“Instead of seeing cultural differences as a problem to overcome, we should see them as the gift they really are.”
Overview
In this episode, Jerome and Julienne welcome intercultural expert Dean Foster, whose decades of global work helping organizations operate across cultures inspired his book Business Beyond Borders.
Drawing on experiences from around the world—from negotiating in Russia to navigating everyday moments in Brazil—Dean explores how culture shapes the way people build trust, make decisions, and communicate. What emerges is a powerful reminder: even when we use the same words, we often mean very different things.
The conversation dives into the role of humility, curiosity, and listening in global leadership—and why cultural awareness may be one of the most essential skills for leaders in an increasingly interconnected world.
You’ll Hear:
• How growing up in multicultural Brooklyn shaped his lifelong curiosity about culture
• Why cultural expectations can easily derail negotiations—even when you think you understand the culture
• Why there are very few true “universals” when it comes to building trust across cultures
• Stories from Brazil, China, and Russia that reveal how cultural norms shape everyday business interactions
• How organizations often misunderstand their own values when they try to apply them globally
• Why humility and curiosity are the most powerful tools for working across cultural boundaries
Resources
Learn more about our guest:
• LinkedIn
• Website
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Find Dean Foster’s book “Business Beyond Borders: Stories of Culture and Leadership in a Global World” HERE
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