Shows
Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghIs Your Team Ready for the AI Shift?Send a textIn this episode, Marco Blankenburgh unpacks a critical reality that most tech discussions miss: AI isn't removing complexity from our work... it’s just moving it.Marco explores the shifting landscape of global organizations where Artificial Intelligence is rapidly taking over structured, process-driven tasks. But what happens to the humans? Marco argues that as machines handle the "middle," human beings are pushed to the edges into roles requiring high-level sense-making and deep relational effectiveness.Instead of a frictionless future, we are entering an era where complexity relocates to the "space between" people.
2026-02-1108 minUnlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghFrom Resistance to Resonance: Co-Creating Change That LastsSend us a textIn this episode, George Kesselaar joins Marco Blankenburgh for a powerful conversation that redefines how we think about change.George brings insight from his PhD research at the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business, where he explores the behavioral side of change in global organizations. What makes his work stand out is its intentional design through the lens of Intercultural Agility. Instead of treating change as something that is rolled out, George shows how it can be co-created with people across cultures.To...
2026-01-171h 04Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghCreating Culture in a Transient World: Chris and MarcoSend us a textIn this episode of the Unlocking Cultural Agility Podcast, Marco Blankenburgh is joined by Chris O’Shaughnessy to explore what Third Culture Kids can teach us about identity, belonging, and culture creation in a transient world. Together, they unpack powerful metaphors, practical examples from family life, and why language and frameworks matter when navigating life between cultures. A rich conversation for parents, educators, and anyone working across cultures. -- Looking for a book to take your cultural agility to the next step, check out the Ultimate Intercultural Question Book brought to yo...
2025-12-1656 minUnlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghNavigating the Global Hospitality Landscape: A Journey Through Intercultural AgilitySend us a textStephanie shares her journey from growing up in a culturally diverse Lebanon to becoming an intercultural coach in Saudi Arabia, highlighting how travel and exposure to different cultures shaped her worldview and professional approach.• British-Lebanese background with extensive experience in hospitality and learning & development• Set a personal goal to visit 30 countries by age 30, which sparked a lifelong passion for cultural exploration• Believes travel and cultural exposure challenges judgment, understanding, and personal worldviews• Completed certification in intercultural coaching to better serve diverse teams in hospitality• Currently witnessing rapid cultural c...
2025-10-1442 min
Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghCalibrating Strengths is More Powerful Than Fixing WeaknessesSend us a textIn this conversation, KnowledgeWorkx founder Marco Blankenburgh interviews Roberta Saffels—Brazilian-American psychologist, 25-year expat, and positive-leadership consultant based in Doha, Qatar. Roberta explains how Positive Psychology shifts focus from “fixing what’s wrong” to enabling people and organisations to flourish—from zero to plus ten. She describes Positive Leadership’s practice of spotlighting strengths first, then “calibrating” over-used talents rather than patching weaknesses.The dialogue explores why wellbeing at work is tightly linked to the quality of a leader’s relationships, and how Inter-Cultural Intelligence (ICI) provides the missing language for navigating honour...
2025-07-3053 min
Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghTrump, Trade, and Tariffs | Understand the cultural forces behind the current global shiftsSend us a textThe surprising shifts in American foreign policy under Trump aren't just political—they're deeply cultural. Marco Blankenburgh and Rana Nejem break new ground by applying KnowledgeWorkx' Three Colors of Worldview framework to decode global politics, revealing patterns that traditional analysis misses entirely.Trump's leadership represents a seismic shift from America's traditional innocence-guilt orientation (centered on laws and being "right") to a power-fear approach with honor-shame as a secondary driver. His language consistently emphasizes strength, winning, and position: "America's back in charge," and "The Chinese will learn not to test us again." Th...
2025-06-2951 min
Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghApplying the 12 Dimensions of Culture | Part 2Send us a textCultural misunderstandings can derail business deals, fracture teams, and create seemingly intractable workplace conflicts—but most of us lack the language to identify what's really happening beneath the surface. Through vivid stories and practical examples, this episode reveals how the KnowledgeWorkx 12 Dimensions of Culture framework provides that missing language, empowering us to navigate complex cultural landscapes with confidence and skill.Marco Blankenburgh shares a powerful coaching story where a single conversation using the Status dimension helped a frustrated senior female leader understand the cultural barriers she faced in her financial institution. Th...
2025-05-261h 04
Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghDiscovering the 12 Dimensions of Culture | Part 1Send us a textHave you ever wondered how cultural differences shape our interactions? In this episode, Marco and Shelley explore the transformative concept of intercultural agility through the lens of the 12 Dimensions of Culture. Each dimension offers a unique perspective on how we understand ourselves and others in a multicultural world. From defining growth strategies to navigating communication styles, understanding these dimensions can enhance your intercultural skills, building stronger relationships in both personal and professional settings.We start by unpacking the Growth dimension, discussing how different cultures approach development and teamwork. We also differentiate...
2025-03-171h 06Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghCreating Agile OrganizationsSend us a textAround 70% of most change initiatives are unsuccessful in organizations around the world. How can we create organizations that have the agility to successfully create real change? Join us as Marco Blankenburgh, International Director of KnowledgeWorkx, shares his insights into how agility has shifted from sports and military roots to a key component in business leadership and development. Together, Marco and Shelley explore the significance of collaborative cultures inspired by sports teams and military units, and the journey of agility's integration into business, especially in project management and software development, while tackling...
2025-01-2947 min
Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghNavigating Diversity Initiatives Globally | Part 2 with Linda BerlotSend us a textWhat truly makes diversity initiatives succeed in today's complex global world?Join Marco Blankenburgh and Linda Berlot as they uncover the qualities of courage and cultural learning necessary for engaging in impactful intercultural dialogues. Their conversation navigates through the intricate layers of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives, dissecting the global hurdles these face. The episode reveals why some DEIB efforts fall short and how giants like Microsoft are rethinking their strategies to heighten cultural adaptability, specifically in regards to relationship-centric and problem-centric cultural approaches.Cultural dynamics and...
2024-11-241h 02
Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghEnhancing Team Effectiveness Globally | Part 1 with Linda BerlotSend us a textDiscover the secrets to applying cultural agility successfully on teams with our esteemed guest, Linda Berlot, whose 20 years of living in Dubai and working across various countries have uniquely positioned her to identify and bridge cultural differences. Linda's rich tapestry of experiences reveals how intercultural agility can transform team miscommunication into curiosity and mutual understanding, ultimately enhancing collaboration and effectiveness. Navigate the complexities of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in a global context with us. We contrast problem-centric and relationship-centric cultural approaches, shedding light on the challenges and strategies for fostering...
2024-09-1655 min
Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghBuilding a Thriving Family Culture with Andrew DoustSend us a textHow do you create a thriving family culture amidst family tension and succession planning? Join us as we explore this pressing question with Andrew Doust, founder of Plenitude Partners. In this insightful episode, we uncover the intricate web of challenges and opportunities that wealthy families face in balancing relational and emotional dynamics amidst significant financial success. Andrew takes us through his transformative journey from working in a family office to focusing on the importance of strategic planning for family flourishing, underscoring the critical role of healthy communication and emotional intelligence....
2024-08-301h 04
Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghThe Three Colors of Worldview: Applying the Cultural Drivers (part 2)Send us a textHow can you truly appreciate, honor, and empower diverse perspectives? By understanding and applying the Three Colors of Worldview, you can develop intercultural agility and recognize individual uniqueness. In this 2nd episode of the Three Colors of Worldview series, we clarify its purpose and emphasize the importance of not misusing it to stereotype regions or cultures. By stretching beyond natural preferences, one can foster a richer comprehension of different cultural patterns and enhance interactions and relationships.Discover real-world applications of the Three Colors of Worldview in leadership, trust-based selling...
2024-07-2942 min
Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghThe Three Colors of Worldview: A Deep Dive into Cultural Drivers (part 1)Send us a textWhat if understanding three simple colors could transform your perspective on intercultural connection? Join us as Shelley Reinhart welcomes Marco, International Director of KnowledgeWorks, to discuss the innovative framework known as the Three Colors of Worldview. We challenge the limitations of traditional intercultural literature by unveiling a more profound approach that transcends country-specific clichés. Drawing inspiration from psychometric tools and Roland Muller's groundbreaking work, this discovery tool offers deeper insights into our self-cultural identities, moving beyond superficial tips and tricks.Dive into the intricate dynamics of honor, innocence, and power w...
2024-06-2555 min
Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghUnlocking the World of HR Through Cultural Agility with Erika ButlerSend us a textIn a world that's rapidly shrinking due to globalization, the role of human resources (HR) is evolving just as quickly. Erika, a seasoned HR professional, sat down with Marco Blankenburgh to share her remarkable journey from Pennsylvania to becoming a global HR expert. Her story is not just one of personal growth but also a lesson on the critical importance of intercultural agility within the HR space.This episode is a trove of insights for anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of cultural awareness on personal growth and corporate culture.
2024-04-0341 min
Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghCoaching Beyond Borders to Unlock Global Potential with Sarah Anthony and Matt TrenchardSend us a textWhen cultures collide within the coaching arena, the game changes entirely. That's why this episode, featuring Matt Trenchard and Sarah Anthony, peels back the layers to expose the intricate dance of intercultural coaching. We uncover how these experiences enrich our professional coaching, inviting a deep-seated respect and endless curiosity for the untapped potential in every individual we encounter.Venture with us through the labyrinth of global interactions where challenges lurk and opportunities abound. From the personal anecdote of coaching in the Gulf region to the collective repercussions of the pandemic and t...
2024-02-221h 01
Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghCounseling Across Cultures with Nancy WolfSend us a textNancy Wolf captivates us with her experiences of moving from America to Africa, a decision that propelled her family into a whirlwind of cultural discoveries and personal growth. This journey is not just about relocating geographically but also about transitioning through a cultural metamorphosis, which often requires courage and openness to the unknown. Her insights illuminate the courage it takes to immerse oneself in an unfamiliar culture and the profound growth that results from such an adventure. Working in a foreign country offers a unique opportunity to form intercultural relationships, and i...
2024-01-1834 min
Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghNavigating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging with David MylesSend us a textWe're delighted to introduce our esteemed guest, David Myles, who brings a unique perspective on race and intercultural agility. Born and raised an African-American in a largely white community, David's journey is one that shines a spotlight on the importance of investing in relationships and going beyond the conventional right and wrong approach. Our in-depth chat dives into the necessity of intercultural agility, a skill that's non-negotiable in our ever-evolving world, and how it helps in understanding ourselves and others better. We don't stop there; we venture further into the realm...
2023-11-301h 01Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghLessons Learned from Facilitating Intercultural Meetings with Marco BlankenburghSend us a textAre you ready to turn the intricacies of intercultural meetings from minefields into gold mines?Let's embark on this journey together with, Marco Blankenburgh, the International Director of KnowledgeWorkx. We'll interrogate the challenges of cultural nuances in meeting spaces, and how to navigate the virtual and face-to-face interactions in our current work environment. Get ready to learn from Microsoft's intriguing research on how the pandemic has modified meeting dynamics and how to foster a space where everyone is valued and can contribute freely.In our enlightening conversation...
2023-10-3053 min
Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghPower Across Cultures with Ming-Jinn TongSend us a text"Power tends to corrupt, absolute power corrupts absolutely." Lord Acton made this statement in 1887 and it still informs our view of power today. But is power all bad? Is there any beauty in it? If we have power, what do we do with it? Are hierarchical cultures based on power, "bad"? Through these questions and many more, Marco and Ming-Jinn guide you in this exciting and enlightening deep dive into the nature of power. They leave us with a clear, insightful path forward to engage cultures driven by a Po...
2023-09-1858 min
This Global Trade AdventureKentucky's Cultural Agility DevelopmentEpisode 2: Today, President and CEO of the World Trade Center Kentucky Dr. Omar Ayyash interviews Marco Blankenburgh, Founder and Director of Knowledgeworkx. We'll discuss the how Knowledgeworkx assists businesses operation on an international or global basis. We'll then focus on 3 key questions regarding culture and the role it plays in developing successful ventures in other countries. Knowledgeworkx – Your Key to Cultural Understanding Marco has a global business background. He's lived in Dubai for the past 20 years. Knowledgeworkx helps people to succeed relationally and thrive in a global economy. Marco's team has helped businesses in 70 countries. The...
2023-07-1028 min
Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghBringing Intercultural Agility into the ClassroomSend us a textHow can teachers create a cultural space in their classrooms where students of all backgrounds can thrive? Listen as Shelley Reinhart, KnowledgeWorkx Director of Education, unpacks this question with educators and Ph.D. students Yasemin Altas and Victoria Hopkin. Yasemin has been teaching at universities for nearly three decades. She is a faculty member teaching intercultural studies at the Higher Colleges of Technology, in the UAE. She has a Master's in Management in Education, is a trained Celta Teacher Trainer, and has been involved in projects with the Ministry o...
2023-06-221h 07
Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghThe International Business of Music with Iain WilsonSend us a textHow did a small team from Northern Ireland create a world-renowned service and build up an international clientele winning multiple national and global awards for their excellence? Find out as Marco talks with Iain Wilson the CEO of IBC- Music and a Certified Inter-Cultural Intelligence Practitioner.IBC-Music specializes in helping international musical instrument brands find manufacturing and distribution partners across the world. Just last month, IBC Music won The King’s Award for Enterprise, the most prestigious business award in the UK. It is one of only 148 organizations to be...
2023-05-2452 minUnlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghGlobal Leadership — How to Become a Culturally Agile LeaderSend us a textWhether it's leading staff living around the world, navigating different cultural and personal workstyles, or working on teams across borders — leading globally keeps becoming more complex. Global leaders must guide their teams through local and regional instabilities, drastic industry changes, political upheaval, protests and strikes, and many other turbulent surprises. In this episode, Marco and Shelley walk through the things global leaders need to succeed in today's world. They explore the one thing that holds back global leaders that want to be culturally agile as well as practical tips for how you...
2023-03-2853 min
Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghInterpersonal Assessments in an Intercultural World with Linda BerlotSend us a textMost psychometric tools are created by researchers in the West. These tools are shaped by cultural human beings with Western biases. Are these tools viable in non-Western settings?How do you avoid marginalizing non-western team members if you do use those tools?Listen as Linda Berlot shares deep insights to help managers and facilitators alike use psychometric assessments to help their intercultural teams thrive. Learn how to bring cultural agility into the valuable tools you already use.Linda Berlot is the CEO of Berlot Group and works w...
2023-02-1442 min
Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco BlankenburghThriving Intercultural Relationships with Bart and Julie Heiligenberg and Bryce and Thelma DzirbikSend us a textHow do you create a thriving intercultural marriage or relationship? The challenges of the last few years have taught us that quality relationships are crucial for success in work and life. Listen to these stories of relational success to learn how to build better relationships at home and work.Bart and Julie Heiligenberg and Bryce and Thelma Dzirbik share their stories walking through life bringing together cultures from the USA, Netherlands, and Nigeria in the UAE.If you are interested in being part of a thriving intercultural m...
2023-01-0859 min