What Works Across Cultures

Anna Kostecka
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What Works Across Cultures is a podcast on the art and science of global collaboration and leadership. Host Anna Kostecka has spent over 15 years exploring this topic. She now brings together experts from around the world to discuss how culture shapes the way we lead, communicate, and collaborate. Each episode offers different perspectives on cross-cultural collaboration, real stories from global teams, and practical insights. Perfect for leaders and team members collaborating in global teams, HR and L&D professionals, and curious minds wondering what works across cultures and why.

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    Leadership: Perspective from China | Benita Bi

    What does it mean to be a good leader? A leader who gives clear direction, takes responsibility and protects their team may be seen as strong and caring in China. But in the Netherlands or the US, the same behaviour might be seen as micromanagement. So what happens when people with very different ideas about leadership end up working together? In this episode, Anna Kostecka talks to Benita Bi, an L&D strategist and consultant with over 25 years of experience in talent and leadership development across China, the US and Europe. Together, they explore how culture shapes what we expect from leaders and why behaviours that make perfect sense in one culture can be confusing or even counterproductive in another. In this episode,  you'll discover: What effective leadership has in common across cultures and where expectations differ The idea of leadership in China as power with responsibility Why “ownership” and “taking initiative” can mean very different things in China, the Netherlands and the US Why Chinese team members may not raise a problem straight away and why this isn't necessarily about a lack of transparency What can happen when a global leader and a Chinese team have completely different ideas about who should solve a problem Why a Chinese leader who is seen as caring and supportive by their team may be perceived as a micromanager in the Netherlands The role of guanxi, trust and personal relationships in getting things done in China Practical strategies for leading more effectively across cultures If you work with or lead global teams, this episode is an invitation to explore the cultural logic behind what you see before jumping to judgment. Want to explore further? Find additional materials from this episode: https://whatworks.pl/podcast-episode-8/ Enjoying the podcast? Follow the show, share this episode with someone who works in a global team or support the podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/whatworksacrosscultures If this topic resonates with you, it’s the kind of work we do with leaders and teams. Get in touch: https://whatworks.pl/#connect Podcast jingle 106 by ⁠Lundstroem⁠ is licensed under an ⁠Attribution 4.0 International License⁠.

    Leadership: Perspective from China | Benita Bi

  2. Jul 23

    Work-life Balance: Perspective from Denmark | Ekaterina von Gertten

    What does it mean to be hardworking? While staying late at work can signal commitment in some countries, in Denmark, it can have the opposite effect. Being hardworking there means delivering efficiently within the agreed hours. Why?  In this episode, Anna Kostecka speaks with Ekaterina von Gertten, who has been leading the global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion agenda at GN Group in Denmark. Drawing on years of experience helping Fortune 100 companies address the cultural challenges of global business, Ekaterina shares how Danish culture approaches work, commitment, and relationship building.   Together, they explore how culture influences our understanding and expectations of work-life balance or sustainable work and explain why global teams often misunderstand one another.  In this episode, you'll discover: How "being hardworking" means very different things across cultures How Danish values shape expectations around availability, flexibility, and work-life balance Real-life examples of common tensions around work-life balance in global teams Why conflicts about work-life balance are often really conflicts about fairness, loyalty, and respect Danish and Scandinavian rituals for building friendships and relationships at work Practical ways leaders and organizations can manage tensions around work-life balance in the global teams If you work with or lead global teams, this conversation will help you better understand the invisible assumptions and realities that shape how people work — and why the same behaviour can be interpreted in completely different ways.  Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe, share the episode with someone who works internationally, or buy us a coffee to support the show. If this topic resonates with you, it's exactly the kind of work we do with leaders and teams. Get in touch to learn more. Podcast jingle 106 by ⁠Lundstroem⁠ is licensed under a ⁠Attribution 4.0 International License⁠.

    Work-life Balance: Perspective from Denmark | Ekaterina von Gertten

  3. Jun 18

    Creativity: Perspective from Poland | Paweł Karpiuk

    What can one of the world's most successful game studios teach us about creativity, culture, and collaboration? Why do Polish teams often focus on what can be improved rather than what's already working?  In this episode, Anna Kostecka speaks with Paweł Karpiuk, Senior Training & Development Specialist at CD Projekt Red, the Polish video game company behind The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077.  Together, they explore how culture shapes creativity, why Polish teams approach problem-solving differently, and what global organizations can learn from working across cultures.  In this conversation, you'll discover: What creativity really means beyond art and creative industriesHow Polish cultural values show up in game narratives, storytelling, and teamworkWhy psychological safety, trust, and communication are essential for creativityThe idea of "creative tension" and what makes Polish creativity distinctiveWhy Polish teams are often perceived as critical when they are actually highly engagedWhat international colleagues often misunderstand about working with PolesPractical ways to encourage creativity and collaboration in multicultural teamsWant to know more? Review the additional materials from this episode: https://whatworks.pl/podcast-episode-6/ Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe, share the episode with someone who works internationally, or buy us a coffee to support the show. If this topic resonates with you, it's exactly the kind of work we do with leaders and teams. Get in touch to learn more. Podcast jingle 106 by ⁠Lundstroem⁠ is licensed under a ⁠Attribution 4.0 International License⁠.

    Creativity: Perspective from Poland | Paweł Karpiuk

  4. May 21

    Community: Perspective from Ukraine | Maria Andruchiw

    What does “community” really mean? And what happens to communities in times of crisis?  In this episode, host Anna Kostecka speaks with Maria Andruchiw, a Ukrainian community organizer, activist, and cultural advocate based in Poland. With over 10 years of experience in cultural diplomacy and community organizing, Maria brings both expertise and lived experience to the conversation. Together, they explore how culture shapes the way we understand, build, and rebuild communities.  Anna and Maria explore: How culture influences our understanding of community: is it something we choose or something we are born into?  How communities respond when a crisis hits, and what holds them together  Surprising cultural differences between Poland and Ukraine — two neighbouring countries often assumed to be alike Practical ways to collaborate across cultures, especially with colleagues from Ukraine Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe, share it with others, or buy us a coffee to support the show. If this topic resonates with you, this is exactly what we work on with leaders and their teams. Get in touch #Community #Ukraine #Poland #CrossCultural #InterculturalCommunication #GlobalTeams #InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #GlobalLeadership #Collaboration #InterculturalCompetence Podcast jingle 106 by ⁠Lundstroem⁠ is licensed under a ⁠Attribution 4.0 International License⁠.

    Community: Perspective from Ukraine | Maria Andruchiw

  5. Apr 16

    Psychological Safety: Perspective from Japan | Keiko Sakurai

    Is building psychological safety the same everywhere? How can cultural differences impact speaking up during meetings? What are other important indicators of psychological safety? What can you do when you don’t hear much from colleagues in Japan or across APAC?  In this episode, host Anna Kostecka speaks with Keiko Sakurai, Director of Consulting at Aperian, based in Japan. Keiko has over 20 years of experience supporting collaboration across European, North American, and Asia-Pacific (APAC) teams. Together, they explore the importance of culture in building psychological safety and what leaders and team members can do to foster it.  What psychological safety really means and its stages How cultural differences shape speaking up The 5 dimensions of culture (GlobeSmart®Profile) and their impact Practical ways to encourage sharing ideas and challenges in a global team 🎁 Review the bonus materials from this episode, including an exclusive discount code to get 15% off an Aperian platform subscriptions:  https://whatworks.pl/podcast-episode-4/ Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe, share it with others, or buy us a coffee to support the show. If this topic resonates with you, this is exactly what we work on with leaders and their teams. Get in touch #PsychologicalSafety #GlobalLeadership #CrossCultural #InterculturalCommunication #GlobalTeams #APAC #Japan #LeadershipDevelopment #CulturalDifferences #InterculturalCompetence #Cross-culturalCollaboration Podcast jingle 106 by ⁠Lundstroem⁠ is licensed under a ⁠Attribution 4.0 International License⁠.

    Psychological Safety: Perspective from Japan | Keiko Sakurai

  6. Mar 12

    Conflict Style: Perspective from Canada | Hamlin Grange

    Conflict happens in every team. But in global and multicultural teams, misunderstandings often arise because culture shapes how we disagree, express emotions, and resolve conflicts. When we misinterpret the behaviour of colleagues from other cultures, trust can quickly erode. In this episode, host Anna Kostecka speaks with Hamlin Grange, a Canadian interculturalist and IDEA strategist (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism) with over 26 years of experience. Together, they explore how culture influences conflict in the workplace and how leaders and teams can navigate disagreements more effectively. Different conflict styles: direct vs. indirect communication and expressive vs. restrained emotional approaches How culture shapes the way people approach conflict at work The Canadian perspective on addressing disagreements Real-life examples of conflict dynamics in multicultural teams Practical tips for navigating conflict across cultures 🎁 Download and review the additional materials from this episode: https://whatworks.pl/podcast-episode-3/  Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe, share it with others, or buy us a coffee to support the show. If this topic resonates with you, this is exactly what we work on with leaders and their teams. Get in touch #ConflictStyles #GlobalLeadership #GlobalTeams #InterculturalCompetence #CrossCulturalCommunication #CulturalIntelligence #CrossCulturalLeadership #GlobalWorkplace #InterculturalCommunication #LeadershipAcrossCultures #CrossCulturalCollaborationPodcast jingle 106 by ⁠Lundstroem⁠ is licensed under a ⁠Attribution 4.0 International License⁠.

    Conflict Style: Perspective from Canada | Hamlin Grange

  7. Feb 13

    Communication: Perspective from the U.S. | Karen Cvitkovich

    What makes a good communicator? What do people tend to get wrong about communicating with colleagues from the United States? Join our host, Anna Kostecka, for a conversation with Karen Cvitkovich, a U.S. consultant, author, and facilitator with almost 20 years of experience in the intercultural field. In this episode, Anna and Karen discuss: What “good communication” really means across culturesThe difference between low-context and high-context culturesHow direct vs. indirect communication styles often cause misunderstandingsGiving effective feedback across culturesPractical tips to help you communicate when working globally, especially when collaborating with U.S. team members Who is it for? Leaders and team members collaborating in global teams, HR and L&D professionals, and curious minds, wondering what works across cultures and why. Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe, share it with others, or buy us a coffee to support the show. If this topic resonates with you, this is exactly what we work on with leaders and their teams. Get in touch. #InterculturalCommunication #CommunicationStyles, #HighContextCultures, #LowContextCultures, #DirectCommunication, #IndirectCommunication, #Feedback #Cross-culturalCollaboration #GlobalTeams #WorkingWithUSTeams #WorkingWithPolishTeams #WhatWorksAcrossCultures #CulturalDimensions #Cultural Awareness Podcast jingle 106 by ⁠Lundstroem⁠ is licensed under a ⁠Attribution 4.0 International License⁠.

    Communication: Perspective from the U.S. | Karen Cvitkovich

  8. Jan 15

    Building Trust: Perspective from India | Sudeep Chhabra

    Trust is the universal currency of collaboration, but how we build it differs across cultures. What makes us trust others?  Join our host, Anna Kostecka, for a conversation with Sudeep Chhabra, a leadership development expert with over 26 years of experience based in New Delhi.  In this episode, Anna and Sudeep discuss:  The Trust EquationCultural differences related to trust-building Practical things that help you build trust when working with team members from IndiaWho is it for? Leaders and team members collaborating in global teams, HR and L&D professionals, and curious minds, wondering what works across cultures and why. Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe, share it with others, or buy us a coffee to support the show. Need help with cross-cultural teamwork? Get in touch #BuildingTrustAtWork #Cross-culturalCollaboration #GlobalTeams #InterculturalCommunication #WorkingWithIndianTeams Podcast jingle 106 by Lundstroem is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

    Building Trust: Perspective from India | Sudeep Chhabra
  • 8 Episodes

About

What Works Across Cultures is a podcast on the art and science of global collaboration and leadership. Host Anna Kostecka has spent over 15 years exploring this topic. She now brings together experts from around the world to discuss how culture shapes the way we lead, communicate, and collaborate. Each episode offers different perspectives on cross-cultural collaboration, real stories from global teams, and practical insights. Perfect for leaders and team members collaborating in global teams, HR and L&D professionals, and curious minds wondering what works across cultures and why.

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