The Roots of Leadership: What Different Cultures Teach Us About People - with DZ Tan

What makes a good leader? In this episode, Tatjana speaks with DZ Tan about leadership across cultures - and how living between Singapore, Australia, and Germany shaped his understanding of communication, trust, hierarchy, and human connection. Together, they explore the hidden emotional layers of leadership: what it means to create psychological safety, why people often leave managers rather than jobs, and how empathy can transform workplace culture. DZ also reflects on returning to Singapore after more than a decade abroad - and the challenge of adapting not only professionally, but personally. This conversation is not about corporate leadership models. It is about people: how we relate to one another, how culture shapes behaviour, and what it truly means to lead with humanity. You'll Hear About Leadership across Singapore, Germany, and Italy Hierarchy, directness, and cultural communication styles Why good leadership starts with genuine curiosity about people Building trust and psychological safety in teams The ripple effects of compassion - or its absence - in the workplace Authenticity, empathy, and people-first leadership Returning home after years abroad Identity beyond career and professional achievement About My Guest DZ Tan is a problem solver with a passion for bridging business and design to create meaningful impact. His international experience spans Australia, Singapore, and Europe, where he has worked with diverse teams and cultures. With over 15 years of experience, he has led cross-functional teams in industries such as automotive, healthcare, and smart cities, designing user experiences that resonate and drive results. Previously, he worked at frog Design and Reply, collaborating with clients like BMW, IKEA, and Infineon to deliver innovative solutions. Leadership and people development are close to his heart because he believes we need different kinds of leaders, each with their own unique strengths and styles. Guiding individuals to uncover their leadership potential and grow into impactful leaders brings him immense fulfilment. DZ is dedicated to fostering growth, empowering teams, and building collaborative spaces where people feel valued and inspired. Outside of work, he coaches and mentors emerging leaders to discover their leadership style and confidently navigate the challenges of team management. Connect with DZ: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tandengzhi/ IG: dz.tan   The MITA Podcast: Website – https://www.tatjana-krajsic.com/the-mita-podcast Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mita.podcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatjana-krajsic/ Produced by Between Tracks:  https://www.betweentracks.com