Say It Skillfully® – Cultural Common Ground

Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. Episode 185 features callers from around the world unpacking their challenging conversations with Molly. First, Grace rejoins the show after two years, having earned her PhD, which included time in Los Angeles and South Africa. She compares and contrasts her experiences as a Chinese academic professional. While her US education was primarily with white men and women, she gained greater appreciation for how diverse the US is compared to her time in Africa. Then Natalie, who hails from Malta and currently lives in Qatar, shares her myriad transitions in supporting her husband’s career moves—a bounty of learnings in earning two master degrees, numerous career shifts and raising two boys. She talks about the power of self-reflection in her journey, struggles to prioritize her own self-care, and how service and philanthropy have ultimately given her more than she feels she’s given to others (16:05). And Roger exudes gratitude for finally landing his dream job in academia, which includes creating opportunities to support underrepresented youths and create on ramps to higher education. Many unexpected twists, turns and disappointments along the way to his latest triumph. In his latest move, while being the lone male on a team with 11 women might not seem so easy, hear what presented the most challenge for Roger in taking on his latest role (30:30)! The show wraps with everyone’s thoughts on how diversity is a win-win. Indeed we best “serve the whole” by learning to embrace our differences and gain empathy for each other’s human experience. Enjoy these thought-provoking conversations.—learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself. Molly’s thought for the week: “Energy flows from commitment.” —George Leonard