My Story: Turning Life Challenges into Global Skills

When I was born, my mom was just 15 years old, and because of that, I moved between different family members throughout my childhood. Each house had its own rules and expectations, and I learned early on how to adjust and adapt.

Eventually, I moved to the suburbs and suddenly became a minority for the first time. I had to figure out how to connect with people from different backgrounds. This experience taught me to understand and appreciate different perspectives—even when I didn't always agree.

By 34, I had earned my doctorate, traveled to 14 countries, lived in China and Japan, and built a career in international education. What helped me succeed wasn't just academic knowledge—it was the everyday skills I learned from navigating life.

What is a global career?

A global career is a career that works in diverse international environments—either by living abroad or collaborating with people from various cultures. This path is common in career fields like international education (my field!), diplomacy, tourism, and more. Global careers typically involve international exposure, frequent travel, and working with diverse teams.

4 Everyday Skills That Can Be Repacked for a Global Career

1. Resilience and Adaptability: The ability to bounce back from tough situations and quickly adjust to new environments.

   1. My Story: Constantly adjusting to new family dynamics and being a minority taught me adaptability.

   2. For You: Think about a time when you adapted to a new situation or connected with others. Share this in interviews to highlight your value in diverse environments.

2. Problem-Solving and Creativity: Finding innovative ways to overcome challenges when standard solutions don't work.

   1. My Story: I had to be creative to build relationships and bridge cultural differences once I moved to the suburbs.

   2. For You: View challenges as opportunities to develop new solutions. Share creative solutions to overcome a challenge in interviews.

3. Effective Communication and Empathy: Listening carefully and expressing ideas clearly.

   1. My Story: Adjusting to different perspectives improved my listening and communication skills in a way that built bridges rather than barriers.

   2. For You: Practice active listening. Highlight how effective communication resolved misunderstandings or built a strong relationship in an interview.

4. Self-Motivation and Continuous Learning: The drive to keep improving yourself and learning new things, even when it's hard.

   1. My Story: My drive to never stop learning helped me earn my doctorate and succeed as an international educator.

   2. For You: Set small learning goals and share your commitment to growth through self-improvement and overcoming obstacles in interviews.

Strategies to Strengthen Your Global Skills

If you need to strengthen your global skills, here are two strategies you can use:

• Be Intentional in your Network: Join international professional associations and groups on Facebook or LinkedIn to open up opportunities and help you understand what's important to the industry today.

• Develop Your Soft Skills: Focus on empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution skills. Soft skills are important in any job, so consider how each skill can be transferred to a global career.

Don't underestimate your ability to adapt, problem-solve, communicate, and keep pushing forward—you already have the skills needed! Your experiences, even the unexpected ones, are all powerful assets.

Think about how your unique experiences can set you apart in an international setting.

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Thank you for being a part of the Cultural Intelligence 101 series. This is the final lesson in the series.

"Why Can't Things Just Be Like Home?": A Failed Study Abroad Experience

I once had a student who was obsessed with the idea of studying abroad in Thailand. She had spent months learning the language, watching travel vlogs, and preparing for the experience. But after just a few weeks, I received an email filled with frustration:

"The WiFi is too slow."

"People take forever to respond to messages."

Nothing worked the way she expected.

In our conversations, I pointed out that she wanted to experience a culture she loved, but deep down, she also wanted something more familiar. I encouraged her to step back, observe, remember what she loved about Thailand, and embrace the differences. But each week, her frustration grew. Instead of seeing cultural differences as something to learn from, she saw them as inconveniences.

Eventually, she decided to cut her study abroad trip short. And while she still loved the idea of travel, she realized that fully immersing herself in a different culture was harder than she had imagined.

This experience raises an important question: What does it mean to be a global citizen, and how can we know if we're ready for it?

What Does It Mean to Be a Global Citizen?

A global citizen understands and respects different cultures, connects with people, and considers how their actions impact others. It's more than just visiting new places—it's about engaging with the world, even when things feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. A Global citizen:

• Knows that being aware of a culture isn't the same as understanding it. In my student's case, she had researched Thai culture extensively before arriving; she had the knowledge. But real-life experiences didn't match what she had expected. It's always important to avoid assuming you already understand a culture and instead take the time to observe, listen, and ask questions.

• Actively engage in new environments. Some travelers never leave their comfort zones—they eat the same food they know, only talk to fellow travelers, and don't interact with locals. Being a global citizen means more than being present; it means engaging. Talk to the locals and attend community events. The goal isn't to make everything work like home but to learn a new way of being.

How Much of a Global Citizen Are You?

Ask yourself these self-reflecting questions:

• Do I See Differences as Learning Opportunities?

  Instead of getting frustrated when things are done differently, do I try to understand why they exist?

• Can I Adapt to Different Social Environments?

  Am I flexible in new environments, or do I expect others to act exactly like me?

• Am I Aware of My Own Cultural Biases?

  Everyone has biases, but a global citizen recognizes and challenges them. Do you assume your way is the "right way,” or are you open to new perspectives?

• Do I Consider the Impact of My Actions?

  Reflect on how your choices affect the places you visit. Are you mindful of your privilege and how you interact in different spaces?

Being a global citizen doesn't mean you have to be perfect—it means you're willing to learn, adapt, and engage. The key is to embrace the differences and grow from the experience.

Are You Ready to Be a Global Citizen?

Reflect on your own experiences and share your thoughts in the comments.

See you next week for Lesson 6: Building a Global Career

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My Story: Halloween Ruined My Friendships

When I was an international student at Zhejiang University, I was part of a close-knit group of fellow international students from Spain. We studied together, went out on weekends, and did everything as a group. When Halloween came, I was excited to share the "American Halloween experience" with them, complete with costumes and treats—an idea we had planned and discussed for weeks. However, on the night of the party, one of my friends arrived early, saying they would check on another friend nearby and would be back shortly with the rest of the group. But after an hour of waiting, I realized they wouldn't be returning, and no one else was coming.

When I finally went to the agreed-upon second location, I found all of them celebrating without me. I felt hurt. The next day, I distanced myself, needing time to heal my feelings and hoping they would understand my frustration. Unfortunately, the opposite happened—they also started to distance themselves from me. By the end of the year, our friendship had completely dissolved, and we never resolved the issues between us. Let's explore what might have happened.

Understanding Cultural Contexts

Cultural context greatly influences how we communicate and interact with others. In my experience with my friends, I was unaware that our cultural perspectives and expectations within our friendship would lead to such a misunderstanding.

For example, my perspective is influenced by U.S. culture, which values direct communication, punctuality, and reliability. When I make plans, I stick to them or communicate any changes to avoid appearing rude. So, when my friends missed my gathering and didn't provide an update, I couldn't help but feel like they didn't value my time.

On the other hand, my classmates come from a Spanish cultural background, where social plans tend to be more relaxed. They see spontaneity and adjusting plans as normal parts of life, not something to take personally. To them, the importance of our relationship is the time spent together, not the obligation to attend a party.

Building Trust Across Cultures

My interpretation of my classmate's actions made me pull back emotionally because I no longer felt I could rely on them. But from their perspective, they viewed my avoidance as a rejection of the group, leading to a breakdown in trust on both sides. Trust is the foundation of every relationship, but how it's built varies across cultures. In some cultures, trust is built through consistency and reliability (like showing up when you say you will), while in others, it's built through maintaining group harmony and being present.

Building trust and cross-cultural relationships requires cultural intelligence and adaptability. This experience taught me that misinterpretations are inevitable, but the key to overcoming them is approaching them with curiosity and open communication.

How has your culture influenced a misunderstanding?

I'd love to hear about your experiences! Share your story in the comments.

See you next week for Lesson 5: Global Citizenship and Ethical Engagement

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What is Intercultural Communication?

Intercultural communication refers to the exchange of messages between individuals from different cultural backgrounds (Chen & Starosta, 1998).

Intercultural communication is interesting because it shows that communication isn't just about words but cultural norms, values, and non-verbal cues. And to effectively communicate across cultures, we must learn to interpret messages beyond our own cultural lens.

My Story: Miscommunication with my Japanese host mom

When I lived with a Japanese family, I unknowingly made my host mom uncomfortable by inviting a friend for dinner. Although we had a wonderful meal together, my host mom pulled me aside after my friend left and told me she felt embarrassed.

I was confused! I had asked for permission, and she had agreed—so what went wrong?

I wanted to understand and avoid similar misunderstandings, so I asked if we could talk. That conversation became my first real lesson in recognizing the differences in communication between my Japanese family and me and that communication isn't just about what is said—it's also about what isn't.

Let's break down what happened.

The Complexity of High and Low Context Communication

High- and low-context measures how directly a message is expressed.

• Low-context communication (common in the U.S.) is more direct. If someone says "yes," it typically means yes, and if they say "no," it means no.

• High-context communication (common in Japan) relies on nonverbal cues, suggested meanings, and preserving social harmony. Instead of directly saying "no," people often use indirect language and gestures to convey hesitation.

In my case, while I assumed my host mom's "yes" was literal, in reality, she might have conveyed discomfort in a way I didn't pick up on.

Words are only part of the message—non-verbal communication, such as facial expressions, gestures, and even silence, can change the meaning entirely. Had I been more aware of these signals, I might have realized my host mom was being polite.

Navigating Intercultural Communication

So, what can we learn from this? Misunderstandings happen, but we can minimize them by being more culturally aware. Here are a few takeaways:

1. Learn about cultural communication styles. Each culture has its own approach when it comes to being direct or indirect, so learning about this can help clear up any misunderstandings.

2. Pay attention to non-verbal cues. Sometimes, what's left unsaid can carry more weight than the words we hear.

3. Ask clarifying questions. Instead of asking, "Can I bring a friend?" try phrasing it differently: "Would it be okay if I invited a friend, or would that be inconvenient?" This gives space for someone to express any hesitation more comfortably.

Cultural misunderstandings are normal and a part of the experience. The best way to handle misunderstandings is with curiosity, humility, and an eagerness to learn. That moment with my host mom was just one of many cultural lessons I encountered while living abroad, but one that shaped my understanding of how communication goes beyond words.

Have You Ever Experienced a Cultural Misunderstanding?

I'd love to hear your experiences! Share your story in the comments.

See you next week for Lesson 4: Friendships Across Cultures.

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Reference: Chen, G. M., & Starosta, W. J. (1998). Foundations of intercultural communication: Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

• Develop an understanding of cultural differences

• Identify basic strategies for adapting to new cultural contexts

Culture is like an iceberg 🧊

Culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, behaviors, customs, and material objects that characterize a group or society. (Merriam-Webster, n.d)

Think of culture like an iceberg: what's above water represents language, rituals, and the visible things we do. But underneath the surface are the invisible deeper values, beliefs, and thought processes that influence people's behavior.

Business Culture in Japan

Imagine this… You just landed in Tokyo for your first business assignment and feel excited and ready to make a good impression. In your new office, you meet your colleague, Mr. Tanaka, who gives you a warm bow and his business card. Excited, you quickly glance at his card and slip it into your notebook, eager to chat with him. Immediately, you notice the disappointed look on Mr. Tanaka's face, but you shrug it off, hoping to lighten the mood before your first meeting.

Later, during a team meeting, you are excited to share your innovative ideas and encourage brainstorming among the team. But soon notice a change. Your teammates exchange uneasy glances, and later, you overhear a comment suggesting that you might not be the best fit for the role. What do you think went wrong?

The Culture Decoder: Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Theory

Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Theory is a great tool for exploring the different layers of culture. It helps us understand how a society's culture influences the values and behaviors of its people. The scale is scored from 0 - 100; the closer you are to 100, the higher you are on the scale.

There are six dimensions in total, but I want to focus on two that will help us understand what happened in the Japanese team meeting: Power Distance and Uncertainty Avoidance.

The country comparison tool is a valuable resource for comparing cultural dimensions between nations. In this case, we will compare Japan and the United States.

Power Distance

Power distance measures the value a society places on hierarchy and status differences. According to the country comparison chart (letter A), Japan has a higher power distance score of 54 than the United States, which has a score of 40. This indicates that Japan places a greater emphasis on hierarchy.

In Japan, swapping business cards is a meaningful ritual that shows respect for each person's role. Unlike in the U.S., where swapping business cards is a casual exchange of contact information. When handing over a business card, it is customary to use both hands to show respect and value for the interaction. If someone quickly grabs a business card and tucks it away, as one might do in the U.S., it could be perceived as rude or dismissive.

Uncertainty Avoidance

If we look at the country comparison chart (letter B), we see that Japan scored 92 in uncertainty avoidance, while the United States scored 46. This suggests that people in Japan generally prefer clear instructions and more information to reduce discomfort in uncertain situations. On the other hand, people in the United States tend to be more comfortable with ambiguity and adapt more quickly.

While brainstorming new ideas is often embraced in the United States, Japan favors clear and structured communication, as people there prefer to avoid uncertainty. Without specific details, the open-ended approach in the business meeting example made the Japanese colleagues uneasy about the work plans. Keeping things clear and organized could help everyone feel more comfortable and engaged.

Strategies for Adapting: The Three A's Framework

To help bridge these cultural gaps, consider using the Three A's Framework:

Awareness

Recognize cultural differences by acknowledging that your norms may not be universal. Consider how your actions could be viewed in another cultural context.

Adaptation

Research and observe to learn about local customs. For example, knowing the proper business etiquette in Japan would have provided insight into business card exchange and preferred communication styles.

Application

Put your knowledge into practice! The next time you receive a business card from a Japanese colleague, accept it with both hands, take a moment to appreciate the gesture, and store it carefully. It's a nice way to show respect and build connections!

Managing cultural differences is all about learning as you go. When you explore ideas like Power Distance and Uncertainty Avoidance, you start to see how your good intentions might come off differently than expected. By adapting to a new environment, you will show respect for local customs and help build stronger relationships.

Assignment: Let's do step two - Building Knowledge!

In the comments below, what invisible aspects of cultures have you encountered and navigated?

See you next week for Lesson 3: Communication Across Cultures.

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References:

• Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Culture. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/culture

• Hofstede, G. (1980). Culture's consequences: International differences in work-related values. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.

The Illusion of Idealistic Motivation

"Moving abroad" sounds more like an escape these days; the new foods, the new people, a fresh start. I get it—I thought the same way when I moved to China. But other than "escaping," what exactly is your motivation for living abroad?

I've always been a fan of straightforward truths, so I will give it to you straight: idealistic motivation falls apart when confronted with a challenge. For me, that moment came when a mother told me I couldn't teach her daughter English because I was Black—and no one seemed to care (that’s a story for another time). At that moment, despite the complex feelings I experienced, I had two choices: either being frustrated or becoming strategic.

What Keeps You Going When Things Get Hard?

Unfortunately, many companies overlook the importance of preparation because they underestimate cultural differences and nuances. This often leaves travelers feeling unprepared for what they’ll actually experience (Eric, 2023). In my experience working with universities to help students transition overseas, I've noticed a consistent pattern. Those who returned home often romanticized their experiences, while those who truly thrived usually had a thoughtful plan in place and a motivating factor to keep them grounded. The successful viewed their global experience as a valuable skill rather than just an enjoyable adventure, which highlights how much reflecting on your motivations can go a long way.

How to Strengthen Your Motivation

1. Make it Bigger Than Just Travel: What kind of person do you want to become through this experience? Understanding why you're doing this and having a goal is what will keep you grounded.

2. Prepare for Challenges: Anticipate obstacles; however, you can prepare by learning about culture shock, local biases, and ways to adapt when the unexpected happens. Preparation fosters resilience.

3. Tie it to Growth: What skills will traveling abroad help you develop? How does it align with your future goals? Accept that your learning will never stop. Cultural intelligence is a continuous skill that evolves with experience.

Final Thoughts

Strengthening your ‘why’ is key if you want to thrive abroad. Motivation is not just what starts you on your journey but keeps you going when challenges arise.

Drop a comment—I'd love to hear what motivates you.

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Reference: Reic, I. (2023). Understanding Expatriates' Cultural Adjustment and Performance in International Assignments. The Qualitative Report, 28(9), 2814-2833. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2023.5918

1. Understand the basics of cultural intelligence through storytelling

2. Learn how cultural intelligence can be applied to everyday life.

The lecture is available in video format, or you can read the written content below. If you prefer a quicker lesson, watch this 4-minute version of Lesson One on TikTok!

My Story: Building Cultural Intelligence in the Face of Assumptions

When I was 22, I moved to China to teach English at a university. Although I had researched the city and felt confident in my work, nothing could have prepared me for the reactions I encountered upon my arrival. People stared. Crowds literally parted as I walked through. Strangers would yell "Michelle Obama!" at me because they had no other Black woman to associate me with.

At first, I didn't let it bother me. I knew it was just curiosity and not malice. But, over time, it became exhausting. When I finally started my job, I expected things to improve, assuming that working at a university would mean people wouldn't be as surprised by my presence — I was wrong.

Despite the university having hired other foreigners over the years, I was the first Black teacher they had ever worked with. And soon, I learned that understanding of Black culture came from movies and rap videos, not any real engagements. This created a tough adjustment for me because I felt trapped by their assumptions. For example, whenever I entered a room, someone would start playing hip-hop music. The worst part? No one meant any harm, but I was exhausted.

Eventually, my frustration began to affect my overall experience, and I realized I had a choice. I could either stay frustrated or take control of the situation. This is where cultural intelligence became significant to me.

What is Cultural Intelligence, and Why Does It Matter? 

Cultural intelligence is the ability to navigate cultural differences successfully. There are many benefits to building your cultural intelligence, but here are my top three:

1. Confidence Building: It enhances your confidence in handling conflicts and collaborating with diverse teams.

2. Effective Communication: Understanding cultural differences reduces misunderstandings and fosters trust among individuals.

3. Personal Enrichment: It cultivates empathy and trust while broadening your perspectives.

How do you develop Cultural Intelligence?

I think of this process as a checklist with four key steps:

1. Drive. This step involves understanding your motivation for seeking cross-cultural interactions.

   I had to remind myself why I moved to China: for growth, adventure, and new opportunities. If I allowed frustration to take over, I would miss out on valuable experiences.

2. Knowledge. This is understanding what's happening around you. Observation is key!

   I asked myself what I knew about the people I was interacting with. What motivated them? How do they show respect? What does communication look like in this environment?

3. Strategy. Based on the knowledge you gained (Step 2), how can you create a plan?

   My plan was to build a relationship with my coworkers. I planned to introduce them to new music, showing that I enjoy genres beyond rap and that I was eager to learn about their favorite Chinese singers and songs. But at the core, I wanted to ask, instead of assuming, why they played rap music anytime I came into a room.

4. Action. Putting your strategy into practice.

   I started a conversation about our favorite singers. When my coworkers learned I was interested in local music, they shared that they played rap music because they wanted me to feel more welcome in the space and were excited to learn I enjoyed all types of music. From there, I was able to correct misconceptions with patience and humor.

That's it! You now grasp the key components of cultural intelligence. Over the next six weeks, we will break down each aspect of cultural intelligence so you can apply these lessons to your life.

Assignment: Let's do step one - Drive!

In the comments, share what motivates you to build cultural intelligence. Is it for work, travel, or relationships?

Do you need help framing your motivation? Check out Why 'Wanting to Travel' Isn't Enough for tips on strengthening your resolve to succeed when challenges arise from abroad.

See you next week for Lesson 2: Understanding Culture and Adaptability.

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This post is an updated welcome to my six-week virtual course designed to help you build your cultural understanding, which will launch on Monday, February 3rd, and will continue until Monday, March 10th. You can read more about who this course is for and learning outcomes under What is Cultural Intelligence?

Why did I create this course?

Reflecting on my own experiences as a Black American woman navigating global spaces, I had many experiences where a lack of cultural sensitivity and awareness created hostile and uncomfortable environments. But I’ve also had experiences where I was embraced and welcomed with open-mindedness and acceptance.

The most shocking part of my experiences was discovering that working in international offices or a globally diverse environment did not mean there was a sensitivity to diversity or diverse experiences. My goal as the instructor of this course is to help you recognize and navigate successfully in these diverse environments.

Where are the lectures?

On Monday, February 3rd, I will post the first lecture on my TikTok and Substack. Subsequent lectures will be posted weekly. Additionally, I will host various live discussions on TikTok, with the first scheduled for Wednesday, January 29th, at 8:00 AM Pacific Time.

During this TikTok Live session, I will share my experiences as an international educator, explain what international education entails, explore career opportunities in this field, and provide guidance on how to get started in international education.

Lectures will also be live on my website, www.urepabroad.com. I am self-employed and welcome anyone to view my additional services or request more robust training.

How can I enroll?

Participating in this virtual course is SUPER EASY! Please follow me on TikTok or Substack and ENGAGE by liking the content, commenting, and sharing.

The course is asynchronous, which means you can complete the lessons at your convenience. It operates on a pass-fail basis, so you either complete it or you do not. Official grades will not be provided, but you can assess your performance on various assignments.

I look forward to working with you, and I’ll see you in class!

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When I first began my career in international education, I felt unprepared. Traveling the world and working with people from diverse backgrounds may seem like a dream come true, but navigating cultural differences, overcoming language barriers, and dealing with logistical challenges made the start of my journey more difficult than I had imagined.

The reality is that not many people know the practical skills they should develop before working in global environments. That’s exactly why I created Cultural Intelligence 101, a course designed to equip people with the skills they need to navigate global spaces with confidence and purpose. By recognizing cultural differences in communication styles, values, and other aspects, you can avoid common pitfalls and set yourself up for success. Whether you're planning to work, travel, or study abroad, a little preparation can go a long way.

Although this course was born from a TikTok trend (search #Hillmantok for more), this incredible movement is a great way to support many diverse educators in building organic audiences around education. If you’d like to know more about my services outside of social media, I encourage you to visit my company website at urepabroad.com.

What You'll Gain from This Course

Cultural Intelligence 101 serves as a roadmap for navigating diverse environments and engaging with people from around the world. Over six weeks, you'll:

1. Build Cultural Intelligence: Learn to recognize cultural differences in communication styles and values, enabling you to adapt to new cultural environments with confidence.

2. Grow Through Storytelling: Gain insights from experts and current media, learning from the experiences of those who have developed their cultural intelligence through both positive and challenging situations.

3. Reflect on Your Goals: Take time to recognize your goals and plan your global journey.

Course Overview

This free six-week course is designed to help participants build understanding, develop practical skills, and gain confidence for working, studying, and traveling internationally.

• Week 1: Introduction to Cultural Intelligence

• Week 2: Understanding Culture and Adaptability

• Week 3: Communication Across Cultures

• Week 4: Building Relationships Across Borders

• Week 5: Global Citizenship and Ethical Engagement

• Week 6: Building a Global Career

Who Is This Course For?

This course is ideal for anyone interested in starting a career in international education, working or studying abroad, or simply looking to enhance their cultural awareness. Whether you're:

- A student planning to study abroad

- A professional exploring international career opportunities

- A traveler seeking meaningful experiences overseas

- Or someone curious about global education and culture

Join the Journey!

If you're ready to take the first step toward a successful global experience, simply subscribe and follow . You can also find me @DrTiaKey on TikTok, YouTube, and BlueSky.

The world is waiting—let’s prepare to meet it together!

If you're curious to learn more, I invite you to explore my training or share your story at www.urepabroad.com.

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After two decades of working in international education and global settings, I've taken a moment to reflect on my professional experiences. This journey has taught me three hard lessons that have shaped my path in the field of global education, and I hope the insights I gained will inspire others who are working in or considering careers in international education.

Lesson 1: Nobody Prepares You to Navigate International Spaces

One of the biggest surprises I encountered in my career was realizing that no one really prepares you for the complexities of working in international environments. When I started in culturally diverse settings, I didn't fully understand how my American perspective influenced my communication with colleagues from different backgrounds. Suddenly, I realized there needed to be more sharing of stories about the ups and downs of cross-cultural interactions. And that these stories, along with the good ones, help future leaders engage more effectively in global spaces. That's why I want to share not just my experiences but also the voices of others.

Lesson 2: Your Authentic Self May Not Always Be Wanted

The hard truth is that sometimes, your authentic self may not align with the cultural norms of your environment, and navigating international spaces often requires adjusting to cultural environments that may be different from your own. For example, I teach students from Mexico, Italy, and Japan about U.S. culture and society. To connect with my students, I adjust my humor, learning examples, and how I present information depending on the audience. What I find funny as an American might not resonate with my Japanese students, and that's perfectly okay. I realized these adjustments aren't about compromising authenticity but facilitating understanding and connection. Through my teaching, I help others explore different cultures, communicate effectively, and learn strategies for overcoming misunderstandings.

Lesson 3: Building Resilience Against Ignorance is a Needed Superpower

It's true that international spaces bring together diverse perspectives, but it can also bring about biases and misunderstandings. Building resilience against ignorance has become one of my greatest strengths. I've had moments that challenged my patience, like being told I wasn't a "true American" because of my skin color or having my hiring feedback questioned because my feedback differed from the interviewing teams'. These experiences taught me the value of a supportive network. Friends, mentors, and peers have been invaluable in helping me navigate these moments.

What the 3 Lessons Taught Me

The lessons I've gained from my experiences in international environments have fueled my passion for helping others navigate international spaces with confidence and resilience. They have also taught me to approach my life and work by embracing perspectives that challenge my own to create growth and deeper connections with others. And that sharing experiences validates others' journeys, educates them, and amplifies voices that are often unheard of.

If my story resonates with you or you're curious to learn more, I invite you to explore my training or share your story at www.urepabroad.com.

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