The subtle art of giving feedback across cultures and in the U.S.What it means to embrace your identity as a gl...

How do you define “home” when you’ve lived in different countries and carry multiple cultural identities? In this episode, Janeth opens up about navigating life across Mexico, the U.S., and India. We also see how cultural values show up in everyday life, from how we joke to how we connect with others. Chapters 00:00 Navigating cultural identity 06:01 Understanding Mexican culture 11:43 Cultural differences at work 17:52 Experiencing culture shocks 20:56 Comparing cultures: Mexico & India...

Join us for a deep dive into the world of international work. In this episode, Ravi, from India, shares his unique perspective on navigating diverse cultures—from direct communication to building trust. Learn his top tips for success when working with Indian colleagues and Westerners. A must-listen to understand/discover global mindset at work. Chapters 01:00 Ravi's journey 03:00 Fast vs. Slow Living: Dining and Social Habits 05:00 Work Culture Differences: India vs. The West 07:00 Com...

Today we join Sonia as she shares her stories about culture shocks and life-changing experiences from Spain to Asia. This is a real expat experience you won't hear anywhere else. Get ready to travel, learn about how to work and live in several countries in Asia. This is all about cross-culture - lost in translation and decoding culture. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sonia's Journey 01:49 Cultural Shock in the US 06:01 Education Systems: Spain vs. US 08:08 Teaching Experience in the US ...

Today, we meet Nena Nikolic, a Serbian educator and expat with over 20 years of international experience across Asia, Latin America, and India. Nena shares how embracing adaptability and cultural empathy helped her succeed in different countries. Chapters 00:00 Cultural Awareness and Communication 02:43 Teaching Across Borders 05:52 Understanding Serbian Culture 08:35 Direct vs. Indirect Communication 11:19 Language and Behavior 14:14 Cultural Adaptation and Challenges 17:20 Traveling vs. Liv...

Welcome to Navigate Across Borders, the podcast where we explore the real-life stories and strategies of ambitious professionals and expats from different countries. They have figured out how to decode cultures and succeed worldwide. We will also give locals who work and interact with international teams or friends the opportunity to share their perspectives on how they successfully communicate and work across cultures. I’m Dorothée Chareyron, a French expat from Lyon who has lived and worked...