Have you ever felt misunderstood even when you were speaking the same language? In today’s global workplace, communication isn’t just about what we say, but how our words are understood through different cultural lenses.

In this episode of REVUP Your Leadership, we are joined by John Edward McGraw, a Multicultural Workplace Expert and founder of Hiyaku Coaching (“Hiyaku” meaning leap forward in Japanese). With over fifteen years of experience bridging cultures in Japan and Canada, John helps leaders and teams develop cultural fluency, break down communication barriers, and collaborate with impact.

We dive deep into why shared language doesn’t always mean shared meaning — and what inclusive leaders can do about it. We also explore why cultural awareness is critical to effective leadership, how the LEAP tool can help you reset and reconnect in moments of misunderstanding, ways to stay curious and aware of your own cultural lens, practical strategies to build more inclusive, high-performing teams, and more.

If you lead across borders, backgrounds, or perspectives, this episode will help you make the LEAP forward toward more authentic connection and shared success.

Chapters

0:00 - Intro

03:03 - Shared language isn’t shared meaning

08:32 - How John helps others

15:09 - Differences within same cultures

17:23 - LEAP

21:14 - Keeping curiosity open
23:45 - Tips for showing curiosity in an open way
28:00 - Being aware of your own cultural lens
39:12 - What’s next for John
40:48 - Where to find John

Visit John’s website - https://johnedwardmcgraw.com/ 

Free cultural diagnostic tool - https://johnedwardmcgraw.com/get-your-checklist

Connect with John - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnedwardmcgraw/

Hosted by Hilda Gan - ca.linkedin.com/in/hildagan 

Visit us at - peoplebrightconsulting.com

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LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/pplbright

Twitter - twitter.com/pplbright 

Facebook - www.facebook.com/pplbright

Instagram - www.instagram.com/pplbright/ 

Hilda Gan is a sought-after expert on effective HR strategies, work culture enhancement, and employee engagement. Unique among HR consultants, Hilda combines over 25 years of HR expertise with business acumen and business owner experience.

People Bright Consulting is an award-winning HR Management Consulting firm that helps leaders of companies build the foundations for successful hiring, healthy and inclusive work culture, and engaged staff. It starts with listening to our clients and finding pragmatic customized business solutions to HR problems.

#Communication #Culture #Inclusive #Leadership