Shows
The Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalCQSP S3E5 - People, Culture, Safety: The Story Behind My Book.In this special episode of The Culturally Intelligent Safety Professional, I do something a little different, I read the introductory chapter of my upcoming book on cultural intelligence and safety.Health and safety professionals work in increasingly diverse environments, yet many of the challenges we face, misunderstandings, reluctance to speak up, different perceptions of risk, communication barriers, and trust, are deeply influenced by culture.In this episode, I explore ten common cultural pain points experienced in safety, introduce the concept of Cultural Intelligence (CQ), and share a personal story about a marae experience that profoundly...
2026-06-0127 minThe Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalCQSP S3E4 - Who Gets a Seat at the Table? Pasifika Voices in GovernanceThis episode is a bit different. I have provided some context and in the show notes is a link to another podcast I appeared on called Board Talks Off the Cuff which focussed on Pacifika and the challenges faced in pursuing a seat at a governance table. The podcast is sponsored by the Institute of Directors and the link is below. https://www.iod.org.nz/news/boardroom/podcasts-3/podcast-board-talk-off-the-cuff#/
2026-05-1905 min
The Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalCQSP S3E3 Finding Your Voice: A Gen Z Perspective on Culture, Communication & Belonging with Michelle NguyenIn this episode, I spoke with Michelle Nguyen, a Gen Z community development professional originally from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, now building her career in Aotearoa New Zealand.Michelle shares her journey of moving abroad at a young age and navigating her first experiences in Western workplaces where communication is more direct, hierarchy is flatter, and speaking up is expected. Together, we explore how cultural background shapes the way people engage at work, particularly in environments where psychological safety and open dialogue are critical.We discuss the contrast between indirect and direct communication styles...
2026-05-0450 min
The Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalThe CQSP S3E2 - What Filipino Storytelling Can Teach Us About Safety with Ned LegaspiIn this episode I catch up with Ned Legasby, author, CQ Fellow, and former media executive to explore how cultural intelligence (CQ) shapes not just storytelling, but how people experience work, risk, and safety.Ned shares his journey from a 30-year career in media to developing a framework for culturally intelligent storytelling, sparked by a simple but powerful question: Can stories truly resonate across cultures?Through examples from Southeast Asian cinema, including the viral Thai film How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, Ned unpacks how stories travel, not by becoming more “global,” but...
2026-04-2054 min
The Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalThe CQSP S3E1 - Risk Is Universal - Responses Aren’t. Michelle DykstraIn this episode, I chat with Michelle and explore how her cultural intelligence was shaped through lived experience and why it matters in the world of safety. Michelle draws on her upbringing as the daughter of Dutch immigrants, her early experiences of different cultures through travel, and her involvement in working across diverse industries and workforces, Michelle shares how culture quietly influenced trust, communication, and decision-making at work.From learning to adapt her natural directness and creating psychologically safe environments for workers from different cultural backgrounds, Michelle also had to navigate culture shock as she moved from...
2026-04-0653 min
Board Talk: Off the CuffCultural Intelligence and the Power of Pasifika VoicesIn Aotearoa’s boardrooms, power has long looked and sounded the same. But with Pasifika communities making up a growing share of our population — and bringing deep cultural governance experience with them — the call for change isn’t just timely, but overdue.This episode of Board Talk – Off the Cuff, explores the rise of Pasifika voices in governance: why boards need them, the invisible barriers standing in their way, and how cultural intelligence could transform the future of decision-making in Aotearoa. Featuring powerhouse director Mele Wendt, alongside emerging leaders and experts from the Institute...
2026-03-2928 min
The Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalCQSP S2EP13 From Chiang Mai to F1 & Inclusion with Marsha RamroopWhat a conversation, Marsha always manages to include seriousness, professionalism and fun into every conversation. Before we wrap this episode, let’s reflect on a few key takeaways from my conversation with the incredible Marsha Ramroop:Inclusion Starts with Behavior, Not Identity Marsha emphasized that true inclusion isn't about categorizing others—it’s about examining our own behaviors. This teaches us to Start with introspection to build more inclusive environments.Cultural Intelligence is the “How” of Inclusion Through the Cultural Intelligence (CQ) framework, Marsha showed us how behaviors can be intentionally shaped to drive b...
2025-07-0742 min
The Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalCQSP S2E12 Beyond the Hijab: Creating Safe Workplaces for Muslims with Dr Hend ZakiWhat a though provoking conversation with Dr Hend Zaki, we covered a lot of ground from hijab and handshakes to halal food and prayer rooms and how these realities impact Muslims at work every single day. What’s clear is that workplaces can’t just rely on general diversity policies. To ensure people feel seen and supported, organisations need to embed inclusion into their systems, their leadership, and their everyday interactions.What stood out most to me in this conversation was just how much inclusion depends on curiosity the kind that moves beyond surface-level gestures and into real...
2025-06-2336 min
The Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalCQSP S2E11 The cultural mosaic of Aotearoa with Dr DannieIn this episode, I sat down with Dr. Danielle Henry, an organizational leader and cultural intelligence expert, to explore how leadership psychology and empathetic practices shape workplace culture. We talked about the mosaic of cultural backgrounds present in every organization, and the need to build systems that support, not just demand our best efforts. From her reflections on global project work to her bold take on the “dark side” of cultural intelligence, Dannie brought deep insight and a grounded honesty to the table. Whether you’re in the boardroom or out on site, this one’s packed with truths worth ho...
2025-06-0943 min
The Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalThe CQSP S2E10 Work as Family, Safety as Learning: Cultural Intelligence in Action” with Moni HoggWhat a pleasure to speak with Moni, the conversation wasn't just about safety—it was about systems, culture, and the courage to do things differently. My key findings and lessons from this discussion include:Work is Adaptive, and not Just about Compliance Moni shared how early career experiences taught her that safety of work isn't about ticking boxes, it’s about understanding the real-time complexity of work. → Lesson: If you want to improve safety, start by understanding how work actually happens, not just how it's written in procedures.Learning Teams Unlock Real P...
2025-05-2641 min
The Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalThe CQSP S2E9 - Blind Spots, Brave Voices, and the Power of CQ Strategy with Trisha CarterWhat a great honour to speak with Trisha a real early adopter of CQ, our conversation explored the pivotal moments that shaped Trisha’s career, including her early insights into organizational dysfunction, her transformative experiences living in China, and her work helping individuals and organizations build cultural intelligence (CQ). We discussed the real-world applications of CQ in workplace safety, leadership, and organizational effectiveness, highlighting how metacognition and awareness of cultural dynamics can help professionals navigate complex multicultural environments more effectively. Here are some of my takeaways.1. Shifting From Assumptions to AwarenessD...
2025-05-1239 min
The Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalThe Culturally Intelligent Safety Professional S2E8 Yes Doesn’t Mean YesIn this episode of The Culturally Intelligent Safety Professional, I speak with Emma Jordaan — cultural intelligence strategist, CEO of Infinite Consulting, host of The HR & CQ Show, and recently published author of Dubai Decoded. Emma brings over two decades of experience from across the UK, Europe, and the UAE to share practical insights on how cultural intelligence (CQ) transforms workplace safety and leadership in multicultural environments.Our conversation dives deep into power distance, communication styles, and the psychological dynamics that affect trust, reporting, and risk perception, here are my key takeaways — especially in sectors like construction where safe...
2025-04-2835 min
The Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalThe Culturally Intelligent Safety Professional S2E7 Me Mataara RisingA rich and thought-provoking kōrero with Vance Walker — a returning guest and a true thought leader in integrating Māori culture with health and safety practices.In this episode, we explored how cultural intelligence can evolve from an academic concept into a powerful, data-driven tool for real-world change, particularly through the Me Mataara project. Vance's work is pushing boundaries, not just in terms of reducing injuries for Māori workers, but also in redefining what it means to take culture seriously in our profession.Here are a few key takeaways from the conve...
2025-04-1630 min
The Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalThe Culturally Intelligent Safety Professional S2E6 The Space to Speak FreelyWhat a conversation, huge thanks again to Jodhi Warwick-Ponga for joining us, and for bringing such grounded, powerful insights into the space.There are a few key takeaways I want to highlight. First — that idea of diversity as a dynamic resource. Jodhi reminded us that every person brings something unique to the table, and when we embrace that, we open the door to creativity, innovation, and more effective decision-making.Second — we talked a lot about intellectual honesty. It’s not just about making space for people to feel safe speaking up, but also creatin...
2025-03-3145 min
The Athrú Communications PodcastHSE and Leadership - with Greg DearslyShow Notes:In this insightful episode, Sarah Black speaks with Greg Dearsly, a HSE professional and Cultural Intelligence specialist about the intersection of cultural intelligence, communication, and health and safety. Greg shares his thoughts on how and why safety professionals can improve their communication to cater for diverse workplaces. He introduces the concept of power skills as a means of influencing behaviour change, and highlights why trust, cultural awareness, listening and curiosity are so important when building communication in safety practices.About GregGreg Dearsly works to help organizations build valued r...
2025-03-1721 min
The Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalThe Culturally Intelligent Safety Professional S2E5 Perserverance and a bit of JugaadCultural Intelligence & Workplace Safety: Why It Matters More Than Ever In health and safety, we often focus on compliance, technical skills, and risk management. But what about cultural intelligence (CQ)—the ability to adapt and connect across cultural differences? In this episode, I had an insightful conversation with Hema Puthran, a seasoned health and safety professional, about how cultural intelligence plays a critical role in creating safer workplaces.Hema shared powerful stories, including:✅ How her social work background shaped her approach to health & safet...
2025-03-1742 min
The Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalThe Culturally Intelligent Safety Professional S2E4 Stories of the KingfisherBriar emphasizes the importance of indigenous wisdom in shaping personal wellbeing and workplace safety. She drew from Māori perspectives and her study of rongoā (traditional healing) to highlight how reconnecting with Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) fosters resilience and mental strength. The idea that healthy people lead to safer workplaces is central—wellbeing isn’t just a “nice-to-have” but a foundation for safety and productivity.Briar discussed the Power of Connection—To Land, Culture, and Each Other. Indigenous knowledge sees humans as part of, not s...
2025-03-0338 min
The Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalThe Culturally Intelligent Safety Professional S2E3 - Reading the roomSimonne's insights reveal the importance of inclusive practices in the workplace, particularly in health and safety roles, where clear communication and understanding are critical. By embracing diverse perspectives, safety professionals can create environments that empower individuals to perform at their best, regardless of their gender, background, or neurodiverse status.Key Takeaways:Dyslexia as a Superpower: Simonne described dyslexia as a "superpower" within her family, encouraging a positive outlook on neurodiversity. Despite the struggles, dyslexic individuals can thrive by finding strategies that work for them, such as visualization and using technology for support...
2025-02-1729 minThe Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalTrust, Adapt, InspireAn intriguing conversation with Jono as we dove into his rich experiences in the military and his transition to civilian life as a health and safety advisor. The conversation covered the evolution of safety practices, the importance of cultural intelligence, and the significance of effective communication and adaptive leadership in diverse environments. Here are my takeaways, Cultural Intelligence is Crucial: Learning the local language and cultural do's and don'ts helps break down barriers and build trust with local communities. Preparation and Training: Being well-prepared for international deployments helps to manage psychosocial ris...
2025-02-0336 min
The Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalSelf Assessment, Reflective Practice and Active ParticipationThe Culturally Intelligent Safety Professional is back for season 2 with a great line up of guests from New Zealand and around the world. In episode 1 we talk again to crowd favourite Jodhi Warwick Ponga about enhancing cultural intelligence through a Māori lens. Our conversation focused on how individual leadership and behavior can promote cultural intelligence within an organization. As we know, leadership is a series of moments where individuals demonstrate cultural intelligence, which can influence others and create a movement. We talked about the development of cultural intelligence among safety professionals and emphasized the sig...
2025-01-2046 minThe Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalThe Culturally Intelligent Safety Professional Looking back, Episodes 4, 8 & 15In this session, we explored episodes four, eight, and 15, focusing on Māori and Pacifica culture in workplace safety.Episode 4: Vance Walker discusses the importance of cultural intelligence in health and safety, particularly when working with Māori communities. He introduced his project, Kia Tupato, aimed at fostering cautious behavior over traditional safety protocols. Vance highlighted the need for effective communication rooted in understanding Māori cultural values, such as whakapapa (genealogy) and trust. He warned against acquiescence bias, where individuals agree to please others, stressing that genuine communication is essential for...
2024-10-2816 minThe Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalThe Culturally Intelligent Safety Professional - Looking Back Episode 2 & 6In this second looking back episode we reflect on the practical insights and strategies offered by our guests for improving cultural awareness and adaptation. From episode 2 we reflect on the discussion with Chris Peace who highlights communication mishaps due to cultural misunderstandings and adapting teaching methods for international students. Chris advocated for including CQ in health and safety curricula to improve stakeholder interactions.In episode 6 we spoke with Dr. Marilyn Hubner who emphasizes CQ as a mindset crucial for safety professionals, discussing challenges and successes in teaching diverse groups. Marilyn advocates for accommodating diverse learning styles and...
2024-07-1607 minThe Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalThe Culturally Intelligent Safety Professional - Looking back - Epsiodes 1 & 14In this episode of the Culturally Intelligent Safety Professional we take a look back at episodes 1 & 14 of season 1. In Episode 1, I spoke with Shireen Chua about leadership's role in fostering inclusivity. Shireen emphasized the importance of leaders modeling inclusive behaviors and cultivating curiosity and reflection to develop CQ. She highlighted that CQ is not a one-time project but a continuous practice.In Episode 14, I interviewed Dr. Catherine Wu in Singapore, who discussed her 20-year journey teaching cultural intelligence in Asia. Catherine explored the CQ framework, focusing on adaptation, knowledge, strategy, and action for effective multicultural i...
2024-07-0909 min
The Circus of Safety PodcastBonus Episode: Greg Dearsly on Safety, Intentions, and Effective PlanningJoin hosts Andrew Evans, Desai Link, and Brenton Harrison as they welcome health and safety consultant Greg Dearsly in this thought-provoking bonus episode of "The Circus of Safety."
Dive into the hectic lives of our hosts and their guest, explore the intricate world of cultural intelligence and safety, and reflect on the critical question: "Are good intentions good enough?"
Through spirited debates and real-world examples, the episode dissects the role of good intentions in planning, safety, and legislative reviews, with Greg drawing on his extensive experience in the waste and recycling sectors.
Expect...
2024-07-0131 min
The Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalThe Culturally Intelligent Safety Professional Episode 15 Haumaru TangataJodhi Warwick Ponga, a trustee of Te Ropu Marutau o Aotearoa, discussed her career and involvement in health and safety, alongside her role at Vertical Horizons. She began with a diverse background in engraving, signwriting, and screen printing before transitioning to health and safety through roles in a software company managing 20,000 workers across New Zealand and Australia. Her journey led to consultancy and eventually to her current role heading programs and apprenticeships at Vertical Horizons.She elaborated on Te Ropu Marutau o Aotearoa (TRMA), the Māori Health and Safety Association, which started informally in 2017 and has g...
2024-06-2340 min
The Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalThe Culturally Intelligent Safety Professional Episode 14 Developing habits of mindsWho would have thought I would get to meet and speak with Dr. Catherine Wu, and in her adopted city of Singapore. An expert in cultural intelligence Catherine, shared her journey from a small village in France to teaching in Asia. She emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural values and how they impact interactions in diverse environments.In our short time together we covered a number of Key aspects related to CQ including:1. Cultural Intelligence Framework: Dr. Wu discusses the four components of Cultural Intelligence (CQ): Drive, Knowledge, Strategy, and Action. These components are...
2024-06-1640 min
The Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalThe Culturally Intelligent Safety Professional Episode 13 Curiosity with RespectOnce again on the Culturally Intelligent Safety Professional we have connected with a fabulous guest from Aotearoa’s great west Island of Australia and we are talking FR&NKly with Rick Fox from Health and Safety consultancy FR&NK. Rick is a proud First Nations man from the Wiradjuri mob in Central West NSW. Rick shares his diverse background and experiences in various sectors including state government, local government, and energy distribution and discusses his journey into the safety profession, emphasizing his time as a mature apprentice in Sydney's energy distribution sector, where he developed a keen int...
2024-06-0932 min
The Culturally Intelligent Safety ProfessionalThe Culturally Intelligent Safety Professional Episode 12 Mission Orientated ResearchThis week on the Culturally Intelligent Safety Professional we talk to Deborah Rhodes, Deborah is a Dairy Farmer, award winning academic and health and safety advocate. Deborah talks to us about Mission Orientated Research which she suggests as a way to achieve goals. We discuss the risk profile of a farming environment something Deborah came to later in life after a career as a nurse and working in pharmaceuticals. During the discussion Deborah highlighted the value of Farm Assistants and their risk profile and it made me think about what other roles within an industry might have a...
2024-06-0235 min