The Shift

In this episode, Trisha interviews Andrew Sykes, author, speaker, and founder of Habits at Work, who brings the science of behavioural change into business performance. Andrew is a lecturer at the Kellogg School of Management, where he helps leaders build trustworthy organisations.Drawing from his powerful personal shift during the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa, Andrew explores how trust is built "floor by floor" like a skyscraper. The conversation delves into why trust often breaks down in diverse teams and how cultural intelligence intersects with trust-building.Andrew reveals practical strategies for building trust through...

In this episode, Trisha interviews Dr. Kristal Walker, Vice President of Employee Wellbeing at Sweetwater and a certified professional in training management. Dr. Kristal shares her remarkable transformation from high school dropout to doctoral graduate, revealing how this journey fundamentally shaped her approach to leadership and creating inclusive environments where people don't have to "code switch or shrink" to belong.They explore Dr. Kristal's innovative Four D Learning Lifecycle (Design, Develop, Deliver, Debrief) for designing cultural intelligence training that creates lasting change, and dive deep into the powerful concept of "brave spaces" versus safe spaces. Dr. Kristal...

This week, Trisha interviews Jerry Jones, founder of Culture Blend and a learning strategist with over 15 years of experience helping organisations navigate cultural transitions. Jerry brings unique insights from coaching more than a thousand professionals through significant cultural shifts, having lived and worked in China for a decade himself.The conversation reveals Jerry's counterintuitive approach to learning design and why he believes most training fails before it starts. Jerry shares a profound shift moment from a deeply personal conversation with his son that challenged his assumptions about understanding and perspective, demonstrating how the most powerful learning happens...

In this Pride Month episode, Trisha revisits her powerful conversation with Cath Brew, a global LGBTQ+ consultant and shamanic practitioner who brings a unique somatic perspective to cultural intelligence. Cath explores how our bodies often communicate cultural awareness before our minds catch up, offering practical alternatives to traditional mindfulness approaches.The conversation delves into Cath's profound shift moment about learning to trust her intuition, her insights from working with Aboriginal culture in Australia, and her approach to navigating difficult LGBTQ+ conversations through body awareness. Cath's beautiful metaphor of building boardwalks between communities offers practical wisdom for anyone...

In this episode, Trisha takes listeners back to the fundamentals of Cultural Intelligence (CQ), exploring all four capabilities through the lens of Australia's National Reconciliation Week. After 55 episodes focusing primarily on CQ Strategy, she provides a comprehensive overview of the complete CQ framework: Drive (motivation), Knowledge (understanding), Strategy (metacognition), and Action (behavioural adaptation).Using National Reconciliation Week as a practical example, Trisha demonstrates how each CQ capability can be developed and applied in real-world contexts. The episode includes insights from Sharon Gray (Episode 28), who speaks from her Kamilaroi and Scottish heritage about building cultural understanding and community...

In this episode, Trisha interviews Hanlie van Wyk, a systems thinker, social scientist, and cultural insights advisor whose work spans South Africa, the UK, Singapore, and the United States. They explore Hanlie's concept of "human eco-cultures" viewing organisational cultures as ecosystems that leaders can proactively design rather than simply manage. The conversation delves into how her hate crime research in South Africa shifted her perspective and contributed to national legislation, demonstrating how Cultural Intelligence (CQ) can address foundational biases before they escalate to discrimination and violence. Key insights include how leaders experience their greatest shifts when they realise actions...

This week, Trisha continues her exploration of cultural intelligence by introducing the P.A.U.S.E. Process, a practical framework for responding effectively to cultural shift moments. Building on last week's S.H.I.F.T. Signals, Trisha breaks down each step of the P.A.U.S.E. Process.Drawing on insights from previous guests, including neuroscientist Mark Williams, psychologist Monique Toohey, and global leadership expert Dawn Bryan, Trisha offers concrete techniques for transforming challenging cultural encounters into opportunities for growth and connection.A downloadable guide to the P.A.U.S.E...

This week, Trisha Carter, an organisational psychologist, introduces the second series of 'The Shift,' focusing on enhancing cultural intelligence. She revisits the four foundational areas of cultural intelligence: CQ drive, CQ knowledge, CQ strategy, and CQ action, emphasising the metacognitive aspects. Trisha introduces the 'Shift Signals Guide,' a tool to recognise pivotal moments of cultural shift using the acronym S.H.I.F.T. (Sensations, Hesitations, Intense emotions, Frames of reference clashing, Time perception altering). The episode explores each signal in detail with real-life examples. A downloadable guide will be available on Substack....

This week, Trisha explores the importance of cultural intelligence amidst global chaos and uncertainty, encouraging listeners to act with cultural intelligence to preserve humanity and effectiveness during challenging times. Trisha revisits the four areas of cultural intelligence and offers strategies to sustain it, such as recognizing emotional responses, seeking diverse information, practising perspective-taking, maintaining human connections, and knowing one's values. She also shares an impactful experience centred around the monument for Tommie Smith, John Carlos, and Peter Norman, stressing the importance of standing as an ally during critical moments. Make sure you join Trisha in this journey...

This week, Trisha Carter chats with Flor Bretón-García, a seasoned expert in navigating cultural complexities within organizations. Flor shares her personal migration journey from Venezuela to the US and Germany, discussing the emotional and professional challenges she overcame. They explore how cultural shifts influence workplace dynamics, the impact of language and accents in the workplace, and the critical role of storytelling in leadership development. The episode emphasizes empathy, inclusion, and the importance of culturally aware practices in today's globalized work environment.Connect with Flor via LinkedInAs mentioned in the episode:Fa...

This week, Trisha Carter, an organisational psychologist and cultural intelligence explorer, chats with Quinton Pretorius, a leading facilitator in cultural intelligence and leadership development from South Africa. They discuss the importance of immersive learning experiences for leaders, the impact of cultural intelligence on leadership, and the ways in which cultural experiences can shift perspectives. Quinton shares insights from his personal experiences, including the concept of 'Ubuntu,' the significance of African time, and the powerful moments of reflection derived from cultural immersions. You can connect with Quinto on LinkedIn or via his website www.culturalintelligenceafrica.com<...

In this episode, Trisha Carter, an organizational psychologist and expert in cultural intelligence, is joined by return guest Sarah Black, founder of Athru Communications with extensive experience in communication and PR. The discussion revolves around the four capabilities of cultural intelligence—CQ Drive, CQ Knowledge, CQ Strategy, and CQ Action—and how they apply to working with AI. The conversation explores strategies for integrating AI within organizational cultures, addressing knowledge gaps, and ensuring ethical and effective use of AI while maintaining human connection and emotional intelligence.Check out Sarah Black on LinkedIn and sign up for her News...

In this episode, Trisha reflects on conversations with past guests, such as Dr. Michelle McQuaid, Reverend Dr. Gary Mason, and Tanya Finney. Trisha highlights the power of storytelling, intentional cultural reflection, and small, consistent actions in fostering cultural awareness and understanding. These insights demonstrate that meaningful change requires patience and the creation of spaces for authentic dialogue.As mentioned in the show: check out Episode 23 Joanna Sell- Storytelling for Cultural Shifts Join Trisha in this journey of growth and discovery throughout the year via Substack or  LinkedIn.

This week Trisha outlines her goals for 2025, with a focus on cultural intelligence (CQ). She discusses her plan to deepen her reflection practice through regular journaling and explores the intersection of CQ and artificial intelligence, including the potential benefits and risks. Trisha also shares her personal joy of becoming a grandmother. She encourages listeners to set their own CQ goals, whether by increasing drive, expanding knowledge, refining strategy, or adapting behaviours. Join Trisha in this journey of growth and discovery throughout the year via Substack or  LinkedIn.

With Trisha working with Papua New Guinea expatriates this week we wanted to revisit her interview with Grace Boker Mungkaje. Grace Boker Mungkaje a Forensic Auditor from Papua New Guinea. Grace speaks about growing up as a Third Culture Kid (TCK) in the USA, returning to PNG and making cultural shifts as she was selected for opportunities and scholarships around the world. Her awareness of the need for cultural shifts began young as she was told not to climb the trees in her village in PNG after returning from the USA. We also speak about the need...

This week, Trisha reflects on her recent experiences in the USA, including attending the CQ Fellows Retreat. She explores cultural intelligence (CQ) focusing on metacognitive aspects, reflecting on her learning from experts like Cal Newport, Chris Argyris, and Dr. Darryl L. Washington. She also shares her observations about empathy and small cultural adaptations from her current travels around the USA.

In this episode, Trisha Carter, an organizational psychologist and expert in cultural intelligence, speaks with Tanya Finnie, Founder of Redhead Communications. They discuss key aspects of cultural intelligence, Tanya's multicultural experiences, and how these have shaped her professional journey. Tanya shares insights on the importance of bridging cultural divides, her experiences growing up in apartheid-era South Africa, and the challenges and rewards of immigrating to Australia. Tanya also highlights her current work in cultural diversity, including her upcoming book and the Diversity and Inclusion Summit she has founded, soon to be held in Melbourne. Listeners are encouraged to be...

In this episode, Trisha, an organizational psychologist, and cultural intelligence expert explores key themes in conflict transformation. This is the second part of a moving discussion diving into the shifts that need to happen in individual hearts and minds to build communities and societies towards peace. Trisha’s guest the Rev. Dr. Gary Mason, has over 30 years’ experience in peace-building in Belfast. He shares his experience, observations and wisdom around perspectives of history, the power of the narratives we share and encourages us all to continue the work ofLearn more about Gary's work https://www.rethinkingconflict.com/ a...

In this episode, Trisha, an organizational psychologist, explores key themes in conflict transformation. Joined by Rev. Dr. Gary Mason, who has over 30 years experience in peace-building in Belfast, they delve into appreciating diverse cultures and the impact of different narratives on societies - crowd psychology. The discussion highlights linguistic violence and historical contexts affecting people's thinking and decision making. Gary shares insights from religious and political leaders to reflect on the Northern Ireland peace process. They discuss how leadership can be crucial in fostering peace. Gary's personal anecdotes and reflections on historical contexts enrich the conversation, offering valuable lessons...

In this episode, organizational psychologist Trisha Carter converses with Dr. Michelle McQuaid about the personal shifts that foster growth and well-being. Trisha reflects on the value of metacognitive thinking and the importance of reflection. Michelle shares her journey of experiencing shifts in thinking, in overcoming 'good girl' beliefs, asking key reflective questions about who sets the terms and outcomes for 'good girl' behaviour. They also discussed the value of David Cooperrider's Appreciative Inquiry method for effective change management. They discussed the value of data in motivating change and Trisha referenced data on leadership and wellbeing that Michelle and her...