What I Learned About Culture From 100+ Interviews
Cultural insights from 100+ interviews
Quotes:
“When you don't have cultural awareness, you tend to take things personally when they are not personal. They're cultural.”
Episode Highlights:
In this episode, I delve into a rich tapestry of cultural insights drawn from over a hundred interviews on the Culture and Leadership Connections Podcast and my own intercultural experiences. Building upon our previous discussion on leadership, this episode focuses on unraveling some of the dynamics of culture.
Before we embark on this journey, let me offer a brief glimpse into my background. With a doctorate in culture and learning in the workplace, my personal narrative, shaped by immigrant roots and diverse professional experiences, serves as a lens through which I navigate the nuanced terrain of culture. From becoming fluent in French to changing my religion, I've undergone transformative changes that allowed me to see culture with more nuances.
I once had a conversation about traditional names with my late mother-in-law. She told me that parents should give their children “proper French” names. According to her, those proper traditional names were like the names she gave her own children. I asked her what names were given to her mother and siblings and their ancestors. It turned out that a so-called traditional name was dependent on the generation and didn’t carry over between generations. This was a revelation to my mother-in-law!
From the 100+ interviews about culture that I have had the privilege of hosting, I have noticed certain recurring themes and characteristics.
Insights About Cultural Awareness From The interviews:
Characteristics of People Who Reflect on Their Culture: