Beyond Borders: Building Trust and Safety in Diverse Environments

In this episode of The Reframe, Neil welcomes Cynthia de Jager, a former professional swimmer and expert in psychological safety, intercultural communication, and performance. They discuss Cynthia’s background, her journey from being a professional athlete to her involvement in corporate and sports environments, and her focus on building psychological safety across various teams. 

Cynthia shares insights into the challenges and nuances of intercultural communication, emphasizing the importance of understanding different speaking patterns and working towards a psychologically safe environment. They explore the impact of COVID-19 on remote work, the importance of having courageous conversations, and the balance between accountability and avoiding a blame culture. 

The conversation also touches on the generational differences in openness to diversity and the significance of humility and acknowledgment in leadership. The episode concludes with a reflection on advice Cynthia would give to her younger self, emphasizing the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone.