We are one month into 2024 and I hope that the start of the year finds you well and thriving. As we embrace the exciting possibilities that this new year holds with open hearts and minds, I am thrilled to share with you a new transformative series that will help to not only illuminate inspiring stories but also foster connection and empowerment within our community.

The launch of the “International Women in Business” series with international women in business is a project close to my heart, aimed at celebrating the resilience, accomplishments, and unique journeys of immigrant women who have soared to great heights in their professional endeavors.

Our first feature in this groundbreaking series is an exclusive interview with the remarkable Loren Rosario Maldonado. A trailblazer in her own right, Loren has navigated the intricate landscape of entrepreneurship, bringing her passion and determination to the forefront of her journey. Author of Becoming the Change: The Power of Cultural Intelligence, Loren is the founder of Cultura Inc., a global consulting group whose mission is to develop Cultural intelligence skills worldwide. As leader in People strategy and cultural intelligence, she has been recognized as a thought leader who guides leaders on maximizing productivity while creating human-centered experiences at work. Her mission is to help organizations empower employees to grow professionally while delivering transparent programs that create long-lasting value for the organization and its clients.

A beacon of inspiration for us all, I am certain that Loren’s insights and experiences promise to resonate deeply with each of you, offering a glimpse into the challenges faced and triumphs achieved on the path to success.

Loren, can you share with us more about your journey. How did your background influence your desire to pursue work in cultural intelligence and human-centered experiences?

Growing up, I was lucky to be exposed to many different cultures. I always found learning about different perspectives and practices fascinating, and it made me realize that, despite our differences, we're all connected by our shared human experience. That's why I became so interested in psychology - it helped me understand how different behaviors are influenced by culture.

As a leader, I found that cultural misunderstandings could still crop up, even when I tried to use all the emotional intelligence techniques I'd learned. But during my Master's Thesis program, I finally found the missing piece of the puzzle. Combining what I'd learned in school with practical experience, I began integrating cultural intelligence - and suddenly cultivated the connections I desired. The impact of such connections became a personal passion, not just a professional one.

I realized that navigating and bridging cultural differences isn't just a skill; it's a necessity. My experiences with multiculturalism and some mishaps along the way have made me passionate about promoting cultural intelligence.

Through my writing and coaching, I'm on a mission to empower individuals and organizations to embrace cultural diversity, enhance their cultural intelligence, and create human-centered experiences that are respectful and inclusive of all backgrounds.

This work is about imparting knowledge and facilitating a transformative journey that can impact individuals and communities. By embracing cultural intelligence, we can all cultivate effective communication, build stronger connections, and create a more inclusive world.

How has navigating different cultures shaped your perspective on personal growth and understanding oneself?

Diving into the kaleidoscope of different cultures has been like embarking on an unexpected journey of self-discovery. It's like walking through a vibrant bazaar filled with sights, sounds, and smells that are familiar and wonderfully strange. Every new cultural experience is like finding a unique puzzle piece that reveals more about myself than expected. That's what it feels like. Engaging with different cultures has been like holding up a mirror to my soul, uncovering layers of my identity shaped by my culture. It's been a journey filled with "aha!" moments where I’ve discovered why I think and act as I do.

Your latest book, "Becoming the Change: The Power of Cultural Intelligence," explores the transformative potential of cultural intelligence. Can you provide a glimpse into what readers can expect from the book?

"Becoming the Change: The Power of Cultural Intelligence" is more than just a book; it’s a guide for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of our diverse world with grace, understanding, and connection. It invites readers to embark on their transformation journey, becoming agents of change in their communities and beyond. The book explores the essence of cultural intelligence, offering a global citizenship perspective, recognizing that local is the new global, and positioning cultural intelligence as an essential skill for everyone, from students to CEOs.

It's not just about understanding different cultures; it's about cultivating an ability to cross boundaries and thrive in multiple cultural contexts. To bring the concept of CQ to life, the book is peppered with personal anecdotes and stories from individuals who have successfully navigated cultural complexities. Readers will find actionable steps and techniques to improve communication in a multicultural team, cultivate inclusive environments, or enhance personal relationships.

What personal experiences or insights led you to write this book, and what do you hope readers will take away from it?

Understanding that we are all multidimensional, I learned that there is more to us than what others can see. We all have different dimensions to our identity, and the priority we ascribe to each dimension varies from person to person. This prioritization, combined with our cultural value preferences, impacts how we approach different areas of our lives, from parenting to managing time. Essentially, "Becoming the Change: The Power of Cultural Intelligence" reflects the stories of so many who unleashed the power of cultural intelligence, sometimes without knowing what cultural intelligence is. It has practical tools to decipher our complex and diverse world with empathy, understanding, and connection. In its pages, I hope readers will have the inspiration and tools to become the change they wish to see in their communities and beyond. The book’s goal is to guide readers through a transformative journey. I hope they come away with a deeper understanding of others and themselves. I want to empower readers to become agents of change in their personal and professional lives, using cultural intelligence as a tool for positive impact.

In what ways can embracing cultural diversity contribute to fostering a deeper connection with oneself and the world, as you discuss in your book?

Embracing diversity cultivates a sense of global citizenship and belonging to a larger community. An inclusive approach promotes unity, interconnectedness, and empathy by breaking down the "us" versus "them" barriers. These valuable skills can help us navigate the complexities of our lives and the ever-changing global landscape. Engaging with diverse cultures can also act as a mirror, reflecting aspects of our identity that we may not have recognized otherwise. We can better understand our cultural conditioning, beliefs, and biases by looking inward. It's like embarking on a journey within us, uncovering the layers of who we are, influenced by the cultural waters we swim in. Embracing diversity is also transformative, challenging us to learn, question, and evolve. This growth is not just intellectual but also emotional and spiritual, leading to a more fulfilled and authentic life. It's a celebration of the kaleidoscope of human life, with its myriad colors, hues, and shapes. This appreciation enhances our life experiences.

Could you share your thoughts on the unique challenges and opportunities immigrant women face in the business world today?

Immigrant women face numerous challenges when adapting to new cultures and languages, which can lead to communication issues that affect their work and business relationships. They are often subject to prejudiced views and stereotypes based on their gender and cultural background, which can impact how their abilities are perceived in the workplace. Creating a new professional network in a new country can also be daunting, and immigrant women may need help finding mentors and allies who understand their unique perspectives and experiences. Immigrant women must balance multiple cultural identities, which can be challenging in business. They may need to adapt to the dominant culture while also trying to maintain their cultural heritage. Juggling professional responsibilities with personal and family commitments, especially in a new country, can be particularly challenging for immigrant women.

Immigrant women are confronted with many challenges in business, but they also have the potential to make significant contributions to the business world. Their journey involves resilience, adaptability, and the integration of diverse cultural experiences into their businesses. Immigrant women bring unique perspectives to the business world due to their diverse cultural backgrounds, which can foster creativity and innovation, offering fresh insights and problem-solving approaches. Thanks to their experience navigating multiple cultures, immigrant women are often adept at understanding global markets and can add tremendous value for businesses looking to expand internationally. Moreover, the challenges of adapting to a new culture often endow immigrant women with remarkable resilience and adaptability, highly valuable traits in the dynamic business world. Immigrant women develop nuanced cross-cultural communication skills, enabling them to mediate and work effectively in multicultural environments. Their journey often inspires them to build supportive communities and networks, which can be a powerful resource for personal and professional growth.

How can fostering cultural intelligence contribute to creating more inclusive and supportive environments for immigrant women in the workplace?

Educating all employees on cultural intelligence, cultural value preferences, and their significance in the workplace is recommended. This education should include case studies or scenarios that focus on the experiences of immigrant women. It is essential to ensure that all employees, including those with language barriers, have equal access to information and the opportunity to express their ideas and concerns. Regular bi-directional feedback from employees, especially from immigrant women, should be encouraged to better understand their experiences and needs. Multidimensional communication channels should be established to facilitate communication in diverse ways, and the feedback should be used to improve continuously.

It is important to celebrate and acknowledge the diverse cultures within the organization regularly. This can be done through cultural events, diversity days, or internal communications highlighting traditions and stories. All processes and procedures should be adapted to the organization's diverse community, keeping cultural values in mind. For instance, bereavement policies in the United States usually limit the number of days for mourning loved ones. However, certain cultures have norms that require an extended period, and policies should reflect these cultural value differences. Integrating cultural intelligence helps organizations create environments where immigrant women feel genuinely included, respected, and valued. This benefits these individuals and enriches the entire organizational culture.

What trends do you foresee in the intersection of cultural intelligence and business leadership, especially for women?

The intersection of cultural intelligence and business leadership, particularly for women, is moving towards a future heavily influenced by digital technologies, global interconnectedness, and sociopolitical awareness. Women leaders with high cultural intelligence will be at the forefront of navigating these complexities, driving inclusive, ethical, and innovative business practices in an increasingly interconnected world. With a growing emphasis on corporate ethics and social responsibility, women leaders with strong cultural intelligence will be vital in guiding businesses toward more ethical practices. Their understanding of diverse cultural values and ethical frameworks will be critical in ensuring businesses act responsibly globally.

What advice would you give aspiring leaders, particularly women, who aim to positively impact their respective industries while continuing to strive for personal growth?

If you're an aspiring leader, especially a woman who wants to impact your industry while growing personally, here's a heart-to-heart piece of advice: Your unique background and experiences are your superpower. Embrace them. They add invaluable perspectives that can lead to groundbreaking ideas. In our wonderfully diverse world, cultural intelligence isn't just nice; it's essential. Understand and cherish these differences and use them to create more effective, inclusive, and innovative environments. And remember, the world is always spinning, always changing. Stay curious, embrace lifelong learning, and be ready to adapt. This will keep you relevant and resilient.

Leadership is also about the hearts you touch and the relationships you build. So, invest time in networking, seek mentors, and be a mentor yourself. Your journey is as much about the connections you make as it is about the goals you achieve. And hey, be authentic, be you. Authenticity in leadership builds trust and respect. Keep your compass to your values and ethics; they should guide every decision.

Feedback is your friend. Seek it, embrace it, and learn from it. Reflect on every experience – the good, the bad, the ugly. Each is a stepping stone in your leadership path. And while you’re reaching for the stars, don't forget to take care of yourself. Balance ambition with self-care. A well-rested, healthy leader is a powerful force.

Resilience – that’s your secret weapon. The road to leadership, particularly for women, isn't always smooth. There will be bumps, maybe mountains. But keep going. Your strength and perseverance are inspiring. As you rise, lift others with you. Empowerment isn't just about leading; it's about lifting others as you go.

Finally, dream big. Set clear, tangible goals. A well-defined path helps you stay focused, measure your progress, and keep anchored to your vision. Remember, leadership is a journey of growth, inspiration, and making a difference, one step at a time. Believe in your ability to be the change, and you will be. Keep pushing, growing, and never forget – yes, you CAN!

I wish to thank Loren for her incredibly thoughtful and dedicated insights.

Loren's story is just the beginning – the inaugural chapter of a series that will unfold throughout the year, spotlighting diverse voices and perspectives from immigrant women who have left an indelible mark on the business world. Each interview will be a testament to the strength, innovation, and tenacity that define these extraordinary women.

I invite you to join us on this inspiring journey, as we connect with one another and learn from the wisdom and triumphs of those who have overcome barriers to create meaningful impact.

Wishing you a year filled with growth, empowerment, and the realization of your most ambitious dreams.

To Your Success,

Launch of International Women in Business Series: Loren Rosario-Maldonado

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