Stories from Everywhere Episode 33: Becoming International — Communication, Curiosity, and Global Influence with Jose Luis Ucar

What does it mean to be international—not just in where you live, but in how you think, listen, and connect? In this episode of Stories from Everywhere, host Jill L. Ferguson is joined by Jose Luis Ucar La Salvia, a global communications expert, leadership coach, TEDx speaker, and author of Global Influence. Broadcasting across continents—from Los Angeles to London—Jill and Jose dive into the lived experience of cross-cultural communication, human connection, and the power of curiosity. Jose traces his remarkable journey from growing up in Venezuela to becoming a sought-after communications strategist working with global brands. He shares formative moments—from declaring at age five that he wanted “to be international,” to navigating language barriers as a teenage exchange student in Sweden, to rising through the ranks of European business before launching his own coaching and speaking practice. Together, Jill and Jose explore: Why listening to understand is one of the most underrated leadership skills Authenticity paired with adaptability in communication Human-to-human connection beyond labels, stereotypes, and cultural assumptions The role of feedback, presence, and self-awareness in effective leadership How public speaking and communication skills quietly open doors you never expected Lessons from Jose’s two TEDx talks and his global influence framework This conversation is thoughtful, practical, and deeply human—less about tactics and more about how we show up for one another in business, leadership, and life. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, communicator, or simply curious about people and the world, this episode offers insight you can immediately put into practice. 🎧 Listen in and discover how becoming more curious, present, and adaptable can transform the way you communicate—and the opportunities that follow.