Bridging Worlds: Intercultural Facilitation with Dr. Elsa Maxwell

In this conversation, we dive deep with Dr. Elsa Maxwell - intercultural educator, facilitator, and founder of Shift Intercultural - into how we build bridges across cultures in an increasingly polarized world. Elsa shares her personal story of transformation, beginning with a trip to Honduras as a teen that opened her eyes to the power of language and culture. From that spark, she’s spent decades studying, living, and working across borders, including 16 years immersed in Chilean life. We explore: How culture shapes how we see, feel, and interpret the world What it means to “suspend judgment” and why it’s a core facilitation skill Activities that cultivate curiosity, perspective-taking, and belonging in a group The difference between adaptation and assimilation - and why that matters in group dynamics How to create psychologically safe virtual and in-person spaces across difference What intercultural facilitation has to offer in the face of global polarization This is a rich, personal, and practical conversation for anyone holding space for diverse groups-whether in a classroom, a boardroom, or across borders. Learn more about Dr. Elsa Maxwell and Shift Intercultural: www.shiftintercultural.com