Inclusive Leadership: Succeeding Across Cultures
Tash Koster-Thomas
Tash Koster-Thomas (she/her) is an Inclusion and Diversity Consultant, presenter, speaker, and LGBTQ+ Activist who stands at the forefront of transformative conversations. Leveraging her identity and lived experience as a Black queer woman, Tash champions the cause of diversity and inclusion in both society and the workplace.
Tash understands that embracing diversity is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage. She is committed to guiding organizations through transformative journeys that go beyond compliance, fostering cultures that champion diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level.
- Recording: Yes
- Language: English
- Duration: 45 min / 15 min
Session Summary
This session equips leaders with the knowledge and tools to build strong, respectful relationships across cultural boundaries. Participants will explore cultural dimensions, communication styles, and leadership approaches that vary across global contexts. Through interactive activities, case studies, and self-refelction, leaders will gain insight into their own cultural perspectives and learn strategies to bridge differences, foster inclusivity, and drive results in diverse environments. By the end of the session, leaders will be prepared to lead more effectively and inclusively across cultures, promoting collaboration and innovation.
Interaction
During the expert session, Tash Koster-Thomas engages the audience through interactive exercises using the Mentimeter app, Q&A sessions, and live demonstrations.
Key Learnings
- Mastering cultural intelligence to adapt and lead in diverse settings
- Building self-awareness around cultural biases and personal leadership style
- Techniques for fostering inclusion and trust within multicultural teams
- Tools to navigate and resolve cultural misunderstandings effectively
Detailed session description
In this expert session, Tash discusses the significance of cultural intelligence (CQ) in various aspects of life, including teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and working cross-culturally. CQ is crucial in understanding how cultural differences can impact these areas and lead to more effective collaboration and better relationships.
Tash highlights an example of team dynamics where one member may have a relaxed attitude towards time and another having a strict perspective, leading to potential misunderstandings and frustrations. Furthermore, she explores the various ways of persuading people, either focusing on principles first or applications first. These approaches can stem from education systems and create challenges when working together.
Moreover, Tash emphasizes the importance of being aware of cultural biases and differences as many international ventures fail due to cross-cultural misunderstandings. Our unconscious bias influences how we perceive and interact with people from diverse backgrounds, leading us to make assumptions based on our own cultural framework.
In the context of collaborating with diverse groups like LGBTQIA+ networks, racial and disability networks, and feedback systems, Tash recommends setting a specific CQ goal, committing to continuous learning and reflection, tracking progress, and adjusting behavior based on cultural differences. She also suggests resources such as 'Culture Map' by David Livermore and encourages practicing nonverbal behaviors customary in other cultures to learn and adapt.
When addressing the question about training employees for inclusive collaboration, Tash recommends having conversations around cultural values and approaches in real-world scenarios rather than just relying on trainings. She acknowledges the relevance of cultural intelligence models like HED (Hofstede's Dimensions) and TRAPPS (Triadic Model of Intercultural Adjustment) but emphasizes their western lens and the importance of continued learning and evolution.
The session then shifts to overcoming culture shock, where Tash shares personal experiences and strategies such as embracing discomfort, observing local customs, and practicing cultural humility. She recommends resources like EqualeX and using AI tools to gain insights when traveling or interacting with different cultures.
A question from the audience asks about incorporating culture awareness moments at the beginning of projects or meetings, to which Tash suggests creating a team agreement, allowing each member an opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives while acknowledging that each team must develop its unique way of working.
Throughout the session, Tash stresses the importance of flexibility and continuous learning when working with diverse cultures.
Other Sessions by this Speaker
Advancing Gender Equity Through Inclusive Workplace Practices
Inclusive Leadership: Succeeding Across Cultures
Building Inclusive Workplaces: Allyship for Disability and Neurodiversity
Advancing Equity: A Call to Action for Anti-Racism
Intersectionality - Including ALL Women
Women Empowerment in the Workplace
LGBTQIA+ Inclusion for Advocates and Allies
Psychological Safety in Action: Creating Safer, Stronger Teams
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