Summary

Wendy Zeilstra shares her journey of navigating life abroad with a neurodivergent child, highlighting the importance of awareness, diagnosis, and support systems. This episode offers valuable insights for parents living abroad and dealing with similar challenges.

Key Topics

Journey of navigating life abroad with a neurodivergent child

Importance of early diagnosis and support

Challenges of cultural and systemic differences in healthcare and education

Guest

Wendy Zeilstra

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyzeilstra/

https://latebloomcollective.com

Host

Annegret Bertsch

https://www.coaching-because.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch/

https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/

Summary

In this conversation, Samar Karam shares her insights on navigating relationships as an expat in the UAE. She discusses the cultural nuances, challenges of multicultural marriages, and the importance of communication and emotional support. Samar emphasizes the need for kindness and understanding in relationships, especially in a new environment where traditions and identities may clash. The conversation also touches on the temptations of the UAE lifestyle and the significance of preventive maintenance in relationships.

Takeaways

Finding a forever home can be a beautiful journey.

Cultural insights are crucial for adapting to life in the UAE.

Expect changes and respect traditions when moving to a new country.

Safety in the UAE is a significant advantage for families.

The rate of divorce among expats is notably high due to various challenges.

Preventive maintenance in relationships is essential for longevity.

Communication and emotional support are key to a successful marriage.

Be mindful of the temptations that come with the UAE lifestyle.

Kindness can transform difficult conversations into constructive ones.

Understanding each other's identities is crucial in multicultural marriages.

Guest

Samar Karam

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samarsamykaram/

https://www.samarkaram.com

Host

Annegret Bertsch

https://www.coaching-because.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch/

https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/

Discover practical insights from Bernd Scharbert’s extensive experience leading global teams and navigating intercultural environments. In this episode, Bernd shares how small actions and cultural awareness forge trust and belonging across borders, providing actionable principles for leaders and expatriates alike.

This episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice for leaders, expatriates, and anyone interested in mastering intercultural skills for both professional and personal growth.

Takeaways:

The significance of reflection before landing (or beginning a new intercultural phase) and how it relates to leadership and personal growth

Principles of inclusive language use and navigating language barriers in multicultural teams

The concept of cultural mapping versus stereotypes, and how understanding norms helps prevent misunderstandings

Difference between low and high context cultures and their impact on communication styles

Practical strategies for building trust through small gestures, authentic storytelling, and showing vulnerability

The importance of adapting leadership styles to cultural expectations, including hierarchy and feedback norms

How to create safe spaces in meetings to encourage contributions from shy or less vocal team members

Tools for developing a cultural “rule book” tailored to team or organizational norms

Personal stories illustrating the influence of cultural customs, such as greeting rituals and social drinking, on leadership authenticity

Guest

Bernd Scharbert

https://www.berndscharbert.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernd-scharbert-719a384/?originalSubdomain=de

https://shop.budrich.de/en/product-2/prepare-for-landing-leitlinien-fuer-interkulturelle-fuehrung/

Host

Annegret Bertsch

https://www.coaching-because.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegret-bertsch/

https://www.instagram.com/coaching_because/